Easter 2011

We had a wonderful Easter this year.  We started with Scarlett's little basket of goodies at our house, and then went to Grandma and Granddad's for another basket, some yummy breakfast and an Easter Egg hunt.

Scarlett didn't really care for the egg hunt- she just wanted the candy inside.

We were really spoiled this Easter and not only had Kyle home, but Ashley flew in the night before, as well.

Sorry, Xander, you have demon eyes in this photo!

Baby all gussied up for church with Granddad.

The Hisermans joined us for the egg hunt (inside my parents' house, since it was raining).

For a brief moment in time, Scarlett wore a little clip in her hair.

Playing a little "tag" with Aunt "Ashee".

This photo is completely overexposed, but I love the look of pure joy on Scarlett's face.

We hosted Easter dinner at our house this year- we had my family, two great-aunts, the Bradens, Hisermans and Moores, for a total of 23 people.  It was a lot of fun.  We enjoyed great food (thanks to everyone for bringing something so I didn't have to do it all!), and even better company.  I was busy hosting so I didn't get any pictures- until these guys got a hold of their sugar cookies.

Handsome Ira, or "I-I" as Scarlett calls him.

 This little lady had at least two cookies... what a sneak.

Happy Easter 2011!

First Day of Nursery

This last Sunday was Scarlett's first official day of Nursery.  She was old enough the two weeks prior, but the first week she had a cold, and I didn't want her to get any of the other kids sick, and the second week was Easter and we went with my family to my parents' ward.  She did go to nursery then... and loved it.  But this last week was her first time in our ward's nursery- and she had a blast.  We snuck a few peaks through the peep-hole on the door and were pretty proud that our little baby was standing up doing all the hand motions to Wheels on the Bus and Popcorn Popping.  The teachers lost her attention at snack time because they gave her raisins- she doesn't eat raisins.  But she was just wonderful, and Mom and Dad are thrilled they get two whole hours of church back to themselves.

When we got home, I told Scarlett I wanted to get a picture for her first day.  She smiled big, held her fingers up and said "Teeeeese!"  But she wouldn't look directly at me.

 This is when she was explaining to me exactly why she didn't want her picture taken from that particular angle.

 After I again explained how important it was to Mommy to get a picture of her in her beautiful new dress on her first day, this was the best she could give me. 

Then I chased her around our yard and our neighbors' yards desperately trying for just one perfect shot...

Cute as a button, if you ask me.

I Know that My Redeemer Lives

As I sat in the Sacrament meeting of my church this morning, distracted by the noise Scarlett was making, trying to keep treats flowing her way, attempting to keep the peace for those seated around us, I was caught up in a feeling of such love and gratitude for my Savior, Jesus Christ.  To bring even more emotion to what I was feeling, one of my favorites hymns was chosen for the closing song;  "I Know That My Redeemer Lives".  This hymn always gets to me- no matter where I am or what I am doing, when I hear this beautiful hymn, my heart swells with joy, and the most pure, genuine love a person could ever feel.  This song is my testimony.  The words to this ethereal hymn are the exact words my heart would use to describe my love for, and the knowledge of my Savior, and His purpose, and His love for me.

{photo from lds.org}

I bear you my testimony, in the words of a hymn...

"I know that my Redeemer lives.  What comfort this sweet sentence gives.  He lives, He lives who once was dead.  He lives, my everliving Head.  He lives to bless me with His love.  He lives to plead for me above.  He lives my hungry soul to feed.  He lives to bless in time of need. 

He lives to grant me rich supply.  He lives to guide me with His eye.  He lives to comfort me when faint.  He lives to hear my souls complaint.  He lives to silence all my fears.  He lives to wipe away my tears.  He lives to calm my troubled heart.  He lives all blessings to impart.

He lives, my kind, wise heavenly Friend.  He lives and loves me to the end.  He lives, and while He lives I'll sing.  He lives, my Prophet, Priest and King.  He lives, and grants me daily breath.  He lives, and I shall conquer death.  He lives, my mansion to prepare.  He lives to bring me safely there. 

He lives!  All glory to His name!  He lives, my Savior, still the same.  Oh, sweet the joy this sentence gives:  "I know that my Redeemer lives!" 

He lives!  All glory to His name!  He lives, my Savior, still the same.  Oh, sweet the joy this sentence gives:  I know that my Redeemer lives!"

I do know, that my Redeemer lives.  I am grateful for my Savior, Jesus Christ, and for the sacrifice He made that we may all have the opportunity to return to live with Him, and our Father in Heaven after our time on this Earth is through.  I am grateful for the knowledge of Him, who gave His life for mine.  I am eternally grateful for a living Prophet who provides guidance to all who will hear his words.  I believe God loves His children now, as much as He did in years past, and that He would not abandon us- which is why we have a living Prophet today.  I am grateful for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  I am grateful to be a member, and to have the knowledge I have of how to live a more Christ-like life.  It is my desire to live as closely to my Savior as I can.  In a world filled with such sadness, I am grateful to know of the beauty and joy that is all around me.

Happy Easter.

Six Flags Discovery Kingdom

When I was growing up, Marine World Africa USA was this great park full of animals and shows and lots of fun little attractions.  Over the years, it has changed hands a few times, and finally a few years back, Six Flags purchased it and changed it in to more of a theme park, adding roller coasters and other attractions.  We got Season Passes this year and went for the first time Saturday.  It was SO MUCH FUN.  I really don't know if Scarlett had more fun than me- I was like a kid in a candy store.  I remember going there as a child, and loving every minute of it, but watching my own child experience things like this for the first time was such a thrill.  My brother, Kyle, is in town for a little while, so we dragged him along- my parents got Season Passes, as well (as did Kyle once we got to the gate).

Once inside the gates, a man was talking about the python he had wrapped around his neck.  We all pet the snake- except my Mom- she is not a fan.

 We went straight to the big roller coaster, Medusa, and luckily they were only allowing Season Pass holders to ride for the first hour, so we were able to walk right on.  Dad and Kyle rode twice, Rob and I passed on the second round.

We watched Shouka the whale do flips and tricks in the water- Scarlett loved it.

 Though, she did prefer to sit by herself in the stairway.

 Kyle and I were the only ones brave enough to ride Voodoo- I remember loving this one as a kid.  Not so much, anymore.  I think I'm getting old.

 There are several rides that Scarlett can go on as long as an adult is with her.  This little boat ride seemed harmless, until it got going.

 Once we started moving, Scarlett was holding on for dear life.  She was making her gasping-for-air face.  The boat starts out just going back and forth- but then it starts spinning, as well.  It was a bit much for even me.

 Once I held her tightly, she stopped crying.

 Funny thing is, once the ride was over, she wanted to get back on.  Silly girl.

Have I mentioned how absolutely in love Scarlett is with her Uncle Kyle?  It's hilarious.  She always has been- I think it's because he pays the least amount of attention to her- but she wants him to hold her, carry her, sit next to her... all the time.

 Scarlett's absolute favorite ride of the day- driving the safari jeeps.  She loves to drive- so thinking she was, was amazingly fun for her.

 Granddad getting Scarlett all buckled in for their hot air balloon adventure.

 Even with a bunch of snot running out of her nose, she is so darn cute.

 Up, up and away!

 When the balloon ride was over, Granddad unbuckled Scarlett, and then she re-buckled herself.  She wanted to keep going.

We saw lots of fun animals- Scar is such an animal lover.  She was in her umbrella stroller, and rather than take her out just to put her back in, Dad and Rob lifted her so she could see the seals.

 The tiger came charging at us, which I thought was pretty fun until I read the sign "Tigers will spray their urine to mark their territory- you are standing in their territory".  Yuck.

 Scarlett even got to pet a sting ray.

 We had such a fun day- and I cannot wait to go back.  After 5 hours in the park, we still didn't get to half of the things we wanted to see and do.  Scarlett was such a trooper- even with a major head cold (cough, runny nose, red, puffy eyes) she didn't act out or get whiny once.  She is such a sweet baby.

And lucky for her, she has her Dad's shoulders to ride on.

Eighteen Months

Scarlett: fiery; confident; strong-willed; happy; social; determined; gentle; sweet.

  I have so enjoyed being a Mom for the past eighteen months; I truly believe it is my calling in life.

Scarlett is amazing in so many ways; it is incredible to me all of the things she has learned, and all of the new skills she has mastered.

At eighteen months, Scarlett is talking up a storm.  Not only does she jibber-jabber all day long, but she actually says a lot of real words.  The list seems to grow daily, and it is so exciting when she pulls out a full three word sentence (ie: "it was yummy" or "I go my room").
Scarlett can be found wandering around the house, purse over shoulder, baby doll strapped in the stroller, and cell phone in hand, held up to her ear talking away.  She also loves to drive.  When we pull in to the garage after being out and about she points to the steering wheel and says "me!  me!".  I take her out of her car seat and let her sit in the drivers seat for a while.  She likes the door closed, the windows down, and for me to go in the house while she turns on the lights, blinker, windshield wipers, etc.  She usually always ends up honking the horn, which scares her, and is my cue to come back out and get her (don't worry CPS, I don't leave her all alone in the garage, in the car...). 

 Scarlett has mastered the iPhone and looks through my Contacts to find Uncle Kyle and calls him several times throughout the day.  Singing and dancing are still some of our favorite past times, as are playing outside and walking to see the "ship" (sheep) in the hills near our house.  Scarlett can be very particular about what she wants to wear- she often chooses her socks and shoes, and I try to make sure everything matches.  New this month is an interest in television- one show in particular, Bubble Guppies.  When Scarlett wakes up in the morning, within 10 minutes she asks for it, "Bub Yuppie?"  I only had one recorded for this weekend and she watched it twice before getting upset that it was the same episode.  She kept asking for it, but when I turned the re-run on she was frustrated.  I have since recorded several episodes.  The girl likes to have her options.   

 Scarlett can be very easy going, but the older she gets, the more her own opinion has formed, and trust me, she shares her opinion.  People tell me all the time that I have my hands full, and it's true; Scarlett is constantly busy, constantly getting in to something, but for the most part, she does what I ask (certainly not always- and usually not at all when other people are around).  But, even on days when I feel like I just want to scream because she hasn't been listening to me, I would never want her to be any different.  I love that Scarlett gets in to everything- she's curious.  I love that she is active and in constant motion- she's ambitious and determined.  I love that she back talks (OK, not always) because it shows me that she has a mind of her own; her own thoughts and opinions.  I truly believe she will be an amazingly strong person as she grows.  And I am so grateful for that.  And she's smart.  Oh, my is Scarlett smart.  She helps unload the dishwasher,  she helps put away her laundry, she helped me change the sheets on my bed yesterday.  She brushes her own teeth, tries to put on her own shoes, and wipes herself when I change her diaper (number one only).

Scarlett STILL wakes up most nights wanting a bottle.  She also still sleeps in until about 8:30 or 9am.  She does not eat breakfast- flat out refuses, and barely eats any lunch.  She will usually have some dinner, but prefers just to snack throughout the day on grapes, apples, tangerines, avocados, cheese, gold fish, veggie straws (or Natural Cheetos) and chocolate whenever she can get her hands on it.  Scarlett is super tall- she wears 18-24 mo bottoms (which are so ridiculously big around her waist), but is still just a skinny little thing.  She has four molars, and two more working their way through (along with the eight front teeth; four on top and bottom).   

I can't believe how fast time is going- but then again, I don't remember my life without Scarlett.  What did I ever do without her?

Happy eighteen months to the happiest, most stubborn, most beautifully adorable little girl I have ever known.  I love you, Scarbaby.  I am so happy to be your Mama.

Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner!

Rob's company asks people to submit funny, weird, random things that happen throughout the year and at the end of each year they issue the ACE AWARD (a certificate and cash prize).  After being with AccuQuest for two months, Rob was nominated for the 2010 Ace Award, and WON.  Here's the story that was submitted by his trainer.

{circa the day this Ace became mine}

“I would like to nominate Rob Fuller, AccuQuest Trainee, for the 2010 AccuQuest Ace Award…. And here is why:

Many of you have not met Rob Fuller as he is a new member of the AccuQuest Team. Rob is 28 years old, was the valedictorian of his high school class, and graduated from BYU with academic honors. In addition, he is incredibly responsible, conservative and very attentive to detail (get the picture? This kid has it going on). I am honored and proud to be acting as his supervisor in this trainee process and have no doubt that he will shine as a future AccuQuest superstar.

A few weeks ago Rob emailed a study guide to me that he created in order to prepare for his State written Exam (this is so “Rob”, as he works very hard to be organized and seems to know a little something about everything). A few days after emailing his study guide he came to my office toting the hard copy along with him. He sat at my desk across from me while we each reviewed the information on our own individual copies looking for accuracy and potential omissions.

We came to the topic of proper sterilization and chemicals used in dealing with tools & instruments in our practice. Under “Sterilization Chemicals”, Rob listed “Spermicide”. Knowing Rob and his very conservative personality, I looked away from my screen wondering if my eyes had played a trick on me and asked Rob if he was being serious. With a completely straight face, he said, “Yes….. O.K., Sandy I know what you’re thinking but it can be used for more than one thing”. I just stared at Rob in disbelief and turned to my computer screen and began to google “spermicide” figuring that a verbal debate was probably not the appropriate approach. As I was typing, I glanced over at Rob just in time to see his face turn red and blanketed by a look of shock. He then said “Oh my gosh, I thought that I had typed germicide, not spermicide”!!!

To say the least, Rob was embarrassed, I was entertained and I am sure that his wife chuckled, as well. Coming from most, this may not have been so hysterical, coming from the Rob, this was classic stuff!!!!”

 

We thought this was pretty funny when it happened, but when he won an actual award and prize money for it, we thought it was even funnier.  Now, I get to brag a little about my husband and his new job.  I'm not the type to sit here and talk about how much I loOoOve my husband, or how amazing he is, so I get to be a little proud for a moment of Rob and all that he has accomplished in the last few months.

When Rob started with AccuQuest in October of 2010 the plan was to train for about 3 months, and then open a store in Napa in January or February of 2011.  Things got pushed back slightly due to finding an office to rent, and then suddenly at the end of January, the Director of Finance called Rob (on a Thursday) and asked if he would be ready to take over an existing office the following Monday.  The partner running the office in Corte Madera (about 50 minutes away) hadn't been performing and they decided to let him go, wanting Rob to take his place.  We were so excited, and it has turned in to a really amazing opportunity.  We had still planned to open Napa in April or May, and have each of those offices be part-time (Rob in Corte Madera 3 days, and Napa 2 days per week).  Out of 132 offices throughout the US, Rob took the number 3 spot for sales in his first month (February) and the owners were thrilled.  Not wanting to give up the full-time office in Corte Madera, the owners have since asked Rob to put off opening the Napa store until he can train an associate to manage the Corte Madera office full-time.  The process will take at least 6 months, but once the new associate is trained and running Corte Madera on his own, Rob will open the Napa store, and a second part-time location (which has not yet been determined) simultaneously. 

I am so proud of how ambitious and hard-working Rob is.  He really goes full-force in to everything he does- and he truly deserves everything he gets. 

Congratulations on such a successful beginning of a long career, my love.  Scarlett and I could not be more proud.

Shenanigans

I wish every person could spend a day with Scarlett.  She is so happy, funny, adventurous- I think she would do every one a little good. 

There are so many things she does lately that I don't want to forget, so after her nap yesterday, she was eating some leftover pizza, and I pulled the camera out to snap a few shots. 

She is quite the performer- and very much a ham...

When Scarlett has something she knows she is not supposed to and I ask for it back, she either sits on it, or my favorite, if it is small enough to put under her arm, she will tuck it under there (right in front of me, mind you), and then hold her hands palm up and say "where go?".

At the park the other day, I had pushed her in the swing for about 20 minutes, and I was done.  I took her out and told her to go down the slide.  She threw a 10 second fit while I walked away, and then I heard her tiny voice saying, "wing?  wing?"  and then a big man's voice replying "I think you need to ask your Mom."  When I turned around, I found my daughter tugging on another child's Dad's pants, pointing at the swing, looking up at him with her beautiful baby blues, asking him to put her back in. 

 While at the park, she was playing in the sand with some other kids.  These kids had brought their buckets and bowls and cups to dig around with.  Scarlett found a bowl she liked, and proceeded to hand it to one of the moms sitting on the edge of the sand box, and then scooped sand in to it with a little cup.  The mom was happy to oblige, so I didn't interfere.  The mom rested her hand on her lap after a little while, still holding the bowl for Scarlett.  Apparently, this was not exactly what Scar had in mind, and she marched over to that other mom and lifted her hand so it was no longer resting in her lap, and then continued to fill the bowl with sand.   

 

 After Scarlett woke up from her nap one day, I put her pacifier on her changing table and left the room while she played with her toys. A few minutes later she joined me in the kitchen, paci in mouth. I was really confused and could not figure out how she would have gotten it down. So we took paci back to the bedroom, I placed it in the same spot on the changing table and left, again. But I didn't really leave this time- I stood outside the door and peaked my head around to see what she was up to. The first time I did, Scarlett was standing by her dresser, smiled her "I'm not doing anything wrong, I swear" grin, and said "HI!". I knew she was up to no good. I ducked back again, and after about a minute, I heard movement. I peaked in, and there is my little monkey, climbing up the side of her dresser/changing station to grab her pacifier.

Scarlett would happily be done with naps, but I am not quite ready for that.  To avoid going to sleep, she throws her pacifier out of her bed, along with all of her blankets and her bumpers (yes, I have gotten lazy and do not tie her bumpers on after washing her sheets anymore).  She tosses the paci first, because she knows I will give it back- but I have learned that if I hurry and toss it in her bed, and run out the door, she won't drop it again once I am gone.  I could care less if her bumpers or blankets are in bed with her- she never uses a blanket, anyway.

 Scarlett definitely keeps me on my toes.  And laughing, all the day long.