He really loves me

This was taken summer of 2006 when Nick and I started dating. It was the perfect summer romance. The best part is that it never ended. It was on this mountain bike ride in Brian Head that Nick and I first talked marriage. Well, the word was never used but it went like " so you like me and I like you so maybe this is going somewhere". Nick was always 100% committed but he never used the big words like "date" or "dating" or "marriage". It has been 41/2 years and we still just "hang out". It's cute.

Same people about 3 weeks ago on our road bike trip down to Pangquich lake near Brian Head. Nick is an awesome biker and could have done it in half the time but he let me set the pace and road in the back warning me of all cars. I love seeing these two pictures and realizing how far we have come. I don't know how I did it because I am not that cute or impressive but I got THE best man. I have yet to post it on the blog so here goes... Nick got into Indiana University Business School of Kelley. I am so proud of you! Just think when that first picture was taken you were at CSN with 12 credits trying to decide your major. Now it is off to get your MBA!

PS no moving required because they have a fantastic online program!

Family Reunion

We went to St. George this past weekend or maybe it was the weekend before (time is starting to just blend together). It was the Woodbury family reunion and it was a blast. I love seeing my aunts, uncles, and cousins. Oh and my grandparents, who crake me up. My favorite event was Friday evening when we just sat around a talked. All gazillion of us. My grandparents have lived a good life and I know that they find so much joy in their family. It is hard to believe that one day that will be me. I mean I hope one day that can be me, surrounded by all the people I love.

Tragically my camera was out of battery so I only got one picture. Nick and Scarlett hanging out on the boat at Sand Hallow. They are my favorite people!

Let Freedom Ring

We spent the long weekend at my parent's cabin in Brianhead. We did the usual stuff like four wheeling, hiking, fighting off mosquitoes, and eating way to much. But we also did some new stuff too; roading biking to Panguich lake and playing Settlers of Catan. Both of which were fantastic and dangerous. The cars nearly killed us on the bike ride and Caity wanted to burn down all our settlements. Of course we came home on the 4th and just crashed. Not even an attempt of fireworks that day. Nick did buy some small ones and we lit them off the day before, so I feel we had some celebration. Scarlett hated the fireworks and kept on saying "all done, all done". Surprising as she is usually so brave. Maybe next year.

I think that being a mom and wife makes me appreciate this country so much more. Knowing that my family and the ones I love are safe. That we can raise our children as we desire and worship the God we choose. That our country has order and protection. It is not like this everywhere. I was reminded of that last week as I was talking with one of my patients. She is from Croatia and when she was young her country was in such upheaval that they were sent to live in Arizona as refugees. She was saying how much she appreciates this country and the opportunities it has given her. When they were able to move to Arizona she said her father cried tears of joy and I am sure relief. Although she is not a citizen I feel she has a love for my country that is beyond any I could possess. I am proud of American, proud that we have come so far and helped so many. I am so grateful for those men and women that keep this country safe and our freedom intact. Happy Independence Day!

Andrew is especially proud to be an American. He loves America so much it is scary!

Scarlett 18 months

What a little girl she has become. She loves her pink jellies and brings me my bracelets to put on her. But on the other side she is such a "tom boy". Loves to get dirty, play in the rocks and with balls. She is simply adorable. This is my favorite age so far. Pretty sure I have said that before but really I love it. Man she is a dream baby and such a love.

Humor me while I make a lengthy list of stuff

1. says her body parts "eye" "nose" and "ear".

2. can point to her hair and loves poke you in the "eye" (sounds like "hi")

3. She always blows on her car seat before she gets in and says "hot". It is above 100 these days.

4. eats with a fork and loves to eat at the table.

5. her words include : juice, shoe (they both sound the same), up, all done, amen, good job, hi, kitty, ruff ruff (dog), ball, kick, no no, yes, night night, stink, ewww ( when I change her she says it over and over), dad, and best of all MOM. She talks and babbles to me all day. "hey mom...." Love it until about 5pm when my ears hurt

6. follows directions pretty well like: go up stairs, sit down, go to your bedroom, pick up toys,

7. Loves to swim with her arm floaties and jump of the side. We got her to jump of the diving board and she loved it.

8. She is very brave/ daring/ scars me to death

9. Can sit through sacrament meeting pretty well and will go to nursery.

10. She cries every morning when Nick goes to work. She LOVES her dad.

She always has a smile. I love how easy it is to make her laugh and get excited. Her smile is seriously contagious. She is quite possibly the most bubbly child and people just flock to her. I go anywhere and passersby stop to talk to her and get her to laugh. I am quickly finding out that one of her best personality traits is being social, "hi" was her first word!

Oh ya... she is growing hair. No pony tail yet but at least it is something. It is bleach, bleach blonde.

July 4th crafts

Once again I got ambitious and decided I needed July 4th decorations. They actually turned out like the pictures. That is very good for. As always Emily and my mom helped/made it.

My friend made me one that said 'spring' and I loved it so much I had to make a 'summer' one.

If you google "4th of july wreaths" a picture of what i made this after will show up. I really liked the way it turned out.

If had to pick one...

I have so many wonderful men in my life. And by wonderful I mean A-MAZING. Have you met my husband? He is the most likable person you will ever meet. Nick is sincere, that might be his best trait. And he just made me dinner and put Scarlett in her PJ's. Have you met my father? He loves his children more than any man I know. I love that he still gives all his adult children a hug and kiss when he see them. I love seeing him play with Scarlett and beg to wake her up if she is asleep. He did that once with me and it melts my heart.

But... today I pick Wilford "Wilf", Nick's grandpa. When I first started hanging out with Nick we went over to his house for dinner. I have known the Strobelts for most of my life so you would think dinner would be easy. But I was so nervous. I wanted them to like me and see me for more than that naughty 10 year old girl. The first person to come up and give a great hug was Wilf. He then proceeded to ask "how's it shaken bacon". I asked him the same question in which he randomly answered "south of the border and east of the peco-peco". Right there I loved that man. Ask him is age and he will say "95 and still alive". Yes 95 and he runs around with the great-grand kids like its nothing. He is quick with a joke and always gives me that same big hug. Have you met my father -law Ron? He is the most kind person I have ever known. He is always in a positive/happy mood and serves his family and the church endlessly. It takes a very special father to raise a son like Ron. Wilf is a very, very special father!

Happy Father's Day

Scarlett loves Wilf. Probably because she sneaks up on his lap and he gives her all the desert she wants. Take a look at that chocolaty face.

She lives a good life

Playing at the water park

"oh no it touched me"

Carousal. The District has free rides all summer, who knew?

We went to a farmers market that was next to the library. So we ate those amazing blueberries the nice cool confines of books.

You could not pry that sucker from her if you tried. Not that I ever would:)

We have been taking her to pretty fun places and she just loves it. We love cause she has been sleeping fantastically.