New Job

Most of you probably already know this, but Cody got a new job! He started on October 5th. Why did it take me until October 25th to write about it? Well, to be honest, I think a part of me has felt it's too good to be true. I've been afraid that something would happen, that it wouldn't actually work out. And I suppose I've been this way because there have been a number of other jobs that seemed like the perfect fit, that he interviewed well for, had second interviews for, etc. that just didn't work out. So, I've decided that it's time I start believing that this is really happening. We aren't going to have to worry about how we are going to make it, because we're making it now. I went and bought a few Christmas presents for my girls this past week. I haven't been able to do that for the past couple of years. It was a great feeling. But more than anything, I don't want to forget. I don't want to forget what it feels like to worry about money, to not have enough to make it, to not be able to provide Christmas, because there are still so many people that are worrying. And I hope I can be the one to leave the Christmas gifts on someone else's doorstep because I have been the recipient of that generosity from others and it meant more than I can ever adequately express. So, GREAT NEWS, Cody has a new job! He is working for City Deals as a web developer, he enjoys what he is doing and the people he works with, and the company is growing so it's a good place to be.

Chubba

Eliza is a little chubby dumpling that I cannot help kissing on and squeezing all day long. Sometimes I feel like my head is going to explode, she's so darn cute!

Eliza loves to suck her thumb, she loves to be held and cuddled, and she loves to eat. She loves her swing and her bouncy seat. She is now rolling over as of a week ago (The picture included in this post is her very first attempt. I'm grateful I had my camera for one important moment, though not another, as you shall see), and she likes to sleep on her tummy for naps during the day. She has an iron grip, so she quite often has the blanket she was laying on secured firmly in one hand when I pick her up off the floor. And, Eliza LOVES to talk/sing/squawk. I'm not sure what to call it, but it's hilarious! She can be quite LOUD, especially when she's really happy.

She was blessed on 10/10/10 and I, as usual, forgot my camera. That's right, folks. I didn't get a single picture of her or our family on her blessing day! The blessing was beautiful and Cody did exceptionally well considering the fact that Eliza cried through the entire thing. I did manage to get her dressed up in her blessing attire (it was quite snug on her blessing day, and at the rate she's growing, it's a miracle I squeezed her into it yesterday) to take a few pictures. Isn't she just adorable?!

Temple Grandin

If you haven't seen this movie yet, you should.

Ode to Lemi Shine

It's a MIRACLE! I can place dirty dishes in my dishwasher and they come out clean! And it's all thanks to Lemi Shine. Seriously, if they needed someone to do a commercial for them, I would do it. I am converted! And the best part is that, after 5 months of hand washing my dishes, I DON'T HAVE TO DO IT ANYMORE!!!!! HOORAY! HOORAY! HOORAY! Can you tell I am unable to adequately express the joy this brings me?!!!!!!! Seriously, I don't think a new car could make me this happy! Well . . . maybe . . . but anyway, I'm OVERJOYED!!!!!

Summer Highlights

My Three
Maeryn(L),Afton(R), and Eliza
Bridal Veil Falls (An absolutely gorgeous day!)
Cascade Springs
Nephew Howie waiting while the bubs rode the ponies
Afton
Maeryn
Maeryn being silly with Great Grandpa Jack

Now that autumn is in full swing, I suppose I had better just do one big post about our summer adventures. The first part of the summer I was, of course, very big and pregnant, but I wanted to make sure the bubs were able to get out and do some things before Eliza was born since I knew that after that they'd be stuck inside with their sleep-deprived mother until she became un-sleep-deprived (still working toward that, so we've been inside A LOT).

We spent a lot of time at the pool at my parents' house in Orem. Thankfully I have a wonderful family who was willing to get in the pool with the bubs since I didn't feel comfortable doing so in my whale-esque, stretch-marked state. I think I have stretch marks from my neck down to my toes. Someone should invent maternity wet suits! Anyhoo, the bubs had a lot of fun at the pool and just generally hanging out at Grandma and Grandpa's house.

We enjoyed visits from my brother, Chris, and his kids, my sister, Jessica, and her family, and my sister, Summer, and her family. I would definitely say these visits were the major highlights of my summer. The bubs love playing with their cousins and I relish the opportunity to spend time with my wonderful siblings and their families. Jessica and Chris are the two siblings just older than me, and Summer falls right behind me in line. This has caused me to wonder what I did to drive away my closest siblings?! Just kidding. I just miss you all SO much! And of course we are so grateful for all of the family we have close by too.

The bubs and I were able to go to Bridal Veil Falls, Cascade Springs, and Thanksgiving Point, and we enjoyed each outing. Though, I have to say that I think it might not have been the best idea to hike up to Bridal Veil Falls when I was 8 months pregnant and had a stress fracture in my foot, but I survived! Looking back, I just have to laugh at the expressions of the other travelers on the path to the falls. There I was, SO big, with my little twins, hefting a big bag and limping. Nuts, that's what. Anyway . . .

We went to the little farm at Thanksgiving Point and the bubs thoroughly enjoyed riding the ponies, especially Maeryn. She DID NOT want to get off! She used up all of the spare tickets we had amongst us and some nice people gave us their extra tickets because they were leaving. I think she rode the ponies about 10 times! We had to drag her away, kicking and screaming. Afton liked going around the first time, but she insisted on riding the biggest horse, and I think it scared her a little, so she didn't want to ride again. The funny thing is that I got a picture of Afton smiling on a horse, but Maeryn is either not paying attention or not smiling in every picture I have of her!

We also enjoyed some nice visits with my grandparents, Jack and Ruby Fitzwater. It has been much more difficult to visit since Eliza joined us, so seeing the cute picture of Maeryn with Grandpa Jack is a good reminder that I need to visit them again, and soon!

Of course, it goes without saying that the greatest adventure we experienced this summer was the birth of little Eliza. And the adventure continues . . .

*Note: I did not include a list of who accompanied us on each of these adventures as that would be a very long list, so let's just say we spent a lot of time with my siblings and their kids. So much family - we are so blessed!

*And another note: I am certain I have not included all of our summer adventures here as I cannot recollect much of anything before Eliza arrived, and I am horrible about taking pictures. No picture equals, at this point, no recollection. So, if I have failed to mention some important events that included you, the reader, please forgive me!

*And yet another note: Apparently I like to dress my girls in their striped shirts as none of these pictures were taken on the same day! I promise they own more than one shirt!