Party of the Year!

The guest of honor: Bexley Kay Hagberg. And what an angel she was....she slept right through all the commotion! I CANNOT tell you how EXCITED....no, THRILLED....no, that doesn't really sum it up either.... just so DARN HAPPY I was to be able to host this special day for such a great friend! Read about Bexley's arrival/adoption HERE.

The Fun Captains.... (although there were many others who helped make it happen..thanks ladies) Don't we look official with our aprons?!

The Decor.... (notice all the darling pics of baby Bex....such a lucky girl to have a pro photographer for a mom!)

a cutsie little diaper wreath I hung on the front door

The Food.... strawberry topped waffles and breakfast casserole and fruit, OH MY! Along with banana cookies, yummy homemade muffins, and a Kara's favorite "special drink" that just happened to be pink! Sadly, this was the only shot we got of the spread!

The Favors.... well, let me tell you....we are friends with the most talented gal EVER! Sadly, she lives in Vegas now and couldn't join us physically, but she created all these amazing favors with love and sent them (via a large package!) to help with the big day. THANK YOU KIKI!

Just look at the detail on those babies! Each dum-dum had a cute paper flower attached! I told you she is amazing!

The Party-Goers.... we had a GREAT turnout!! I'm not surprised, there are so many people that love these guys and are equally as excited as I am to be a part of this time in their life!

Sarah, Amy, Amanda & Sam, StacieAnn

Above: Heather, Amy, Annie, Monica

Below: Leah, Taunya, Chloe & Kristie

The Goods.... I'm sure baby Bex won't be in need of ANYTHING anytime soon! So fun!!

Kara....amazed at yet another one of Kiki's creations!

Meg, Jami, Kara & tiny little Bex, Amanda & Sam, Nollie

What a fun day! Little Bex, you are one lucky girl! Your parents have been anxiously awaiting your arrival! Thanks for coming while they still live in Ohio so we could all help celebrate YOU!

Piggies!

Can it be???? My babe has enough hair for piggies!! I can't stop giggling!

Such a special day in a girls' life! ha ha!

.....to be a FINISHER

That is one of my New Year's Resolutions....well, probably the only one that I've thought about enough to set it in stone. Let me tell you a little bit about me....I'm REALLY BAD at finishing things! I always get ideas in my head of things I want to do. I'll even buy stuff (then let it sit) or get started on projects and then time permitting, I have to put them away. Seldom do they ever get brought back out and FINISHED!! Or I'll just think of something I want to do/make, then never act on it. It rolls around in my brain and drives me crazy until, well... it actaully just keeps rolling (or floating depending on who you ask)!! ha! It's a terrible habit, really!

Here's an example: as a Relief Society Enrichment activity...when I was a newlywed (yep, over 4 years ago) we learned to crochet around baby burp cloths. They are darling! (Crystal, do you remember this?!) Well, I started my cutsie little cloth and didn't finish it at the activity, sealed it in a ziploc....only to be set aside and NEVER completed, let alone put to use soaking up baby puke! I actually tried to find it to take a picture for this post, but I have no freaking clue where it is...which is totally eating at me right now!! It will forever be in my mind that it's SOMEWHERE waiting to be finished! AND, now I have no idea how to even crochet it (so when I DO find it, somebody will have to volunteer to help me)!

SOOOOO.....I have a list of things to complete (in a timely manner) and so far since January 1st I have done a couple of things (yay!**insert applause**) and some with recruited help of the hubby!

We painted the living room walls and the trim! This will be an ongoing project....through the house, but at least we got the main part done. Mostly I was motivated because I was hosting a BABY SHOWER for THIS amazing friend (more to come on that later)!

And, last night I finished this cute little project that I found HERE. Finally, somewhere to put all those flowers and bows of Emri's! I found a frame on sale at Michael's and combined it with a coupon; add paper and ribbon and Waaaalaaaaaah!

BTW....if you are thinking to make this, mine is 11x14 so 4 pieces of ribbon fill it best. The one on the tutorial must be an 8x10 because she only used 3. I started that way and had lots of extra space left unfilled....I had to take it apart, but I KEPT ON and finished it! Yep, I'm proud! :)

So, that's it for now....I don't want to over-do it (behind the frame is my new brown accent wall and white trim)!

Seriously, does anybody else have this problem?? Or is it just me?! Please, somebody, make me feel better!

I'll leave you with a cute picture of my little stinker (not lookin' like much of a baby these days)!

And, this funny video of E and Brett listening to some tunes! I don't know where she gets her moves?!?!?!

(sorry, you'll have to pause the music on my sidebar to listen)

got it!

While taking a daily picture (as my assignment for this new PROJECT I'm about to begin)....we actually got a semi-shot of Emri's teeth! They are so cute! She never will cooperate when I get the camera out just for the teeth!

By the way.... I just recently learned about Project Life a couple days ago while I was surfing blogs....I think it is a fabulous idea, since I probably take close to a picture-a-day already! Basically, it's kindof an alternative to scrapbooking...less time consuming if you ask me! I plan to turn my blog into books eventually, but this book will be more of the basic day to day stuff that I probably wouldn't blog about.... The idea is to take a picture a day and put it in the book (premade and it's pretty cute!) with a little journal post off to the side of it. I ordered mine yesterday, so I'm anxiously awaiting it's arrival! We'll see how it goes!

11 Months

Time is sure flyin' by! It's hard to believe that almost a year has passed since this little peanut made her grand entrance (well, I'm not sure "grand" really sums it up, but whatever...) into this world!

(she is still sick, so it's a little difficult to get a grin out of her in front of the camera)

At 11 months Emri:

• hasn't met a food she doesn't like! Her favorites are yogurt and cheese! She also loves: spaghetti, cottage cheese, chicken, crackers, pears, apples, and toast (with a touch of peanut butter). She also drops her unwanted food on the floor....too bad there's no dog around to clean-up after her!
• is starting to think she doesn't need baby food anymore.
• knows the meaning to "ma-ma," "da-da," and "doosh" (juice....ha ha), she also likes to say "heh-heh-heh" (ho-ho-ho from her santa book).
• she knows what she wants and when she wants it....and tears can come instantly if she doesn't get it!
• cruises well around furniture and stands alone, but no steps taken yet!
• has been super cuddly the past month due to being sick....started with an ear infection in Utah, then a rash, then a fever, now a cold from hell with a cough that triggers her gag-reflex to make her puke and snot by the gallons (we're so DONE with winter)!
• has also been a terrible sleeper since all the sickness came about (until last night.....12 hours uninterrupted)!
• cut her 2nd tooth (#P) last week.
• spent her first night (actually 3 days) without mom. Dad played "Mr. Mom" while mom attended Grandpa Reynolds funeral in Idaho. We didn't think Emri would fare too well on the plane/traveling with as sick as she's been.
• Since mom's 3-day trip Emri has become even more of a daddy's girl! She just loves him!
• blows bubbles with her spit! weird!
• took formula for the first time last week....my "homemade milk" freezer supply is starting to dwindle!
• likes to sit in the laundry basket and hand me clothing items one by one while I load them into the washer! Such a little helper!
• makes us laugh everyday
• is looking forward to turning ***1*** next month?!?!?!?

Since this blog is a journal of sorts, I am posting a few things about my quick weekend back to Idaho (fortunately I was able to go to my grandpa's funeral). Friday morning I flew from Columbus to SLC and then I rode the rest of the way to Ashton, Idaho with my dad and brothers. The viewing was that night, the funeral the next morning. I spent Saturday night at my cousin's in Pocatello, then went the rest of the way back to SLC w/ Dad and the boys and flew back to Ohio Sunday. It was a quick trip, but I'm so glad I got to be there. The main reason for my trip was not a happy one, but there were MANY, MANY things about it that did make me happy.

Just a few things that made me smile:

MommaMax --AKA-- "the baby whisperer" (with pratt and austin)

going to the City Drug to have an old fashioned milk shake (it has all been remodeled, but this was a place we ALWAYS had to go when visiting Grandpa and Grandma....BEST milkshakes E. VER.)

The Grand Teton Mountains. They are gorgeous. You can see this view from Grandpas yard.

Grandpa's Ties! They have always been a hit among the boys in the family. All the men and boys in the family wore one of grandpas ties to the funeral.

The Treasures in Grandpas Closet! (well, I guess that depends on who you ask)! We got a few good laughs looking at the styles of shoes that evolved through the years!

Spending time with family we don't get to see too often (Kelti, me, Kolby). There were some cousins there I hadn't seen in almost 10 years. All of the cousins were present...the only people that couldn't come (out of 4 kids+spouses, 18 grandkids+spouses, and 19 great-grandkids) were Brett & E, and Mindy's husband Mike and their other 4 kids. Why didn't we get a pic of all the cousins? grrr.

Jill, Mindy w/ Austin, Me, MommaMax, Aunt Debi

My family....(minus Brett and E). The boys sure clean up nice, eh?! Look close...each one is wearing a sweet tie! While getting ready on Saturday morning, Kolby was trying to decide between 2 ties....the decision went something like this "Well, they're both awesome, but I think I'm gonna rock the salmon tie for Grandpa today." I think he pulled off the "salmon" quite well, if I do say so myself!

Me, Dad, MommaMax, Bridger, Kolby, Kade, Brody

I think what makes me smile the most is knowing this amazing man is now at peace and catching up with his sweetheart on the past 9 years they've been apart! Love ya gramps!

In Loving Memory

Mac Francis Reynolds

October 19, 1929- January 11, 2010

Early this morning I received a call from my mom. I could tell she was crying and right away I knew what it meant. Grandpa had gone to live with our Heavenly Father again. Grandpa had just celebrated his 80th birthday in October. A year ago he had another heart attack and since then hadn't been strong enough to live on his own (Grandma Eleanor passed away April 1, 2001). He spent this last summer in Roy with my aunt and uncle (Randy and Debi). While he was staying there my aunt, being the inspired woman she is, decided to take time and get Grandpa's life history together. She gave it to him on his 80th bday celebration, along with several pages of memories the kids, and grandkids had contributed. Debi made several copies for each family member....we just recieved ours last week.

Just since last Sunday I've been taking a little bit of time each day to read part of grandpa's life history. I have loved it! It is writtten in grandpa's words, just how they were from the recordings when Debi asked him all the questions. While I read it, I can hear Grandpa telling all the stories. Last night it was late (probably about 11pm), but I sat in bed reading about grandpas mission to South Africa, his college days at Ricks College, and the last part I read was about him and grandma Eleanor's marriage. This is the last part I read before turning out the light:

"I loved many things about Eleanor. She was always very pleasant, very easy to get along with. ...I'll tell you, she was the type of person that I'd sit there and complain about things snd she'd say, 'Sit down! Now I want you to stop and think about all the blessings you've got and what you've got and quit worrying about what you haven't got.' I don't know how many times she did that to me. She just was one, and I'll tell you, she was definitely a princess of God. She lived it all her life. There was nothing that really annoyed me about Eleanor. I really can't think of anything. Just when she'd chastize me some! We had a good marriage, lived on the ranch and worked hard."

I closed the book and turned out the light. I was so happy! I have so many sweet memories of the two of them. I thought to myself how excited Grandpa would be to one day see his princess again. Little did I know, it was only hours away.

I was always close to Grandpa and Grandma Reynolds. They were truly amazing people and left a wonderful legacy and strong testimonies of Jesus Christ behind. I'm grateful for the gospel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and especially the knowledge I have of the Plan of Salvation. It sure brings comfort to know that I will be able to see Grandpa again one day, and that our family is eternal.

Just a few pics of Grandpa over the past couple years..

Aunt Debi, Gpa Mac, Momma Max at Gpa's house. They always got so much snow, it was a winter wonderland for the kids!

Gpa the pool shark...as kids we always loved when he would come down to the basement and play pool with us. He was pretty good!

Me, Gpa, E, MommaMax; June 2009, Island Park cabin.

Grandpa always had a way with babies and kids. He mostly loved to tease them!

Snake River, just around the corner from Gpa and Gmas house in Ashton, ID. This was one of the many things we did everytime we visited was go for long walks out in the beautiful country....and always down to the river!

Gpa and Kolby, Yellowstone Park...waiting for Old Faithful to erupt. Gpa and Gma's house is about an hour outside of Yellowstone. I can't count the number of times we've gone there. Lot's of fun memories!

If there's anything Grandpa loved more than his family, it was playing cards! He loved Pinocle and Canasta most, but we also played Hearts, and Russian Rummy. We never had a bedtime when we visited Gma and Gpa...honestly we played cards till 4am most nights! And there was always plenty of grandpa's homemade fudge and fresh popped popcorn to go round!

We will sure miss you ol' clabber butt!! I hope they have card games in heaven!

*Thank you Aunt Debi for your inspiration to finish gma and gpa's life histories. They are priceless and I will cherish mine forever!

Christmas Vacation (with the Griswalds....almost)

Our family spent 2 1/2 weeks out west this year! This is the longest Brett has had off school since E was born. I can't explain HOW MUCH WE LOVED HAVING HIM ALL TO OURSELVES for so long! Today he went back to school and it was rough on both of us (emri and me, that is)! There are a ton of pics...so I will try keep the words brief as not to bore you!

We took E to Cabela's to show her the fish tanks.

She met Santa for the first time and could have cared less!

We spent lots of time with cousins. E with Sawyer who is 2 mos older.

Instead of parties we focused on 2 bridal showers and a wedding! Chels, E, me and Bri (soon to be wed)! The 3 of us used to lived together and have stayed great friends over the years!

Hung out with Great Gma and Gpa Brklacich

Tried out some velcro rollers to add some body to E's hair! ha!! There's a lot of it these days!

While I was busy helping at my cousins wedding, E got passed around through the family and someone thought this candy cane was a good idea! What The?!?! (she of course freaked when I took it away) What is it that makes everyone think it's so fun to feed babies stuff they probably shouldn't have? :)

Aunt Jana and my cousin Hailey....such a gorgeous bride!

Hailey made her cake....isn't it so cute...and festive!!

The newlyweds, Brady and Hailey

Aunt Jana, me, Kylie, Jaylee, Aunt Bonnie, Momma Max, Chris (grooms gma)

Emri loved spending time in the kitchen with Momma Max. I'm guessing it had something to do with all the taste testing going on....lasagna....banana cream pie from scratch....cheese/crackers....the list goes on!

My cousin Jill and some of her family came to see us....her boy Pratt is a day older than E....and walking like a champ already! So fun to see them together. Although, E didn't like it much when Pratt would sneakily walk up behind her, wrap his arms around her neck and try to kiss her! ha ha!

We bundled up and went to Temple Square to see the lights. It was CO. OLD.

The gang....minus me taking the pic: Bridger, Curt, MommaMax Brett, E, Kolby, Brody, Dad, Brittany, Blair, Kelly, Kade

Momma, Kolby, Dad

Our first little family pic at the classic reflecting pond site

Emri mastered the hum while blowing out only one side of her mouth....I've seen this done many times when my brothers make that fake "passing-gas" noise! Are they teaching her things already?!

Christmas Eve....Mario Kart tourney (Kade, Brody, Kolby, Bridger)

Ha! ha! I can't not laugh at that face! This was my dad's rocking chair when he was a little boy! It's still in the family....and now over 50 years later, she's the first great grandchild to sit in it! so cute!

Emri had lots of fun opening gifts....and even more fun with the paper and all the commotion that came with it! We spent Christmas Eve and morning with the Brks.

On Christmas morning she crawled right over to the rocking chair to find her stocking!

Did you know she has a neck?! I could kiss those cheeks all day long....oh wait, I do!!

Our first Christmas as a little family!

This picture pretty much explains our time with my family....yes, she got PLEN. TY. of attention....and LOVED every second of it!

We had a little reunion with some of my BFs from HS. Between the 4 couples there are 10 kids! Thanks Hadley's for a wild time!

Emri and Great Gpa Anderton checkin eachother out. Gpa has been pretty ill the last 6 months so we were so glad he had improved and we got to spend some time with him and grandma.

We spent the 2nd half of the trip in Morgan w/ Brett's family. Emri was spoiled there too (well, we all were)!

Her first clementine....or at least a try at it! She made a couple little tooth marks and that's about all the damage she could do!

We watched the deer in Gma and Gpa Anderton's back yard

This is my sis-in-law, who truly inspired me while we were home. This "little" guy (8lb. 11oz.) arrived Dec. 26th with no epidural....way to go Mindy! And here they are 2 days after delivery chillin with us. YEah, You are a rockstar!

Emri, Brett and Tabitha....those Anderton kids make some good lookin babies!

We celebrated New Years Eve a day early at the little Morgan bowling alley! E was dancing to the music but seemed a little confused at what was happening the whole time!

A few of the amazing ladies in my life....Meg, Ingrid, Sharon, and Tiff. I loved you girls so much and miss ya tons!

This pic makes me feel so bad! I mean, she couldn't be any cuter....this was after one of our nights out. She crashed on our way home the second we buckled her into the carseat. She was such a trooper the whole time we were in Utah. I tried to adjust her schedule, but even after 2 weeks she would still wake up at her Ohio time so she was losing sleep each night. It was a little stressful....and my family will probably tell you that I'm a joke with her "schedule!" Hey...it works....unless you have a time-zone change :)

We had a wonderful time seeing family and friends during the holidays. Unfortunately, we weren't able to escape without sickness and 4 days before we left Emri caught a cold and started an ear infection. We had to make a trip to the dr for some antibiotics. She was still an angel on the plane ride, which I couldn't be more grateful for! Sadly, we missed out on a very important play date with Parker and Hazel...we can't wait till next time friends.

Thanks to our wonderful family who put us up (and put up with us)! We truly are thankful for this awesome time of year to reflect on the life of our Savior and the gift that He gave to all of us. And here's to a wonderful new year......2010....seems so weird to say that!

Now it's back to real life.....Emri started crying when she heard Brett come home from school today. She literally crawled out of my arms to get to him! She's been so clingy since we got back. I'm sure it's due to one of a list of things, like: lack of sleep, missing her grandmas, not knowing what time she's supposed to eat/nap/sleep, not feeling well, church moved to 1pm which is awful for naps, she's not being entertained 24/7 by her 4 doting uncles on the Brklacich side or 18 crazy grandchildren at the Andertons...and mom is pretty boring compared to the fun trip we just had.