Birthday Week Part 1

What a fun night, my baby is one. I know I sound like a broken record but I REALLY wish I could have stopped time when Amelia was 9 months!! But time moves on and I will just enjoy watching her learn and grow. So for most of you this will be boring but those who would like the blow by blow of the night here ya go.

We had a yummy dinner and then I made Strawberry Shortcake for her birthday cake, She is giving daddy  a funny look because he was singing happy birthday silly.

First thing she does is dump it right off the plate.

Then toss' the plate on the floor of course.

Checkin out her strawberry, not quite sure.

Oh those big eyes and cute cheeks!!!!

Now let the fun begin. She went crazy and made the biggest mess. The funny thing is she never ate any of it.

So after being covered in a sticky mess, I threw her in the tub really quick. Then Ryker had so much fun helping her open presents.

Ryker just adores her!! He gave her a hug with every present it was so sweet. Oh wait Ryker says he is not sweet he is "cool or strong" (those are the ONLY complements he will accept) 

Then as most of you know if this girl is not in bed early she is not happy. It was almost 7:00pm, way past her bedtime so this is how the present opening ended!! She will love her gifts in the morning, after a goodnights rest.

Ryk enjoyed them =)

Tuesday night we went over to the Martineaus for a birthday celebration. This girl eats everything so I totally expected her to dive in. But no she takes after her dad and doesn't like to be messy! So she grabbed in once and didn't want anything to do with it!

YEAH!!!!!! I finally got my movie!!! Thank you Missy. 

I guess Amelia is not as excited as I am to watch it!!!

Pretty Birthday Girl.

Martineau Fam. Cool strong boys and the pretty sweet girls.

to be continued....

1 Year Old!!

I have got in a bad habit of staying up till 1:00 in the morning, I don't know why but I'm not tired. So I thought I should do Amelia's birthday post since we have a busy week and I'll want to post birthday pictures soon. Amelias birthday is actually Feb 25th, 2008.  Words can't express my love for my sweet little Dollie!  I love nicknames and poor Ryker didn't get a good name for nicknames but I think Amelia made up for it she is called: Amelia, Millie, Millers, Millie Moo, Sister, Dollie, Food Hover, Amil (from Ryker), Amillie Amillie (this is a rap song my sister sings to her) but her latest name is naughty =)   She has been the best baby I could ever ask for. She was a good sleeper from day one and so much more content with life than Ryker ever was. But now that she is getting older and crawling all over (almost walking) she is starting to get into EVERYTHING, so I'll say to her "oh that is naughty" or "you naughty" and one day Ryker said mom her name is not naughty it's Millie. So I guess I call her naughty to much =)

This is the latest picture I took of her. As you can see she is being "naughty". But she flashed that smile and how can I get mad at her. Yes we have to put our trash can up because she loves to get into it.

Ok sorry for the MILLIONS of pictures but I thought I would do a quick recap of the past year.

Mommy meet Amelia.  She was truly a bundle of joy!!!

Loading her up to take her home for the first time.  Older ladies knit these little hats for the babies in the nursery. We called her Strawberry Shortcake.

2 months old

So serious. =)    4 months old

One of my favorite pictures, look at those cheeks.  4 months old

5 months old

6 months old

8 months old

8 months old.  Yes she is in Times Square in this picture. On a double decker bus none-the-less.

11 months old

Little Lady

11 months old

This little chica has had a fun filled life so far. She has been to Disneyland, the Beach, flew in an airplane to Virginia, she has been to New York. I mean seriously, I think I will have a world traveler on my hands.  Millie, I love you so much. You can out eat anyone, I LOVE when you speak chinese, you have the cutest under-bite, I think it is funny your try and wrestle with your brother already and you bring so much joy to our home!!!! Happy 1st Birthday!!!!!

Happy Presidents Day!!! or should I say Happy Porters Day!!

All winter long we have talked about going to the snow. One time we had it planned but the snow melted so it was a no go. But Sunday evening I was talking with Amanda and I invited myself and Ryker to join in on the fun. Shaun had to work and my sweet sister watched Amelia ALL DAY - THANK YOU!!!!  When we first got up there I started putting on the snow gear, Ryker doesn't like the unknown and didn't like his snow clothes so of course tantrum city. Well once I got him dressed he was all smiles and didn't want to leave in the end.

All bundled up!! The weather was perfect, the snow was awesome!!!

Right away Ryker took off and started climbing a hill.

3 happy campers

Us and the Porters minus Lee, he was taking the picture. He was a great sport the whole time, pulling the kids up the hill in the tube, going down the hill first to make sure we would be safe =)

Out of the cold and all warm and cozy!! 

I'll admit I had so much fun. Going down the hill in the tube was a blast. I could have done it all day. Thanks again Porters for the ride and all the fun. If it snows in March I say we do it again!!!

So Sunday evening we saw that our water heater was leaking. Shauns dad came over and took a good look and said, "yup time for a new on"  So Monday after Shaun got home from work he called up Lee who had spend the day driving and in the snow and asked if he could help go get and install and new water heater. We OWE Lee huge for spending the rest of his evening installing this new bad boy.  What would we do without the Porters!!!!!! We love you guys!!!!!

And since we had to fork out almost $500 big ones for the darn thing above. I had to restrain myself from going and buying this movie that came out today!!!!!!! I've been waiting MONTHS for this movie and now I have to wait even longer =(  Hopefully someone will get it for my birthday next week!!!! Hint hint family!!! 

The Best Valentines Day!!!

This year I had a wonderful Valentines Day and it wasn't even with my husband.  As much as I love him, I'll admit I enjoyed my quick get-a-way.  Shaun was nice enough to let me go with his mom to California Friday and Saturday. We woke up EARLY friday morning and drove off to Cali. Our first stop the Garment District in LA. I love this place, many may find it scary looking but they have all the fabric, ribbon, tulle you could want plus so much more.

This is not a good shot of what it really looks like but this was on top of the roof were we park our car.

This place looks cheesy but it has the best selection of ribbon!!!

We spend a few hours here getting all sorts of fun things. I got a new skirt pattern and fabric that I can't wait to make!!!  Then from the Garment District to the Scrapbook convention in Orange County we went.  If you have ever been to the Phx one it is twice as big so LOTS of fun things. We spend a few hours there then finally we were about to pass out because being the die hards we are we didn't eat anything ALL day. I had a little muffin and we both just ate wintergreen lifesaver the whole drive over. I guess we were to excited to eat in the morning. So we got close to our hotel around 7:00 and decided to eat at our favorite place Red Robin. The boys always tease us for eating here so it was nice to eat with our men complaining =)

For the first time in a year I got a good nights sleep!! No kids to wake me up!!! So that next morning we went to the Orange County Swap Meet which I L-O-V-E and spend hours their "stimulating" the economy as we like to put it =)   When we were all done we loaded up and headed home. But as we were driving for an hour or so we see a sign that says freeways ends in 1/2 mile. We both look at each other like that only can mean one thing, and yup right when we said that we went through a tunnel and their was the glorious ocean!!! We where driving the wrong way =) I was laughing and poor Leann was a little upset with herself for not realizing that but when your driving West all day it was a funny and easy mistake.  I'm mad I didn't take a picture at the swap meet or the beach. We got turned around and headed EAST this time to find ourselves back in Arizona. It was a fun trip and I already can't wait till next year. Shaun took amazing care of the kids (thanks to a little help from Pa and the Porters).

The night before I left I decorated the house with hearts and left some Valentines treats for the fam. These are some pictures Shaun took. (yes Ryker is wearing way to small PJs, he needs some new ones)

This is actually Sunday after church. When I got home Saturday night around 10:30 I came home to flowers, a card, a clean house, he got my car washed and took some stuff to the DI Pod and I didn't even tell him to.   Thank you SOOOOOOO much Leann for the mini-trip.  

and it looks like Ryker is flashing some gang signs. Should I be worried?? =)

February 1st-10th

Happy February everyone!!! I LOVE this month. Flowers, chocolate, love, birthdays!! So much to look forward to.   So I thought I would do a quick overview of our life the past 10 days.  We started out the month warm and sunny thinking, man we are going to have a hot year. But Mother Nature never stops tricking us and it was freezing yesterday. I don't get cold very easy but my bones were cold yesterday.

I loved the first dress I made for Millie but it was to long for her so I wanted to make something she could wear now. I found this cute material at Hob Lob and LOVED the hot pink. Amelia is such a cutie and NO she is not walking =( but she just stands in place all the time!! 

So if you didn't already know, February is "Dental Awareness" Month. It is even one of my weekly themes for preschool. Well I have terrible teeth and I'll make this short and sweet.... GO GET YOUR TEETH CLEANED EVERY 6 MONTHS!!! I never understood the importance of this until now.  I go to the dentist several times a year for root canals, filings and the list can go on but I haven't actually had my teeth cleaned in a few years!!. I finally decided to fix my bunny teeth and went in for a To-Do list and get my teeth cleaned. Well when she started looking at my teeth and said I had GUM DISEASE and I need more than a normal cleaning. They will have to do it in 2 separate visits and numb my mouth for it.  So over the next few weeks I have 3 dentist appointments (all 3 will take 3 hours) because I 'm also fixing a filing and getting a crown and hopefully fixing my bunny teeth!!   I know this is way to much info but I have no shame. I was blessed with BAD teeth (thanks mom)  and  I'm hear to tell you about it!!

 I can't stop watching the news!! I watch my normal show everyday but I've been watching way more than normal and I wish I had will power to turn it off. But  this whole "Stimulus Package" thing has my head spinning.  I'm also still in shock over that lady who has 14 children.  I could sit her and say all sorts of bad things about her but what good will that do. My main concern is for those 14 children.

Last but not least, like I said I love Valentines day so I love decorating for it.   I've made a few new things this year (cheap and easy).  I'm also putting together Valentine boxes for my Valentines- Shaun, Ryk and Millers. I'm going to California Friday and Saturday with my mom-in-law so I won't be here for V-day =(  But   I want my family to know how much I love them!!!

So Close

Well I'm sorry for all you Cardinals Fans out there. Your team was so close and at least they were in the Superbowl!!  Well honestly, I'm sure most of you know this about me but I HATE  (yes a strong word) football. I have never cared to watch it and probably never will.  I can tolerate all other sport but football.  Of course I married someone who is completely the opposite and has been a Cardinals fan from the day they became a team, 21 years ago.  When they won their game that put them in the Superbowl he had to run out and get Ryker a shirt and some gear for himself.  I wanted to surprise him and make Millie a cute little outfit to wear for the big game.  Also being the good wife I am I wore a red shirt and no it is not a Cardinals shirt (it is my Highschool Musical shirt.... hehehe).  All I can say is I'm glad it is over. Luck to ya next year you bird lovers!!!

All of this is for Shaun. Do you see how much we love you!!

Ryker doesn't even watch any of the games but likes his Cardinals stuff.

Millie sportin' her modest cheerleader outfit!! 

Passin' the time!!!

Well it is 10:30pm on a Saturday night. I am starting to get sleepy after a long day but Shaun is off shooting a wedding video and has to be there till MIDNIGHT and of course he is in Phx sooo by the time he packs it all up and drives home it will be 1:00. I'm just afraid if I go to sleep before he gets home I will wake up when he comes home and then not be able to go back to sleep.  And on top of it all I am talking in sacrament meeting tomorrow which starts at 8:00am!!! So not the best night to be staying up late hu?? Sorry Boulder Creek Ward if I don't make any sense!!  Well I thought I would do a little blogging to the pass the time.  =)

On Friday I meet up with some good old friends because Dionne came to town. She now lives in Utah and her parents are still here and her little brother just came home from a mission so she is down visiting. I haven't seen this girl for ages, so it was so fun to get caught up again. I have many fun memories of with this girl. English class junior year, girls camp, getting in huge trouble for doing something so embarassing (don't worry Dionne I will never tell),  and many more things!!  Sorry the pictures is fuzzy, she didn't push the button half way to make it focus!! Come visit again Dionne!!! Oh and she is pregnant with her 4th kid and you would never know. 

Julie, Dionne, Tiffany and Me

This is just a side note. One of my goals this year is to sew something each month. So I started with this cute little summer dress for Millie of course.  It is a little  big for her now but come summer and she will be one cute chicka!!!   

February project is a skirt for me. 

January Fun!!

So I really don't have any thing exciting to blog about so here are a few random pictures. A week ago Shaun and I  had a booth in the the huge Bridal Show. It was crazy and our booth was crappy compared to the other people who spend hundreds of dollars to make it nice. Since it was our first time we didn't know what to expect.  It was a long day of standing, smiling and talking, pretty much being a sales woman- which I don't enjoy doing. So if it pay off in the next few months we might do it again next year. Thank you Amanda for some of the jars and candy and I will pay you for the one!!!!!

Every once in awhile I love to take pictures of sleeping kids. They just look so sweet and peaceful.  My Dollie is so cute and the best sleeper!!! THANK YOU!!!

This little man is crazy and I have no idea how he ended up on the floor.

Then Friday  we get an email saying "I'm coming to visit" from Rhona. She is one of "The Girls" from highschool and is a fancy dancy pilot, yes you heard me a pilot. She could be flying you from Phoenix to Memphis one of these days.  But She lives in Chicago with her hubby and they are expecting their first babe. So they decided to jump on a plane and come visit fam and friends so I tried to round up the girls and only Nat and I could make it!!!  Alissa was excused since she is out of town and Heather does live an hour away but Linds and Morgan shame on you!!!   So it was great to get caught up with Rhona and give her advice on motherhood!!!  We will start planning that shower soon =)

Leah, Rhona and Nat

Oh and a special shout out to Casslyn!! Shaun ran into to you at a reception he was filming and he told me you read my blog.  You need to start one, I can't believe you have 3 kiddos now, they are so cute. Thanks you for the Christmas card!!!  We love our ward but I miss all you guys still!!  We need to meet up for lunch again.

Howling Rock

The day after New Years my family wanted to go to the snow but since all the snow was melted in Payson and we didn't want to go to Flagstaff. So my dad thought of the next best thing and took us to "Howling Rock". My dad loves to travel and knows lots of secret spots in Arizona. If you look at the rock behind us it looks like a wolf head howling. Be creative people. Yes we are entertained by rocks and other weird things. Really we just wanted to "go on an adventure" or "be in the rocky mountains" as Ryker called it.  I'm sure your asking yourself "where are you in the picture Leah", well I'm the old sister who took my  younger sister's hat and jacket from her room.  I know I look silly but I didn't have time to do my hair.

I told you my family is easily amused!!

Shannie and Millie with some weirdo.

So later that night I was in our office doing who knows what and Ryker came in and wanted to watch a show so I told him to go pick one out. He comes in a few minutes later with his movie and I go to put it in for him and I find this little mess. He pulled out most of his movies to find the perfect one to watch.  Normally I wouldn't have cared but I JUST organized all his movies which hadn't been done in a LONG time.