2 Years Old!

Our baby girl turned two today!
Here are a few pic's to commemorate the event.

No more high chair for Syd...

& she's mastered the stairs like a pro.

Here she is - all big and grown up!

We spent the day with cousins & friends having lunch

at Peter Piper Pizza...

Then we all went to see Dr. Suess's "Horton Hears a Who"!

In the evening my Mom, sister Ashleigh & "Uncle Anthon",
& "Tio Pedro" all came to sing to her and wish Syd a Happy Birthday. Ashleigh got her a Barbie big wheel - she's gonna love riding that! Seriously, some really wonderful gifts and fun times Syd got to experience today. I know she had a really special 2nd birthday!! How fun is that?!

PS - We are ordering her this with some of her birthday money - an additional Signing Time DVD. I just love this song!! I'm excited - Syd will get to learn new signs! She's a big fan...

It's a peanut...

First ultrasound at 9 weeks :)

Home At Last

Well, our trip to Lubbock, TX ended up really GOOD. But within the first 24 hours of leaving (12 of which was spent driving mind you) I suffered some major homesickness... I told Pace, "Let's drive back home!" I guess I really am a sissy, though I talk tough. However, once we got to know some of the SWEETEST people there, I felt waaay better.

Pace enjoyed the campus, we both loved the small, yet extremely ornate, temple, plus visited the neighborhoods surrounding it - lovely! It's a mixture of Mesa and Provo in our minds. All brick homes with "large enough" lots (compared to Mesa). Plus those neighborhoods are extremely affordable. I joke and tell Pace, though, that if UofA accepts him we have to go there! Or ASU... :) I can't help it it. But... I know we'll do well wherever he and the Lord decide to take us, I'm sure.

Well, besides our "weekend vacation" with a nearly 2-year-old (who only survived the trip because of the awesome Johnson family we stayed with - they have grandchildren Sydney's age and an awesome toy room to entertain her! I was so thankful!) I am totally thrilled to announce (and Pace is too) that we are PREGNANT! Due mid November. Perfect. :) Life just gets better and better...

PS - Wasn't conference GREAT!!! I so appreciated all the talks directed to young mothers. Sunday afternoon was my favorite session. I bawled. Needed the uplift tremendously, as I am sure we all do from time to time, and time and time again it seems. What a role we are given as mothers. A Weighty, uncontrollable at times pressure and responsibility. Maybe I'm the only one, but after it was all over I felt like, "(Sigh) I think I can go on now." I am so grateful for our church!

Happy Birthday Pace

Yesterday we celebrated Pace's 27th birthday! I can't believe how time flies. Seems like we just celebrated his 25th. :) Friday night was spent watching a Suns game here with his friends and their families, we had a great time. Sunday we celebrated the day with both our families and watched conference. ...Although he deserved an even bigger present, the basketball shoes we got him did bring a pretty big smile to his face.

They are cool looking...

I can't tell you how thankful I am for a husband, and father for my children, that is unconditionally kind, loving, patient and righteous! He is the favorite piece in our little puzzle (mine and Sydney's). I am so thankful the Lord saw fit to bless us with such a wonderful and loving person!!

Happy Birthday, Pace - Dad!! We love you!!

Yes, No, Maybe

Two more responses came in this week: Seattle said yes and offered another great scholarship! Ohio State gave a polite, "No." That's ok.
He's 3 for 4 & I didn't want to live there anyway... :)
I am so proud of Pace!

Has he made a decision? Not a firm one. Our trip to Lubbock is next week.
That ought to help shed some light on the process.

Note: We listed our home only 2 weeks ago today and in that time have felt to reduce the price to by over $17k. We need to sell it. If you know anyone who is interested, we are offering a $500 commission to anyone who brings us a buyer!
Here's the add on Craig's List: (Click here)

Fishies

Ashleigh (who is out of the hospital & feeling better every day, by the way)
gave Syd her first aquarium for Valentines day. Here are a few shots of her
enjoying the "fishies". :)

We named the red beta "Valentine"

The little creature in the blue light is a miniature frog that Syd is just
CRAZY about. She loves it & you Aunt Ash! Thank you!

Sunday Pace and I met with a Realtor (AKA Uncle Steve) & put our home on the market. Kind of sad to see the for sale sign in the window, especially with the house all beautified and ready for showing. But it's better to be prepared than to not have it sell in time. Pace's parents have graciously offered their spare rooms to us if/when it goes before the beginning of August.

Spiritual uplift for the day: Sunday I heard what had to have been one of, if not the most, beautiful blessing(s) ever given to an infant. It was the couple's first child, a son, and the father blessed him that: 1. He would have compassion toward his fellow man, 2. he would have an obedient heart, 3. he would have a repentant heart, & 4. he would learn his role & responsibility in regard to the priesthood. Amazing, beautiful, powerful, & tender.
What more could a parent hope for his/her child?

Ashleigh's in the hospital

For those of you who know my sweet sister Ashleigh (anthonashleigh.blogspot.com) she had surgery early this morning - it was her appendix. She was in horrible pain all day yesterday, fainting from it (you can imagine) and on her second visit to the ER they did a cat scan and located the problem. She's recovering fine in the Mountain Vista Hospital.
Poor, sweet girl! We love you, Ash!

Denver

Denver sent an email accepting Pace into their program yesterday. They're a great school! But Texas Tech's scholarship and study abroad opportunity are too good to pass up (as of now). We aren't thinking he should secure any seat in Denver, but what a blessing it is for Pace to start off the waiting period with a couple good "yeses". (Tiff, you what I mean!) It'll be a comfort if/when any "no's" come his way. :)

Incidentally, we have set a date to visit Lubbock and check out the school next month. It's an 11 hour and 54 minute drive, and Sydney is coming with us. Wow. We are adventurous! Either that or crazy, I'll let you know once we get back...

Sydney Talk

She used to say "ME" when asked what her name is. That was the video I was going for but this is too cute not to post.
I can't get enough of her "baby talk". :)

Now she gets it - quite enthusiastically I might add!

"I'm Sydney! Uh, yeah! I Sydney!"

Lately Syd has grown more and more decided on what she wants, and rather determined to get it right then. She'll wake up from her nap, look at me and demand very clearly, "MILK" (with her outstretched hand squeezing the milk sign at me). When I try to get her down from bed she just shakes her head and says, "No, MILK." Okay, so I bring her some milk. After sipping a bit she is ready to get down, then she looks up at me with her pretty blue eyes and states (as if she has decided), "Baby Signing Time. Yeah! Baby Signing Time", and off she goes into the other room, fully expecting me to be right behind to give her whatever her little heart desires.

I do love the decidedness, I have to admit. It cracks me up sometimes! I just hope she's nice to me once she figures out that she is working me (assuming she hasn't figured it out already...). Kids, ha. They are SMART, aren't they!

Note: Thank you to those who continually inquire about my brother and our family. Still we have no news but do hope that one day that will change and he will be home. Until then, thank you for your thoughts and prayers! They are really appreciated. I will keep you posted...

Be sure and VOTE today, everyone!!

On from our point of view... GO MITT!!

I'm selling my car

Know any interested parties? :)

**It sold in 3 days. Thank you, Craig's List!**

I just listed it last night on Craig's List (click here for add) and got a phone call bright and early this morning. Nothing final yet. I envision either a young low income family in need of a good car or a cool high school student with little money to spend. It's a pretty car but times have changed.

Pass the word!! I have some room for negotiations... :)

Back to school

My Economics class is going well. :)

Sydney and I celebrated my first day back to school with a trip to the salon
where Sydney received her first haircut.

My friend Sabrea works at Le Studio. If you're looking for a new stylist, I totally love her! Sydney wasn't very happy during the cut (I had to hold her in the my arms) but Sabrea managed to calm the mullet. Thank you, Sabrea!

In other news...

has already responded to Pace's application
with a sweet acceptance letter and a scholarship!

Several aspects of Texas Tech make this an appealing offer:
1. Tuition drops to $10k a year (compared to $20-$37k at other schools) Important since he's interested in govn't work, not high paying private firms
2. They have a study abroad program in Seville, Spain!
3. Lubbock has a smaller population (200k) yet they have a temple
4. And yes, Lindz, they have a Target! Plus Texas Roadhouse...
(shopping's important, not that we'll have the money...) :)

Lubbock is in the "panhandle" of TX, nearly two hours south of Amarillo, and like 5-6 hours from every other major city. Pace will wait to hear from the other schools too, but this is a great option and I'm thrilled for him!

Pretty Good...

You Belong in New York City

You're the energetic, ambitious type. And only NYC is fast enough for you. Maybe you'll set yourself up with a killer career Or simply take in all the city has to offer.

What City Do You Belong In?

I may belong in NYC, but I am here, choosing the less materialistic, far more eternally rewarding life of family and motherhood. Although I may struggle with it at times (recently, anyway), I do appreciate my "life in the slow lane".
You can't beat joy, and it's found in every day life with family and friends. That is certain.

However, life in the "slow lane" can include some continuing education... Aleia, you have inspired me! (Just kidding, I have struggled with this decision since I don't know how long) and today I decided to go ahead and start small - I can't bite off so much that an evening of need by my baby would ruin my academic performance = Econ 211 at MCC.

Two nights a week I can let Pace have some alone time with Syd (which is something he has been pining for, sweet daddy) and stretch my financial awareness a tad. I'm excited! Wouldn't it be wonderful to one day finish my degree!! I think so... Wish us luck. :)

Distractions are a beautiful thing

Mom, Syd, Ash, and I at the Zoo....

We all really appreciated the time together, outside in the beautiful weather.

My Mom has suffered a lot over Jared's disappearance, probably more than anyone, I am sure you can imagine. To be honest, if we hadn't lost my other brother Rusty just 3 years ago, I don't think Jared's disappearance would throw up so many red flags. But it does, and we are worried.

But scared we are not, for we are assured of one thing: ultimately, he will be alright. Whether alive or gone, through the Gospel of Jesus Christ, we will all be alright. Personally I think he just moved, had a tough few year's beginning with Rus's death and ending with serious financial troubles and emotional instability. However, no news is good news and we do have hope!
That's our update...

PS - My Mom is amazing. The crutches are a result of a life-threatening blood disease she was diagnosed with at the age of 29. She lived in Brazil at the time and was treated with massive doses of steroids. Unfortunately the medicine ended up crippling her joints, but the blood disease was defeated and to this day she is still walking, which is amazing (many miracles she has been a recipient of in her life). Her faith and testimony bless us everyday.
I love her so much!

My brother is missing

Please say prayer. Our family is really worried. He was last seen in Pinetop/Lakeside on 12/21 at a cabin there he had been remodeling. He may have relocated but we have no way of knowing for sure, or contacting him, nor has he contacted any of us since then. To just disappear like that (around the holidays??) - it's crazy, plus really alarming. We are searching, along with the police, in both Scottsdale and Pinetop (attached is a flier my sister made). Aweful feeling. Again, pray for us. His name is Jared.