My First Time on a Swing

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Easter Vacation

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Cheesecake Woes

Well, life seems to have thrown us another curve ball. Paul's been working hard on his resume and getting interviews set up while Em and I have been in Oakdale. He's had interviews with Famous Dave's and Applebee's. He has two tomorrow with Iggy's and Cafe Rio, then Cracker Barrel and Olive Garden in a few weeks. He's waiting to her back from Gastronomy who owns several businesses such as Market Street Grill, and Chili's for an opening. He's been a trooper, pushing forward and I'm very proud of him. We both recognize that this is a blessing that was packaged a little differently than we might have chosen, but none the less, we plan on using it to our greatest advantage. Thanks to everyone for the prayers and the family fast yesterday! We appreciate all the support. We'll keep everyone updated as we get information.

Evolution of Dance

Damon showed me this video clip before he went on his trip to D.C. This just makes me smile everytime I watch it, so I decided to share it. This guy is a motivational speaker and this skit is his calling card. I think it's pretty awesome and he's really good.

Our Wonderful Family

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For Danya!!

As we walked in to the ABC 4 Station Building, the front desk receptionist asked us to wait near the anime statue for someone to come and take us to our seats, for Good Things Utah. We walked through the door and laughed. Not anime you dumb lady, The Animaniacs! We knew we had to take a picture for Danya! hahaha So, Dacia's hair is being pulled by Dot, and my head is being kicked by Yacko. We were having too much fun!! Wish you'd been there too, Dot!!

Good Things Utah

Good Things Utah! Dacia, Bryndee, Lauren and obviously me, went to the taping Friday morning. It was a lot of fun. It was my first time to be in a live audience. Bryndee got the tickets for us, so thank you to her!!! The girls were so nice to us after the show. They took pictures and talked to everyone. They gave the audience some freebies which was really nice, that included tickets to the home and garden show. Dacia and I dragged Paul and all the kiddies. It was really big! The kids had fun running from booth to booth getting all the free candy and treats they had out as "bait". Paul won a free 1/4 lbs. of candy by dropping a quarter into a fish bowl of water that contained a tiny beer mug. It only took him three tries but he made it into the mug. He scared Dacia and me to death when he shouted out at the top of his lungs "I did it!! I won!!". We really laughed at that! It was a really great day.

My Birthday Dinner at Cheesecake Factory

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Last Moments of Fun

It was such an awesome surprise to have Mom fly in for Emma's party. Paul somehow convinced me that he had to pick up some stuff for Cheesecake at the airport, and I actually believed him! It's not often that Paul can keep a secret from me ( I usually guess it), so he was very pleased with himself! I was just so happy to have Mom here! We spent the entire morning before Mom had to fly home playing with all of Emma's new toys and listening to her Disney lullaby cd. It is so sweet!! I think Mom really enjoyed just relaxing and spending time with the munchkin.

We gave Emma a quick bath after we took her 1 year hand and foot print. They turned out really cute, but we got ink every where! There are still little foot prints in the tub. They are slowly fading with each scrubbing.

Cake, Cake, Cake

I found out from my friend Bryndee that Albertson's will give a free 1 year birthday cake. So I went in and talked to the bakery to find out if it was really "free." Sure enough, they even let you pick from three designs. They did a great job and the cake was huge! I didn't mind letting her destroy a cake that was free.

For a long time the only part she would eat was the yellow center of the flower. Her dainty little fingers expertly only picking up the yellow frosting. Pretty hysterical to watch.

Paul shoved her hand into the cake hoping she would start to destroy it I guess. She didn't like it at all! She doesn't like getting her hands dirty and she started to cry.

After she fussed for a few minutes she realized it was frosting on her hand and started to eat.

Pretty neat, even for a girl.

1 Year Already!

Here are a few shots of Emma's big 1 year bash. It was so much fun!! Everyone that could be there came, even a surprise guest... Grandma Hofmann!! It was a very happy day. The food was good, the company was great, and the presents were awesome!! Thank you to everyone who came and thank you for the beautiful presents. Emma obviously had a wonderful time, but I know she loved seeing all of you the most!

The Gray's gave Em this really cool bubble machine. It was her first bubble experience.

My 2nd grade teacher Mrs. Graham gave Em this adorable set of book and stuffed animal. She was so thoughtful and kind to go to so much trouble. Mom took the invitation to school to show off how cute Em is. Mrs. Graham dropped this off at the house later that evening. Some times people are just so nice it's hard to believe.

As funny as it is, Emma loves to listen to Carrie Underwood. It's been a great tool in the car when she's cranky. She almost always falls asleep to her. Awesome! So, Paul got her the next installment, but honestly we like the first cd better. Maybe it'll grow on us as we go along, we'll see.

Brett and Terri gave her an adorable set of books, and as you can see she really likes them. She's points at them almost everyday. I'm so happy that she seems to enjoy books as much as I do. She's become an expert page turner!

Sometimes it's just the simple things.