Stop and Smell the Roses: July 2008

Jul 31, 2008

Not sure what to call this...

I just got home from the most emotionally, physically, spiritually draining experience of my life (I hope). Tomorrow is Haylie's birthday and so being "the good parents that we are" we put her to bed early so she could get a good night's sleep. Being as it was still light out, Joe and I decided to go outside and do some yard work. We were probably out there for about 15-20 minutes... Right when we walked in the door, we heard our doorbell ringing... our neighbor and another lady were standing there and they say, "Do you have a little girl with a green shirt that's carrying a cup?" My heart immediately jumped into my throat. I ran outside, looked around the corner of the house to see if the garage was opened (which it was) and sprinted back inside for the keys. The road that leads to our avenue is probably 3/4 mile long. Haylie was over half way down it, barefoot, after the sun was set. A man was holding her. I don't know what else to say. I grabbed her, burst into tears, and yelled at her. What do you say to someone who has found your child wandering down a road all alone? The endless list of what ifs just keep filling my mind and I'm afraid it won't be over until I cry myself to sleep. Actually, it'll probably never be over. I'm sure I'll remember this night forever. I told her, "Haylie someone will take you away and never bring you back and you'll never see Mom or Dad or Connor again," thinking it might sink in a bit.... Her response, "I wanted to see the boy." What do you say? What do I tell her to make her understand? Why did I assume that telling her a couple of times not to touch the garage door button would mean nothing? Any comforting thoughts/words would be greatly appreciated.

Jul 29, 2008

HOLY MOLY!!!...

...I haven't posted in 9 days... slacking BIG time!
Well, while Joe was at work today, we went and met my grandparents for lunch in town, and then went birthday shopping for Miss Haylie. Her birthday is on Friday and I'm praying I don't forget the camera... ;) She will be 3 years old and I think she's still young enough that she won't remember me picking things out with her looking. She hasn't asked since we got home, so I think I'm safe! Anyhow, afterwards I was going to go home and then drive all the way back into town because Connor needed a nap, but he fell asleep like 2 seconds after I put him in the car seat. SO, we went over to a park near Target and Haylie played while Connor slept. PERFECT! Connor woke up a bit later, and I took the opportunity to take some pictures of them on the toys!

Hello Hair!!

Right after this, Connor decided he wanted down. I barely caught him from falling about 4 feet....

Jul 20, 2008

"Haylie's wedding"...

...as she would call it. It was beautiful! Haylie was the flower girl, and couldn't have been cuter. She and Noah (the ring bearer) were so funny and really loved to play together, which made it nice because no one had to worry about fights at the alter! We really had a good time! Kristen looked gorgeous and she and Brad were so happy. Everyone was worried because it was so hot, but it ended up being ok. The hot weather kept the mosquitos away! :)

Haylie all dressed!

Haylie & Noah before pictures

They got bored during pictures....

Haylie & Kristen

Haylie, my mom, & Noah...apparently he said something hilarious.

She made it down the aisle..phew!

And this is where she watched the ceremony. While picking her nose.

All done!!! Beautiful day!

Jul 17, 2008

Trip Down Memory Lane...

Ok, I found this on my friend Kim's blog, and figured what the heck!? I know only a handful of friends that blog and I LOVE getting comments, so why not, right?

Here are the directions:
1. As a comment on this post, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember!

2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty funny to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you.

The Light at the End of the Tunnel...

I just had to share some exciting news with anyone who wants to read. Joe and I, and Haylie and Connor, are planning on being sealed together in September. We are so excited! It's been a loooong road, but so very worth it.

Although it's a little nerve-racking and I'm sure it'll be quite emotional (at least for me), I know it's going to be the biggest blessing for us. I think we have decided on the Manti temple... it's really far away, but when Joe and I lived in Burley, that was the temple we liked best, and since all of his family lives down there, it just fit.

I'm really sad that my mom won't be able to go through with me, but I am hoping that she will come and wait outside the temple. It's extremely hard to know that we believe differently, but I have faith that things will turn out for the best eventually and after talking to a friend yesterday, I am feeling a lot better. It was nice to sort of vent a little bit and to get some much needed advice from someone with an unbiased opinion.

Jul 14, 2008

Going Back In Time....

After reading Sunny's most recent post, I started reminiscing a little bit and decided to go through some pictures of when Haylie was little. I'd forgotten how sweet and innocent she was and am wishing that I would have paid a little more attention to the things she was doing and saying instead of wishing she'd start crawling, talking, walking, running, etc. Looking at the pictures, I found I was very grateful for technology and the fact that we can document some of the precious moments our children create.

May 2006 Haylie learned to crawl when we lived in Virginia.

December 2006

December 2005 SLC temple with her cousin Lucas

April 2006 learning to sit up!

She made this face we called the "Scrunchy face"... not sure where she got it, but every time she did it, we'd just crack up! Looking a little orphanish in this one... ;)

One of my best friends, Sarah from CA, and Haylie in SLC.

Jul 7, 2008

* 4th of July *

Our 4th of July was supposed to start out by going to a church breakfast, however with gas prices the way they are, we decided that instead of going to both the breakfast and to my mom's bbq in, we'd choose between the two! SO... as much as we wanted to go, we skipped out on the breakfast and headed over to my mom's for the afternoon. Joe and the kids swam and I just hung out with the women folk. :) Later that evening, we headed down to the river with our friends Camille and Travis and watched the fireworks. It was a little windy that night so I was glad when they lit off the fireworks anyway. Haylie was having fun jumping off of the side of the hill that we were sitting on while we waited for the fireworks to start. Although we didn't get the kids in bed til 11, it was worth it. The kids loved it and had so much fun!

Closest thing we could get to a family picture...a little windblown!

Travis & Camille...Trav just didn't have it in him to be serious!

Connor just kept saying..."Whooooaaa!" after every firework went off. He loved them!!

Jul 2, 2008

Fun In The Sun!!!

Today we went and spent some time at the Wilson's swimming with Kim, her kids, Jess, her kids, Jenni, her kids, Jenni's sister Trish and her kids, and of course Julie and her mom! It was quite the PARTY!!! :) We had a bit of a rough time when we first got there, because all Haylie wanted to do was swim (and not eat lunch). A little stressful but I was very glad to have Joe there with me keeping the kids entertained in the pool. I was very happy to see Kim, Jenni and Jess. It's so nice to hear other women talking about their lives and how they handle problems with their children. And also it's just so nice to have an adult conversation!!! We had a great time and loved every minute of it! Thanks to the Wilson's for having us!!! Here are some pictures of our day :)