A Shower for Lyla

While we were in California we decided to have a surprise shower for Heidi and Lyla since we couldn't make it to the big one in January. It was so much fun decorating the campsite with everyone! I think it made everyone just a little more excited for Lyla to get here. March is fast approaching but it always feels more real when you start getting things for your new baby.

Lyla, we are all anxiously awaiting the day when we can hold you in our arms and welcome you into our family!

Special Time with our Fisher Family!

It is always so nice to leave the cold and snow of Utah and take a nice trip to Southern California to spend time with our family. We look forward to our visits with all the Fishers, we always have so much fun together even if we are just sitting together talking and laughing. We are so blessed to have such a wonderful family! Time spent together is priceless. We wouldn't trade one moment of our time in California for anything in the world!

This trip was especially momentous because on New Years day I made a resolution to myself that this was the year for me to focus on myself and achieve my dreams. I have spent so many years taking care of everyone else, I decided I needed to focus on my goals. Having said this to Troy, I was enjoying the beautiful sunny morning, having breakfast with the people I love and had just sat down to text my dearest friend Clarisee (who was coming to see me that day). I couldn't have been more happy or content when a seagull flew by and pooped all over me. When I say all over me, I mean ALL OVER me. Stunned, I sat there not knowing exactly what to do or what to think. Everyone had rushed over for the photo opportunity and to help me in whatever way they possibly could (priorities people)! As I sat there with everyone trying to clean me up, I couldn't help but think "why me?" Instantly I gained perspective on the situation and thought to myself "if this is the worst thing that happens to me all year then I'm good!" All bad things in one big pile of poop!


I was relating this story to one of my patients one day and she gasped and said to me "don't you know what that means? If a bird poops on your head it is a sign of good luck!" I couldn't believe my extreme fortune...how could I be so lucky! I was glad I chose to see this as an opportunity for growth not as a punishment or an event with negative consequences. Seeing the good in situations isn't always easy for me, I always try to remind myself to act and not react. Life is hard enough with all the things we can't control, the way we respond is very important, our reaction or should I say ACTION definitely makes life easier and more fun, and if you can laugh about it...even better! I wish for all those I love a happy and prosperous New Year and may the bird of life poop upon your head!

"The positive thinker sees the invisible, feels the intangible, & achieves the impossible." --Author unknown

Christmas Day 2010

The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree: the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other. ~Burton Hillis

LOVE new jeans!

Bella and her new baby

Max "head over heels" over his new toys!

Bella put brownies and hot chocolate out for Santa in the living room coffee table on Christmas Eve...Christmas morning she checked and the hot chocolate was gone but so was the plate with the brownies! She came running to Troy and I excitedly saying, "Santa came and he ate the hot chocolate but he took our plate...but that's okay, huh Mom? Santa can have our plate."

(Paisley, Chelsey and Kasey's dog kept eating the crumbs so Kasey moved the plate into the kitchen until we were done and forgot to put it back! Oops...I think we are a little out of practice!)

Sydney LOVES new clothes!

Christmas is most definitely my favorite time of year. It is always so busy with shopping, parties, decorating, wrapping, etc. Sometimes I wonder what it is about Christmas that brings me so much happiness and peace. As I reflect over the past 46 years I can't help but have those warm feelings I get every year. My Dad loved Christmas. To him it was a time for music, t.v. movies, traditions like going to Temple Square and putting up decorations. We always made cookies and took them to neighbors and caroled to them but to my Dad, Christmas was about family. This feeling of happiness and peace for me always seems to overshadow the stress of the season.

My Dad is no longer with us but his legacy lives through all of his children. We all come together at this time of year in person if possible and in spirit if not, putting aside all our outside obligations and just enjoy being together as a family. I can't help but think Dad is smiling down on us with satisfaction knowing that our traditions may be different in many ways but the love of family will never change!

To my sister and friend...

Thank you for giving me the inspiration and the courage to share my life again. Sometimes I feel as though I am an island in a sea of turmoil and chaos, feeling alone though surrounded by so many. Your message to me was what I needed to push through it and continue on with what I started. I need to write for myself most of all but also to share my feelings with those who love me and my family. You are my sunshine Jenn...I love you!

In the cookies of life, sisters are the chocolate chips. ~Author Unknown

Bella's 3rd Birthday!

November 28th was Bella's birthday so we celebrated with a "Tinkerbell" Party!

Our sweet Isabella turned into "Tinker Bella!" She was so adorable in her little Tinkerbell costume. We had our family over to celebrate Bella's 3rd birthday, I can hardly believe it has been three years...where does time go?

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Our little "TinkerBella"

Grandma gave her a Tinkerbell doll which she loved!

She loved having all of her friends and family!

The kids had fun just playing and messing up

the toy room (kids will be kids!)

Bella blowing out her candles!

Her cupcake cake!

Max on sugar overload!

Bella is so blessed to have so many people in her life who love her so much! Thank you to all of our family and friends who made her birthday so special...we love you all so much!

Bella, you are the light of mine and your Daddy's eyes...we love you so much and thank Heavenly Father everyday for your sweet life. With love, Mommy