Norton News

The picture above is Isabelle one year ago. The picture below is Isabelle now (this picture inspired me to get her haircut!). I can't believe how much growth has occurred in a year. She has gotten so big and compared to her cousin Grace who is 1 year younger than her. Isabelle looks ginormous! I guess I have to finally fess up that I don't have a baby anymore, I have an active toddler that ceases to amaze me. Recently she has some how learned how to snap her fingers. Don't ask me how, I had nothing to do with it. She is obsessed with brushing her teeth, she is obsessed with putting shoes on her feet, my feet, anyone's feet. She hasn't figured out how to say "no" and so she says "oww" instead which is still cute when she's mad about something. She folds her arms when we say prayers at dinner which is so adorable. She drinks out of a regular cup-small amounts of water, blows kisses, has learned how to jump (and loves doing it!), is adament about feeding herself with a utensil, and always chases puppies that we encounter if we're outside. She keeps things fun and we're excited to see what's next!!!!

Many of you know, many of you don't, but Aaron and I are moving into this home next month. We are feeling every emotion about it-excited, elated, relieved, anxious, nervous, scared, and anything inbetween. I'm sure you fellow-home owners out there can relate to what I mean-and the pre-homeowners will know what I mean when it's your turn. My mother-in-law compared this home to what she'd call a "dream house" which is exactly the way we feel as well! The real selling points for me with this house are the backyard (fully fenced), and the quiet, cute neighborhood. It's a few houses away from Dilworth Elementary, which will someday be Isabelle's school! We are so excited to take this jump together and we'll keep you posted on the updates. We also sold our condo this week which is a great relief! The buyer's of our condo are coming with an inspector tomorrow to start the process of turning over this condo space to becoming their own. We feel so blessed to be prepared for this move and although it will be a stretch for us, it will be a move in the right direction.


For those of you who live nearby, the house is located near 2300 East and 19th So. We hope to host many of you here for visits in the coming months!

Today is Valentines Day-business as usual for most-still go to work and school. This morning I was woken up by my early morning student calling at 6:30am saying they wouldn't be coming due to the reminder by mother nature that it's still winter time-almost 12 inches of new snow are outside my windows this morning. So there I was, awake, in the dark, and I hung up the phone and turned around only to see this adorable display laid out by Aaron. The card says "Happy Valentines Day to Amy & Izzy" and he got flowers for both of us. Sweetest thing! In this season of mundane color outside, these are a breath of fresh air. I am so lucky to have the coolest husband who is still so thoughtful. Last night I woke up around 3am and noticed he wasn't in bed yet, and could hear he was out on the computer doing homework. Poor guy is working so hard for school and still takes time to buy me AND IZZY flowers! Love you Aaron!

One year ago...
1. I was 23 pounds heavier
2. I was nursing our 7 month old Izzy
3. Aaron and I didn't know where we'd be in a year, crossing our fingers he'd be accepted to the U of U Nursing School
4. I had never stepped foot into a gym
5. I shamefully was shopping at "big women" stores.
6. Isabelle was our only something to help us see happiness in every day.




















Today...
1. I'm 23 pounds lighter
2. I'm not nursing or pregnant.
3. Aaron is 30% done with the U of U Nursing School
4. I workout 4-6 times per week, and I LOVE it.
5. I don't have to have an "x" in my sizes anymore.
6. I feel in control of my life. My life brings me joy-every part of it.

I know that through hard work, dedication, committment, patience, and faith that the impossible is possible. This past year has been such a great one for me. Being a mother has helped open my eyes to the importance I have as a role-model. Being healthy has helped me realize how much better life can be with a little more confidence. Seeing Aaron accomplish his dreams brings both of us so much happiness. And of course, Isabelle is still the sweetest thing!
I look forward to what's in store for this year...other than the fact I'm another year closer to 30, eeeeek! Thank you to friends & family who have called, emailed and wished me Happy Birthday. I only hope I can remember to do the same for you!