Bike Riding

I bought Jenna a little bike at the DI the other day. I figured if she didn't like it we've only spent $6. But she totally loved it, though so doesn't get the concept. It wasn't horrible for her first time on a bike, but  in order to make any progress Casey had to do all of the pedaling. We actually took turns, because that is murder on your back! But look at the joy on that girl's face...pure happiness!

And We Have Blast-off - Again

Let me start this post by saying, in my lifetime I was never so aware of bowel movements until after I became a mother. And any other parent will understand exactly what I am saying.  

As I have previously blogged, Jenna had what we hoped was a break-through in the poop department three weeks ago, but no such thing. We just couldn't seem to get a repeat out of her. True to form, our stubborn, independent, strong-willed child is going to do this on her terms alone. But to help her on her way, we have gathered some tools. 

I give you, Finding Nemo on the laptop...

...a My Potty sticker chart...

...Disney princess stickers...

...and a sucker reward, if she pulls this off...

I did all I could to help this thing move along. And some how, miracles of all miracles, the stars aligned, and Jenna did it! This is it. I can feel it in my bones, this time is the first of many. I just know it! 

{pray for me, folks!}

What a proud girl!

Ode to Angie; And We Have A Major Victory

Angie, aka Etch, is my very bestest friend. We met in 1999 when we were both working on the ticket counter for Delta Airlines, and have been friends every since.  She is such a calming force in my world.  And I am grateful for every second I get with her, which aren't very many. She lives in Northern Utah while I flit all over the country. She and her friend, Jennie, came down this weekend for a little fun in the sun. It was a great time. We did a little time at Snow Canyon Park, a little time at the pool, and some shopping. {BTW, Jennie is fabulous and it was so fun to get to know her}

As a side by, we have been working with Jenna for a while on going poo, poo in the potty. It's a big problem. She's been pee trained for a while, but she has this total mental block when it comes to number two. She asks for a diaper and freaks out if we don't get one on her fast enough. Well, while we were at the pool I forgot to bring a diaper with me and so she was stuck. It was kind of sad to watch her pace and cry and be at a total loss as to what to do without one. But in the end, we were victorious, and we had our very first "poo poo on the potty!"  {sung in our poo poo tune} She was so excited and I hope this means we can turn that corner. I'm kind of over the diapers. Way to go, Jenna! 

Riding The Horseys

Liisa called us this afternoon and told us that Nick was saddling up the horses for their grandkids to ride them and invited Jenna down to join them. We felt like this was an opportunity for Jenna that we just couldn't pass up. So we took a break from our working around the house and headed down the hill. Jenna is such an animal lover and she didn't seem to have any fear whatsoever. We started by just letting her stand next to another horse. She was ready to ride pretty quickly. So away we went....she had a total blast. Thanks for the memories, Papa Nick and Grandma Liisa! 

We're home owners...again...

We closed on our new home this morning. It's on the Santa Clara Heights. A quite, mature neighborhood on the bluff above Santa Clara city. Built in 1996 it has 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, is 2010 sq ft, and sits on a quarter acre lot. We're really excited to be on the west side of Saint George nearer to Freis, Berrys, Mitchells, etc. We are planning on some major remodeling to hopefully have the layout flow a little better. So here are the before pictures...

Thank goodness for "Grandma" Liisa Frei. Not only was she, once again, an amazing realtor, but she helped keep Jenna entertained while we were signing the paper work. May I just say, if you are looking for a real estate agent in the Greater Saint George, Utah area, I highly recommend her. You can reach her at ERA Real Estate at 435-628-1606. 

Family Room

Family Room

Kitchen

Pantry

Laundry Room

Great Room

Master Bedroom/Closet

Master Bathroom

Hall Bathroom

Jenna's Bedroom

Changes are on the way...stay tuned...

The Admiral

So, we've bought a new car...and yeah, it's a Cadillac! With our plans to move to Santa Clara, Casey was a little worried about the extra commuting time on the scooter, especially during the winter months. So we've been looking for a second vehicle. We really wanted to pay cash, but finding something under $5,000 that had lower miles and was slightly safe was feeling like it was becoming more and more unrealistic. I was playing around on auto trader yesterday and I saw this beauty for sale at a local dealership. I say to Casey, purely as a joke, we should go test drive this car. So we did...and here is what happened. We got the giggles. I say we should buy this car just because it is hilarious. We were laughing so hard. I had tears streaming down my face at the mere idea of Casey floating along in this boat. It was listed for $3500 and had 65,000 miles on it. So we bought it. Not only is actually a good deal, but it's a fully pimped out {leather, power everything, etc.} safe ride. Though the most important feature is that it is hilarious! I don't know when it will stop being funny, but I doubt it will be any time soon. And we have appropriately named him, "The Admiral".

Swiss Days & Park City

Casey, Jenna, and I did our first 5k together. Actually it was mine and Jenna's first 5k ever! It was the Santa Clara Swiss Days. It was a rough go there for a bit. Jenna wanted to push the stroller which slowed us down to the point of getting so far behind that the runners made their loop and and were running back before we made it half way. She eventually ended up and the stroller and we turned around. I would say we ended walking about half the course. Though it didn't go quite as planned, we still had a good time and I totally want to do it again. Plus as a little bonus, Casey bought her a new toy at the booths after the 5k while I was on my way north. She so has him wrapped around his little finger.

After the 5k, Casey took over watching Jenna while I went to Park City with my girls, Liisa Frei, Lisa Mitchell, Kay Berry, and Sheryl Kitchen. We drove up and I dropped them all off at the LDS Conference Center for the Women's Conference and I went and met up with Angie Gove, Michelle Taylor & Lisa Echols for dinner. It was a win-win situation; not only did I not have to go to Women's Conference, but I got to have dinner with my best friend and her sisters to boot.

Then I went and picked the girls back up and we headed to Park City. It was such a good time and the perfect little get away. I had to fly home Sunday night so I could get home for Monday. But even just 24 hours away was so rejuvenating. 

We happened upon a street fair and parade in Park City. It was full of silliness and fun! 

Love these women! 

The leaves were just starting to turn and it was absolutely stunning. 

Another first...

Jenna got the chance to color for the first time today. We've tried a couple of times in the past when we were at restaurants but she always ended up eating the crayons. I thought we would give it one more shot today and we have VICTORY. No eating of the crayons and loved the coloring. She was very focused and primarily used her left hand. It should be interesting to see if she remains a lefty as she grows. It was pretty cute watching her become so enthralled with it. Love that kid of mine. 

And we're walking...at least a few steps any way.

A real high chair!

We have finally given in and purchased Jenna a real high chair. Until now we have been able to get away with using a Bumbo. But she has become such a wiggle worm we decided it was best to have something we could strap her into, and secure the high chair as well. She took to it like smooth on butta...

P.S. How do you like that mischievous little grin? I'm so screwed.

Getting closer...

Jenna has started getting up on all fours. It feels like we are getting closer and closer each day to crawling. Heaven help us...we are so not baby-proofed!