Utah Trip '07

To see a few photos from our trip, please click on the "Flickr" on the left.

Well, we're back! It was a long, cold trip, however Gavin, Reese and Caden were REALLY good. They certainly impressed us! Christopher had his semi-annual training conference in Provo this past week and we decided we wanted to tag along. While Christopher was busy all week working, we did lots of shopping, visiting with friends and family (hi, Chelsea!) and playing around in the condo we were staying at in Midway near Heber (a little outside Park City). My brother Jarom and his wife Chelsea own a time share condo up there and allowed us to use it while we were in town.
We went to Christopher's work socials and award dinners but we mostly enjoyed playing in the snow at Soldiers Hollow and I shopping. It was a treat however to meet Christopher's co-workers as, they only see each other twice a year. He works out of our home. The best highlight however, was when Christopher was awarded a 20% salary increase (raise)!! I have to do a little husband braggery b.c we are just so proud of all the hard work he has been doing and we were thrilled that his company took notice and blessed our family with their financial grace.
The kids loved seeing the snow...and cold. It was -13 degrees on our way to Utah and we got out of our hotel in Gallup, New Mexico and Gavin asks:
"Mom, why is my mouth doing this? " (it's making the shivering movements)
Gavin, I say, that's what happens when your body gets cold and it needs to do something to help it warm up!
We thought it was so funny seeing that he had never been that cold enough to wonder what shivering movements were. It also must give y'all a clue as to how big my winter heating bills are!! I like it warm or hot!

Anyway. We had a good time. I looked forward to visiting the town I had lived in for 5 years prior to this move to Texas and thought I might get all nostalgia; I was surprise though when I didn't care to be back and looked forward to leaving!!! Not home anymore, and don't know how I even survived the 5 years I was there!! NEVER AGAIN!! (Sorry to the Provo lovers!)

Six years ago today...

After six years of marriage, my heart still skips a beat when he walks into the room...I love you Christopher and look forward to all our adventures ahead! mmmmmmmmmwah! Happy Anniversary! October 26, 2000 -
My sweet Sariah,
How can I help but fall in love with you?
You have a girlish laugh I can't resist. Your eyes enchant me like a magical myst. Your smile reminds me of a ninja turtle. Don't get me wrong you're my favorite girl. You say "anymore" instead of "now-a-days". Your kisses leave me in an enchanted haze. your neck is elegant like a swan, I'm surprised you like this goofy peon. You're kind, you're sweet, you're ever giving gifts from a sweetheart worth receiving. I love how you laugh when no one's around remembering a good time instead of a frown.
You're sophisticated and sassy, smart and ambitious. You know how to cook and make it delicious. You have style and class I have to admit, I love to kiss your hairless armpit. You smell divine, my drop of sun, I'm so glad you love having fun. You stare at the stars and marvel at the sensation you get from just part of Heavenly Father's creation. You love the Lord and serve him well. You love me too, though I can't spell. I love when you squeeze me and hold me tight, I feel secure and my heart takes to flight.
You're my best friend and I can tell you anything. By the way, on my back there's this big gross hairy thing that's green. You lift me up when I am down, you light a room when you're around. But that's not all this poem's not over....I'll finish the rest a little lower. (now on bended knee) I want you to be my sweetie pie for all eternity in the sky. Will you take this ring and say you'll be mine, stand by me forever; even when I drool and am half blind? I love you Sariah. I have since I first met you, You're amazing and beautiful, talented and funny. I hope you'll say yes and be my eternal honey.
So how can I help but fall in love with you? Good questions. I guess I can't!
Love forever, Christopher


He had such a talent to make me laugh, and still does.

Gavin's New Ride...

Up until this past week, Gavin had been riding in a booster seat with a back. We used our cars seatbelt to buckle him in. Then we got word about Kyle David Miller. Please watch his story.
His car seat was the EXACT same seat Gavin has sat in. However, Gavin is smaller. He has not reached 40lbs (little tike) however! Our assumption about Gavin's seat was the same Kyle's parents made. Gavin now rides in a 5 point harness again... and loves it! I feel soo much safer with the extra defenses. Especially since we drive an SUV which most likely will roll with any accident. This new seat will be with him until he reaches 100lbs or his head surpasses the back support. Reese will continue to ride in hers and Caden (already in a 5 point sung ride) will get his once he turns a year old and 20lbs. And at that point...I will get MY new ride! I will upgrade my vehicle finally!! Still holding my ground against the mini-van however....

The IKEA Connection...

Think "The Kevin Bacon Connection", that's the connection we have within every room in our house, however, it is with IKEA products. We love to do most of our home shopping at IKEA. Seriously, I believe we keep this store in business. At least here at the Frisco, TX store. Literally every room in our house has at least one IKEA product. From kitchen gadgets and wall decor to furniture, closet organizing and bedding. There will be a connection to Ikea everywhere I look. Don't get me wrong, Target is still my grown up Disneyland; however, Ikea is fast approaching a take over.

We aren't the only family that feels the same way about this 310,000 sq ft shopping Mecca. On any given day, you may have to park a way from the entrance. It is a price most shoppers with children will make at all costs for the .99 cent kid meals and FREE supervised play area (yes, free) while you shop!! Gavin begs to go to Ikea whenever an errand need to be made, and I gladly accommodate his request when possible. We always find new reasons to go there. This past weekend was for new children's toy organizers to make room for their newest Christmas loot! If you are fortunate to have an Ikea located near you, I highly recommend giving it a try. I promise you wont leave empty handed! Did I say that I love this place yet!?!?!?