Swimming safety

I want to put Amzie in swimming lessons next year and my mother-in-law forwarded me this video clip. If you have children who can't swim, or even if you don't, you should watch this little clip. It is amazing.
http://www.childdrowningprevention.com/index.html
You can also go to www.infantswim.com to enter your zip code to find an instructor in your area.

Happy Anniversary

Happy Anniversary J.Paul! I can't believe it's been five years. Actually, just thinking about it we started dating around this time of year in '98. So we've had 9 years together, well except the missions. Thanks for all of it. You are my everything.

Sick House

So I haven't posted in so long because I went to Vegas for a long weekend for my cousin Susan's wedding. More about that to come. But we brought home a stomach bug from Vegas. Evan and I both have it and Amzie got it today. It's been crazy. So when we get better here I'll be back to posting!

Called to Serve

I'm sure most of you know (since Kirk called everyone he's ever known) but for those of you who don't, my brother Kirk got his mission call last Thursday. He's going to the Argentina, Buenos Aires North mission. Congratulations, Kirk! He will report to the Missionary Training Center December 12. Buena suerte Kirk! Te quiero. By the way, hopefully there will be a link soon to the video of Kirk opening his mission call so look for it!

Cooper Young Festival

Today we went with Grandma and Grandpa to the Cooper Young festival. It is an arts and crafts festival in Midtown every year. This was my first time going. There was lots of really cool jewelry, and a bunch of other stuff. The weather was perfect. Amzie and Evan enjoyed themselves. Amzie wanted a "pink butterfly" on her face and enjoyed jumping in one of those giant blow up jumping things. We had a good time and also bought this pretty bowl.

Almost walking

Evan has been crawling for almost 2 months now. He cruises around a lot and he even just stands by himself a lot, but is still afraid to walk. Last night he actually took 3 steps, but is still not walking. That's okay. No rush, Evan. Stay a baby as long as you can!

Amzie's new 'do

Ever since Amzie has had hair I have been cutting it in a little bob, just straight across the back. And it's always been okay. But the other day I really messed it up. Instead of straight across it just kept going up and up. Finally I had to quit and call in for reinforcements. Luckily, I'm in with the professional. Thanks, Carolyn for saving Amzie's hair. It sure looks cute.

(and yes, Amzie loves to hang out in her underwear)

Good Eats

For those of you out there who have never had Orzo pasta, I tell you you're missing out. Last night we had some delicious grilled chicken at Reed & Amber's (thanks guys). I made the Orzo that my sister Le taught me to make and as always, it was delicious. So I thought I'd share. I usually make half a box for our family. First you sautee onion and garlic in olive oil. After a couple minutes, add the orzo and cook until it starts to brown. (the whole process reminds me of making rice a roni so if you're familiar with that, you'll be a pro). Then you add a can of chicken broth slowly. Then cover, turn down and simmer. I think it takes about 20 min. When all the liquid is gone, you add a handful of grated parmesan cheese. Stir until melted and it's ready. Enjoy. Also, while I'm talking about cooking, the other night I made the best recipe from Rachael Ray. Balsamic chicken with pesto gravy and bitter greens. We loved it. It was very fast, easy, delicious and different than what we usually eat. You can find the recipe here.

http://www.rachaelrayshow.com/food/recipes/balsamic-chicken-with-pesto-gravy-bitter-greens/

ENJOY!

My amazing J.Paul

This summer J.Paul had two months off from school and they were packed full of projects. He painted, installed countertops, put up a fence, other odds and ends, and built this beautiful piece of furniture! (on top are some things we hadn't hung on the wall yet). He made it wide enough so when we get our big flatscreen someday it will fit. For now he just added the temporary shelves to the side. He made this to match the bookshelf he made before we got married (shown in bottom picture). So yeah, along with being extremely hot, intelligent, motivated, funny, etc., he is also extremely handy. He can do anything! Sorry, he's not for hire.

Baby love

This is Evan with Carolyn's baby Ava. They are only about a month apart and always have a fun time together. Apparently Ava is following the trend these days of girls being more forward.

A letter from Auntie Amanda

You should have seen the sheer joy and excitement on this girl's face when we told her she got a letter in the mail, and it was from Amanda! Thanks for the letter all the way from California! Amzie loved it and promptly put it on the fridge with all the other important things.

...and she's out!

You might be thinking, so what's the big deal about a nap? Well I'll tell you, today is the first nap Amzie has taken in at least a week, probably a week and a half. Normally, during nap time I hear about 100 times "mom, can I get up now?" or she'll come out of her room 100 times because she just needs one more thing before she can lay down (drink, baby doll, a different blanket, etc. ). This picture was actually taken a couple weeks ago and the real reason I took it was because of this...

Yes, she fell asleep reading. How funny. By the way, A Mud Pie for Mother is a very cute book for all you moms out there.

Thanks Amzie for taking a nap today so I could finally start my blog!

Making Messes

The other day I put Evan in his walker with some cereal in the bathroom with me so I could take a shower. I accidentally left the cereal where Evan found if later, and had a lot of fun with it apparently. He is getting so good at getting into stuff and making messes.

Family Outing

Last weekend we went to see Sesame Street Live as a family. We had a good time, but it was a little long and we were all ready to go when it was over. After a fun lunch, it was back to study time for dad.

Becoming a blogger

So, this is it. Welcome to my blog. Hope you enjoy. I also hope, for your sakes, blogs to follow will be more interesting and more lengthy.