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. 

Merry Christmas....

I know, I know lots of pictures and I think Steph and Shel are the only ones who really look at my blog but I'm planning on getting one of those blog books printed out so I need to keep up with our life.   So here are some pictures from a few days worth of events. We started out the year with the Udall party which I already posted. Then a party with Shauns families, the Martineaus, and my family.  Lots of things going on but so much fun.

Good Morninng everyone, lets see what Santa brought us.

Ryker got a cool green and blue bike from Santa. He asked for a "Sharp-tooth" (which is a T-Rex) and I guess he was a good boy because Santa brought him one.

Millie got a dollie and stroller. She is having fun learning to walk and I think after a few weeks of pushing her dollie around she will be walking in no time!!! 

A few days before Christmas at the Rowley family party Santa came to visit. Amelia looks so cute but Santa, well you're a little creepy looking =)

Ryker and Santa!!

We had our Martineau Christmas Dec 23rd because of fireman and police man schedules. Amelia was is bed when we finally took this picture.

Classic Christmas picture. All warm and fuzzy in front of a fire. 

Opening presents. Such spoiled children.

Then after we opened presents Christmas morning at our house we came over to Gama and Gandpas for yes more presents and a fantastic breakfast!!

Abeos and Ryk playing their new game "Buckaroo"

Thank you families for such a great Christmas!!!  I'm already counting down till next years.

We're going to party like it's 1999... oh wait I mean 2009

Happy New Year!!! I hope everyone had a great New Years.  Ours was simple and yet so much fun. We had some friends come over with their cute kids and had an eventful night. First we had a nummy dinner, little ham sandwiches, chips, dips, and the list goes on. Then the kiddos played toys, watch a little of a movie, Ryker had to go to time out 3 times while the other kids were angels.  Then the Porters busted out their illegal stock of fireworks and Lee put on a little show for us.  Don't worry they were not crazy, just fun little ones that were sparkly. Then we went in a geared up for the count down. The kids had hats, blowers and balloons on sticks full of confetti. I turned the TV on right when they were saying Happy New Year and I ran around popping most of the kids balloons so confetti was everywhere, I LOVED IT!!!!!!   I should have warned the kids first because I made half of them cry because they wanted their balloons. Whoops, sorry kids!!!   Well Thanks you Liddells and Porters for ringing in the New Year with us.  I hope everyones YEAR is better than ever. Don't forget to make those resolutions. 

First comes love, then comes marriage.........

Then yup, here comes the baby in the baby carriage!!!!!   One of my favorite cousins/best friend/ people in the whole wide world is expecting her 1st!! She is here visiting from Buffalo where she will be living the next 3 1/2 year =(  but we had to throw her a shower of course!!  So between Shelley, Aunt Sharon and I we pulled off a yummy baby shower. Really besides Steph getting mostly gift cards and cash (remember she has to fly back home and who wants to pay for extra luggage these days)  the food needs to be amazing. Thank you to all who helped bring things.  

Ok can you even tell who is 7 months pregnant here!!  And don't say me!! 

Marcie, Shelley, Steph and Me

Oh there is the baby bump!!! Hello little guy. (he has no name yet)

Ok now we see the little prego belly!!! Steph you look amazing and I had so much fun being with you again!!!! 10 days was not enough time to come visit.  I'm saving my money and hopefully sooner than later I will fly out to see you and meet my new little cousin even though I will make him call me Aunt Leah =)   Stay warm, love ya!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Uncle Olan the Police Man

So I still need to get some of our Christmas pictures from my dad in law before I do a Christmas post but I thought I would share these pictures. Since my father-in-law is a fireman and bro-in-law  Nolan (ryker called him Olan)  is a Police Man we just have to get together when we can because they both have crazy schedules. We had the Martineau Christmas Dec 23rd in the evening. Amelia had to go to bed so the rest of us got in our PJs and waited for Olan to get off Duty. He shows up in his Police Man gear and Ryker was in Heaven. He always talks about how he is fighting the bad guys. So of course he had to arrest someone and Fishy (that is what Ryker calls Missy- yes he has weird names for our family members) well she looked guilty of something =)   

You have the right to remain silent!!

He read Fishy her Miranda rights.

Lets hope this is his first and LAST time with handcuffs on =)

I Can Kick, Stretch and Kick again!!! I'm 50!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!!!  For all you die hard SNL fans this is Sally O'Malley, a hilarious skit they had for a few years.  She came out and  always said "I can kick, stretch and kick again, I'm 50 years old!!!    I though this was PERFECT for my mom who is 50 years old today.  My mom looks amazing for being 50 years old and doesn't look old enough to have a daughter who is 26 years old!!  She is also alot like Ms. Sally O'Malley, my mom was a "bunny" at Mesa High (that is the best cheerleaders for those who don't know about Mesa High) and she has always been very flexible, she can still do the splits to this day!!!!  We had her birthday dinner last night so here are a few pictures of the fun event!!!!

Sally O'Malley

Abe, Shannie and I made some yummy soup and Sarah went and got these festive bread bowls. Yes they were dyed BRIGHT green and red.

My mom and her 5 pride and joys. Thanks Sarah and Wugs for the cute faces.

My mom is a wonderful Grandma. She helps us out so much!!

This was Amelia going CRAZY with the napkins. We were laughing so hard because she was attacking the napkins and throwing them all around. It was like a mini snow storm with napkins.

My sister and I made my mom these gifts. Sarah made the frames and I made a set of blocks that say Sellards.  We also got her a really cute shelf to put them on.  

Well mom I hope you know how much we love and appreciate you!!!  I hope I look as good as you do when I'm 50 years old!!  Here are a few random facts about my mom:

*she can out cook anyone in the kitchen anyday

*all growing up she made everything from scratch- even our Friday night pizza

*she is a little absent minded but was love her for it

*she NEVER yells, seriously to this day I can honestly say she has never yelled at me or any of my sibling for that matter.  I wish my kids could say that about me.

*she has a boyfriend named Joe...... Trader Joes that is. We always tease herthat she is at her "boyfriends" because she is always at Trader Joes. 

*my mom knows everyones genealogy. Seriously she can meet people and if you tell her your last name she will find a connection to you some how "oh your great great grandpa is my great aunts cousin" 

*my mom is more handy than my dad

*she can sew anything and everything

*she had all 5 kids with no epidural, and tried to convince me to do the same. Yeah right. I think she was meant to be a Pioneer. Sewing, cooking from scratch, popping babies out in bushes. Yup she could have done it

*and last but not least. She has been the rock in our family!!!  She has a strong testimony and has always taught us what was right!! Thanks mom you are an amazing example to me!! 

Oh the dreaded family Pictures!!!!!!

Saturday my dad was going to take our family pictures. Yeah nice it is 10 days before Christmas, but whatever. So we have never taken a traditional family picture so I thought we should. So mind you on a stinkin Saturday we got all dressed in our Sunday best and this is what we got. Ryker not working with us very well and Amelia was even worse. She wasn't fussy BUT the girl WOULDN'T SMILE for the life of her. We tried everything and still she sat there like a Gloomy Gus .  So here is our last shot of us bribing Ryker with M&Ms. Didn't work. 

And all Millie really wants for Christmas is her 2 front TEETH. This is why the girl doesn't feel like smiling. Can you see her puffy, swollen top gums. The teeth are like right there, I don't know why they won't pop through. So this is a lovely shot of Millies under-bite chomper teeth.  One day we will get a good family picture.

HAppy Birthday Nattie!!

So this morning I was going through my box of old pictures trying to find something and saw some old Highschool photos!!!  Since it is Nat's birthday I thought I will give each of my girls their own special post for all their birthday's.  hehe   I loved my highschool years and it was all because of them. We had so much fun and have way to many memories!!! I'm so grateful we are all still great friends!!!! Happy Birthday  

"Puff Nattie"  (remember that nick name) 

Nat, Meg, Leah and Heather

We were so gross

We were so attractive

Leah, Heather and Nat on our snowboarding trip!!! Holy Cow we had do much fun. Remember how sore we were the next day =)  Let do it again!!!!

Ok since it is christmas time I had to put this picture in.  Remember when we went and got our pictures taken at a studio!!!!!  I have them all and they are great!!!! 

Merry Christmas Girls!!!! 

Remember half of us wore over-alls and the rest just wore jeans. We were so creative =)