{Geoffrey, Dezaree & Phoebee}

Projects {2011}

2011-12-28T16:27:00.023-07:00

Holy projects Batman! I've been terrible at listing things as I have done them this year, so why not get it all done in one setting. Ready....set.....go.......

{PHOEBEE'S ROOM}

This is a picture of Phoebee's room mostly finished. Still want to do a few things on the wall....it's a work in progress, just like the rest of the house :). The curtains, blanket, and bed skirt were all made by my mom.

{PATIO}

BEFORE

AFTER

This was the biggest undertaking for the year. I put us under a deadline to get it done before Phoebee's birthday, and we did it!! We decided to put in a paver patio and lay some sod in a enclosed area for the puppies to run around in since we haven't been able to do all the landscaping yet. Geoff and I did this ourselves, and I must say, I think that it turned out great. I am very proud of us.

{QUIET BOOK}

I was asked to be in a Quiet Book group, and agreed to join, because I had been wanting to make one for Phoebee. I made 10 pages of the same thing, then we exchanged within the group. I then made a cover for all the pages. This was my first attempt at one, and had nothing really to go by as an example (winged it), but I think it turned out pretty cute.

I made a "Peek-a-boo" page. The mittens fold down to reveal a hidden pocket to put a picture or mirror in.

The final result. I found the fabric at Joann's and LOVE it.

{FURNITURE}

I have been wanting a new kitchen table/chairs for a while, but lets face it......things are so expensive. So I figured why not fix up what we have and find something to go a long with it. My mom got us 4 chairs for Christmas last year, which I LOVE, and I wanted a few more to go a long with them. One day, Geoff and I were driving around town and I saw out of the corner of my eye a place with furniture lined up out front. We stopped, and saw some chairs, tables, lamps....everything for really cheap. Most people would pass it by, because the coverings on the chairs were ugly, but I saw an opportunity to get the type of chairs I had been wanting for a while, and re-do them myself.

Table we had BEFORE:

Chairs BEFORE:

Table AFTER:

Finished it in a black poly-stain in black satin

Chairs AFTER:

I did the same poly-stain on the legs of the chair. I got the fabric from Wal-mart. Total cost for the chair project (chairs and supplies) ended up being $30/chair.

I found a bottom cabinet/TV stand at D.I. one day for $25. We brought it home, I sanded it down, and applied the poly-stain to it, Geoff re-did the harware. I forgot to take some BEFORE pictures of it, but believe me, it looked rough!!!

TV Stand AFTER:

{PILLOWS}

I decided to get some new fun fabric and sewed some new covers for the pillows on our couches.

{BOOK WREATH}

One of my friends had one of these in her house that I had been wanting to do for a while. Thanks to Super Saturday in my ward, I figured out how to do one. I ended up making several for Christmas gifts, and boy, do my fingers hurt. But I love how they turned out:

{HALLOWEEN CRAFTS}

Thanks to Pinterest and some of my own creativity, I got the holiday craft bug and made a few new things for the house. (P.S. - don't know what Pinterest is yet? Check it out: www.pinterest.com - warning....it's addicting ;)

Letters cut out of glitter paper, put on scrapbook paper, then placed in frames.

My "I do believe in Ghosts" sign

Cardboard letters (from Joann's) wrapped in yarn - very time consuming, but cute nonetheless.

{CARD GROUP CARDS/TAGS}

My feeble attempts at making cards. I haven't take pictures of all of them, but this is what I did:

{WALL DECOR/PICTURES}

I finally got pictures of our family framed, and put them on the walls.

My mom found this at Home Depot. It's made from foam, and was white, but I painted it to go in our front room.

{CHRISTMAS CRAFTS}

While my mom was in town helping take care of Phoebee while I was recovering from my gal bladder surgery, she made a bunch of cute ornaments for our tree. I then, did a few of my own, as well as some burlap stockings and a ornament wreath.

Well, there you have it. My 2011 projects. Until next year........

Phoebee 13-15 Months old

2011-12-28T14:01:00.007-07:00

I can't believe that Phoebee is now 15 months old. Time keeps going by so fast, when sometimes, I would like it to slow down a bit. She's getting more and more fun every day, and her personality is shining through.

She's to the point where she doesn't want to sit still, and wants to socialize and inspect everything around her. So, we took her to the nursery at church for the first time the other day to see how she would do. Like we suspected, she did great, and wouldn't have even noticed if we were gone. Catching the flu and a cold were the only draw backs from taking her in there, but I think that she'll love it.

She's still very short (5th percentile again) for her age. But this time around (at her 14 month check-up) she was "under-weight" (6th percentile). I am not too worried, because I know that she does eat - mostly grazes throughout the day. But to look at her, you wouldn't think that she's under-weight. I think she's just going to be a very petite person, and I love it.

She now says, "hi", "hey - hey you", "wow - OH wow", "shoe", "see", "num-num" (aka bottle), "bal" (aka her bear, Bean and Valentine, ball.....), "cheese", "num" (some), "no", "shhhhh" (when we are telling her no, or not to do something......that is her response....."shhhhhh"), and many other things, including adding on to her usual questions of the day "what's that", etc. Whenever I am changing her diaper, or we're doing something in her room (just the two of us), she will yell out "dad" just to make sure that he's still around since she doesn't see him during the day. She and her dad will yell back and forth to each other, and it's so cute.

Her personality is coming out more and more, and she's just so much fun. She likes to try and hide herself in small spaces, like in our TV stand, bookshelves or in the dog crate. Recently, with it being Christmas, she would crawl under the tree and hide in the corner and laugh at us, because she knew we couldn't reach her or crawl under the tree. So, we had to create a barricade around the tree to stop her. If she's not hiding herself in places, she's hiding items in the dogs travel-crate. I swear she must be part pack-rat, because I am finding numerous things in it every day because of her.

She loves tub time. She loves the dogs and will try and hold them or pick them up every now and then. She and the dogs will chase each other around the house, taking things away from one another. The dogs usually end up winning and she ends up crying about it. She loves music and dances whenever she hears it. She loves Sesame Street, especially Elmo. She loves to give kisses and hugs. The other day in the nursery, she picked up a baby doll, found a bottle and proceeded to feed the baby the bottle. I have no idea where she learned this, but she some how knew that this is what she should do.

Phoebee is such a joy and we can't get enough of her. We love our little munchkin!

Thanksgiving/ Geoff's Birthday/ Christmas 2011

2011-12-28T13:11:00.016-07:00

{THANKSGIVING}

This Thanksgiving, we ended up spending the day with Katie at her place with some friends. I was still recovering from my gal bladder surgery and didn't feel up to traveling, and Geoff's family was sick and didn't want to come down and spread the germs. It was low-key and nice to go and eat, visit and come home and not have to worry about cleaning everything up.

{GEOFF'S BIRTHDAY}

For Geoff's birthday this year, we ended up celebrating it a few times. First, we went to Benja in St. George with Chris and Brenna, and had some yummy Thai food (although Phoebee really wouldn't let me eat, and spent time running up and down the hallway instead).

Next, we went with the Funerburks, Marshalls, and Ballards to the local aquatic center for some fun. Phoebee was very hesitant of the water (gets that from me unfortunately). But after a while, she was loving it!!! Maybe there is hope that she will be like her dad, and love the water after all.

After swimming, we went out to Lupita's for dinner with the Funderburks and then to Maggie Moo's for dessert.

Happy Birthday to you.....cha cha cha!!!

The last birthday celebration, was our annual dinner at The Roof in Salt Lake City with Geoff's parents. The food as usual was good, Phoebee however, wasn't feeling well and decided to keep throwing mini fits. Next year, most likely, we'll have to get a baby sitter.

{CHRISTMAS}

Christmas, hands down, is my favorite holiday. I love love love everything about it. Phoebee loved "ooh-ing" and "aahh-ing" at the tree, ornaments and decorations. She in fact, would take whatever she could get her chubby little hands on and hide it in the dogs travel-crate. I swear she must be part pack-rat, because I would find numerous things in the crate everyday. Now that we have a child of our own, and she seems to get so excited about things, Christmas this year was the best that we have had. Here's our Christmas tree:

Tree close up - my mom and I made the majority of the ornaments on the tree.

Here's our Christmas card. I messed up and didn't order enough this year. Oh well...hopefully, I'll do better next year:

We went to our ward's Christmas party, and Phoebee got all dressed up to meet Santa. She did so good, she didn't even cry. She just looked at him questionably as usual.

We celebrated our Christmas at our house a few days early, because we knew we'd be traveling and didn't want to pack all the gifts up with us. The less we take, the better. The first two pictures were taken the morning before we opened up the gifts. Phoebee as you can see really really wanted to open them :).

Please.....please can I open them???

We then spent time at both families houses, but I didn't take many pictures at all, because I was sick. Ooops. But, this is what I did manage to get:

Ho ho ho - taught Phoebee to say this. She's such a cutie!!

Christmas morning playing with her new doll house and baby-buggie

Liam being a cheese :)

Declan and Liam making silly faces for the camera

November "Card Group"

2011-12-28T12:46:00.006-07:00

Earlier this year, I was talked into joining a card group. The reason why I say "talked into joining", is because I DO NOT scrapbook, and have never made a card. I know that I could, because I admit one of my talents is to do and create artistic things. However, the thought of having to buy supplies for one more of my hobbies, just didn't sit right with me. But thanks to Nicole and Geoff nudging me, I joined and have loved it.

November was my month to host and have the girls over for dinner, card exchange and a craft. Unfortunately the whole day didn't go like I had planned. I ended up waking up at 4:30 that morning to horrible side pain that wouldn't let up. I finally caved in, and took myself to the ER. They did and ultra sound and found that I had A LOT of gal stones, and that my gal bladder would need to come out. The timing couldn't be worse. In only a few hours, I was to host an event, and over the weekend was TOFW. But they gave me some pain pills, sent me home and I finished making everything, while Geoff scrambled to help me clean the house up (thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!).

SIDE NOTE: I had my gal bladder out on November 16th, and everything went really well.

The night went off with out a hitch (aside from me being as high as a kite :}), although no one really worked on their craft, instead ended up visiting all night.....which was great. We were supposed to make burlap stockings, or any burlap project of your choice. Here's a picture of my completed project:

I also made a burlap table runner before the craft night as well:

Time Out For Women 2011

2011-12-28T12:35:00.004-07:00

This year, I again was asked to be the team captain for the Cedar City/Enoch area for Time Out For Women (TOFW). I had 10 people on my team, and they did an awesome job helping me spread the word.

This year was but different from two years ago, in that we did a service project at the event called Possibility Packs. The women attending the event could donate any kind of toiletry items, and we put the packs together to be donated to a local woman's shelter. My team was in charge of the project and they worked their butts off. The project was a definite success.

My friend Drea and her sister Angela were able to come up for the weekend to attend, and I am so glad they did. It was a very needed break and spiritual boost for all of us. Here are just a few pics from that day.

Drea and Angela

Angela, Drea, Brenna and me at the TOFW event

Halloween 2011

2011-12-28T12:24:00.010-07:00

This year, we dressed Phoebee up as a lady bug, and she was soooooo cute!!!

We took her to our ward's Trunk-or-Treat, and she would NOT walk around with me. I think that all the people in costumes freaked her out a bit. So she just sat in the truck and watched everyone walk by.

We also went to a local carnival for a few minutes to check things out. We met up with the Funderburks so Phoebee and Macy could hang out. They didn't last very long, but it was a fun night.

Family Pictures and 1 year Photos

2011-12-28T09:56:00.001-07:00

We had family pictures taken in October by our freind Liz. She does such a great job. Here's some of my favorites. You'll see that it's hard to pick just one........

Phoebee's First Birthday

2011-10-06T17:19:00.011-06:00

Sometimes it's really hard to imagine that it's now been over a year since we were blessed with this little miracle of ours. Time flies when you're having fun, and she's SO MUCH fun. She's walking everywhere now, and when people see her walking they remark "she's so little - should she be walking?" Let's face it, she's still a petite little thing. She has 4 teeth right now, and when she does her "super cheese" smile, it just melts your heart.

I felt a lot of pressure to throw our little bug a fantastic party, after all, we waited 10 long years for her to get here. I think that what envisioned didn't translate into what really happened, but I was very happy with the outcome, nonetheless. It's funny the things that we put ourselves through for one day each year, knowing that she'll never remember it. But I know I will. We did a lady bug themed party, bright pink, bright green and black.

To put into words the feelings of joy that she's brought to our lives and the love that we have for this little girl is an impossibility. Having her here, and watching her learn and grow is the greatest thing that we have ever experienced. Thank you to those family members and friends who came to celebrate her special day with her. Happy Birthday Phoebee! We love you so much!

Here are some pictures from her day:

Here is her own little cake - later to be demolished!!!

So this is what I was referring to above....when you have these awesome ideas in your head, and they don't end up being exactly what you wanted. I thought I'd be creative and do a cupcake cake in the shape of a lady bug - on a huge leaf. It broke my heart when the frosting didn't set up and was super runny and the homemade cupcakes ended up tasting like cornbread (love cornbread, but not cornbread topped with frosting - WAS NOT expecting that outcome). I didn't have time to fix it by the time that everyone showed up. But you get the general idea....right?

Singing to Phoebee and trying to coax her to blow the candle out - we practiced and everything, but I think the pressure of the moment got to her ;).

Starting to dig into the cake.....

yummmmmmm

Papa Ellsworth helped her out by putting the final touches (of frosting) on her nose. She didn't quite know what to do about that.

Phoebee with Halle and Liam

Declan and Halle talking it up while they eat - future couple in the making????? ;)

Pretty Macy - wouldn't keep her head band on - good thing her momma got a shot of it before she pulled it off.

Had the kids make fruit loop bracelets and necklaces to munch on

Grandpa Chesnut (Randy), Grandma Ellsworth (Aleta), Andy, and the kids

Chris and happy Addi

Halle loved the cupcakes - glad someone did, because we were left with 30+ by the time everyone when home. Watching her was the funniest thing. She literally gulped them down, and I don't know if she even attempted to chew the cupcake.

Brenna, Liam (eating his stroller), Katie and Kelton

My mom and Liam

My dad and Kylee in the background with Declan, Katie and Kelton, Andy (catching some winks....hehehe) and Nicole

Andy still sleeping.....I couldn't help but take some pictures.

Geoff with all the kiddos - more than willing to help Phoebee open her gifts.

Checking out her new books

Grandma and Grandpa Chesnut watching all the kids play with Phoebee's toys

Kris

2011-10-05T23:35:00.006-06:00

You never think that it will happen to you, it's just something that you hear about. Something that someone else has. Cancer...... that six-letter word that can change your life in a blink of an eye. My brother-in-law, Kris, was diagnosed with cancer in July, and is still currently on his journey to recovery.

It started out with him having symptoms of double vision and eye pain. Kris is a man who never complains of being sick or hurt, and never goes to the doctor for anything. But on that day, he went to the ER, they did some scans and found a large mass in his head. The hospital immediately sent him via ambulance from Colorado to the University of Utah hospital in Salt Lake City. Kenzee and Kris' parents drove from Green River to meet up with him, and waited for, I'm sure, what seemed forever for him to arrive. Once there, they did multiple scans and found the mass to be on the right side of his head, located between the skull and brain, 3 inches long and 2 inches in diameter. The news of this was very frightening for both families, because you can't help but think the worst. They sent him home a few days later, only to have him come back to have a biopsy done I think a week after.

Then they got the call. The call that no one wants. The biopsy came back and it was cancer. Chondrosarcoma. Kenzee was devistated, and began crying. She related to me that Declan, their 3 year-old, came up to her and asked what's wrong. She said "I'm just worried about daddy". Declan told her "don't worry momma, he'll be okay". He's such a sweet boy, and loves his dad so much.

From that point, appointments were made to meet with 3 different surgeons to discuss the procedure to surgically remove the tumor. It was to be a very lengthy procedure, and multiple things could go wrong, but the surgeons were very optimistic. One of the surgeons later told Kris that after they found what type of cancer Kris had, the surgeon was traveling around the U.S. going to seminars and ended up specifically talking about Kris' case with multiple doctors and discussed what options there were. This was an amazing blessing, because Kris' cancer is so rare, that there just happened to be a doctor there who specialized in it and knew what needed to be done. The doctor returned with a strategy and surgery was scheduled for August 19th.

Surgery ended up being 15 hours long. Kenzee and Kris' family were at the hospital waiting, and I can't imagine what that must have been like. It felt like forever just waiting to hear updates from them. But Kris made it through the surgery, minus his inner ear (which was lost due to the fact of the location of the tumor and the only way to get it out was to remove the inner ear), was in the hospital for 2 1/2 weeks, and was finally released to go home. He's been going through physical therapy to get some of his mobility and speech back. But over-all, he looks amazing and even better, the tumor is gone.

Currently Kris and Kenzee are out in Boston, where Kris is receiving Proton Radiation therapy. They had to go out to Boston, because that specific type of radiation therapy is only done in two places around the United States. Boston and Houston. I believe that he must go through radiation 5 days a week for 6 weeks. They are doing this as a precaution to make sure that any microscopic fragments of the tumor that may have been left behind are killed with the radiation.

The out poor of love, words of encouragement and concern for Kris, my sister and their little family has been overwhelming. I received multiple emails, phone calls, texts, etc. during that time, asking how they were and if they could help. The Lord truly was looking out for them, and has blessed them greatly with this miracle that he even survived the surgery, and that he very well may be cancer free soon. I can only pray that the treatments will go well for him and that he will have the spirit of the Lord to help him through these next weeks. I believe in miracles. I know that God lives and loves us all. We love you very much Kris, and can't wait for you to be home soon.

Iron County Cutest Baby Contest

2011-10-05T23:20:00.006-06:00

Nicole and I (thanks to Nicoles coaxing) entered Macy and Phoebee into the Iron County Fair Cutest baby contest in September. Nicole and I have to have some of the cutest little girls around (I'm not biased, I am just honest....), and thought what the heck. So off we went. First thing we noticed was that there was theme to the contest, a theme that Phoebee nor Macy were dressed for....ARMY. So, the judges really didn't even give them a second look. But what can you do? They are still winners in our book.

Phoebee and Macy with their game faces on before the contest ;)

My pretty Phoebee

Me and Phoebs up in the front...can you pick us out?

Nicole and Macy-Moo getting ready

After the contest, we walked around and found a "petting-zoo". The girls loved it. Phoebee was really entertained with the piglets. They were pretty cute. She kept saying "moo" to everything, though the closest thing there to cow was a llama. :)

Ellsworth Family Pictures 2011

2011-10-05T22:47:00.013-06:00

In August, we decided to take our family pictures while Chase, Brooke and Asher were out visiting from New York. Not to mention the fact that three babies were now part of the family since the last pictures we took. It was a hot day, and the kids did pretty well considering. So here ya go...

Phoebee 9-11 months old

2011-10-05T22:23:00.004-06:00

Phoebee at 9 months old was speed crawling through the house. It seemed as if she was trying to "run" away from us at times. She got her first tooth on the bottom, and a second one followed shortly. I cut her hair for the 5th time since she was born, to try and even out the long comb-over she was sporting. Her personality is so much fun, and it seems as if she's changing and learning things daily.
At 11 months old, she mastered the questions....yes questions "what's that, who's that, what's this?" She seems to ask these all the time now, for everything. She points to things, asks the question, and will continue to ask it until you grab what it is that she's asking about. It's hilarious and pretty impressive at the same time. After you give her what she wants, or explain what the object is, she says "oooooo". She also took her first steps at 11 months, and began to become more and more sturdy each day. She's also doing this howling move that just cracks us up. Whether we're holding her or she's standing up against something, she arches backwards and howls. She's so freaking cute, I can't stand it.

Here are some pictures of her during those months.

9 months old

10 months old

11 months old

Loving you.......

2011-07-28T14:24:00.004-06:00

I saw the following quote posted on one of my best friends Facebook page, and thought it very appropriate for things that Geoffrey and I are facing right now:

"When you understand that other people LOVING YOU or NOT LOVING YOU...has nothing to do with you whatsoever, (but their own broken concepts about themselves) you will set yourself FREE of need, expectation and one of the most painful traps of SUFFERING we have created for ourselves. There is nothing you need to DO to get people to LOVE you. Just BE. And LOVE Yourself...and you'll be alright." ~Heather Madder

This is something that I have struggled with for most of my life, and something that I need to remind myself of daily. There are a lot of things that I have done/happened in my life that I wish I could fix, but I have came to realize that some of those things are unfixable. I just need to work on on the things that are in my control....work on bettering myself, being there for my husband and little girl, and being the best wife and mother possible. This is all that matters.

July Jamboree & Macy's birthday party

2011-07-22T18:05:00.006-06:00

July Jamboree is a staple in our family. It's an annual car show in Cedar City, where they shut down Main Street down town. Normally my parents attend, because my dad loves anything to do with cars & has attended almost every year for the past 10 years. He used to be (I guess a part of him always will be) a mechanic and painted some of the coolest designs on cars that were in car shows in Salt Lake when I was a little girl. This year my parents couldn't come down, because my dad has a new job, is the low man on the totem pole and couldn't get work off. Normally when we attend the event, we look at all the cool cars, eat, and leave. But the past few years, our friends the Funderburks have showed their cars at the Jamboree. So we sit and visit with them, while we watch all the crazies walk by. Here are some pictures from that day:

Phoebee and Macy...just chillin"

The Funerburks - Andy decided to hide I guess

My pretty Phoebee

Geoff and Phoebee watching all the people

Phoebee meeting the Ballards & their little Gus for the first time

A week later, Macy-Moo turned one and had a fabulous birthday party. Nicole really out-did herself. Here are few a few pictures from that day:

"No more pictures mom!!!"

Geoff trying to take a nap, and Phoebee climbing all over him

The birthday girl, Macy

"I love baloons!!"

Us - Phoebee covered in birthday cake :)

4th of July & Tuachan

2011-07-22T17:35:00.007-06:00

Geoff's parents came and stayed a week with us. We went and watched Grease at the Tuachan down in St. George. This was their first time to go to the Tuachan. It was so hot, and poor Patti & her asthma weren't handling it well. Grease was okay - better than Footloose (one of the plays at Tuachan last year we watched), but just....okay. But over all, it was a fun night.

We attended the Cedar City 4th of July parade. This was Phoebee's first parade, and at first she was NOT a fan. This was because the parade started with fire engines - a lot of them, and her poor little ears didn't like it one bit.

So the follow pictures were taken before the parade started and she was happy :)

Kelton, Phoebee and Katie .... waiting and waiting for it to start

Kelton & Phoebee

My beautiful little girl is growing up so fast!!!!

Geoff and his parents

After the parade we went back to Katie's house and played in the back yard with the puppies. Bean and Val ran around like crazy. They miss living there so bad. Mya (Randy & Patti's yorkie) had fun, but was very protective of Randy and Patti, and any time Kye would come near them, she would try and bite Kye. Little stinker.

Phoebee crawling in the grass for he first time (she hated grass for a while)

Bean and Valentine

Katie brushing Kye - see how is eyes are closed? He LOVES getting brushed.

The family relaxing with all the kids in the shade

Phoebee eating a truck - yum!

Later that evening, we had a BBQ at our place, and watched fireworks from our front and back yard - yes you read that right. It was like we were playing musical chairs or something. Someone in our neighborhood was doing there own show from the front yard & then we watched Enoch Cities from our back yard. And by we, I mean Geoff and his parents. Phoebee does not like fireworks. I think we ruined that for her when we took her to watch the Utah Summer Games fireworks last month. They are the BEST fireworks show we've ever seen, but were very very very loud. It freaked Phoebee out, and she cried the whole time. So I tried taking her outside and sitting on a blanket or just standing. But no matter how far away it was, she let me know she didn't like it. So we spent the show in doors.

It was a fun week.

June - Robinson Reunion & Temple Sealing

2011-07-22T16:57:00.008-06:00

Summer seems to be getting busier and busier, but that's a good thing right? At least we have something to do, and family and friends to spend it with.

A little over two years ago, my grandpa George Ellsworth passed away. His wife, my grandma Juanita, made it a goal to have them sealed together in the temple. So on June 24th, we went to the Vernal, Utah LDS Temple to witness this, as well as a large portion of the Ellsworth family. My grandpa was sealed to his parents, grandpa George and grandma Juanita were sealed to each other, then those of their children who could be in the temple were sealed to them. It was a very spiritual and emotional experience for a number of reasons. When you're in the temple, the spirit is so strong, and manifests to you that the reason you are there is right and true. My dad was the only child of my grandparents unable to be sealed because he and my mother have not been through the temple. It was an experience of mixed emotions for Kenzee and I (Chase and Brooke were in New York and unable to attend), because we wanted our parents there with us more than anything. The goal of having our family sealed together for eternity is something that my siblings and I will never give up on, and hope will happen soon.

The next day was the Robinson family reunion in Manila. It was a fun day to spend time with family and enjoy the peace and quiet of the country. I really miss my home town sometimes. It's such a beautiful place and at times growing up, I thought that I would always go back to live. Given things that have happened and how truly toxic the people are there, I would never live there again. But it's always great to visit. Geoffrey was able to spend a day to himself fishing and relaxing....both things that he rarely gets to do, but loves. Here are some pictures of that day:

Grandma Juanita giving our family history

The group...

Phoebee with her great-grandma Juanita

Kris & Declan - super cheesy :)

Smore time!!

Kenzee & Liam - got to Manila in time for the campfire

Kris and Declan roasting marshmallows

Phoebee at her first campfire

Geoff took this picture during his day of fishing.

It was a good weekend, and great to see family. Our family is in charge of the reunion next year...so you all better watch out!

Brooke and Asher visit

2011-06-22T20:13:00.007-06:00

Brooke came to Utah and we went and had a quick visit with them, since we've missed them numerous times that they've been back to visit. Chase had to work and was unable to come out. We took some pictures of all the Ellsworth grand children together. We love and miss you Chase, Brooke and Asher!

Phoebee trying to hold Liams hand....haha. Cute bunch of kids!!!

Liam just chillin'

Brooke and Asher

Asher and Declan

This one cracked me up.....Phoebee glaring at Liam....oh boy!!

Phoebee looks like she's trying to console Asher - he wouldn't stop crying

Saxton Family Reunion

2011-06-22T19:14:00.008-06:00

For the first time ever, my moms side of the family got together and had a reunion. We all went into it with a little excitement, but admittedly a lot of nervousness (because it's a known fact that a lot of the Saxton family members DO NOT get along). Conveniently enough, it was held in St. George, which meant my family could come and stay with us, and attend the reunion. Win win for me.
The first night, a dinner was held at my cousin Lisa's home.....and WHAT A HOME! I have never been in a house so big....well, one that belonged to some one I knew anyway (others have been Parade of Homes houses). But to say that this home was big, is an understatement. Definitely nice, but something that I'd NEVER want to have.

I didn't take any pictures that night (not sure what I was thinking), so I borrowed some that Lisa sent me.

At the table is uncle Max - grandpa Saxton's younger brother, and Larry (Lisa's brother - Bonnie's son). Aunt Sue (mom's sister and others are in the background)

The next day, we went to Lisa and Monte's ranch. It was such a nice place and beautiful day. We sat around visiting under the trees, ate a lot of yummy food, and the guys went and shot skeet. It was great to get to meet family I'd never met before and reconnect with ones that I hadn't since I was a baby.

The Saxton family

Aunt Sue and her kids, Rory & his girlfriend, Bo & Lindsay

Declan upset that we're getting ready to leave....he had so much fun running around

Lisa, the hostess with the most-ess :)

tried to get the kids to sit still for a picture....Phoebee didn't want to....

Phoebee and her cousin Liam....cute kids huh?

Brian's graduation from the U of U

2011-06-22T19:07:00.004-06:00

Geoffrey's brother Brian graduated from the University of Utah. We were able to go up and attend it. Here are some pictures of that day. Way to go Brian!!!!

6 month photo shoot

2011-06-22T18:55:00.005-06:00

I put Phoebee through a little photo shoot when she turned 6 months old. She was a very good pupil. :)

6 - 8 months old

2011-06-22T18:32:00.005-06:00

Good grief, I have been a slacker. I wish I could say that we've been up to tons of things that have been occupying our time....but it's the same story....work, life, baby etc. So here are some pictures of Phoebee when she was 6, 7 & 8 months old.

Here are some of Phoebee's stats as of 8 months old:
Weight: 17.2 lbs (32nd percentile)
Height: 24.5" (1st percentile)
Head circumference: 17" (36th percentile)

So, our little Phoebee is short (very short) and chunky....looks chunkier than she really is. She started army crawling at 7 months, and giggles at mommy and daddy being silly. She LOVES music......not nursery rhymes, but the kind you hear on the radio. We have play her music every night before bed time (which is around midnight - 1 a.m.........don't ask....we've tried to break her of the habit). She was the best baby from newborn - 6 1/2 months at sleeping through the night, but recently, she's decided that she doesn't want to. She'd much rather cuddle with us or play with my hair (which she does obsessively like her dad). I was so spoiled, and really don't enjoy this getting up in the middle of the night stuff. But it's okay, she's worth it. Love you buga-boo!

Biggest Loser 5K event

2011-04-08T15:19:00.003-06:00

Some of you already know this, but I've started a blog to help me stay focused on getting healthy and changing my life www.newandhealthylife.blogspot.com

So far, it's not working for me, but others who are participating in the competition we started are doing very well. One of the things that I made a goal of, is to do a 5K. Geoff and I registered for the Biggest Loser Resort 5K, that took place at the Tuachan in St. George a couple weeks ago. It was actually pretty fun to do and Geoffrey and I are planning on trying to do another 5K (or different race) in the future. What was amazing about this, was people were there of all shapes, sizes, and ages. To me, this shows that you can do anything that you put your mind to, even when it's as simple as going for a walk.

Geoff and I stayed after and got to talk with Sarah (yes, Sarah Nitta from this seasons Biggest Loser - she's a friend from college), as well as the former Biggest Loser contestants. They were so nice, and seemed so genuinely happy to be there and put up with all of us who were star-struck. After all, they were where most of us are at now.....trying to figure out how to change our lives for the better.

Kristi and I

Geoff getting ready

Karen and I

Our little Phoebee....ready to go for a walk

The Starting line.....ready, set, run!

Ada, Phoebee and I

Adam, Phoebee and I. He LOVED Phoebee, even took a picture of her :)

Sam asked to hold Phoebee. It was so cute, because he couldn't quite figure out how to hold her and Phoebee just stared at him.

Koli, Geoff, Pheobee, Sarah, me and Darius

Sarah meeting Phoebee for the first time. So cute!

I am severely out of shape, and was so so so sore after the race, but it was worth it. I really hope that they do it again next year. Who's with me?

5 months

2011-02-12T19:13:00.009-07:00

It's been five months since our little miracle was born. I realized that I have been terrible at posting pictures of her. So I have created a five month collage of her and what we've been up to....

Newborn

One month old

Two months old

Three months old

Four months old

Five months old

Geoffrey and I consider ourselves the luckiest people alive to have been blessed with such a beautiful, healthy and fun little girl. She is light of our lives. It's amazing how much she changes every day and it's so fun to watch. She has quite the little personality on her. She wakes up with a smile on her face that just melts your heart. Her face lights up whenever her dad comes home from work, and it's the cutest thing to watch. She's starting to recognize the sound of the garage door opening, and turns towards the door, because she knows her daddy is going to walk through it.

She got her shots done the other day, and didn't handle it very well. She ran a high fever and was constantly throwing up. It broke my heart that I couldn't do anything to help. Her fever has finaly broke, but now she has a cough and congested nose. She's gone five months without so much as a sniffle. I am hoping it's just a cold and nothing more serious. It's not fun to have a sick baby.

This month we started her on solid foods this month. She tolerates bananas, carrots were a hit, pears.....not so much. This next phase of her life is going to be so fun!

Her stats for this month were:
15 lbs ( 54th percentile)
22.5 " long (1st percentile) - yes you read that right.....she's very short & very chubby

Love you little buga-boo.

Our friends

2011-02-12T19:04:00.006-07:00

Our friends Jason & Drea came to visit us last month for the weekend. It was such a great weekend to just relax and hang out with them. We watched way too may documentaries that FREAKED us out, but it was fun all the same. It made Geoff and I realize how much we miss being able to spend time with them and all of the other AZ peeps. Them coming up to stay with us, was exactly what we needed. Thank you for coming and visiting us. We love you guys and know that the Lord is looking out for you. Keep your chin up. Good things are coming your way!! We miss you guys so much!!

Phoebee being silly with aunt Drea

Geoff and Jason at the Cedar Breaks overlook - it was so cold. I thought Jason and Drea were going to freeze to death (since they just came from the AZ weather)

Me and Drea.....miss you mucho girl!

The beautiful couple - Jason & Drea

Family Pictures - Christmas 2010

2011-02-12T18:34:00.007-07:00

Our friend Liz, who took Phoebee's newborn pictures took our pictures this year for our Christmas card. She did an awesome job. Doing a Christmas card (with photos) was a first for Geoff and I. He had asked over the years why we never did one, but I couldn't give him a good answer, and just never got around to doing it. I figured that since we have our little miracle baby, why not show her off. So here are some of the pictures that were taken. I tried uploading each picture individually, but it wouldn't let me. So I decided to do something new and do a collage of them instead.

Christmas Card 2010

2011-02-01T16:33:00.003-07:00

Thanksgivng & Christmas 2010

2011-01-27T20:21:00.006-07:00

We spent Thanksgiving at my parents place this year, and I of course, didn't take any pictures. It was nice to get out of Cedar. I hadn't left since early summer, because of being so pregnant, and then Phoebee's arrival in September.

Christmas was spent in Salt Lake with Geoffrey's parents, for the majority of the time and then to my parents for a day to exchange gifts. We went up the night of Geoffrey's birthday, and walked through Temple Square and then went to eat at the Roof.

Doesn't everyone look sooooo happy to be their? he-he

Christmas Eve, we went and all got pedicures as part of our Christmas presents from Geoff's mom. This was Brian's first time getting one, and it was hilarious to watch. He hated every minute of it. I wish I would have taken pictures.

Christmas day, was spent mostly relaxing and watching movies/TV.

Phoebee's first Christmas....watching the basketball game intently :)

Opening presents with the family

That night we went to the "Star of India" restaurant to eat dinner. I am not a huge fan of Indian food - not that I could eat it each and every day kind of thing - but some of it is not too bad. However, Patti has said that she wants to start trying new things - new restaurants - and wants Geoffrey and I to go with her since the rest of the family isn't too keen on venturing out and trying new things (they'd rather stick to meat and potatoes). But, Randy and Brian hesitantly went along. I don't think that anyone really liked the food except for Geoffrey and I. But at least everyone tried something new.

The next day we headed up to my parents, and got a nice surprise....Chase, Brooke and Asher were able to come out from New York and spend time with us. It was great seeing them. We miss them a lot. Kenzee and Kris were in Texas killing innocent animals and took Declan with them, so my parents had Liam for the week. So the house was full of all the babies born in 2010.

Halloween 2010

2011-01-27T19:34:00.005-07:00

Yes, I realize that this has passed, but I neglected to post pictures of us. this was Phoebee's first Halloween & we decided (LAST MINUTE) to dress up & go to a costume party. So I frantically made us some costumes, dressing us up as the peanuts gang from "It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown". But I don't think people quite got what we were. This is who we were dressed up as:
This is what Geoff and Phoebee looked like:
Do you see it? If not, Geoff is Pig-Pen, Phoebee is the ghost with the Coon-skin cap, and I was Lucy (the witch-ghost). We just got some funny stares at that costume party. As you can see, she was out for the count, so we went home early.

One Year later

2010-12-04T22:32:00.006-07:00

You've been gone for a year today, although it seems just like yesterday that my heart was broken and you left us. I miss you so much still, that sometimes I can't breathe when I think about what happened and how sorry I am.

I wish you were here right now. We all miss you so much. You have a new little brother named Bean, that would have tormented you to pieces, just like he does to poor Val. You also have a little sister named Phoebee, who I know you would have loved.....well you probably would have loved her baby toys more. She's the most beautiful thing that I have ever seen, and I know that you would have taken good care of her. I know Valentine misses you as well. She stayed with grandma and grandpa Chesnut the other day, and layed on your grave and wouldn't move, which broke grandma's heart.

I know you're in a better place now, and are no longer in pain, but know that we miss you and wish you could be with us. We love you Ender.

Phoebee's birth announcement

2010-12-01T18:38:00.003-07:00

This is Phoebee's birth announcement. Liz Marshall, who took all those fabulous pictures, also did this announcement for us. I think it turned out so cute.

Phoebee's blessing

2010-10-17T23:34:00.007-06:00

Last weekend, Phoebee was blessed by her dad. Her grandpa Randy, great-uncle Robert, cousin Tyson, and Josh Adams were in the circle with Geoff. He gave Phoebee such a beautiful blessing. A friend of mine wrote it down for us, and I am very grateful she did. I wouldn't have thought to do that. We had a luncheon at our house after. It was a great weekend with tons of family around. We are so blessed to have such great family and friends that were willing to travel to be here for Phoebee's blessing.

Us with Phoebee. She's wearing the blessing dress that I wore when I was blessed.

Phoebee and her cousin Liam. They are two months apart.

Aunt Kenzee

Brian, Geoff, Declan, Patti, Cathlene & my mom

Aunt Kylee & Liam

Here are some pictures of Phoebee that I took that day:

Family pictures

2010-10-17T21:59:00.006-06:00

We had some family pictures taken by our freind Liz. She did such a good job that its hard to pick a favorite.

Love this girl

2010-10-17T21:44:00.005-06:00

These pictures will say it all:

She's Here!!!!!!!!

2010-10-17T18:29:00.019-06:00

The day after my 38 week check up, I woke up feeling that something was different. I didn't feel the baby moving and I felt like I was leaking fluid, but wasn't sure. So I called Geoff to let him know, and then called my doctor. The nurse told me to get to the hospital right away. Something told me that as I was getting ready to put all my stuff together, just in case I'd need it for later. I headed to the hospital, and got hooked up to monitors while I was waiting for Geoff to get there since he was in St. George in court. The nurse was actually a bit of a pill. I told her what my concerns were: little to no movement of the baby, and fluid leaking. She checked me and said that she didn't think that my water had broke and that my doctor was "too generous in saying that I was dilated to a 4 & 90% effaced". I am sorry, but I think that I am going to believe my doctor over you...thank you very much!

Geoff got to the hospital right after they did the fluid test, and while waiting for that to come back, I needed to have an ultra sound to check things. When we came back, that same nurse said that I tested positive for fluid and that they were admitting me & I was having the baby today. I looked at Geoff and smiled. He said "well I guess it's good that I came home when I did huh?" We called our families, and got checked into a room, hooked up to monitors and was ready to go.

They started a petosin drip at 2:30 p.m. and then slowly increased it over the next hour or two. The contractions were increasing, but it wasn't anything that I couldn't handle. Around 6:00 my doctor came in to check on me and break my water. I was dilated to a 6+ at that point, and they had asked if I wanted an epidural about an hour earlier, but I didn't need it. The doctor broke my water, and 5 minutes later I thought I was going to die. The contractions were registering off the charts, and were about 1-2 minutes apart. I started throwing up and shaking uncontrollably. It was ridiculous. I of course asked for the epidural at that point. The anesthesiologist came in and tried putting it in. He kept telling me to not move, but how can you not move when you're having contractions????? Getting the epidural was painful but not as much as the contractions. He hit a nerve and had to start over again, all the while telling jokes to try and get me to not focus on the pain. Geoff was positioned in front of me, helping brace me. Once the epidural was in, the babies heart beat dropped drastically. The nurse practically threw me on my side to check the baby. The next thing I know, the nurse was asking Geoff if he needed help up off the floor and wanted some food. Apparently, with all the commotion of me being in so much pain and then the decrease in the babies heart beat, it was a bit too much for him. He was sitting on a chair with his head down trying to calm down and felt he needed to lay down really quick. Good thing he did, otherwise he would have fallen on the floor when he blacked out. When he felt good enough to get up and came and sat by me again, he was so pale. I felt so bad.

Over the next 1/2 hour I waited for the epidural to kick in. Note to self: next time you have a baby, and if you have to be induced and your water hasn't broken....GET AN EPIDURAL BEFORE THEY BREAK YOUR WATER!!!!! I am not sure what time it was, but Geoff's mom arrived and we were still waiting for my mom and dad to get there. Around 8:00 I was checked and told that I was at a 10 and was ready to go. I started bawling. The reality of the situation set in. We were going to be parents & I was a bit overwhelmed. Not to mention that my parents weren't there yet, and I really wanted my mom to be there. This picture is of me right before I started pushing:

I started pushing, feeling the epidural wear off. With Geoff on one side and his mom on the other they coached me through pushing. Patti was near the monitor so she could see the contractions starting and would tell me when to start pushing. The doctor made the comment "do we really need to be here?" because she was keeping track of everything going on. With about 15 minutes or so to spare, my parents arrived, and my mom walked through the door. I was so happy to see her, because I really didn't want her to miss this. As the baby was coming out, I was told to stop pushing, because the cord was wrapped around her neck, pretty badly (which explains why her heart rate dropped so much while all that commotion was going on earlier). Once the doctor got the cord cut, he said one more push, and at 9:46 p.m. baby Phoebee arrived.

As you can see from the picture above, I was bawling. It was so overcome with emotions it was indescribable. The baby that we've waited for, for 10 years was finally here. To try and put into words the feelings that I was having at that time is impossible. She was the most beautiful thing that I have ever seen. I felt so much love for her and for Geoff that I felt my heart could literally burst at any moment.

Here is Phoebee while they were cleaning her up. Here are her stats: Phoebee Alfreeda Chesnut, born September 9, 2010 at 9:46 p.m., 6 lbs 9 0z, 18 inches long.

Because of the cord being around her neck and the doctor having to cut it, she lost a lot of blood that would normally transfuse from the cord into the baby. She was having a rough time breathing and they took her into the nursery to check on her. Geoff stayed with her in the nursery the entire time. I was moved into a different room and waited for them for what seemed like forever. Finally Geoff came into my room with her. We were all finally together. Geoff, me and our beautiful baby girl. I couldn't get over how perfect she was. She has chubby cheeks, a lot of strawberry blond hair (we have no idea where that came from because Geoff and I were both bald when we were born). She looks like her daddy. Has his eyes and facial expressions, and I absolutely love it.

Our little family getting ready to go home

Phoebee not liking the car seat

Hello gorgeous!!!!

After going home that Saturday, she had a check up the following Monday to get her Bilirubin checked. Her levels were normal when we left the hospital, so I was hopeful she'd be fine. But unfortunately, they had gone up drastically, and she needed to be admitted to the hospital. No one had ever explained the seriousness of having Jaundice. It's not something that you want to mess around with. I was heartbroken that she needed to stay in the hospital, but grateful at the same time that it was for something like that instead of the many other horrible things that little babies have to face. She was there for 2 days, and they finally said we could go home with lights until we were told her levels were okay. Here are pictures of her hospital stay:

Poor babies are exhausted

She had to have an I.V. in her head. Poor baby.

The hard part wasn't seeing the I.V. in her head, it was getting the tape and goop off her head with all that hair. It was horrible to watch & hear her scream like that.

We got her home and gave her her first bath. She loves to have water running on her head, but HATES sponge baths!

Me & my beautiful little girl

Words cannot adequately express the love that I have for my baby. To finally get to hold, touch, kiss & smell her is a dream come true. I've wanted to be a mother and have a family for so long. Now that she's finally here, its hard to imagine life without her. All the trials, heartaches & disappointments that Geoff & I have faced over these 10 years trying to get to this point don't matter any more. The only thing that matters is her. She is everything to us. The Lord has truly blessed us with such a beautiful & healthy baby girl & I will be forever grateful for that.

38 weeks

2010-10-17T17:36:00.008-06:00

I realize that this and the posts to follow are long over due, but I have been a bit preoccupied. I have a lot of catching up to do. So here we go........

This is me at 38 weeks, right before my doctors appointment. As you can see, I was starting to get pretty swollen everywhere. Pretty uncomfortable, but not in-tolerable!!!! To my surprise at my appointment my doctor told me that I was still dilated to a 4, but 90% effaced and that I could go into labor at any time. But if I didn't before I was 39 weeks, he would induce me. The realization of baby nut actually coming was starting to set in and I started feeling more and more anxious. And I couldn't be more excited.

I was trying to occupy my time, waiting for baby nut to come. So I found myself doing a number of projects like: making burp cloths, hair accessories for Phoebee, shampooing the carpet, walking a mile or more a few times every day. I started to get so uncomfortable and anxious for her to come, I was trying to do anything I could to get her here. Here are pictures of my projects:

Hung the mobile that Nicole and Andy made for us

Made burp cloths

Put vinyl decals on the changing table

Made hair accessories and head bands

37 week update

2010-09-01T19:14:00.003-06:00

I had my 37 week appointment on Monday. I had wondered if I was dilated at all, because I had been having contractions off and on for the two weeks previous. I was expecting maybe a 1 or 2, but then to my surprise, my Dr. told me that I was at a 3+ almost a 4 and sent me over to the hospital to be checked and monitored, because I was in the early stages of labor.

After being there for over 3 hours of being monitored and checked, contractions that didn't show up on the monitor, getting our hopes up that baby nut was on her way, and one expensive sandwich later, they sent me home, with instructions to come back when my water breaks and/or the contractions get worse. When we left the hospital, we realized how truly unprepared we were for her. We thought we had it all together. So after running a few errands and Geoff and I making a list of things we'd need, we ran home, packed a bag, washed some clothes and blankets for her, and got out the car seat. I figured that all that activity of doing things around the house, and going for walks was bound to break my water......but noooooooooo. That night I had contractions about every 10-20 minutes. It was a very long night.

Geoff has been talking to baby nut, telling her when she should come out. We "need" it to be on a weekend or Monday or Tuesday because of Geoff's hectic schedule. So, when my Dr. told me that I was in labor, we thought that baby nut listened to her dad and was being a very obedient little girl already. But maybe she's exactly like her dad, and decided to tease me :).

As of today, the contractions have been pretty sparse, but are still happening. So here I sit at a 4, 80% effaced with my water sack bulging.....waiting impatiently for baby nut to make her debut. My sister started a poll with when the baby will come and how big she'll be. What do you all think?

Goodbye Chase, Brooke & Asher

2010-08-22T16:37:00.007-06:00

My brother graduated with a degree in Hospitality Management and has been looking for a job for a while. They were hoping to stay in Utah, since both sides of the family are here also, but was open to having to relocate. He had an interview with a company who owns a few hotels across the US and the one they were interviewing him for happened to be in Palmyra, NY. He interviewed and they offered him the job. When Chase called to tell us about the job and that he was going to take it, of course I was very happy for him, but sad at the same time. Being the emotional boob that I am, plus the pregnancy hormones, I started bawling.

My family and I are really close, and it's hard to see them move so far away, knowing that we can't just drive a couple of hours to spend time with one another. But this opportunity for Chase is amazing and too good for him to pass up. He's going to be the General Manager for the Palmyra Inn. They moved, driving cross country last week and are in the process of settling in. They sent pictures of where they are at and it looks absolutely gorgeous out there. They live by the LDS temple and the Sacred Grove. Everything looks so green and beautiful. Once the baby comes, Geoff and I are going to try and figure out when we can get out there to visit them. We love you guys and are very happy for you!!! Miss you!

Here are some pictures I took of them before they left.

trip to Mesquite for Brooke's birthday

Asher testing out our baby toys for baby nut. He seems to like it :).

Don't you just want to squeeze his cheeks?????

Uncle Geoff and Asher saying goodbye :(

Baby Shower

2010-08-22T16:32:00.008-06:00

My friends Katie and Nicole threw me a baby shower last weekend at Nicole's house. They did such a wonderful job with EVERYTHING. The decor, the food, the atmosphere, the people who came. It was just fabulous! Those of you who didn't make it.....you missed out.....and I forgive you :).

Both sides of the family came down, which I am very thankful for. It was a great weekend to get to visit with everyone. Geoff and I got to see our nephew Liam for the first time also. He sure is a cutie. I also had some surprise visitors from Arizona. I was sitting at a table visiting with some friends, and I heard this "hello" behind me. I turned and saw Hillary and Sara. I was in such shock that I covered my face and started bawling. I never imagined that they'd be there, and that they'd drive that far for me. Geoff knew about it, and did a fabulous job at keeping it from me. I had NO IDEA that they were coming. It made my night. They ended up spending the night with us and we stayed up and gabbed like old times. It was great!!!!!

Thank you Nicole and Katie for doing that for me. You guys are the greatest!

Nicole and Andy made the mobile for baby nut's room. It turned out great!

Baby nut isn't spoiled AT ALL!!!!

Kenzee and Declan.....who tried to entertain everyone :)

My mom and Liam

Kylee and Liam

New House = Company

2010-08-22T16:13:00.003-06:00

Now that we have this new house, and have room for people to stay, we've been lucky enough to have both sides of the family come and stay the weekends with us, plus a few friends. This summer has been a lot of fun being able to actually have more than one person stay and not feel the cramped quarters of the basement we lived in for two years.

The house is still a work in progress, and everything that can be put a way has been. Right now Geoff and I have been struggling with what we're going to do for decor in all the rooms. The only one that is "done" is the nursery. We have stuff that we've collected over the 10 years we've been together, but a lot of it are things that we're wanting to change. Geoff and I have very similar tastes when it comes to decor, and we've been imagining for years what it would be like to be able to have our own place and what we'd do to it. But now that we're in here, I'm stumped. I really have no clue what to do. Geoff has been looking on websites for furniture and different ideas, and has found some things he likes. I've been watching HGTV or DYI almost every day trying to be inspired, but nothing has came to me. Hopefully one of these days my decorating bug will kick in.

Nursery

2010-08-17T22:46:00.011-06:00

Moving into a new house has been such a blessing for Geoff and I. It's proven to be hard work, but very worth it. One of the first projects we chose to tackle was the nursery. My mom and dad came down one weekend and volunteered their services, time and tools to help us with it. It was actually my mom's idea for the concept of the room. My parents are very talented when it comes to decor, making things and anything artistic. There would have been no way Geoff and I could have done it with out them. The following are pictures of the process of putting the nursery together and some of the other projects along the way:

As you can see, it turned out great. We still haven't put up any decor yet, but the majority of the work is out of the way. Once it's all together I will post pictures.

This changing table was given to us, and was originally a wood-grained yellowish color. So Geoff and I stained it and replaced the hardware. It turned out pretty good. I still might do a few things to it. If I do, I'll take some pictures.

Nursery....done. Bring on the baby!!!!

33 Weeks

2010-08-17T22:23:00.005-06:00

I must have spoken too soon, when I said that things were going really well with my pregnancy in my last post. I had a bit of a scare a few days after posting that. My blood pressure was really high, so I ended up having to do some stress tests over at the hospital among other tests. Before going over the hospital from my doctors office, I went and picked Geoff up so I wouldn't be alone. We were there for a while, because baby nut wouldn't cooperate and hold still long enough to get a good reading on her heart beat. But after a while the tests showed that things were fine with her, and sent me home. My doctor was afraid that I was developing preeclampsia, and wanted to make sure that things were okay, considering my blood pressure was so high and that Geoff and I have been waiting for so long for baby nut to come. Better safe than sorry. He's told me to try and keep my stress levels down and take it easy. I think we can all agree that is easier said than done.

Here is a picture of me at 33 weeks:

Baby Update

2010-07-19T16:10:00.008-06:00

I had my 30 week appointment last week and things are going great. Baby nut is growing, kicking and doing really well. Some of you already know this, but my sister Kenzee just recently had her baby. What she was told after seeing two ultra-sounds and what we all thought would be coming out...a girl....ended up being a boy! He's a cute little guy, named Liam. Here's a picture of him:

We have yet to see him, but hope to soon. Anyway, since that whole fiasco with Liam happened, Geoff and I decided that at my next appointment we'd make sure that we could see what the baby was....boy or girl....just as long as we knew. I told the tech about what happened with Kenzee and she was shocked and said "well lets make sure that it's still a girl". This is what she found:

Then after determining that baby nut was still a girl, she took some 3-D pics of her. She didn't cooperate very well. She kept trying to hide just like the last time, but this is what she got of our precious baby girl:

It's amazing how much you can see her little features. She's still tiny, only about 3 lbs now....maybe so she has a lot of filling out to do. But we can't wait to see her in person. We've decided on the name Phoebee for those of you who don't know. But that very well could change once she gets here, and she doesn't look like a Phoebee.

Things couldn't be going better with my pregnancy and I feel very fortunate for that. I've been doing very well with my weight gain....something that my doctor and I were really worried about because of my PCOS and how easily I gain weight. But I have been right on target. My blood work and blood pressure have been very good. So things are going great. I have started to feel very pregnant now, however. And with that comes the inability to sleep very well. I can only sleep on my left side, because everything else hurts. I have yet to find a comfortable position, or to actually get a good nights rest. I guess your body does this to you on purpose though....to prepare you for what's to come when the baby is actually here.

And now....for my first prego picture ever........

This is me at 28 weeks.....in all my glory. HAHAHA!

Now that I am past 30 weeks, I go into the doctor every two weeks to get checked. Hopefully things will continue to go well and baby nut will be here before we know it. 9 weeks and counting!!!!!!!!!

Robinson Family Reunion 2010

2010-07-19T15:54:00.004-06:00

The end of June, we went to Manila for our annual Robinson Family reunion. There were a few people there that I hadn't seen in a while, and unfortunately, I didn't take very many pictures. I don't know what I was thinking. My mom threw us an "impromptu" family baby shower for Kenzee and I. And of course, I didn't take any pictures of that either. I was out of it I guess. Thanks to all of those who brought Kenzee and I gifts. They were great!!!!! Here are the few pictures that I did manage to snap....

Kenzee and Sarah

Grandma.....wouldn't look at the camera

JaNita and I

Brooke holding Asher, Chase, Kylee and about-to-pop Kenzee :0)

JeniKa, Aunt Holly, and Breanna

It was a good weekend. Really nice to see all of my family and to have been able to get away. See you guys next year!!!!

Look what we bought

2010-06-17T10:09:00.004-06:00

That's right people. We are officially home owners. After signing our lives away last night, we drove out and took this picture of our FIRST HOME. As you can see, there is a lot of landscaping that needs to be done, (because it's almost a 1/2 acre lot) but that's okay. We still don't have the keys to it yet, but have been told that we'll get them today or tomorrow. So let the packing and moving begin. More pictures to come.

GRRRRRRR

2010-06-16T12:59:00.004-06:00

So...it's the story of our lives. NOTHING has ever just gone smoothly for us. Nothing has ever happened when it's "supposed" to happen (like deadlines etc.) I have been neglecting to post about this topic for a variety of reasons. Mainly because every time we talk about something that we get really really excited about, it ends up taking a nose dive, then we have to explain to EVERYONE that we've told what happened and why........it gets exhausting.
So, for the past 2 years since being back in Cedar City, we've been looking for a house.....that's been no secret. Well, 4 offers on houses later, we've FINALLY found a great house, in a great neighborhood, great price....great everything. So we put an offer on it, before the April 30th deadline to have it under contract in order to get the First Time Home-Buyer Tax Credit. But of course, we ran into a hiccup. I will spare all of you the details, because it has to do with someone that a lot of people know in this community and I am not about name bashing. So....long story short, we had to write letters and go through hoops to get the house under contract. It was a mess. It was under contract, and we needed to get the paperwork done for the loan. We'd already been approved for a previous house at the same price we were offering, so you'd think that the process would go fairly quick right? Wrong.....it's us we're talking about.
After getting EVERYTHING in that was required, I was accused of trying to commit fraud. WHY, you ask? Because I filled out my employee verification form, and my boss verified it and signed it. But because it was MY handwriting on it, our brokers boss thought I was trying to commit fraud and killed the loan. Our broker was furious, and fought it, but because of his boss not asking questions before he killed the loan, the bank who accepted our loan, would no longer work with us because of it. So.....our broker had to find another bank that would lend to us. Once he did, it took a few weeks for them to review everything and get approved.
They approved us FINALLY, but we needed to get this thing closed by June 30th, otherwise we don't get the Tax Credit. Can you say "down the to wire"?????? We get a call from our broker on Monday saying everything was good to go and we could close this week. We were so excited knowing that this was actually going to happen for us. I rearranged Geoff's schedule to accommodate that for TODAY. We go into the title company to sign the paperwork to close, and wouldn't you know it??????.....the bank didn't send over the papers and wouldn't until later this afternoon. Geoff has a firm to run, and isn't available whenever you need him to be. It takes planning people!!!!! Luckily the Title Co said we could come back tonight when Geoff is done with work. But still......why in the world when things are supposed to happen at a certain time, they don't????????????
Just frustrated, because we just want this to be over with. I need to calm down and focus on the fact that we are getting a house and can move in this week, but I think it's the pregnancy hormones taking over and the waiting for years for this to actually happen.....and we're still waiting. Ugh!
On a positive note, we are getting the house, and I will post pictures.....if we ever get to move in.

My Funny Valentine

2010-06-09T11:17:00.005-06:00

Today our little Valentine turns 4 years old. I can't begin to tell you how much we love her. She has the sweetest personality and is the best dog we could ask for. Lately we've been going on walks, and Val is so good that we've been letting our friend Katie's little 2-year old boy walk her. She's so patient with him, and walks at a slow enough pace for him to keep up. It's pretty cute.

Life has changed pretty dramatically for her since Ender died, having to now put up with Bean, but she's handled it like a champ. She's still hasn't asserted herself to be the top dog yet, but really don't plan on her doing it. She's too sensitive....unless it comes to Katie's dog Kye. Kye is a 125 lb lab that tries to sneak down here and steal Val and Bean's little chewies. He's successful most of the time, but every now and then Val catches him and lets him have it. I think that sometimes Val and Bean think they are bigger than Kye. It's pretty funny to watch.

She's definitely daddy's little girl. She'll snuggle with him any chance she can get. We love you Valentine! Happy birthday baby girl!

The Love of a Dog

2010-05-25T10:41:00.004-06:00

It was Ender's birthday the other day. He would have been 5 years old. I wish that I could say that I have gotten over his death, but the horrific details of that night still haunt me. And knowing that his birthday was coming up reminded me how much I miss him. It breaks my heart not having him here with us anymore. I loved that little guy so much.

I have still been struggling with blaming myself for what happened to him, and keep asking Heavenly Father to forgive me and hope that Ender can forgive me too. I feel comfort at times that things are and will be okay and that I will see my little Ender again, but every now and then doubt creeps in.

I find that happens a lot in my life. But I also know that those feelings aren't coming from the Lord. They come from the one who wishes nothing more than to make us feel absolutely horrible about our life. No hope, no happiness, no love.........nothing. But I KNOW happiness and love. I feel it every day. I feel it when Geoff looks at me, hugs and kisses me and tells me that he loves me. I feel it when Valentine and Bean cuddle with me on the couch. I feel it when I feel this baby girl move around inside me and hear her heart beat when we go to the doctor. I feel it when I look at the pictures of Ender, as sad as they sometimes make me, but remember how much we loved him and how much he meant to us. And I know he loved us too.

I was reading a friends blog this morning and found this as part of one of her posts. I was overcome with emotions as I read it, and felt this is what I needed to help me cope with Ender being gone:

A DOGS PURPOSE (from the perspective of a 6 year-old)

"Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolfhound named Belker. The dog's owners, Ron, his wife Lisa, and their little boy Shane, were all very attached to Belker, and they were hoping for a miracle."

"I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we couldn't do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home."

"As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience."

"The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker 's family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away."

"The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker's death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives."

"Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, 'I know why.' ''

"Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I'd never heard a more comforting explanation. It has changed the way I try and live."

"He said, 'People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life -- like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?'"

"The six-year-old continued, 'Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long.' ''

When I read this, I knew it was true. Anyone who has a dog or a pet can tell you that they love you unconditionally. I know Ender loved us and we loved him, and I pray that we will see him again. Ender, we miss you so much. Happy Birthday.

10 years

2010-05-24T17:31:00.005-06:00

On May 13th, it was our 10 year anniversary. Geoff bought us tickets to Tuachan to go and see the comedian Brian Regan. If you don't know who he is, look him up, he's HILARIOUS!!!! We went out to dinner before, and then met up with Chase and Brooke who came down for the weekend. It was a great night. Thanks for a great anniversary babe! :)

Time really has flown by for us in some aspects. Geoff asked me that day if I was happy with where we were at, and if I pictured ourselves being somewhere different in 10 years. Of course my reply was I am happy, I've been very happy with us and our relationship and wouldn't change a thing. Did I see our lives being different than it is now? Honestly, yes, but for only one reason. I figured we'd have a couple of kids by now, but that was out of our control. So if that's my only "gripe" I think that we're doing good. We have been blessed a lot over the years together, more times than I can count, and have had to learn to rely on one another in everything that we have done. It's brought us closer together and I think has given us a such a strong relationship, and I am forever grateful for that. I am very lucky that Geoff married me, and I thank the Lord every day for him and man that he is and the father that he will soon be. I love you more than words can express Geoffrey. Love you!

Asher's Blessing

2010-05-24T17:05:00.014-06:00

A couple of weeks ago, my brother Chase graduated from UVU. We weren't able to be there for it, because of work, but are very very proud of Chase and his finally graduating. Here's a picture of that happy day:

We spent the weekend with my family and had a lot of fun. We took Declan to the Dinosaur museum at Thanksgiving Point. His face says it all in some of these pictures. He had a blast.

The kids weren't the only ones having fun at the museum :). Geoff and I my dad actually took longest to get through it, because they were looking at and reading everything there. It was funny.

It was a pretty long day after that, so we went back to Chase and Brooke's place to get the house ready for the blessing the next day. I didn't do anything at all because I was SICK.....sicker than sick. So I just sat on the couch and watched everyone else doing things. But I did get a few cute pictures.

Cutie pie Asher

Declan even helped out with the cleaning.

The next day was the blessing for Asher, and Chase did a great job. We went back to their place for a luncheon after and had a great time visiting with everyone and playing Rock Band :).

This was the only picture that I got of Asher in his blessing outfit. But he looked adorable!
Declan rocking out on the drums with his mom :)

Michael Buble concert

2010-05-17T13:16:00.005-06:00

So, I know this was well over a month ago, but I needed to post about it really quick. For a Christmas present from my parents, they got all of us kids/spouses tickets to the Michael Buble concert that was at the end of March. We were shocked how close the we were to the stage. We didn't get to sit by one another, but were close enough to where we could still see eachother. Kenzee wasn't able to make it because of bad whether, so Kylee had to sit by herself....poor Kylee.

I wish I had better pictures to show of the event, but the people at the door told me I couldn't bring my camera in, so the only pictures I got were with my phone :(. The opening act was a group called "Naturally 7" (pictured above), and they were AMAZING. They are an acapella group that was just awesome. You should check them out on YouTube.

Then out came Michael.......ahhhhh....Michael. I'm sorry.....but he's just dang good lookin' and can sing to boot. He put on a great show. We all had a great time and are very grateful for my parents giving us such an awesome Christmas present!

"We know....we know....we know......"

2010-05-04T10:27:00.004-06:00

I was supposed to find out today what we are having, but me and my being impatient got an early appointment last week. Which in hind-sight, probably worked out for the best. I started getting a cold last Monday, and it's just gotten worse and worse. There is no way I would have the energy to go in today, let alone the ability to talk......my voice is completely gone.

So without further ado, we are happy to announce that we are having a .......................................GIRL!!!!!!!!! Yes, yes, yes, we are having a girl. Honestly, I didn't know what to expect. Geoff had a feeling, but hoped that he was wrong (because he is now worried about having to carry a gun to scare off the boys). But, more than anything, we are excited that this is finally happening for us. It wouldn't have mattered at all if it were a boy or girl. As long as the baby gets here and is healthy.....we don't care. When the ultrasound tech told us that it was a girl, I just started laughing. Geoff didn't say much, and he didn't need to. I saw his face and could tell that he was happy. We're having a baby!!!!

Now knowing that it's a girl, makes this much more real. I still haven't bought anything for her, but my mom on the other hand, already went crazy & bought some of the cutest outfits and shoes for her. Sometimes, I have to pinch myself, because I wonder if I am going to wake up and this all be a dream. But for now, I am trying to enjoy being pregnant (aside of this terrible head and chest cold I have right now).

I wish that I had pictures to show you of her, but unfortunately, the pictures that the ultrasound tech chose to print off were absolutely terrible. There is no doubt that there is a little girl inside of me.....she had no problem spreading her legs for us to get a good shot. But, when it came to her face, that was another story. She was hiding behind my placenta and wouldn't come out, and when she did (for only a split second), she had her hands in front of her face like she was trying to hide from us or she would flip upside down so we could only see the top or back of her head. Little stinker. The tech tried to get her to move around, and so did I, but she was content just staying there.....kicking stretching all over the place, but refusing to move her head to where we could see her. The tech said I could request to have another one done since no good shots of her face or profile were taken, but I am sure that I have to pay for this request, and am unsure if it's really that important that I see her face right now. Who knows.....maybe I will change my mind. For now, were are enjoying the thought of finally having a family of our own, and for this little girl to come into our lives. We can't wait to meet you baby girl!

Shoes

2010-05-04T10:18:00.003-06:00

Why must Bean be such a pain? I think he must suffer from separation anxiety or something, because.....well.....you be the judge for your self:

See anything wrong with these pictures? This destruction happened within a week. So, I now have no black flip flops and no dress shoes to accommodate my ever-swelling feet. AND....this morning, I wake up to the sound of chewing, and he's now torn into another pair of MY nice shoes. Geoff's shoes are fine.....resting soundly, untouched, in the closet. Pretty soon I am literally going to be "bare-foot and pregnant", because Bean will see to it that I have no shoes left to wear.

IT Happened

2010-04-08T18:32:00.011-06:00

What is "it" you ask? Well bare with me while I try and explain. I have been struggling for months on what I would put in this post, once I was ready to talk about it. For some people it would be so simple to talk about, but for Geoff and I, it's something different all together. Some of you already know this, and have been waiting anxiously to see the "official announcement" on this blog. So here you go.......

WE'RE PREGNANT!!! After 9 years of trying, two miscarriages last year, we can say that I am finally pregnant. After numerous fertility treatments over the years, this pregnancy happened with no fertility drugs.....this one was all-natural. I am now 4 months along, due on September 21st, and a little over 16 weeks along. This is the farthest that I have ever been before, and the doctor is really really optimistic that everything is going really well, and I will carry this baby full term. I found out at 4 weeks and every day has been a huge step in the right direction.....but it also seems like this has been going on forever, because we're counting down each day trying to make sure we make it to the end.

At 5 weeks they did a ultra sound to see what was going on and if there was progress. This is the picture of that ultra sound. You will see a small white spec in the upper right corner of the yoke sack, that looks like a grain of rice. That is the baby. When we saw that, we felt relieved that there was something in there, but still worried that this may not work.

A few weeks later, they did another viability scan, and the picture below is what we saw. It's amazing that they grow and develop so fast. We also got to see and hear the heart beating. Words can not express the feelings I felt in that moment. I was so overwhelmed with emotions, that I started bawling. My doctor patted me on the leg, and said "You can cry all you want, you've waited a long time for this". It was absolutely amazing.

The next pictures are 3D ultra sounds that the doctor took at 10 weeks. Geoff wasn't at this appointment, because I told him I was just getting a check up, and had no idea that they would do another ultra sound. The baby wouldn't hold still for him to get a great picture. As you can see, at this point it doesn't look quite like a baby, but it doesn't matter. What matters is that our little "nut" is growing, moving around and doing exactly what it's supposed to.

A few weeks ago, I went to another appointment for a check up, and they couldn't find the heart beat (which made me start to panic). We thought that we heard it for a second, but the nurse wanted to make sure that everything was okay, so they did another ultra sound. The heart beat was strong, the baby rolled around, arched it's back........absolutely amazing.

Week 20.....a little more than 3 weeks away, we will find out what we're having, and are so excited. I think finding out will make this much more real, and honestly really don't care what it is, as long as it gets here (Geoff says he would prefer a boy, but deep down, I really think that he doesn't care either way). This whole thing has been so nerve-racking for us, especially Geoff. In the very beginning when I would call him, I would have to start my conversations with him by saying "I am fine, I am not bleeding......" and then proceed to tell him what I needed to. It's so different when you become so paranoid about things, that you really can't enjoy the miracle that this really is. But we are very optimistic of the future and what it holds for us and this baby. We have faith that everything will work out just fine and that we can finally hold our own baby in our arms.

Geoff and I feel so blessed right now that this has finally happened for us. Even though waiting for this baby to come for over 9 years hasn't been easy for us, we KNOW that the Lord knew when the right time was for us. It's always in His time, and not ours. Enduring this trial Geoff and I had to go through would probably have ruined other couples relationships, but for Geoff and I, it brought us closer to one another. We have learned to love each other more, and know that we can make it through anything, as long as we rely on one another and on the Lord.

However, we know that we can't do this alone. We all know that there is strength in numbers, so what we're asking you, is to keep us in your thoughts and pray that this little "nut" will make it here. Thank you to all of you who have already been calling and checking up on me and the baby. It means the world to us.

January 2010 catch up

2010-02-26T12:48:00.016-07:00

I have some catching up to do, so I guess that I will just jump right into it. In January, my cousin Tyson got married to a great gal named Shar in the Bountiful temple. The ceremony was wonderful, Shar looked beautiful, and the couple couldn't have been happier. Here are some pictures from that day.

My mom and Declan, and Aunt Cathlene

All of us standing out side the temple....in the cold....waiting for Tyson and Shar to come out. It was freezing that day.

My dad, Brandon and Sarah

Chase and Brooke

Here they are!!!!!

Shar looking beautiful

Aunt Christa, Willis (aka Caden...hehe), Jenika, Uncle Robert, Aunt Cathlene and Kiera

Geoff and Declan....had to have his ball for some entertainment I guess

Declan was running all over the place, with my dad's gloves on....fingers flapping everywhere. It was hilarious.

My dad and Declan chasing down the ball.

Chase and Declan....can you say "cheeeeeeeeese"?

The next day was Kylee's birthday, so we went to Texas Roadhouse to celebrate.

Look at the birthday girl! 21 years old. Yikes! Love you Kylee.

On January 28th, my new little nephew was born. Chase and Brooke became the proud parents of Asher Chase Ellsworth. He's a tiny little thing, but so adorable. As you will see, his poor little head is bruised, from a rough delivery. But we're very glad that he's here, healthy and mom and baby are doing well. Love you guys!

Brooke and Asher getting ready to go home from the hospital

The next pictures are pictures that I took from Chase and Brooke's facebook profile. They were done by a girl named Angie Rasmussen Andrews who is the photographer for Sweet Memory Garden photography at www.sweetmemorygarden.com. I thought she did a great job, and wanted to post these cute pictures. I hope that's okay :).

Bean

2009-12-31T19:32:00.004-07:00

I've made a few posts below about the Holiday's. I figure that since 2010 is in only a few hours, I better catch up. So don't forget to look below.
Well, if you can't tell from the title or have not seen the picture of Bean on the side of our blog, we have a new addition to the family to talk about. It's with mixed emotions that I talk about this. Ender's passing is still fresh in our minds and both mine and Geoff's heart aches every day for him. As I mentioned in the post about Ender, we aren't the only ones that are hurting. Valentine wasn't dealing well at all with Ender being gone. She wouldn't play, she would barely eat, and we'd come home and she'd be hiding. It was a harsh reminder of the loss that we all have just suffered. We couldn't take seeing her so sad. She lost her big brother, just like we lost our little boy.
I knew what the answer was to making Valentine happy again, but it made my heart hurt to think about doing it. I knew we needed to get her a little buddy, but I couldn't bring myself to make that final decision. Geoff felt that we needed to get a new little puppy to focus on, so we wouldn't sit around thinking about Ender all the time. But part of me felt like I was betraying Ender. I know that we can never replace Ender, because he's absolutely irreplaceable, and we wish more than anything that he was still here with us. But we felt that this is what we needed to do to help us and Val move on.
So Geoff found us a little guy out in Enoch. We went by just to check him out, and he melted our hearts.......so of course, we took him home with us. He's a spunky little guy, that loves to torment Val. She at first, wanted nothing to do with him, but I think that he's slowly breaking her down. We just wish that she would assert herself. For three years Ender was in charge. Now she needs to step up and take the position that Ender left vacant. It's going to take some time for her to get used to being in charge, but I know she can do it.
Wondering where we got the name Bean from? For those of you aren't familiar with where we got Ender and Valentine's name from in the first place....let me educate you. One of Geoff's favorite books is Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card. Orson Scott Card had acutally written a series of books about Ender (which are pretty good books, if you like Sci-Fi), and a shadow series about Bean. Ender is the main character, his sister is Valentine, and Bean is a friend/schoolmate of Ender's. Bean was always in Ender's shadow in the books, and thought it was fitting to name him what we did. So there you go. So, without further ado.....introducing Bean (all 3 pounds of him).

See how small he is....trying to eat the wrapping paper

Trying to kiss Val

Christmas 2009

2009-12-31T18:52:00.015-07:00

CHRISTMAS #1

This year, we were lucky enough to have two weekends of Christmas. The first weekend was spent at Chase and Brooke's place since Chase was going to have to work all Christmas week and he wouldn't be able to spend it at my parents place. We had a great time. All the siblings and their spouses and kids were there. Brooke cooked the whole time we were there.....seriously! She hardly ever just sat and relaxed with us. Brooke...the food was amazing, thank you for your hard work. After we opened presents, and ate all the food we could, we went out on Brooke's grandpas property and took family pictures. Later that evening, Geoff and I, his parents, and Chase and Brooke went and ate at The Roof in Salt Lake. The food was great, as was the company. Geoff and I have decided that going to The Roof will be our tradition each Christmas. Here are some pictures of that weekend:

Not sure what they were looking at. Probably this....

Goober very content with his new toy

But he couldn't figure out how to hold the gun :)

The Ellsworth Family

Mom, Dad and Kylee

Geoff and I

Chase, Brooke...and soon to be baby boy

Kris, Kenzee and Declan

Christmas #2

We spent Christmas at my parents place. I didn't hardly take any pictures of that week at all, but I will post one in particular. On Christmas Eve, we went to my aunt and uncles house for dinner. We all sat around visiting, and noticed that Goober had disappeared....because it was very quiet. Someone found Goober in the laundry room and yelled for me to get the camera. I ran in, and this is what I found:

How can you be mad at this face......seriously?

Thanksgiving 2009

2009-12-31T18:40:00.007-07:00

We spent Thanksgiving with Geoff's parents this year. We had yummy food, thanks to Geoff's mom, played games, and enjoyed each others company. We took a trip to see the lights at Temple Square. They were beautiful, as always...but it was friggin' cold. Here are some pictures I took that night.

Geoff and his mom

Ender

2009-12-10T09:35:00.031-07:00

I had the worst dream last Thursday. I dreamed that our little Ender had passed away. At first, I couldn't figure out what was going on. Ender wasn't in our house anymore, and Geoff and I were heart broken. Why he passed away, I didn't know. All I knew was that he was gone. My dream suddenly started focusing on Ender sitting in front of me, with that cute little look he always gives us...head tilted to the side, tongue hanging out a bit. Just as cute as can be. I realized he wasn't with us anymore. He was in heaven.

I woke up to the sound of my alarm Friday morning, and remembered the awful dream I had, and immediately looked for Ender. I found him, sleeping soundly, on his little heater blanket on the floor. I touched his soft hair, picked him up and hugged him, taking in the smell of his newly cleaned hair. I kissed him on the head, and told him that I loved him. All was right with the world. I had my husband, Ender and Valentine. Everyone was still alive.....it was just a dream.

Both mine and Geoff's day went on as usual. We both worked, and he was on his way home from St. George when I was getting groceries to make something for dinner. I have been emotionally exhausted lately from various events in our life lately, and decided to pick up something up instead of cooking myself. I came home to find Geoff sitting with Ender and Val around him, playing a video game. I brought the food into the living room and started eating dinner. Ender and Val always surround us when we eat, because they know that we are pushovers and will give them food off our plates. However, this time, I had a pork rib in my hand, and knew that they shouldn't have that. Val tried to take it from me, and I moved my hand enough to keep it from her, looked at her and said "No, Val!". While looking at Valentine, Ender grabbed the pork rib out of my hand. I yelled at Geoff to help me get if from him, just to take it away. But to our horror, Ender had somehow swallowed it.

The next series of events are images and memories that I wish that I could get out of my head. Ender went rigid.....it was stuck......he couldn't breathe. Both mine and Geoff's fingers were too big to get in Ender's mouth and down his throat to get out the rib. He wasn't breathing. We were screaming. We didn't know what to do. The only thing that Geoff knew to do (because I was hysterical) was to try and get the bone out and/or clear the airway. He pushed the bone down further to allow Ender to breathe. Katie from upstairs called and found the On-call Vet, and we made it to his office within 5 minutes of this whole thing happening.

The Vet had to intubate Ender, making sure he could breathe. I was still hysterical, and couldn't focus on things, so Geoff and the doctor discussed the best options for Ender. I had to draw a picture of the bone to show both the Vet and Geoff how big it was. They both looked at me like I was crazy....I was over exaggerating on the size. After discussing Ender's options, the Vet decided to go in and get the bone.

Geoff helped assist the Vet in the surgery. He watched the whole thing. I couldn't. I couldn't watch my little boy be cut up. I couldn't do it. Once the Vet pulled the bone out, both he and Geoff were just shocked. How in the world could such a small dog swallow something that big? HOW? It doesn't make sense. After removing the bone, things seemed to be fine. But, while the Vet was sewing Ender back together his breathing became more and more shallow.....until he wasn't breathing on his own. His heart was still going, but he wouldn't breathe.

The Vet over the next 2 1/2 hrs did everything he could to help Ender. He told us he'd go as long as we wanted him to. Both Geoff and I were sitting side by side, talking to Ender, trying to get him to come back to us. But he wouldn't respond to the Vets repeated attempts to get his system to start working again. We had to make the hardest decision that we've EVER had to make. We had to let him go. If he couldn't breathe on his own after so many hours of having to be assisted, he wasn't going to. The Vet pulled out the tubes, and slowly Ender's heart stopped.

Ender was gone.

We didn't have a place to bury him, and knew that if we left him with the Vet, they would most likely dispose of Ender's body in a manner that is just horrible to think of. Geoff said he wanted to take him to his parents place in SLC. So Geoff wrapped Ender's fragile little body up in his sweater and he took him home for the last time. We both knew we wouldn't be able to sleep, and knew we didn't want to stay home, so we packed our things and drove to SLC.

The next morning, we buried little Ender in Geoff's parents back yard, next to another family dog. We had a full service for him. Geoff's family was grieving along with us. My siblings came over, as well as Brenna to help support Geoff and I.

A lot of people probably don't understand, and won't understand, the loss and pain that Geoff and I feel right now. After 9 years of trying to have a baby, and two failed pregnancies in the past 6 months, Ender and Valentine are all we had, as far as a family of our own. They ARE our children in every sense of the word. Geoff gave Ender to me as a gift before he went to law school, to keep me company. A year later we got Valentine to be a companion for Ender. Our friends and family, who like pets, absolutely loved Ender. He was the cutest thing that you ever saw. He was a rolley-polley little guy, that just wanted your love and attention.

How does one pick up the pieces of a life that seems to be in a shambles lately? How do you move on from a death of someone that meant so much to you? I can't imagine the grief we would feel if we had lost a child of our own, because this is hard enough to have to go through. Our heart aches knowing that he's no longer with us, and it seems that the pain will never truly go away. We're not the only ones suffering though. Val is, because she lost Ender too. She won't play as much, she hides from us every time we start crying. She lays on the floor looking at the front door, waiting for Ender to run through it. It breaks my heart looking at her.

Geoff and I continue to question every move that we made that night, blaming ourselves for things that were ultimately out of our control. I know that the visions of that night will haunt us for a long time, and I pray that the pain will go away. However, with as much as this hurts, we both realize that we would rather go through this pain, than to have never had Ender in our lives. He was such a blessing and brought such happiness and joy to our lives. I know without a doubt that Geoff and I will see Ender again. I can't imagine that the Lord would deny us of being able to never be with someone again, even a pet, that brought you so much joy while on this earth. Ender was alive, he had a body and soul, and one of the most adorable personalities that you could ever come across. I know he's in heaven now. He can breathe better, and can run around. The constraints that this world bound him with are no more.

I want to thank Geoffrey's family for letting us come to their house to bury our little boy, for Brian for preparing Ender's grave, for Randy giving Geoff and I blessings of comfort, and for Patti sitting with us, crying, and for offering her love and support. They helped us through a time that was so difficult for us, and we know we couldn't have done it with out them. I want to thank my parents for listening to my hysterical phone call that night, and for calling me each day since then to check on me. Thank you to my siblings, as well as Brenna, for coming and seeing Geoffrey and I. It meant the world to have your support. Thank you to the many friends who have called or text to let us know that they are here for us. Thank you Katie.....for doing what we couldn't have done. Our house was torn apart, while looking for something to try and get the bone out of Ender's throat. Katie came in, and cleaned up everything, so we didn't have to face that. You made it much easier for us, and helped out more than you'll ever know.

We miss you so much Ender. We love you, and look forward to the day that we will be with you again.

Halloween

2009-11-02T20:56:00.004-07:00

Okay...so I am quite aware that we don't have children of our own. But anyone who knows Geoff and I, know how much we love our dogs. They are our children. So it was only fitting to dress them up for Halloween.....right? I'm probably a mean momma by dressing them up....but there's really nothing they can do about it.

My little Ender hotdog

Pretty butterfly Valentine

BYU weekend

2009-11-02T20:13:00.009-07:00

Two weekends ago, Geoff and I were able to go to the BYU homecoming game against TCU, thanks to our friends Rick and Megan. I told my siblings that we were going, and so they all got tickets too. We didn't get to sit together, but met up after the game. This was the first time that I had been to a BYU game. I know......you don't have to say anything.

Rick and Megan.....thanks again for the tickets guys!

Us!

We met up with my family after the game, got some pizza and ate it in the parking lot. It was COLD, but fun.

Brooke and Chase

My sista's - Kylee, Kenzee and Brooke

Sunday afternoon, Geoff and I, along with his parents, went up to visit a some friends. They live north of Ogden and have an Alpaca farm. I had never been there, and couldn't wait to see the cute babies.

Look at that face! They have the softest hide "fiber"!!! I have never felt anything like it before. The babies were really jumpy around us, and so were the adults for the most part except for the guy below:

Meet Doc. He's not afraid of humans AT ALL. He runs up to you and gets in your face immediately. He loves attention and if you don't give it to him, he'll bite you. Yes bite you. He bit me on the back of the head and took a good chunk of hair with him. But if you pay attention to him....well this is what you get:

He liked Geoff and I a lot and followed us around. So much fun.

This is Eli. This picture cracked me up. He ate at that piece of straw the entire time we were there. He wasn't as friendly as Doc, but still just as cute.

It was a fun weekend.

No excuses!!

2009-10-04T21:00:00.026-06:00

I really have no excuses that I can come up with, as to why I haven't posted in a while....other than I have been crazy busy. So here is an attempt at covering our summer.... WARNING...THIS IS GOING TO BE A LONG POST!

MEMORIAL DAY

We went over to Kanab to visit our friends the Adams'. We spent the day going to a parade and fishing up at Duck Creek. It was a fun day...even if Geoff didn't catch anything.

DUTCH OVEN OUTTING

We went up to Woods Ranch one night with a few friends and had some good Dutch Oven cookin', thanks to Katie.

Katie and Kelton getting the food ready

Geoff helping the kids fish

The fish they caught

Kelton checking it out

Chad on "fish holding" duty

DEMOLITION DERBY

We went to a demolition derby in Parowan with the Funderburk's & the Marshall's. It was a pretty fun event to attend. I hadn't been to one in years. We then went out for ice cream afterwards.....which took FOREVER to get. That's a small town for you though :).

Andy and Nicole

A two car roll-over. Pretty awesome.

LABOR DAY WEEKEND

We decided on a whim to go up to my parents place for Labor Day weekend. Geoff really needed to get away to unwind....work has been stressful for him. It was a fun fun weekend. The whole family was there and we had such a good time. We went to a parade, went fishing, out on the lake, and to a rodeo. Busy busy weekend....but FUN!

Mom and Declan getting ready for the parade

Brooke so excited, because they are handing out Frisbee's

Chase, Declan, and Brooke checking out the parade. Do you see Brooke's little baby bump? Yep...Chase and Brooke are having a baby....a little boy to be exact. Pretty exciting!

My uncle Glen in his flying contraption. He flew over the parade and dropped candy attached to little parachutes.

This picture is of Declan freaking out. Why? After my uncle dropped candy from the sky, one was floating towards us. A few bully kids had been chasing them down the whole time, and stealing them from the little kids. My mom took it upon herself to chase one of the kids down and tackle them in the street because they took the one we tried to get for Declan. So this is Declan scared that something bad was happening to his grandma.

My handsome dad

Brooke and Declan...happy they got toys and candy

The fish Geoff caught

All of the fam getting ready to go out on John's boat. He offered to take our whole family out to enjoy the sites and to do a little fishing. Unfortunately, we didn't catch any fish, but we still had an awesome time.

Chase and Brooke

My two beautiful sisters

Me and Kenzee

My handsome hubby and Breanna

Flaming Gorge

The Family & John

Beau being cheezy

The Gorge, it was a beautiful day

Kris....I had to be sneaky to get this picture. He kept hiding the whole time

On our way back off the Lake. Jealous?

The gang at the rodeo

I had to throw this one of Ender in. Isn't he the cutest thing?

BEAU'S FAREWELL

My cousin Beau had his farewell last weekend, and we headed back up to Manila to attend it. It was good to see family that we hadn't seen in a while. We're very happy and proud of Beau making the decision to go on a mission. He will be going to the Belgium-Brussels mission, and is leaving this month. Way to go Beau!!!! (He's the one on the middle in the yellow tie).

My family

I asked Declan "Where's your gum?", and he pointed to his nose. Yep...a few weeks ago, he stuck gum up his nose and got it stuck. Luckily, he sneezed and it came out. Little Goober!

After the farewell, my parents followed Geoff and I home, because they were going to St. George for a Sheriff's convention in St. George. While they were down there, Geoff and I went and watched "Footlose" at the Tuacahn with them. It was pretty good.

So...that's it. You're all caught up. I am sure that I missed things that happened in between....like our trip to Zion with my siblings. That will have to be another post, because I don't have pictures for that yet.

New stuffs

2009-07-18T23:35:00.003-06:00

Here's a preview of what you can find on my CRAFT BLOG that I have recently started making. Check it out.

Also, look below....three other new posts.

July Jamboree

2009-07-18T22:11:00.008-06:00

My parents and sister came down last week for the July Jamboree here in Cedar City. It's an annual Car Show and Street Festival. This year didn't disappoint. This was the largest showing of cars to date. Our friends Andy & Nicole had a few vehicles and a chopper that Andy built in the show. There were awesome vehicles, good food, and it was a great weekend and great to have spent time with my family. Here are some pictures of the day.

Andy & Nicole

Andy's car above and the chopper he built below.

My handsome hubby checking out the hot rods.

Geoff soaking up the sun.

Cute Kylee

My parents

Sprinkler Fun

2009-07-18T21:44:00.006-06:00

My friend got a little pool for her boy. She set it up and as always, Ender decides that any toy of Kelton's is his. So Ender figured out that there was a squeeky toy on one side of the pool & was completely obsessed with it. Katie turned on a little sprinkler for Kelton to play in and it started spraying on the pool. Kelton started crying and wanted to get out of the sprinklers way, but do you think that Ender would move as soon as the water hit him? See for yourself....

Dry.....squeaking away

Still dry.....

Here comes the water

Taking a break

Kelton laughing at Ender getting wet

Valentine staying clear of the water

Ender refused to come in for over an hour. He's such a little weirdo.

Family Reunion & Camping

2009-07-16T17:27:00.009-06:00

A few weeks ago, we went up to the Gorge to go to my family reunion. Geoff had been itching to go camping for a while, so we decided to take the opportunity to camp while up there....because lets face it....Flaming Gorge is a beautiful place to be able to do something like that. So we packed up the truck, met Chase and Brooke in Provo, and headed to Manila.

The family reunion was pretty fun. There was family members that I hadn't seen in over 20 years. It was great to see them and catch up.

Brooke and Chase enjoying the food

My beautiful sisters

Mr. Goober making faces. He was cracking everyone up all weekend. I just love that kid! I could eat him up!

After the reunion was over, we headed to the campground. The next series of pictures are from that night.

Delcan helping grandpa with the board game

Geoff and my dad playing Settlers

Setting up camp

It started to get late & we were all tired and started taking goofy pictures. Bare with me while I attempt to explain what it is we were doing. You know when you pucker your lips and blow air through them to make them vibrate? Well I was taught by a friend -Hillary ;)- that you do that and take a picture of someone in the process. You end up getting some pretty funny pictures. So here ya go....

Declan trying to copy us. :)

Mr. Goober stuffing his face with marshmallows.

So, that was the trip. It was great to spend time with family and enjoy the great outdoors.