CM365

Day 36 - Sweet Sleeping Bliss

2011-03-15T22:12:00.005-07:00

The beds in the hotel room are comfortable. Can you tell? Abby looked so adorable, I couldn't resist snapping some shots of her in this sleepy condition. I have to admit. I love staying in hotel rooms. It's fun and it's easy. I could totally be one of those types of person's that lived in one of the suites at the top of a ritzy hotel... if I had the money! I know my mom is with me on this one!

Feb 5th

Day 35 - Heritage Makers Regionals

2011-03-15T22:12:00.003-07:00

I love Regionals! The only thing I love more is Reunion. It's so awesome to get a weekend full of training and this regionals event is no exception. We have a brand new business opportunity and plan designed to get consultants earning more money faster. It's absolutely incredible. This was the only shot I took all day today... one of the slides from one of the presentations.

Feb 4th

Day 34 - On the way to Oak City

2011-03-15T22:12:00.001-07:00

This has got to be one of my most favorite pictures of the year so far... maybe even top 10 of all time personal photos. Abby and I drove to Oak City, UT today to stay with my friend Julie. Julie and I will be heading to Provo tomorrow for Heritage Makers Regionals. Abby did so good on the drive today, other than throwing her paci whenever she was mad. This was one of those pit stops, so I took advantage of it and snapped a shot.

Day 33 - My CM365 Calendar

2011-03-15T22:11:00.000-07:00

Once again... I love my business! It's so awesome that I can make memorabilia from my own personal photo blog! I put this together so that I could see a few of my most favorite pictures from each month throughout my day. I used to be fanatical about picking out my new calendar for the year... it seemed so defining. I don't buy calendars any more, I make them... so awesome!

Day 32 - Kitty Stretch

2011-02-02T05:54:00.000-08:00

One of those nights again... I love my cat. I'm glad she is such a willing subject. She sneaking in a little nap and I disturbed her slumber with my photo prep. I'm not sure how I caught this awesome shot of her stretching out of her sleepy state. It's pretty darn cute. Makes me want to snuggle her.

Feb 1st

Other Happenings:
Walked the mall and played in playground
Stayed within my 1500 calorie range
Took a short nap with Abby
I can feel that I've caught Abby's cold
Listened to HM Business Call
-New compensation plan is awesome
Steve got 100% on his test
Started Despicable Me

Day 31 - Muddy Shoes

2011-02-02T05:52:00.000-08:00

Abby and Bailey had a great time playing on the dirt hill in the back yard of the Anderson's today. Abby got a kick out of running down hill. It was still pretty wet, as you can see. Abby didn't have her play shoes on (pretty obvious as well)... as a matter of fact, she was wearing a dress and tights. The perfect outfit for playing in the mud. It all washed out just fine.

Jan 31st

Other Happenings:
Grocery day
-Abby fell asleep before we made it to the second store
Abby had 2 naps today
Took Bailey to the Anderson's
-Les replaced my headlight
-I played with the girls while he fixed his truck
Worked out
Realized I gained 2 lbs over the last week

Day 30 - What A Sky

2011-02-02T05:50:00.000-08:00

I was looking out the window and saw this beautiful blue colored cloud cover. This is one of those times where I could snap shots with my eyes instead of a camera. What we see with our own sight is so much more clearer and purer than what a camera sees. Maybe it's that sometimes, the emotion just isn't in the photo and that is where the translation is lost.

Jan 30th

Other Happenings:
Only attended Sacrament since Abby has a cough
Took 2 naps today with Abby
Excellent dinner and FHE at the Andersons
Abby now says the word Girl

Day 29 - Simonson

2011-02-02T05:47:00.000-08:00

Simon climbed up on the middle shelf of Allie's cat tower today. It was so darn funny to see him trying to cuddle up on the shelf, which had to be uncomfortable at best. I know Kari and I both were trying not to laugh too hard so as to not give Simon the idea that it's ok to climb on the cat tower.

Jan 29th

Other Happenings:
Hosted Tastefully Simple party
-Kari, Susan, Mindy, & Merideth
Played with Simon and Kari most of the day

Day 28 - CM365 2010 Storybook

2011-01-28T20:58:00.000-08:00

My book arrived in the mail today! I have been so anxious to get my hands on it and start showing it to all of my friends. It is so amazing. I really love being a personal publishing consultant and running my own business. It's so rewarding!

Other Happenings:
Walked the mall and played in playground
-spotted Bishop Davis and his wife Noreen, who joined us
Abby has been saying "I did it", but I think this is the first time
I realized it
Abby has a nice long nap, but woke up fussy
Prepared most of the food for my Tastefully Simple Party that's tomorrow
Watched Inception

Day 27 - So Girly

2011-01-27T21:09:00.001-08:00

My little girl is, well... such a girl!! How did I end up with a girly girl? Me, the tomboy. I think I've always been frightned of having a girl because I never really liked girly stuff. Well... I like girly stuff more now. Anyway, I'm really happy I have my little girly girl. She is totally into shoes, necklaces, and even purses and wallets. I'm going to have to learn how to fix her hair.

Other Happenings:
Abby learned the sign for bird
Abby said bird for the first time
Storytime at Library; chatted Shelley Neil and her girls
Finished The Singing
Made P-Dub's Cinnamon Toast the Right Way, very good

Day 26 - Fun with Friends

2011-01-27T21:06:00.000-08:00

We met with some friends at the playground in the mall today. The girls had a pretty good time playing together. It was cute to see them all trying to play on the car at once. It was a challenge to get them to all look at the camera at once though... this one wasn't a half bad shot compared to some of the others.

Other Happenings:
Went to the temple
Abby hung out with Bailey and Papa Anderson
Woke up with Abby at 315, couldn't go back to sleep

Day 25 - Where They Belong

2011-01-25T20:18:00.000-08:00

I love that Abby is big enough to help me with a few things around the house. She is quickly learning where things go and is many times all too anxious to do things all by herself. For instance, she knows where the silverware goes. She is still too small to see that there is an order in to where things belong in the drawer, so for now, she just drops them in... and I arrange afterwards. I bet if she knew they have their own slots, she would be all over putting them in order... she is so good at sorting!

Other Happenings:
Finished my CM365 Calendar
Checked out Operation Feedback
Walked the mall and played in playground
Abby knows where her arms and legs are
Listened to Mary Christensen on The Mind Aware
Listened to the beginning of the State of the Union Address

Day 24 - Around Reno #1

2011-01-24T21:27:00.000-08:00

As a personal project, I'd like to start venturing around town and taking pictures of things that catch my eye. Today I stopped at an old mill on the Truckee River right off of 4th Street just before Mogul. It was fenced in so I didn't really any great shots of the mill, but this worn down building on the property intrigued me. I love dilapidated structures.

Other Happenings:
Worked on my CM365 Calendar
Grocery Day
Made juice twice
-the second time was because Abby asked
2 Consultant interviews
Abby pooed in the tub, yuck

Day 23 - Some Random Cuteness

2011-01-23T21:40:00.002-08:00

There are so many times during the day that I catch myself thinking how amazingly cute my little Abby girl is. I'm sure it's pretty obvious since most of my picture are of her and her cuteness. Here is one of those moments as she snuggles her bunny and drinks her milk.

Other Happenings:
Abby hit her elbow at church and said ouch for the first time
Played Scum and drank smoothies at FHE
Ward conference was awesome
Abby had two naps: woke up at 530 this morning
Spent an hour on the phone with Steve

Day 22 - Dry Erase Markers

2011-01-23T21:40:00.001-08:00

I've taught Abby that she can draw on mirrors with dry erase markers. I'm really not sure if that is good or bad. So far she is doing really well with staying on the mirror (our closet doors are huge mirrors - tacky, I know I hate them). The most important thing is that she is having a great time. I tried to get a good shot of her scribbles, but it wasn't working out.

Other Happenings:
Taught Abby to draw on mirror with dry erase markers
Finished reading The Naming
Started reading The Singing
Abby has been saying "no" a lot lately

Day 21 - Another Lost Moment

2011-01-21T23:43:00.000-08:00

It's funny the random things a child will do... like stack items on a paper towel roll. I thought I would snap a picture of her success, but I was too late. By the time I snapped the shot, she had knocked everything off. Unfortunately this was the only picture I got today and this was not a duplicatable event.

Other Happenings:
Walked the mall
- Saw the Davis' and the Redd's, & the Sadlers joined us in the playground
Abby fell asleep on her own, after checking on her only twice
Published CM365 12x12 Storybook

Day 20 - Not What I Had In Mind

2011-01-20T20:01:00.000-08:00

Abby has started laying down on her polar bear rug while we read stories at night. I was trying to get a picture of the moment, but it went by too fast and she was more interested in the camera. She is fascinated by the screens on cameras and loves to watch the live video feed while I'm trying to set up a shot.

Other Happenings:
Abby fell off her chair because she was horsing around
-has a big lump on the back of her head
Kintners came over for dinner
Storytime at library
-Abby picked out a book, so we checked it out

Day 19 - Lunch with our Friends

2011-01-19T21:09:00.000-08:00

Today we went to a friends house for lunch and some play time. We have been getting out a bit more this year. Playing with lots of other kids is a really great opportunity for Abby to learn different behaviors like sharing, joint play, and manners. It's nice to have some different toys to play with for a bit as well.

Other Happenings:
Music Makers
Had lunch with our friends LD, CD, & HD
Steve passed a test with flying colors
Received package from Steve's sister Katie
Abby falling on the bed over and over when I counted to 3
-she would count to 3 too, although she was using her own words

Day 18 - What I'm Reading

2011-01-18T21:34:00.001-08:00

I've been on a reading kick lately. I pulled one of most favorite of stories off the shelf recently... The Naming. I'm not even sure how many times I've read the series through. I probably read it through once every two years or so. I got a book in the mail this week to another favorite series of mine; it's called The Messanger by Lois Lowry. Both great stories; I recommend them.

Other Happenings:
Walked the mall... saw Grandpa Don there and visited
-ladies at the playground made comments about how cute he was
Called my Mom and Grandma Sally

Day 17 - Surgery

2011-01-18T21:33:00.001-08:00

Today Abby had surgery to put tubes in her ears. We had to wake up very early this morning to get to the hospital 2 hours before the surgery was to take place. Abby had to fast as well. I was worried that the 2 hours in the waiting room would be a real challenge, but it went by fast enough. Abby's surgery went well... she was so cute laying in the bed still asleep from the anesthesia.

Other Happenings:
Grocery Shopping
Really enjoyed talking to Steve today
Abby said Cat loud and clear

Day 16 - Home Cooked Meal

2011-01-16T21:17:00.000-08:00

So, tonight for FHE, we ate Chicken Pot Pie for dinner. It sure was great! I don't think that it will convert me to eating other pot pies. Steve is a little sad, because this is something he wanted to try too. I had to promise that I would make it for him when we go out to visit in April. I would like to experiment more with the pie crust, which is a separate recipe all-together. I had a great great grandmother that was known for her pies... I wonder if I have any of that talent?

Jan 16th

Other Happenings:
Not a good sleep night
FHE
Jenn helped a lot with Abby
Really enjoyed the lesson in Relief Society today on fasting
Stake presidency counselors spoke in church

Day 15 - Chicken Pot Pie

2011-01-15T22:51:00.000-08:00

I have never ever made Chicken Pot Pie. I don't like it... never have. I think though, that it is because I have never had one homemade. Tonight I did most of the work so that I wouldn't have as much to do on the Sabbath. I spent about two hours making pie crust, chopping veggies, and then cooking the filling. All I will have to do tomorrow night is put it together and bake it. I used the Pioneer Woman's recipe... it is delicious!!! I had no idea that thyme made things so yummy!

Other Happenings:
Abby said poopoo and puppy

Day 14 - This Little Piggy

2011-01-14T21:34:00.000-08:00

Abby got a lot of cute pajamas for Christmas, and these little piggy jammies are my most favorite. Abby's favorite book right now is If You Give a Pig a Party, and the little piggies on her jammies look a little similar to the pig in the book. Abby loves to point out the little black and white kitty on most of the pages, and can even show you where almost all the animals are hiding when they are playing hide and seek. I think that she would be happy to fall asleep with this book wrapped her arms at night.

Jan 14th

Other Happenings:
Abby's pre-op appointment for ear tubes
Filled out invites for a Workshop Host
Dropped off Workshop Packet
Took a nap
Received my new greeting cards
Wrote some thank you notes

Day 13 - A Library Card For Abby

2011-01-13T08:48:00.000-08:00

Story-time at the library today. Abby was still pretty clingy, not really sure what to do with all the kids and adults sitting around. The children were pretty wiggly today, and there were a lot of them. Afterwards, we went to the front desk and signed Abby up for her first library card. She loves playing with cards, so she got to hold it for a little while. I picked out a few books for us to take home; If You Give a Moose a Muffin, Fox in Socks, and I Can Read with my Eyes Shut.

Jan 13th

Other Happenings:
Took a nap
Workshop in Carson City
Started my favorite book: The Naming

Day 12 - Music Makers

2011-01-12T22:15:00.000-08:00

Today we went to Music Makers at the Edmonton Chapel. This was our second visit. Abby warmed up a bit faster this time. She really enjoyed the balloons in the gym. She surprises me every day with the things that she knows and can figure out... especially how fast she picks up on things. She learned pretty quick that it was easier to hold more balloons if you held them by their "belly buttons." We both enjoy this activity... I love that I am learning some new songs to sing with Abby.

Jan 12th

Other Happenings:
Scanned for a Client
Prepped for this weeks Workshops
Abby said Fishes, Frog, and Book for the first time today
Abby also signed the word book for the first time
Abby is still not going down easy; 1hr 30 min tonight
Finished reading Through the Looking Glass

Day 11 - Game Night

2011-01-11T23:52:00.000-08:00

I had the Gregory's over for dinner tonight after Abby went down. After we ate, we sat down in the living room and played New Super Mario Bros. Wii. It was a lot of fun. It was so great to just hang out for the evening. A lot of times it surprises me that Abby can sleep through so much noise. I have to say that I was not really very helpful to my team members in this game... though I did beat one of the koopa's before we finished.

Jan 11th

Other Happenings:
Abby now says the word please
Walked 4 mi at mall and went to the playground
Had the Gregory's over for dinner, dessert, and wii
Abby had me read her If You Give A Pig A Party 4 times
-she really loves to point out the pig and the cat in the book
Abby can put on her socks by herself

Day 10 - Operation Decoration

2011-01-10T21:43:00.000-08:00

I absolutely love reading Sandra Boynton books to Abby. The other day I found a Sandra Boynton calendar pretty cheap, and I bought it thinking it would be cool to use the artwork to hang up in Abby's room. I found some frames in the dollar bins in Target and put a few together today. I'm feeling pretty pleased with myself for finally putting something up on Abby's walls.

Jan 10th

Other Happenings:
Grocery Day: Had to buy lights for the car,
the living room, and the kitchen today
Abby kisses
Abby organizing her silverware
Abby playing with oranges
Abby's fav book is Moo, Baa, La La La
- She now says Baa and La La La

Day 9 - I'm Busy

2011-01-09T21:35:00.000-08:00

Tonight we were at the Anderson's for FHE. It's a really fun place for the girls to play at. You can see Bailey in the background, at the sink. Abby was having a good time pushing this stepping stool around the kitchen. It's always funny to see the different things kids will do to entertain themselves.

Jan 9th

Other Happenings:
Slept in till 715 :D
Abby did great in Nursery again
Laughed my butt off playing What If for FHE
Abby followed Bailey around with both of them with
their arms in the air and Bailey saying Stronger over
and over
2 hour nap after church
Loving 11am church time

Day 8 - Momma's Little Helper

2011-01-08T16:25:00.000-08:00

Abby likes to take off with stuff from the dishwasher, so I learned pretty fast to enlist her help to prevent clean dishes being taken off with. Since the silverware is right up front, that is what she helps me with. It's pretty light and easy for her to grab. She always takes out her stuff first... I suppose because it's so colorful. I put her apron on her the other day, and today she actually wanted to have it on. It's still really big, but oh so cute!

Jan 8th

Other Happenings:
Washed and cleaned out car
- Abby helped me wipe the windows
Abby likes to watch Ponyo
Abby learned to point to her back
Abby fell asleep on her own
Made client calls
Finished reading Alice In Wonderland

Day 7 - Go Swimming

2011-01-07T06:49:00.001-08:00

Abby enjoys her bath time in the evenings. She usually plays for about 20 or 30 minutes before she is ready to get out. Recently she has learned to tilt her head back so I can pour water in her hair without getting it in her eyes. One thing she likes to do is "go swimming." When I say "go swimming," she will lay down on her belly in the water and push herself up with her arms, allowing her body to float. Sometimes I encourage her to kick her legs. She thinks this is a lot of fun.

Jan 7th

Other Happenings:
Walked 4 miles at the mall and played in the playground
Bought The Very Busy Spider on sale at BORDERS
Submitted my CM365 book as a template
Started adding last years photos to CM365 book
Made homemade mac n cheese
Abby was fussy most of the afternoon
Second night in a row Abby didn't go down easy

Day 6 - At the Library

2011-01-06T21:48:00.000-08:00

Today was story time at our library. Abby has been old enough to go for a month, but this was the first time we made it. I was really surprised by how many kids were there. Abby was a little nervous about the crowd, but she still enjoyed the singing and storytelling. Found out from one of the librarians that it's up to the parents when a child receives their library card. I told Abby she is old enough to have a card, so I think we will go ahead and get one for her next week. She was having a great time pulling books off the shelves. I love my little book lover!

Jan 6th

Other Happenings:
Meet with Jared Souther to learn about my new calling
Started over on my CM365 template
Abby said Dada over and over to a photo of Steve on the fridge

Day 5 - Creative Play

2011-01-05T22:22:00.000-08:00

Abby has really been enjoying her new table. This morning she wanted to play with her Play Doh, so I had her sit down in her chair and got out her Play Doh tools. She really loves putting the pieces back in the container, and you can always hear her making her concentration sound while she is doing it.

Jan 5th

Other Happenings:
Abby repeated A B C & D, though C was a little rough
Host Coach appointment
Worked on my CM365 template
Abby talked in one of my ears, then talked in the other
Abby grabbed my face in both of her hands and gave me a kiss
Abby walked up to me, gave me a hug, and went back to playing

Day 4 - Quick and Easy Lunch

2011-01-04T22:32:00.000-08:00

Today was an arranged stressor day. I opted for the easy way out. I thought that Abby was supposed to be getting tubes in her ears today, but it turns out it was just the consultation. Nana sent Abby a $5 gift card for McDonalds for Christmas, so today we went and got her a happy meal. She got a cute little bunny as a toy... looks a lot like her Fluffer Bunny she sleeps with at night.

Jan 4th

Other Happenings:
Walked 4 miles at mall and played in playground
Spent evening organizing 2010 CM365 photos
Watched the rest of Eclipse which I started yesterday

Day 3 - Personal Admiration

2011-01-03T21:30:00.000-08:00

After bath time, we have reading time... though, sometimes it can turn into play time, like tonight. We were in my room and Abby was playing with her reflection in the mirror. Suddenly she was very serious looking and looked as though she was admiring herself in the mirror. It's so cute when little's one's do things that seem so grown up.

Jan 3rd

Other Happenings
Grocery Day - Abby was pretty cranky
Abby was very clingy all day
Gabe dropped by for a few
Made a Texas Sheet cake
Abby said 3 new words; three, amen, and bye
Abby said bye to Steve on phone tonight
Made a recipe from my Pioneer Woman Cookbook:
Egg-In-A-Hole

Day 2 - Early Morning Trip

2011-01-02T15:50:00.001-08:00

We've only been home for a few hours and gotten very little sleep before it was time to take Steve to the airport. He headed back to North Carolina today. Don't be fooled by these two bright eyed and bushy-tailed individuals... it's about 415 am in this photo. It's been a fast two weeks. April... please don't take your time, by any means!

Jan 2nd

OTHER HAPPENINGS
Got home from our CA trip at 1230am
Lots of morning power naps
I received a new calling in church: Building Coordinator
FHE: Played Buzzword & enjoyed blackberry cobbler

Day 1 - Just A Moment Before

2011-01-02T08:16:00.000-08:00

Today is Katie's wedding. At this moment she was walking to the chapel when her big brother Steve came out a side door of the building. Katie looked amazing, everything was perfect; the wedding was magical. What a great way to begin the New Year. Congratulations to Katie and Dave Rogers

January 1st

TODAY'S OTHER HIGHLIGHTS
Abby was 1 of 3 flower-girls
I read from the Song of Salomon for the wedding
Family photo's
Awesome wedding reception at Thomas Fogarty Winery
Steve gave a toast at the reception
We made it safely through the pass to get home

CM365 2011: What's New?

2011-01-02T08:15:00.000-08:00

So, like I said in the previous post, I've am really excited about continuing this project in 2011. I'll be making a few additions to the project posts... just some things that I've thought I would enhance my blog a little bit.

1. Other Happenings
I've found that this blog has become a great journal for our lives. The only thing is, it usually only highlights what is happening in the photo. I would like to remember some of the other things that happened during the day, so I am adding an "Other Happening's" section at the bottom of the post.

2. Add the Date
I had chosen to title each photo according to the number of the day of the year it was. But this caused a little problem... when I fell behind, I would post several photo's on one or two days. The problem was that I kept losing track of the Julian date and would have to constantly look up a Julian Date calendar to figure it out. So, to make my life easier, I will put the actual date below the photo of each post.

3. Assignments and Challenges
I'm going to try and change things up a bit with the pictures by giving myself some assignments and challenges. I was thinking about having a weekly assignment that focuses on a landscape photo, a monthly highlight of an adventure, and a challenge to photograph all the letters of our names that I find where ever I go. If you have some ideas, feel free to let me know!

2010 End of Year Thoughts

2011-01-02T08:13:00.000-08:00

It has been really amazing to do this blog throughout the year. When I first started this project, I was a little intimidated by the task of taking a picture every day. I wondered if I would be able to finish this project. A few months in, I had a day where I forgot to take a picture. It really bothered me, but as the year has gone by and other days have been missed, I decided to not worry about it. I felt I was still trying my best to stay true to the idea of the goal. My husband really encouraged me all year long... part of that was to help me to be successful, but I think it was mostly because he wanted to know what was going on in our lives since he is currently living across the country.

I have found this project so rewarding. It has been a really great glimpse of what has taken place in our lives, and not just the spectacular and special, but the routine and mundane as well. It's real life, it's our life, and it's amazing! This month, I'll be working on creating a book out of the posts and photos in this blog. I've been really looking forward to putting this together and having all the photos in an album for our home... it will be like a family yearbook. How cool is that?!

Because this was such an amazing experience, I have chosen to continue in 2011 with some changes that I will tell you about in the next post. Thanks to all of you who have shared our memories with us in 2010 and I hope you will look forward to sharing 2011 with us as well!

Day 365 - Ringin in the New Year

2011-01-01T09:52:00.000-08:00

Today was a very busy day. We left early this morning and headed to the Sanfrancisco Bay Area for Steve's sister Katie's wedding. Today was the rehearsal then a New Year's Eve party at Joya. I hung out with Grandma Loraine while Steve went to the party. Grandma and I played Hand and Foot and Quidler, ordered dessert through room service, and watched Carson's Coutdown all while Abby slept.

Day 364 - Arctic Warfare Abby

2010-12-30T20:38:00.001-08:00

We dressed Abby up in her snow jumper, coat, and boots and took her out to play. She was a little uncertain in her boots, but got the hang of it. We took a little walk around the block and we discovered that sliding on the ice made Abby laugh hysterically.

Day 363 - Daddy Cuddles

2010-12-30T07:37:00.000-08:00

There's our little Daddy's girl. Steve took off for several hours today. I thought Abby would have a hard time while he was gone, but she actually did really well. But, when he got home, she was all about demanding attention from him.

Day 362 - Longing for Escape

2010-12-30T07:33:00.000-08:00

Every day this week, Abby has wanted to go out, but neither of us has wanted to go out with her. She has had a cold, and the one time we did, the cold air started a coughing fit almost immediately. Abby also has this thing about carrying bags around like purses.... she is a girlie girl through and through. Doesn't she look ready to go?

Day 361 - Epic Kill

2010-12-30T07:17:00.000-08:00

This was not one of my finer moments... or was it. I suppose it depends on your point of view. I was holding Abby and needed to get something out of the fridge. I had to squat down for whatever it was, and when I came up, my rear end hit and knocked off an entire shelf... the shelf with the full carton of eggs. Every egg was cracked.

Day 360 - Aunt Katie and Abby

2010-12-30T07:09:00.001-08:00

We had the pleasure of having Steve's sister Katie and her fiance Dave come join us for Christmas Dinner last night. Before they headed back to California, they came to visit for a little bit today.

Day 359 - Christmas Morning

2010-12-29T15:26:00.001-08:00

Christmas Day is here! We spent the day helping Abby open the enormous amounts of gifts she received from our family. One of my favorite parts of the day today, was when we helped Abby with her stocking. She went right over to Daddy and started cuddling with him as we pulled out her toys.

Day 358 - Christmas Eve Sunrise

2010-12-29T15:23:00.000-08:00

I looked out the window this morning and noticed a beautiful glow, so I grabbed my camera and headed out into the cold air to snap a few shots. It was not disappointing!

Day 357 - Visit With Santa

2010-12-29T15:17:00.000-08:00

Today we came back to the mall so we could get a picture of Abby with Santa Claus. It did not go well at all. The moment she saw the big jolly man, she was sure she didn't like him. Steve placed her on his lap and instantly she started crying. Eventually, we both had to get into the photo with her and Santa. Here is a picture of us leaving the mall... I'm sure Abby was happy about that.

Day 356 - Abby's New Move

2010-12-29T15:13:00.000-08:00

Tonight, Abby was getting wild in her daily dance routine. She started spreading her legs as if she was doing the splits... it was so cute. We all thought it was funny, including Abby, until she was stuck and promptly started to whine for help. Good thing Daddy was standing nearby.

Day 355 - New Playground

2010-12-29T15:09:00.000-08:00

This morning we decided to go for a walk in the mall. We discovered that there is a brand new playground, so after we were done we headed right on over to do some playing. Abby had such a great time running and crawling around.

Day 354 - Daddy Magic

2010-12-29T15:05:00.000-08:00

Steve got home for Christmas vacation late Saturday night. Today, I went to the grocery store alone today. When I came back, Steve was up in Abby's room putting her down for her nap. It's so cute to see them together.

Day 353 - Playing Together

2010-12-29T14:32:00.000-08:00

I've noticed in the past couple weeks that Abby is starting to play with other kids instead of watching and playing on her own. She especially likes it when other kids play chase with her. Tonight, Abby and Bailey were playing on a play station together.

Day 352 - Visit From Oma

2010-12-29T14:28:00.000-08:00

Oma Bonnie came to visit Abby and I today for a little Christmas visit. We went to breakfast at Peg's Glorified Ham n' Eggs, visited with Great Grandma and Grandpa Kintner, and then she entertained Abby while I did some last minute prep for our Ward Christmas Party. Abby is being silly with Oma at the party.

Day 351 - Snow Storm

2010-12-29T14:25:00.000-08:00

It's been snowing all day!! When I woke up this morning, there was nothing on the ground. When we left to go to the store a few hours later, there was a thick layer of snow on the ground. When we got home, it was even thicker. We got about 11 inches today. Believe it or not, this is actually a night shot... still snowing.

Day 350 - The Holy Family

2010-12-29T14:22:00.000-08:00

I love that the Reno LDS Temple has nativity scene. It's simple, there are no lights; beautiful. Actually... the statues may light up at night. I'm not sure.

Day 349 - Christmas Ornament

2010-12-29T14:15:00.000-08:00

It's a tradition for our family every Christmas to buy a new ornament for our tree... something we started the second year of our marriage. Of all the ornaments we have, I would have to say that this one is my most favorite. It holds a photo of our family photo from last year... another favorite in this photo.

Day 348 - Christmas Card Assembly Line

2010-12-29T14:12:00.000-08:00

I received my Christmas cards in the mail today... I was pretty excited. This year, I did it all on Heritage Makers... can't believe how much time it saved and peace of mind it gave me. I had all my envelopes already addressed and stamped, so all I had to do was stuff them and put the in the mail box.

Day 347 - Decorating the Tree

2010-12-26T20:53:00.000-08:00

Today, Abby and I decorated our Christmas tree. I love how fast Abby picks up on things... it's so cute how she will watch and then copy what you do. Today she watched me put ornaments on our tree, and then she would take one and place it on the branch. What was really funny was when we got a box from Nanny and Peepaw and I was trying to teach her to put the gifts under the tree... she was putting them on the tree! I couldn't stop laughing.

Day 346 - Welcome to Nursery

2010-12-26T20:42:00.000-08:00

Today was Abby's first day of Nursery at church. It was supposed to be last Sunday, but she was a little bit sick, so I kept her out. She was a little nervous, but did amazing on her first day! I went to peek in on her between classes and one of the nursery leaders who happened to be in the hall told me she had been a little clingy, but was doing fine. I looked through the peep hole, and there she was with her back towards the door sitting at the table eating a snack. I will forever have that image in my mind.

Day 345 - Wrapped and Ready for Shipment

2010-12-26T20:38:00.000-08:00

I got all of the gifts ready and wrapped up for our out of town family. I ended up shipping six boxes this year. Two to California, two to Indiana, one to Arizona, and one to Pennsylvania. The only thing I have left to do is shop for Steve.

Day 344 - Oh Christmas Tree

2010-12-26T20:31:00.000-08:00

I found our Christmas tree today. I decided to go with an Aspen because the branches are sturdy. Last year the tree I picked had a hard time holding up our ornaments... they are almost all very heavy. This tree should do an excellent job. It's a little short, but sure is a great looking tree!

Day 343 - Holiday Baking

2010-12-26T20:26:00.000-08:00

This year I'm sending all of our siblings goodie tins for Christmas. I made chocolate chip cookies this morning. Later, my friend Shauna came over and made caramels while I made rice krispy treats, and then I made fudge this evening. It's been a very busy treat day.

Day 342 - It's Christmas Time

2010-12-26T20:21:00.000-08:00

I was able to get some decorating done today. I really love stockings. They are so personal. It has always been my favorite thing on Christmas morning... going through my stocking. I don't have our tree yet, but hopefully some time this week.

Day 341 - Bagging the Leaves

2010-12-26T20:18:00.000-08:00

I was finally remembered to purchase some lawn bags so we could get all the leaves out of the yard. We needed some fresh air so we went outside to do some raking and bagging. Abby was very helpful. Though, sometimes she would take leaves back out of the bag and put them back in the pile.

Day 340 - Reading Time, Again

2010-12-26T20:13:00.000-08:00

Abby and I were invited to a friends house for dinner tonight. We had very yummy fettuccine alfredo made from scratch. Abby played with a stroller that belong to the youngest girl in the household. She had such a great time. Then the oldest did some reading with Abby.

Day 339 - Acrobat Abby

2010-12-26T20:05:00.000-08:00

Tonight we were hanging out at the Sadlers for FHE and watching the First Presidency Christmas Devotional. Abby was having a fabulous time playing with some of Bailey's necklaces. She was also having fun with Jeff, who was putting her up in the air.

Day 338 - Yep, Reading Again

2010-12-26T19:59:00.000-08:00

Why are there so many pictures of Abby reading? Well, we spend quite a bit of time doing just that... reading. Tonight, her bedtime book of choice is, I Love You Stinky Face. It's one of my favorites to read. What is Abby's favorite right now? It's Brown Bear, Brown Bear What Do You See. She can point out the Cat, Dog, Duck, Frog, and Goldfish if you ask her.

Day 337 - Third Time Lucky

2010-12-26T19:54:00.000-08:00

Well... we made it back up to the hill today to snap our Christmas photo. Today everything worked out great. Since Abby will be 18 months old this weekend, this photo shoot counts as her 18 month pictures. This photo was my favorite... she looks like she is expounding from the pulpit.

Day 336 - Momma Come Back

2010-12-26T19:50:00.000-08:00

I went outside to get the mail and Abby was watching out the window. She doesn't like it when I go outside... she wants to go outside too. Sometimes if I come back in she will do everything she can to convince me to take her outside. It's really cute when she gets her shoes, has me put them on, and then walks over to the door.

Day 335 - Christmas Photo Attempt Two

2010-12-26T16:44:00.000-08:00

I decided to hike up the hill near our house today to snap our Christmas picture. Abby woke up early, so I got us ready pretty quick so we could catch the morning light and get Mount Rose in the background. After about 30 min of walking, I finally settled on a spot, got arranged, snapped a few shots to check lighting and then set the timer. Then the batteries died. And that was the beginning of one of the worst days ever. This is a great shot of Abby though!

Day 334 - Ballerina Toes

2010-12-26T16:31:00.000-08:00

Abby has some impressive tippy toe power. When she dances, one foot is constantly in a tippy toe position. In this shot, she was trying very hard to reach something in her dresser drawer.

Day 333 - Special Delivery

2010-12-26T16:12:00.000-08:00

We got a box from Nanny today. Abby was pretty excited about it. I laid it on the floor and she proceeded to examine it. One of the first things she did was lay across the box... I'm not really sure what that accomplished. Eventually it progressed to standing, jumping, and dancing on top.

Day 332 - Coloring Duo

2010-12-19T21:05:00.000-08:00

While in the middle of Family Home Evening, the girls both sat down on their bellies to do some coloring. It so neat to catch the two of them doing things together.

Day 330 - Chip Dipper

2010-12-19T20:56:00.000-08:00

I've been making a lot of fresh salsa lately; about a batch a week. Today I let Abby try her hand at dipping chips into our salsa. She didn't really get much on her chip most of the time, but what was cute was when she would let it marinate then eat it. At one point she stuck almost her entire hand in the bowl (along with the chip). Needless to say, we shall be scooping out our salsa into a separate bowl at each sitting.

Day 329 - Grandpa's Girl

2010-12-19T20:51:00.001-08:00

Abby and I went to Steve's grandparents house for Thanksgiving dinner today. I find it so cute that she cozies right up with her grandpa's... all 4 of them (2 great-grandpa's). She is a daddy's girl and a grandpa's girl through and through.

Day 328 - Family Christmas Photo: Take One

2010-12-19T20:45:00.000-08:00

So, brilliant idea that was not so brilliant today. I really wanted to have a Christmasey type of background for our picture this year. In an effort to accomplish this, I drove up to Tahoe Meadows where I knew there was snow. There was snow alright!!!! Up past my waist... this is quite a tale, but all will not be told here. All I will say is that we did not get a good enough photo and will have to try again; somewhere less treacherous.

Day 327 - Lessons in Sculpting

2010-12-19T20:42:00.000-08:00

Abby received some Play Doh at a birthday party a while back. I really needed a diversion today (for Abby), and this proved to work great. I gave her a few things to use, but she mostly enjoyed tearing it in pieces and putting it back in it's container.

Day 326 - Inked

2010-12-19T20:38:00.000-08:00

I went to pick up Abby to put her in her high chair for lunch when I noticed that she had scribbled all over her belly with a stray pen. It was quite a shocking discovery... I had no idea there was a pen loose.

Day 325 - Pretty Skies

2010-12-18T23:14:00.000-08:00

Abby and I were out for a walk and getting home just as it was starting to get dark. The clouds in the sky seemed so beautiful. Sadly, I didn't have the camera with me, so I had to rush to the house to get it. The sky was not as gorgeous as it was before, but still nice.

Day 324 - Exerting Every Effort

2010-12-18T23:09:00.000-08:00

Don't ask me why... but reason or another, Abby decided she wanted one of the wii cases hanging out on the shelf. But what is crazy is that she couldn't just reach up and grab it, she felt the need to stand on her tippy toes, on a toy, on the bottom shelf, while holding on with both hands to the next level and grab the case with her mouth. Kids are so funny!

Day 323 - Pile 'em Up

2010-12-18T23:03:00.000-08:00

We have a massive amount of leaves spread out in our yard. I finally taken a little time to get some of them piled up so we can get them out of sight. I love raking leaves, but it's a challenge when you have a toddler running around and you have to keep her out of the street. Our pile was probably about 2 feet high.

Day 321 - Farewell

2010-12-18T22:57:00.000-08:00

Our good friends the Eagleston's are moving to Utah tomorrow. It's been a pretty hard hit to most of the ward... it was very short notice, Jake is one of the counselor's in the Bishopric, and the Eagleston's are, well... they are just simply amazing. Plus, Jake was the only claim to family I had in the area (we were related by through a marriage that was dissolved many years ago). Abby and I went to help do some cleaning in their home. They will be missed something terrible!

Day 320 - The House of the Lord

2010-12-18T22:52:00.000-08:00

Today I had the opportunity to clean the inside of our Reno Temple. This is a service that is performed every Tuesday morning by the members of the church. This week was the South Meadows ward turn. It's not the first time I've been able to have this opportunity, but this time it was particularly impressionable. A thought that the Brother Lord's shared, "There is power in purity."

Day 318 - New Skill

2010-12-18T22:49:00.000-08:00

In the last few days, Abby has gotten really good at blowing her own nose. I wish I could say that I taught her how to do this... I did not. This may be her answer to the hatred she has towards the nasal aspirator.

Day 317 - Juice Mustache

2010-12-16T21:43:00.000-08:00

I've recently bought a juicer, so I've been making some fresh juice for Abby and I to enjoy throughout the week. Abby has graduated to cups (in a regulated enviornment), and tonight I gave her some juice in a cup. It was so cute to watch her drink and I especially love the juice mustache.

Day 316 - Pacified

2010-12-16T21:40:00.000-08:00

I try pretty hard to keep Abby's paci away from her most of the day, at least while we are downstairs. However, when we go upstairs, all bets are off. She knows that when she wakes up and I pull her out of the crib, that she has to leave the paci behind, but once we go back upstairs... she goes straight to the crib and grabs her little paci pal.

Day 315 - Enjoy Any Good Books Lately?

2010-12-16T21:35:00.000-08:00

Yep... another shot of Abby reading a book. I'm telling you, she is obsessed. I hope you believe me. Today we were chillin on my bed and doing a little bit of reading together. It makes me happy that she loves books so much.

Day 314 - Snow

2010-12-16T21:33:00.000-08:00

I've been anxious for it to snow... well, it finally did today. Not much though. By the time I got out to take this picture, it had already mostly melted away. The snow usually sticks around much longer in our yard because the sun doesn't really hit it.

Day 313 - Autumn in Reno

2010-12-16T21:29:00.000-08:00

Many of the leaves changed colors weeks ago. There were so many great fall scenes I had aspired to take snapshots of, but never got around to it. I got this one while we were out for our walk today. I love fall... it's my favorite time of year. The time of year where I miss Indiana the most.

Day 312 - Organizational Skills

2010-11-30T05:00:00.000-08:00

Tonight we went back to the Anderson's home because I left my camera last night. Abby got into Mary's drawer where she keeps her ziploc bags. She had a great time giving them to Papa Anderson as well as making a nice little pile on the floor.

Day 311 - Hi Bailey

2010-11-30T04:57:00.000-08:00

This young lady has such an infectious smile! She is such a happy little girl and whenever she's around, you can't help but be giggly right along with her. Thanks Bailey for making us happy!

Day 310 - Birthdays

2010-11-30T04:45:00.000-08:00

Today we celebrated our friend Simon's second birthday. We had a fun time hanging out with Simon and his Momma and a few friends.

Obviously you've noticed that there are two photo's today. Abby turned 17 months old yesterday but I forgot to take her out for pictures. So we went down to a park and snapped some shots. We also happened to run into Grandma Sally while she was out walking her dog.

Day 309 - Glowing Green

2010-11-30T04:40:00.001-08:00

Sometimes I find it frustrating that the flash always makes Allie's eyes glow, but this shot looks pretty cool. Tonight was another one of those last minute shots where I almost forgot to take a picture.

Day 308 - Size 8 1/2 Shoe

2010-11-30T04:31:00.000-08:00

Abby is a shoe fanatic! She spends 30 to 60 minutes a day putting on and taking off shoes. Doesn't matter what shoes either... hers or mine or whom ever shoes are around.

Day 306 - Get Out the Vote

2010-11-30T04:26:00.000-08:00

Abby and I went down to our local voting area today. We went pretty early so we wouldn't have to stand in line too long. We didn't have to wait at all which was nice, but Abby got bored quick because I was taking longer than she liked. I'm so glad to have the opportunity to vote.

Day 305 - My Little Collector

2010-11-30T04:17:00.000-08:00

Abby has a very cute habit of collecting things. One of those things is socks... she LOVES to collect socks. Today I had some clean laundry downstairs, and Abby quickly sorted through it and pulled out all my socks. In this moment, she is desperately trying to get me to take the socks from her. It's especially cute when she wears the socks on her arms.

Day 304 - Happy Halloween

2010-11-30T04:08:00.000-08:00

I'm not really a big fan of Halloween... mostly out of lazyness. I wanted to get a good snapshot of one of the neighborhoods decorations, but by the time I remembered, most lights were out.

Day 303 - ER Visit

2010-11-30T04:02:00.000-08:00

Early this morning I woke to Abby crying. She had rolled off of my bed and hit her lip on the bed rail on the way down to the floor. She had a nice size split right on the crease of her lip. It wasn't too bloody, but I was worried it needed stitches, so we took a trip to the ER just in case. Abby was really good for the doctor and nurses. In the end, no stitches.

Day 302 - Indulgence

2010-11-30T03:54:00.000-08:00

Who doesn't appreciate a little Ben & Jerry's now and then. I haven't had Chocolate Fudge Brownie in long while... usually go for Peanut Butter Cup. The Chocolate Fudge Brownie didn't seem as good as it used to be, could be just me though.

Day 301 - Pit Stop

2010-11-30T03:49:00.000-08:00

Today we traveled back home. We stopped in Winnamuca again to play in the park and eat dinner. The little playground is just her size. Though she loves a slide, she was more excited to go up and down the stairs. Abby has done so well these last couple of road trips. She only gets really upset around bedtime.

Day 300 - Front Facing

2010-11-30T03:42:00.000-08:00

Tonight, Heather and I headed out to run a few errands. We took her van, so Abby had her first ride in a front facing car seat. She had a pretty great time, especially being able to watch the other kids in the car. She was giggling away.