More fun with Grandpa C

A friend told me today I don't blog enough. This surprised me because I really didn't think anyone ever actually read my blog. But he's right, I have some catching up to do. Here are a few more photos of our visit with Grandpa Calderwood and the adventures we enjoyed while he was here.

Left, Ella decided to play with my mom's dried hydrangeas. Anyone looking to get married soon and want a little flower girl? Ella is ready and practicing.



More photos of the girls with their sweet sweet grandpa. They love him and miss him so much. It's only been a week since he left and it feels like it's gone so slowly. Maybe it's because we're just ready for Spring, maybe it's because we miss him. Probably a little of both.

Shaun and his dad went hunting. Shaun is proudly sporting his catch of the day. Men, guns, small things being maimed. I just don't get it. But hey, they had fun so who am I to judge?

For Shaun's birthday we went to a Japanese steak house. Ella wasn't feeling all too well (you may not have noticed her less than happy expression in the picture above but in her defense she did have a fever and had just come from the doctor). We still had a really nice time though. It was a first for the girls and maybe next time Ella will catch a shrimp in her mouth.

So think Spring everyone! I'm just sure it's right around the corner. Spring and a call from the government letting us know Shaun's security clearance is completed and he can start his new job! Think positive! That's what I keep telling myself. As grateful as I've tried to be I have to admit we are feeling a little down while we wait. But any day now.... Keep us in your prayers!

Happy Birthday Grandpa C

My oh my how my little girls love their grandpas- both of them. But this week we are enjoying a special visit from Grandpa Calderwood. He flew in Saturday and we celebrated his birthday. Tomorrow we celebrate Shaun's Birthday, and in between we got to spend Valentine's together. Too bad everyone is sick (except for Grandpa and I). But even sickness can't keep the girls from admiring their grandpa. The only thing that would make his trip nicer would be grandma coming too.

I just love these little girls. In my unbiased opinion they are about the most beautiful babies ever (even if Ella wont smile in photos). So thanks to grandpa for coming and spending a special birthday week with us! We love you!

What Glee She's Three!

Well, technically she's three tomorrow. But today we decided to celebrate in style by having an "under the sea" themed birthday party at our favorite kids restaurant, Chick Filet. Ella LOVED her Little Mermaid cake that I actually made for her. I will admit, I was skeptical about how this would turn out, but I decided to take on the challenge after exhausting other resources such as local bakeries that were either too expensive or couldn't do exactly what I was envisioning as well as friends that were busy (even if they do have more talent in their pinky than I do in my whole body). Anyway, you can see the result below. Thanks to Kristin for helping make this cake a success! Her moral support and candy molding skills were just what I needed. Ella loved it and the look on her face made the late night of baking and icing worth it:) I may not have mad skills or anything but still I thought it was cute.

Below are some family shots as well as some cute photos of what Amelia was up to during all this playful celebration. She and another infant slept soundly through most of the hub boob.

More shots of Ella and others enjoying the festivities

The elusive three and four year old guest list below, not to mention a big picture of the guest of honor (and her super cute new hair cut).

So a very happy birthday to our little Elle. She had a great day and was exhausted tonight... no wait, that was me. Anyway, she really did have a wonderful birthday. Thanks to all who came to help celebrate, bring gifts, and make Ella's day special. I can't believe how fast the time has gone. I started this blog shortly after Ella was born and it amazes me all that has happened in her little life. Nothing huge but just the little things that make life memorable. I was reading an article that said that two secrets to having a happy family include having gratitude and living in the moment as well as appreciating all the other "moments" that have occurred or are yet to occur. Today was one of those moments. I'm so grateful for my little family. We love you Ella! Here's to being THREE!

So many firsts

1/1/11 has brought many firsts to our family. Here are few fun firsts we've experienced this last month:

Amelia had her FIRST feast. See photos below. She's so dang cute I just cant get over it.

I have lost my FIRST eight pounds. Only 32 to go!

Ella has scheduled her FIRST dentist appointment in March. We'll get those pearly whites looked at and knowing Ella it will be an adventure. It always is with her. I love that kid.

Shaun's still waiting to hear about his FIRST contracting job any day now... In the mean time, he's enjoying his time with the girls at home. Yes, that's him showing them a game on his I-phone. Ella can already navigate the phone's features better than I.

On Character

The following is a quote from Elder Scott, speaking at this last General Conference regarding character and faith:

"We become what we want to be by consistently being what we want to become each day."

Basically, our consistent actions on a daily basis define and mold our character. He goes on to say, " You cannot be passive in life, or in time the natural man will undermine your efforts to live worthily."

So I pose this question to myself but I'll go ahead and throw it out there to any who might happen to read this too: what are my actions saying about me, about my character? Elder Scott says character is grown from humility with integrity as it's bedrock. Do I live a humble life of integrity? What will my life say about me besides I enjoy on-line shopping, Target, and cleaning? Will it reveal that I'm patient, that I am hard-working, fun-loving, giving, service-oriented, and obedient? Will my character be one of faith in my Savior as evidenced by my attitude and perspective every day? I have to admit I've had much more peace over the course of the last month as I've counted my blessings. As I start to really think about all I've been blessed with I find the list goes on and on and on. Last night I fell asleep thanking Heavenly Father for the seemingly small but nice little things and this morning I've woken up happy and refreshed. I don't think it's a coincidence. I'm grateful for the opportunity this earth experience affords me to build my character. I only hope I can become what He would have me be. Elder Scott ends with this which brought me comfort.

"You are making better progress than you realize. Your struggles are defining character, discipline, and confidence in the promises of your Father in Heaven and the Savior as you consistently obey their commandments."

Winter Update

January, as always, has proven to be rather uneventful. That's never a bad thing. After a whirlwind of holiday festivities it's nice to get back into the ol' routine. Now by late February/early March I'm way over the winter routine but for now it's not too bad. Here's a little bit of the goings on in our home this past month.

* Shaun continues to wait for his clearance to come through. In the mean time, he has been enjoying working at a fabulous little Italian grill just down the road. He's well liked by the owners and getting worked most nights which has been good (mostly... I'm just getting ready for the evenings alone a little early I guess as his other job will most likely also be nights).

* I've lost five pounds so far this month. We'll hope to continue the downward trend on my 1500 calories/day plan.

* Ella is maturing and I'm able to reason with her more and more which is very helpful. Today during Sacrament we were telling her about Jesus and showing her pictures of Him with the children. She looked at Shaun and in a very concerned tone asked, "Where did Jesus go?" She then proceeded to call for him more loudly than we would have liked in the middle of the bread being passed. I thought how simple the perspective a child has, yet shouldn't we all be calling out for him like that. It was a very tender though slightly embarrassing moment.

* Amelia's little personality continues to develop. She is mellow and fun loving but not afraid to let you know what she needs. Her smile is infectious and her giggles and coos are about the cutest thing I've ever seen. I've been calling her my "Gerber Girl" as I think she rivals the baby on all the Gerber products. She had her four month check up and is hearty, happy and healthy!

* Shaun and I feel at peace about being here in the basement for one more year after Shaun starts his new job (any day now we hope). Taking on a perspective of gratitude has helped me appreciate what we have and realize we don't need to rush, not now that the girls are comfortably in their own little room and everything has a place. I was worried we'd feel cramped and crowded but really it's quite nice. Sure I look forward to a home of our own, but I think it's wise to wait and save as much as we can prior to buying. I don't think the market will be going up too soon (sorry for all of you homeowners, I know that doesn't work in your favor). And if Shaun will continue to work evenings it's nice to have the help of my parents occasionally so I'm not doing bedtime duty alone. I think Ella brings a lot of joy to my dad too. He has been struggling with some health problems and I think she takes his mind off of all things serious. Those two are two peas in a pod.

* An added bonus of staying put for one more year is that we can afford to take a couple of family vacations such as a trip to the beach or a trip out west to see family. Details are up in the air but it's exciting to think about and plan. You know me, give me something to plan and I'm a happy girl!

So that about sums it up. We hope everyone else is enjoying their 2011 and look forward to catching up with many of you in the near future.

A new year, a new perspective

In addition to the New Year's resolutions I feel like I make every year, I want to make a special effort in 2011 to focus on gratitude. I feel like for the past couple of years I've been very caught up in what I don't have yet... when am I going to get that home, that job, those material things? And the funny thing about all of that is even when you do get whatever it is you've longed for, it doesn't leave you satiated. Instead I find myself just longing for more. So this year I'd like to focus on my blessings and what I already have. Sure I still hope 2011 does bring a home and job to our family, but even if it doesn't we are already abundantly blessed and it's time I start focusing on that instead. Here's just a few things that make me smile and bring joy to me every day (in no particular order):

1. Amelia's smile and dimple in her left cheek

2. Ella's laugh and vivid imagination

3. Shaun's funny voices and sense of humor

4. our new rug

5. friendships

6. two wonderful sisters and four wonderful sister-in-laws

7. Virginia

8. a job with benefits

9. Health

10. music

11. my swagger wagon

12. Spring time

13. Fall

14. Christmas

15. Memories

16. My bed and wonderful pillowtop mattress

17. My parents- they're so giving and generous

18. Talents and interests

19. Birthdays

20. Food

21. Feeling loved

22. Giving Love

23. A knowledge of Christ as my personal Savior and Redeemer

24. A comfortable home that's nicely decorated

25. Windex

26. Target

27. Laundry machines

28. Loving and generous in-laws

29. my gym membership

30. Dancing