a surprise

So yesterday at church we stumbled into the amazing opportunity to meet President Eyring. That's right, he was here in our church building (actually going to attend the other ward), but here nonetheless. I was heading to the clerk's office with Miley in tow to make the exchange. . . Dave takes her for the last hour of church. Anyway, so I was headed back to Primary and Dave to class when we ran into Pres. Eyring in the foyer. I saw the security and then my eyes went up to his face and I'm sure they got huge, my eyes that is. It's just not something you expect on your average Sunday. I didn't know he was that tall either. His wife is too, but that could have been heels, I didn't check.

So there I was deer in the headlights. I said something really intelligent like 'good morning' or maybe even less intelligent like 'hi'. . . I'm thinking probably both. Dave immediately stuck his hand out to shake and greeted him impressively. Pres. Eyring tickled Miley and called her a cutie and then they were whisked away to meet Bishops and others I suppose.

I was totally impressed with him. He has a presence, and an excellently warm smile too.

For us it was pretty cool.

Together,

it's our favorite place to be.

Every time I get the camera out Miley wants to take one of these pics, and then immediately look at the replay and giggle.
I love our silly girl.

I loved this. . .

. . . the point of it and the fun animation of typography. Have a look.

Typography from Ronnie Bruce on Vimeo.

It's coming. . .

I'm so excited. Forget all my other projects, once again. . . it's time to start making spooky stuff. I should really spread it out and do it all year long, but who has that kind of forethought.

So I was thinking maybe I'd do a little contest here. . . as you may know I have a potion collection each year for Halloween and each year I add to it. I've got a few new ones in the works as we speak, but I want to hear from all of you again. Let's see if you can come up with something spooky, scary, interesting, or even humorous to bottle and display.

The challenge is to come up with the title for the contents and if you have an idea of the substance I should put in the container (any kind/shape/size you're not limited, but be reasonable I do have to actually make the thing). If you suggest something I've already used, then kudos, great minds think alike, but I'll let you know and you can have another shot at it. Comments need to be made to this post and not in the sidebar. Put as many of your ideas in your comment as you so desire.

Do you need an example? Well right now I'm doing some classic monster specimens like a jar full of bloody vampire fangs. Fun, right? Last year I made witch doctor shrunken heads. I also have bottles and bottles of liquid ingredients with spooky names. . . so the possibilities are endless here.

Dave will pick the winner. I'll give him the suggestions anonymously. The prize will be something from me. . . made by me I think. You can pick if you want it Halloween themed or non-Halloween. I can be flexible on that.

Your timeline is. . . until this post is no longer on the first page, or until there are more than one comments entered, which knowing my audience may never happen. ;) . . . cause I know how much you all love to comment. ;)
You have a couple weeks, start thinking spooky. . . I know I already am!

I reserve the right to change the rules as I see fit. ha ha. Don't worry you'll still be rewarded.

Burning water or some such nonsense

Cooking is not my thing. No false modesty here. It's fact. I have witnesses.

I decided to be the good mother the other night and cook my baby some pancakes. Back story, kind of. . . my baby girl loves breakfast food. It's another one of those signs from God that pretty much stamp her as a part of our family. I could eat breakfast food any meal of the day. However, I leave the fixin to my hubby.

So anyway, I feel a little guilty giving her pre-prepared food too regularly. I don't eat pancakes myself though, uck. Curse that girl for loving those wretched little things. I decided to cook them anyway. You know, to challenge myself, or mostly because Dave said it was simple.

Dave was at work, which was a good thing so he wasn't there to witness my stunning performance. This will keep his 'I married the perfect wife' image in tact a little while longer. ;) Curse his mother for being an excellent cook. Just kidding Eldena, not about the excellent cook part just the cursing. ;)

These were the saddest pancakes I've ever seen. I was too appalled to even photograph them to further embarrass myself here. However, they were edible or so I believe. . . Miley devoured them heartily. I guess if you add enough jam to anything you can choke it past the gag reflex. It does help if it's homemade jam. Thank you Marci.

I guess in the end I'm glad my girl isn't too picky. . . and you can't say she's hurting in the healthy category, just check out those cheeks!

And to your right you'll see. . .

Here's the playroom in it's current state. There are some other things I want to do, but they might not happen for awhile cause I have other projects to get into at the moment.

Cuteness x 2

More squish photos

Pointing at the butterflies

Our big girl with her sippy cup, showing off her teeth

If the dogs are outside, this is where Miley is. . . waiting for them to come back in

Cute tongue-out-smile

Getting ready to take off and walk

The water outside of the pool is just as much fun to play in

Thanks for the happy phone call!!!

My brother is getting married! Congratulations you two!
We could not be more thrilled for you both! Seriously, I totally teared up.
Welcome to the family Breht!

Walking, sort of

Yesterday she did actually attempt some solo steps, but for now this is how we walk. . .

Birthday week

For her first birthday she got a week long celebration. She'll have to work up to the month deal that I'm enjoying.
Her celebrating included. . .

Presents!

Lots of yummy cake

A houseguest that she could not get enough of

A LOT of practice being a fishy

and eating LOTS of yummy food, including the best cupcakes ever!

Miley also decided to debut some new talents now that she's a big girl.
She can now clap on command, point out facial features when asked, give kisses, fold her arms when we pray,wave bye, and say Mama! Seriously, all happened for the first time this week! She's been holding out on us this whole time, waiting to make a big show of it. What a stinker.

ONE

Our BIRTHDAY Girl!

Celebrating in a pink tutu

and looking forward to tomorrow. . .

Welcome August!

Last year at this time we got a phone call. . . a very important phone call from a girl we love so much. It sent us on a road trip to meet another beautiful little girl. It was nerve-wracking and amazing. Leaving that place was the hardest thing I've ever had to do. It changed me. I thought I loved our beautiful birth mother, Kristel before, but that day. . . those moments solidified it in a profound way deep in my heart.
It changed our lives forever. We gained more than a daughter in August, we were lucky to leave with more family to love. People who have been nothing but supportive and caring. How did we get this lucky?
I can't describe how much adoption has blessed our life. It's a miracle and we can't say that enough.
As for us, we love August. . . and are happy to be here again.