HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRANDMA JANICE

Today is my Grandma Janice's 75th birthday. She is such an AMAZING person. I hope to be all that she is when I am her age. She is always so kind, thoughtful and sweet to everyone she meets. Not to mention the most in shape grandma EVER! She goes walking every morning, takes Yoga classes and is always so active. Only about 3 years ago she hiked the whole Havasupai with us and camped for a few nights. She was the one pushing us all along. We love you Grandma! Thanks for all you do for us. Hope you have a great birthday!

(We got to go visit with her today for a bit. The picture is with my sis Natalie and her kids Carston and Avery, and Macy)

My Cute Friend Carly

So I've been pretty lame at blogging lately. I guess maybe one reason is because I knew I would have to post about one of my bestest friends leaving me and I have been in denial!! Carly has decided to leave me in "The Hamptons" and move onto bigger better things in Des Moines. I am so excited for her that she gets to be by family and stuff, but so so sad that she's leaving. She is SO AWESOME! Carly was the first friend I met here in Iowa and we knew we'd be friends forever. We soon realized that we had LOTS in common (picky eaters, our love addictions for Diet Dr. Pepper, shopping addiction, red hair,) and not to mention everyone thinks we're sisters. I remember everywhere we go people would ask if we were twins, sisters, cousins and then be shocked that we weren't even related. Carly, I have so many fun memories with you! I know we'll still have many more to come because we'll be visiting frequently, but I'll miss you tons. Guess the day had to come where we couldn't live like we were still in high school and play everyday. My drink runs will not be the same without you. And Hallie will miss her sweet friend Laney too. (she just saw the picture of them matching and said "maymee" and started waving.)

p.s. Sorry these pictures are kinda lame. Most are on my other computer. The two group ones are at our fondue/card night (Carly, Jen, Candice, me, Amie, Sarah) and Carly's birthday dinner at HuHot (remember that was the night of the tornado??) Thanks Jen and Sarah for the pics.

And you have to check out Carly's awesome business! Sweet Sugar Baby. It's so cute! I love it. Her and her mom have worked so hard and have had such a great success! Check it out! http://www.sweetsugarbaby.net/

Happy Thanksgiving

We had the BEST Thanksgiving!! Thanks to my sweet Grandpa, my mom, dad, and sister Chelsey came to visit us and it was so much fun! Sorry Natalie that I stole them away for a bit, but thanks for the little piece of heaven. We did lots of fun things (in little Ruby)! On Thanksgiving, we went to the Iowa River Power Restaurant for dinner and it was amazing! We played lots of cards, went out to eat lots and just hung out. My favorite day was Black Friday. My dad was the shoeffer and took us to the outlet malls at midnight and then onto all the other sales. We shopped for 12 hours straight and hit all the sales. I was like a little kid. I was pumped full of my caffeine and shopping adrenaline. Not to mention my favorite shopping partner, my mom (sorry Chels, you know your a weenie when it comes to shopping long!). That was my favorite day ever! I love shopping! Anyways, we had so much fun. Thanks mom, dad and Chels for coming! We loved it. Hallie is constantly saying, "maama, papa, and Cho" anytime she sees your pictures. She's a little sad it's just me here now. Can't wait to see you guys soon. We love you!

I am so thankful for Hallie. I swear kids know and can just tell when their mommies need some love. Yesterday I was having a hard day and today Hallie just made me forget about everything. What a great day we had together. This morning I got her out of bed and she went straight to the rocking chair and wanted me to read to her. She cuddled with me forever while we read and sang songs. It was the best!! Then we went and played outside since it was such a great day! We went to see the ducks and play at the playground. And of course, I took my camera! Look at that cutie! Tonight she was being so funny too. She had been in bed for awhile and I heard her just sorta whining. I went to peek at her and she blew me and kiss and then waved bye to me like saying, "get out now. Just wanted to blow you a kiss." What a silly girl. I am so lucky to have her. Children have such a sweetness about them. I am so blessed to be able to have her in my life.

Tagged...again....

So my friend's Jessica and Lindsay both tagged me. I'm horrible at these things but I'll try my best. (I've done this once before so I'll try to not repeat myself).

6 things you may or may not know about me...

1. I love playing cards. I could play them FOREVER! When Aaron and I get a free sec, we are playing our latest game Hand and Foot. I remember my sisters and I would judge our dates off of if they liked playing cards. Aaron and John were pretty bad but we kept them :)) My sisters know that I'm the best. ha ha.
2. I honestly think shopping is my #1 hobby. (I have other one's too :))
3. I love photography. Someday..faraway...I'd love to be a photographer (still have lots to learn).
4. I take 2 HOT showers everyday. Every morning and every night. Aaron says I'm burning myself everytime I shower. I LOVE showers. I have the hardest time getting out of the water.
5. I LOVE music. I don't know how people lived without it. I hate silence in my house.
6. I am SOOO ticklish. Even the thought of Aaron tickling my feet tickles. I can't stand it.

K, so those were pretty lame, but I'm tired and I'm not that interesting. Now I get to tag people. I will tag...Sarah Sparks, Jen, Chelise, Carly and whoever wants to. Get to it girls! I'll be checking up. J/K.

Hallie and her many thrones

I had to post these two pics to give just a small glimpse of how Hallie thinks anything she wants can be her own personal chair. She loves to turn anything into her sitting throne. She wheeled her doll stroller into the bedroom, threw her doll across the room and tried forever to get into the stroller to watch "melmo" (Elmo). She was so proud of herself when she got in it. It was hilarious. She also has been opening the dishwasher, crawling up onto the door just to sit for a bit. She's been so funny lately. Maybe it's because we've been little hermits in our house. Hallie has had a double ear infection so we've been chilling at the home. Hey, I got lots of organizing and cleaning done though!

Halloween Festivities

We had a fun Halloween with lots of festivities. Yes, I realize I have lots of pictures. I got a little carried away (mainly for my family because they don't get to see Hallie). We had some pumpkin carving, a ward Halloween Party, a neighborhood party, and Hallie's first trick-or-treating. Hallie enjoyed it. She LOVED trick-or-treating and figured out the concept quite fast by watching her friends Abby, Tucker and Tilly. She was so fun to watch. She wanted to do it all by herself and if I even tried to touch her Elmo bucket full of candy, she'd flip out. It was fun to see Hallie as a cute little ladybug!

Happy 30 Aaron!!!

Can you believe it? Aaron is 30! Just wanted to tell Aaron how much I love him. He is the BEST husband and the BEST dad. I feel so lucky to have him. Here's 30 random things about Aaron you may or may not know...

1. Football and Hunting are his second Love (sometimes first j/k)
2. He is a perfectionist.

3. He is so good with kids.

4. He loves the outdoors. Biking, Hiking, Snowboarding...

5. He peeks at Hallie sleeping everynight before he goes to bed.

6. He will eat ANYTHING!! (lucky me when it comes to cooking!)

7. He wants to be a doctor when he grows up.

8. He loves Bread (not the food. That's what I thought when he told me he liked them. It's a music band.)

9. He is the most thoughtful person I know.

10. He is a better cleaner than me.

11. He is very dedicated to whatever he's doing.

12. He is the hardest worker I've ever met! Honestly. He puts 110% into everything he does.

13. He cleans the bathroom for me all the time because he knows I hate doing it!

14. He thinks it's fine to wear brown shoes with black shirts.

15. He does a killer job at impersonating Neil Diamond's, "Santa Claus is coming to town!" (looks and all! he he)

16. He has the loudest clap I've ever heard. It hurts your ears.

17. He NEVER complains.

18. He is very supportive of me in the things I do.

19. He likes cookies and cream ice cream.

20. He finds the good in everybody!

21. He can make any situation fun.

22. His dance moves are better than Napolean's.

23. Sooooooo patient!

24. He surprsies me all the time with thoughtful acts.

25. He has had 3 knee surgeries.

26. He is very particular about his sleeping arrangement. (certain pillow, blankets just right...)

27. He is a night owl!

28. He talks me into staying up all night to watch seasons of 24, Lost and Heroes!!
29. He is the Best Dad!!
30. He is the most amazing husband ever and I am so lucky I get to spent the rest of my life with him (well, the rest of his life. He'll probably die first cause he's getting to be an old fart. ha ha).

Happy Birthday Babe! Hope you can have somewhat of an enjoyable day. Even if it is being stuck at the hospital ALL day and night! We are thinking of you today! Love your guts!

Family

Here is an attempt to get some pictures by the corn before they chop it all down. What's living in Iowa without a picture by some corn?? Can't wait for a better camera....someday.....

Hallie at Play

As if there's not enough pictures of Hallie on this blog, here's a few more of her at play. Reading books with dad, bubbles, sweeping and dishes, baths and more. We love our little stinker. She had quite the fall today. She doesn't usually cry that much when she gets hurt so this time I knew it was bad. She wouldn't stop crying. Her face looks pretty sad. Poor thing.

I've been a little lazy with pictures lately. Here's a few recent ones though.
Hallie and Aaron watering their flowers. She loves to do this with him when he gets home everyday. It's cute.
So this one makes me laugh. Lately, she brings the camera to me, sits on my lap and waits for me to take a picture so she can look at it after. She yells, "ahhhhhh" and did her little grin. I think she thinks making that sound is what takes the picture. It's pretty funny.
Hallie at the park after a bike ride. She is so happy here.

We are doing good here. Aaron is still doing his Internal Medicine rotation and just switched over to the Univeristy Hospital. Hallie just turned 15 months and is growing way too fast! She learns so much everyday. Sadly, her new word that she's been saying this week is "bum". Maybe we'll start teaching her some worthwhile ones. Ha Ha. Also "no" is another favorite. Whenever she is about to do something she knows she's not supposed to, I'll say, "Hallie..." and she turns around to me, gives me a little sassy face, points her finger at me and says "no, no,no!". What a little sas! We love her. She's pretty fun.

Colbie Caillat

So I have a new favorite singer right now. Colbie Caillat. My sister sent me her CD and I am LoViNg it! Thanks Chels! She is like a girl version of Jack Johnson to me. I love her and if you have not heard her yet, you should. Isn't music wonderful? I don't know what I'd do without it.

Random Pictures

Just thought I'd post some random pictures. We've had a rough week of cutting 4 molars and two more teeth on the way.Not fun! But, she's back to her normal happy self so we're all happy.

My little dish helper. This keeps her entertained forever!

Abby, Hallie and Nate. Cute little Abby lives right below us. Her and Hallie have their own language of yelling to eachother whenever we come down the stairs. They seem to know what they are saying. It's so cute. Poor Abby, Hallie follows her everywhere. Nate and Hallie are 3 days apart and have so much fun together too.

Loving her doll. She tries to brush her teeth and put toothpaste on her. I don't know what this new obsession is with toothpaste lately. She carries it everywhere.

Just call her Pebbles! First pigtail! Will she every get hair????? She kept bringing me hair spray and a brush, so I thought, heck, lets see what it looks like. Kinda silly. What do you think?

Summer Fun in Iowa

Summer is coming to an end. Thought I'd post some pics of some things we did here in Iowa since I've been a little lazy at updating. This has been an eventful summer full of laughs, tears, joy and sorrow. A trip to California with my family, celebrating Hallie's first birthday, and meeting the newest member of the Olsen fam, my adorable niece Macy were all some happy times. Less than a week later, an event that we've all anticipated but have dreaded coming was my sweet Grandma passing away. Many of you know that she and my Grandpa lived in our basement apartment since I was 10. Her health was bad for quite some time but she had so much joy in everything and was such a wonderful example. She has been such a Huge part of our lives and it has been really hard to not have her here anymore.

Aaron is now in his third year of medical school which is very different from his first two years. He now is doing rotations in the hospital and gets to practice what he's learned. Some are great and some not so great. He is currently doing Internal Medicine. I continue to take care of our cutie Hallie and teach in the school district here every now and then. Hallie is getting as big as ever and develops more of her own personality everyday! She is almost 15 months old and still cute as ever. We miss being away from all you family and friends, but are having a great experience here in Iowa! (Sorry that the majority of the pictures are of Hallie. But then again, this whole blog is basically of her :)) And just a warning that there a quite a few pics...

IOWA STATE FAIR

Loving the animals. She thought the goat was pretty great until he tried eating her snack! They had a little kid center where she enjoyed riding the tractors and stuff.

IOWA STATE FAIR

Iowa State Fair is one of the biggest events in Iowa (I think). We have never been so we thought we'd test it out. It was HUGE! And lots of interesting things. They had some of the biggest animals I've ever seen and a cow made out of butter along with a Harry Potter and some other things made out of butter too! All I have to say about that bottom left picture is...that is one massive hemmroid! Holy Crap! Anyways, I think that probably one of my favorite things here was people watching. Aaron and I played the game of "who could find the biggest white trash person". It made for a fun and amusing day. Not to mention we topped it off with the Cheesecake Factory. Wish you could've come dad!

KENT STATE PARK

Kent State Park. Sad that all the pictures I got of Hallie actually looking at the camera on this excursion was while she was holding my beloved other half. How sad!! (it was empty don't worry mom!!) She would carry it around like that all over the beach.

FIELD OF DREAMS

The Field of Dreams (the movie set) is like an hour way from our house. So we couldn't pass up the opportunity to watch the movie and go visit the sight. It was pretty fun. Our friends the Cannons came with us (sorry, I only have a picture of their cute boy) and we had a fun time. Notice my awesome hit into the field. That's right! Softball pro! (Thebottom picture of Hallie is making her fish face!)

NAUVOO TEMPLE

We were able to go to Nauvoo a few times this summer. Our most recent trip was with our friend Kadia who got baptized last January. We were able to take her to do baptisms for the first time. It was a great day!

APPLE ORCHARD

Hallie and I went with some girls from the ward to pick apples at the apple orchard by our house. It was fun to watch Hallie with the basket. She LOVED putting apples in it and carrying it around like it was her little purse. I will admit, this was a sad day for me when I got there in my shorts and flip flops to see that the majority of the girls there were in their SwEaTeRs, PaNtS and ClOsEd ToEd ShOeS!!!! Depressing! I know fall is a great time of year but sad for those like me that need that sun and warmth of summer! Butt cold winter will be just around the corner! But we will enjoy the nice fall weather and pretty leaves until then.... (Do you think Tommy likes apples?)

Ten Things About Hallie

Lately I have been reflecting on how grateful I am to have my little Hallie. She is my little buddy. I couldn't have asked for a better little girl. She is the best and I feel so blessed to have her in my life. She has brought me so much joy. Here's a list of 10 things about Hallie.

1. She is OBSESSED with Elmo! If you say "Do you want to watch Elmo?" She starts singing, "la la la la" (the Elmo song), run to her little chair and patiently wait for it to come on. It's so fun to watch her dance and enjoy it.

2. She loves kissing. You name it, she'll do it. Open mouth, pecks, eskimo kisses...My favorite is when she's playing and will stop, just walk over to me and give me a kiss. So adorable.

3. She loves reading books. Her favorite is to read them with her Daddy. I am amazed at how long she will sit with him and read with him.

4. She is quite into animals and making animal sounds. She's moved from her first love of a dog, to a fish (which we now have as a pet),to a horse. Bet you didn't know fish made noise huh? Well just ask Hallie, she'll tell you what they say!!

5. She has the most adorable smile ever and uses it often! My favorite is when she gets really excited, she wrinkles up her nose and gives the biggest grin.

6. She is the BEST at going to bed and sleeping. She goes to bed happy and wakes up happy. When we say, "time for night night" she'll walk to her room and stand by her crib. (sometimes :))

7. She has an obsession with Tommy Cannon(her boyfriend). Seriously whenever she sees him, she gets SOOO excited. She kinda likes to kiss him alot (sorry Candice). They are so funny when they get together. He is sortof the magic word in our house. If Hallie is cranky or crying, all I have to say is Tommy and she stops and smiles. (then goes to the door because she thinks we're going to see him).

8. She loves playgrounds and being outside. I think if she could, she'd play at the park ALL day. Every morning after she eats breakfast she brings me her shoes and stands by the door ready to go outside. She is FEARLESS at the playground too.

9. LOVES waving. This was like the first gesture she learned to do and it hasn't died down. I love when we're in public and she just starts waving to random people. Some people look at us so weird and others, it makes their day. She also likes to wave at people while we're driving. It took me awhile to realize why random people were waving at me while I drove :)

10. Hallie has such a happy personality. From the day she was born people ask if she ever cries or is ever sad (those that are around us for sure know she does). She is so easy going and really the majority of the time is so happy. I am so lucky to have such a wonderful daughter!!

Done with Pets

These are the stupid geese! (or I guess I'm the stupid one for getting so close)


K, I was reminded today that I am SO NOT an animal/pet person. Seriously, I have the worst luck. Today a bunch of us went to Dane's Dairy "Petting" Farm and some dumb goose bit me and Hallie on the arm. It was kinda funny though. They were in a gated area and we bent down in front of the gate to get a picture. All of the sudden I feel this pinch on my arm and see the goose's head poking through the fence getting me. So I yelled and then two seconds later I hear Hallie crying and see the goose getting her too. She totally has a mark on her arm from the stupid goose. It was still fun. Hallie didn't care too much to see anymore of the animals after that but to be honest, I think that she has seen more farm animals in this one summer than I have in my whole life! Guess that's what happens when you live in Iowa :) Which reminds me that I still haven't posted any pics from the good ol' State Fair. Anyways, I think Hallie got over the goose bite real quick when she got to devour an ice cream cone after (thanks for the pics Jen).

Second reason I'm done with animals...I can't even take care of a fish. Hallie is pretty obsessed with goldfish lately. Anytime she sees a fish in a book or anything she makes the little fishy face and a funny noise (I think she is obsessed because Elmo has a goldfish). So awhile ago we took her to the pet store and got her 3 goldfish. They are great and all, but seriously...I didn't know that they pooped so much and that I'd have to clean the bowl! I have the worst luck with animals that I honestly thought (and secretly hoped) they'd die before it came time to clean the bowl. Let's just say it was quite the experience. One almost fell in the toilet with his poop and I had no idea what I was doing. I almost lost one too. I finally got them to jump into a cup so I could clean out their bowl and when I came back, one was missing!!! It had jumped into the sink. And so I had to touch it and put it back in the bowl. Gross!!! When I touched it, it brought back a flashback to my highschool days when our entire cheer squad had to eat a goldfish! And the girls that chickened out I thought were such weenies! I think I would be the weenie now. (Sarah, I hope you weren't the weenie, I can't remember :))Anyways, so this wonderful pet day has reminded me why I don't care for animals. I think I'll wait until Hallie is old enough to clean up it's poop. Sorry for the tangent, I just had to vent because Aaron is gone :) We will be so glad when his 6 pm to 9:30 a.m. shifts are over!!

Are you an Extrovert or Introvert??

So my friend Sarah had this on her blog and I was bored so I took a test too! Don't you love the picture? What are you???

You Are An Intro-Extrovert!

Sometimes you're social - sometimes you're shy You've got a bit of an Introvert / Extrovert split going on You enjoy all sorts of situations. Parties, small groups, and alone time. Too much of one, and you'll long for the other. You need variety! Chances are, you've got both serious and fun friends - and they don't get along.

Are You An Extroverted or Introverted Girl?

So....here's another fun story. Hallie is so funny. Yesterday I was in the kitchen getting her breakfast ready and she'd been away from me for a bit. I was wondering what she was getting into next. I yelled, "Hallie, where are you???" And she giggled so loud and started charging down the hall. This is what she had on her head. My showercap (lovely might I add :)). She looked so proud that she put it on herself and she thought it was so funny. She kept running around with it on just laughing. What a good way to start the day. She is so much fun. And if you can't tell has such a personality!

Hallie's First Bike Ride

Hallie got a bike trailer for her birthday from my Grandma Janice. Thanks Grandma!! You are the best!! Aaron was pretty sad about not being able to go on bike rides together after we had Hallie. Now we can go on them altogether. Because of everything going on, we haven't been able to try it out until just recently! She thought it was pretty fun (once we got going). The helmet was an experience in itself. She did NOT want to put that thing on her head. It was actually pretty funny. Me chasing her around with the helmet. Then after forever of trying to get it to fit her right, it was on and she was fine. She thought this little seat was quite neat. The whole time we were going she was yelling and clapping with excitement. (until her helmet was around her eyes and then that was yelling because she couldn't see. Oops.) Anyways, it was fun and I just think these pictures are so funny with her little helmet on. They crack me up. Thanks again Grandma!!! We love you.

These are of her entertaining herself while Aaron set it up. She loves this little bike. She things we need to take it with us everywhere we go (to get the mail, in the car, to the neighbors).

I've Been Tagged

7 Random Things about Me...

1. I am quite possibly the #1 addict of Diet Dr. Pepper. How sad that the gas station workers know me by name.

2. I burn myself just about every time that I'm in the kitchen cooking. Aaron has gotten so used to it that if he hears me yell out, his response is, "Did you burn yourself again?"

3. I like to garage sale. Many of you probably think that is so gross. But my friends have got me hooked. I love to go and I get so excited to see what my great find will be. You would be so surprised to see all my wonderful purchases! This is one of the few things that will actually get me up at the butt crack of dawn!!!

4. I LOVE to shop. I think it's probably my #1 hobby. Usually I don't buy much, but I just love to look at everything and see if I can find some good deals. I am such a bargain shopper.

5. I don't eat meat! Aaron is still on his life long goal of trying to convert me. Don't tell him, but it'll never happen. I just think it's disgusting. And now that I cook it for him and have to touch it, EWWW!! It is so gross.

6. I drive myself crazy with my indecisiveness. It is SO HARD for me to make a decision. Even with just the smallest things.

7. I have no sense of direction. I am horrible with finding my way around. I lived in Utah for 22 years and I still couldn't tell you what the major street names are or how to get anywhere. I've lived in Iowa for 2 years now and I still couldn't tell you which way is North, East, South and West! I've gotten lost so many times and have had to call for someone to help me get back home. How pathetic.

I Tag... (you better do it, because I did!!)
1. Jen
2. Candice
3. Audrey
4. Andrea

Well, we're back to good ol' Iowa. Can't say I was thrilled to come back, but there is some positives. We drove home through the night and Hallie did quite well. The only major road block was coming through Des Moines. There was a HUGE accident with a semi rolling over into the cornfields and starting a big fire. So the entire interstate was blocked off. Pretty crazy. Anyways, we did have a good time. I was so excited that Aaron was able to come and get a break from school. We were able to do a few things and see our family so it was good. Here's some pictures of a few things we did in Utah (you can click on it to enlarge). Aaron is back to doing rotations again. And it is quite the adjustment from being in the Child's Psych. He is in the OBGYN rotation now. For the next ten days he has to leave super early. Today he went at 3:30 in the morning and got done at around 7 at night. And guess who gets to drive him.....his loving wife and daughter!!!! We love you! We are so thankful to have such a hard working husband and daddy. He is the best! Oh, and by the way he did WONDERFUL on his board exam. We are so proud of him. What a stress relief to have that over and done with (until the next one).

Hogle Zoo

Hallie enjoyed going to the Hogle Zoo with my Grandps, parents, sister and family. Sad that out of all the animals, she showed the most excitement with the ducks!!!

Stewart Falls

We got to do one of our favorite things together that you can't do in Iowa. HIKING!!!! We hiked up to Stewart Falls with Hallie and had a good time. I've decided that I think this is one activity in which I find Aaron the most happy.

Utah County Fair

We took Hallie to the Utah County Fair at Thanksgiving Point. She was so funny. I had no idea that she would be so interested in all the animals. When she would see an animal, she would stick her arm out as far as she could and make the come motion as she yelled as loud as she could. I think she thought this is how to get their attention. Then if they came close to her, she wouldn't dare touch them. It was too funny. When we went and saw the bull, she was literally trying to climb through the bars to get in with him. She had a good time.

Some Hard Times...

My sweet Grandma who I've lived with since I was 10 passed away on July 5th. Hallie and I came and have been able to be here with family. It's been really hard and sad, but we know that it is such a good thing and that she is much happier now and in no more pain. Thanks to all who have given such love and support at such a difficult time. Here's just a few pics.