Patriotic Pictures

We took family pictures in front of our new place! Isn't it cute and festive? Our house is even color-coordinated. We have had a great "fourth" so far. Hallie and I painted our toenails holiday colors this morning. I painted her toenails last year so I thought we might as well make it a mommy-daughter Independence Day tradition. Hopefully when it gets dark later we will see good fireworks from our house on the hill.







We started the day at Mom's house. She made pancakes (with berries and cream that made it red, white, and blue), eggs and chives, and sausage. It was delicious. Hallie helped herself to three pancakes! Later on, we came home and took nice holiday naps (although I am pretty sure Hallie played through hers). For dinner I made a dip that looked like the flag, a batch of fresh salsa, Mushroom Swiss Burgers, Seasoned Fries, Corn on the Cob, and "Red, White, and Bleu Salad." The salad had tomatoes for red, mushrooms for white, yellow pepper and croutons (just because they taste good) and bleu cheese dressing. Unfortunately, we were so stuffed from our huge burgers and fries we could barely touch the salad and corn.


Later on Hallie and I plan to make cookies with red and blue M&Ms and I want to make a berry cobbler. We'll see if we can handle it. Perhaps those treats will have to wait for tomorrow. It is, after all, a three day weekend!

Happy 4th from Hallie!

Here is our patriotic toddler wishing you all a safe and Happy "Forf a Ju-ly!" Enjoy your day.

Reminiscing

I couldn't help reminiscing last night about how Hallie looked last year on Independence Day. I think I did it too much because when Hallie woke up she looked HUGE!! Here are some pictures of what our family was up to last year on the Fourth of July.



Hallie's first taste of watermelon.
Hallie and her Great-Grandma H. (Hallie is screaming "Ma-ma!" in excitement as I am posting this).

Moved in . . . pictures to come

We're moved in!

I just need to clean the oven at the old apartment and then we are done with that place for good! Lots of sweet friends are asking for pictures. Let me admit I know I am the worst perfectionist. I feel like everything has to be PERFECT before I post pictures. I know I need to get over this. So hopefully later today or tomorrow I can post some.

Hallie loves to pretend to play the piano. She says "I paying pano!" then slams her fingers on whatever is closest to her and sings "Doo-doo-doo!" as she hits different imaginary keys. It is quite humurous. Every morning when we get her up we are greeted with a sweet "Hi! How-a-you?!" from Hallie.

I am excited for the Fourth of July! I won't be in CA with my brothers and parents. But, we will all be together in just one month (John included). I can't wait for my brother John to meet Hallie.

Almost there!

We still have today and tomorrow left but then our move will be done! Can't wait! Although, this really has been our best move so far. We have really enjoyed getting things organized in our new place. We are totally enamored with more space! My favorite parts of the townhome/duplex are my well-organized kitchen and my walk-in closet with built-ins and a shoe rack that goes on forever! I can't wait to be settled in so I can get back to park picnics and reading. We are also really looking forward to our vacation in August where we get to see so much of our lovely families. For now, I just need the motivation to finish boxing! Send me packing fairies.

Also, I will be sending an email with our new address. If you wish to be included, drop me a quick comment with your email address.

Missing him

On June 25, 1927 my Grandpa Skaggs was born.
On October 29, 2006 he left this world.
I miss him everyday.

Happy Birthday Grandpa! I love you always!

Related?

When I was looking through older photos I found this one of me that reminded me of a photo that I took of Hallie on Monday. Do we look related? And check out my hair-- that is THICK hair for such a young age. It kind of explains my hair now.

Western Museum

Well, we met our goal of five picnics last week! Our most recent picnic was at a museum in the historic part of the city. It is a western-themed museum that highlighted what life was like here in the late 1800s. Hallie is teething again so our poor baby had her hand in her mouth for most of the visit. She was a sweet girl regardless of her pain. Chris and I loved it since we are admittedly "history geeks." It was reminiscent of Calico Ghost Town in California, just on a much smaller scale.







Hallie loved churning butter.














I finally posted pictures from one of our picnics last week. Click on the word "picnics" or see the previous post titled "A Picnic a Day . . ."

Hello Blast from the Past!

Chris and I are packing right now so it is inevitable that we would come across old, forgotten items. Take this . . . it's a sticker of Ashley, me, and Brittany. I think we took it in a booth at the Valley View Bowl. I completely forgot that this picture ever existed. We were such babies then. I can't believe we are all moms now. I have Hallie, Britt has Jake, and Ash has two babies (Brooklyn and Aubrey). I am thinking from Brittany's hair this is probably 1999. I hope you girls love this as much as I do.

One and three quarters!

When I was young I remember really getting into the fractions when using my age. I wasn't just seven-- I was seven and three quarters. Well, today Hallie is one and three quarters! Our baby is 21 months old! This last year has gone even faster than her first and before you know it she will be two! She is growing so much everyday. For the past two days she no longer says "Wa-wa" but "water." She told me yesterday "I made color," as she handed me a picture she drew. If I cough or sneeze she says "Bless you Mom." She knows how to pray by herself. We heard her repeating the same thing over and over so we watched her in her high chair and she quietly folded her arms, bowed her head and said "Fodder (Father). Bless. Amen." If she chokes or coughs she says "Oh my!" or "Oh my goodness!" She is bright and beautiful and we feel so lucky to be her parents. Happy 3/4 birthday Hallie!

A Picnic a Day . . .

We had another lovely picnic today. That makes for two days in a row! Today we were literally ten minutes from our home but it looked like we had driven for hours to get into the mountains. We love this city!

Here are some of Hallie's new favorites phrases today: "Yeah, okay," "Me awesun (awesome)!" and "I'n awesun!" Hallie loves to say "awesome" so much that Chris and I are trying to rid our vocabulary of it entirely. She squeals it excitedly about 15 times a day. I never realized how much I said it until I tried to eliminate it. For my immediate family, it reminds me of when John was on his "gorgeous" kick of 1995. That is all he would say ALL SUMMER LONG! We began to despise that word. So funny!

She also says "marshmallow" as "ba-lel-lel-lel-oe."

We might be cruel, but . . .

We LOVE this picture! It just cracks us both up!

We love you Hallie!

Outside

This is the conversation I had with Hallie this morning.

I walk into her room.

MOM: Good Morning, Hallie!

HALLIE: excited gasp, then points to window and nods her head slowly and exclaims "Outside!"

MOM: Yes, that's outside.

HALLIE: That's a light outside.

MOM: Yes.

HALLIE: Hi, outside!

MOM: Yes.

HALLIE: It's a fowers (flowers) outside!

MOM: Yes.

HALLIE: Hi, fowers!

This continued with her play kitchen, diapers, and puppy.

Hallie has also caught on how to use "-ing" verbs. She says "I walking" and "I coloring" when it is in the present tense.

Happy Father's Day!

Happy Father's Day to all. I have so many wonderful fathers in my life. I would be remiss if I didn't acknowledge some of their remarkable qualities.

My Dad- My father is steadfast. I have never met a more trust-worthy, loyal, dependable man in my life. So many of my memories involve him in a suit and tie. He was always in church positions that were very demanding of his time-- Bishop, Stake Young Mens President, High Counselor, a Mission Presidency. Even with all that, his job, and earning his Bachelor's Degree we never felt second-rate. He still managed to be ever present and a happy, funny, active father. How were you everywhere at the same time? And how did you have all the energy to do it?

My Father-in-Law- My father-in-law is devoted. He gives of himself so willingly. He is very quiet about it but he serves his family, neighbors, and any in need. There is no question in my mind that he adores Hallie. He loves his three boys and is supportive of their endeavors. He is my friend. I love talking to my father-in-law. I feel blessed that we have a great relationship.

My Grandpa Allen- My Grandpa Allen is lovable. No one could know this man and not love him. He was a sweet father to my mother and is a tender-hearted, fun Grandpa and Great-Grandpa. My heart melts for my old-fashioned, cowboy, true-blue Grandpa! I love him so much!

My Grandpa Hinkson- Grandpa Hinkson had a gift for optimism. He loved life even when it was hard. He lived by what he felt in his heart was right. And those who were touched by him went away happier and lighter.

My Grandpa Skaggs- My grandpa was without guile. He was one of my best friends in the entire world. I can't believe how lucky I was to be his grandchild and to grow up so bonded to such a remarkable spirit. I gage my life according to what I think he would think of it. I still ache for him.

My brother, Mark- My brother is such a natural as a father. I am also appreciative of how forthcoming he is with the experience of parenting. It is so nice to be going through this journey at the same time as he is. My husband always says he feels like Mark is his older brother (even though Chris is his senior).

My brother-in-law, Daniel- This man is so hard-working. He has been ever since I met him when he was sixteen-years-old. Back then he was working tirelessly in Chemistry class, now he works endless hours and goes to school to support his sweet wife and new baby. I am so impressed with his selflessness.

My sweet husband, Chris- I realize more every day what a great catch I got. I don't know anyone who does more than he does. I barely change any diapers now that he is home for the summer. I knew he would be a good dad before we married-- that was one of the qualities that attracted me to him. Not to brag too much but I proved myself right-- he is the best Dad and continues to be the best husband after seven years! Every night I make dinner I can find my husband at my side saying "What can I do for you?" I can't believe how lucky I am!

These are just eight of some of the wonderful men in this world. I know so many other great men. I can't wait to see what wonderful fathers my other brothers will be. I also have so many cousins, friends, and friend's husbands that are stalwart, faithful men. Thank you to all you Daddy's and future Daddy's. The world is a better place because of you!

Happy Birthday Mom!!

It's my beautiful Mom's birthday today! Movie Star Hallie wanted to give Grandma the star treatment, so she made her a special video dedication below . . .



Here are some photos of my marvelous mother through the years . . .






Here she is in London feeding the birds. It might seem like a silly picture, but when I was a child I thought she was BEAUTIFUL in this picture. I just wanted to be her. I even put popcorn kernals in my hand and waited in the backyard so the birds would come eat it.

Dear Mom,

You have always been my most loving, enthusiastic, supportive fan. You always made me feel special; and you were so patient with me when I complained that I wasn't. When I was pregnant with Hallie you told me that "besides your husband, your daughter is your best friend. " I agree with you Mom. Thank you for always being my loving mother growing up and for being my laughing best friend now that I am "all grown." I find that even though I am an adult, I still need you everyday. Thank you for always being here. I love you so much! Happy Birthday!

Love,
Your Shelley

Today

Today we took a lovely trip to the museum. We love teacher's summers. . .