A Rainy Day At The Zoo

We have just enjoyed spending almost two weeks with Matthew's parents. Since Matthew and I didn't have to work Friday or Monday, we all headed to Seattle for a couple of days.

We had a fun-packed weekend, starting on Friday when our mini-vacation began at the Woodland Parks Zoo. It poured down with rain (it is Seattle after all), but that didn't stop us from having fun. We saw many kinds of animals and reptiles. I didn't take a ton of photo's because it was so wet, but here are a few.

Have you ever seen a "popcorn tree" before? Well here is a photo of one. When she saw this shrub with the white buds Amelia called out "popcorn mommy!", it really does look like the tasty treat don't you think?

I'm afraid I don't remember what Matthew and Amelia were looking at in the photo below, birds I think - I just thought it was a neat picture.

"Is that Mumble?"

We loved the penguins. Amelia is quite fond of the movie "Happy Feet" and spent some time watching them swim in front of her, behind the glass. They were really interactive.


Although we were pretty soggy by the end of our zoo experience, there was a lot to see and we made some great memories!

Only As a Mother...

I always say, nothing could prepare me for motherhood, no matter how many classes I attended, or how many books I read, the only way I have learned how to be a mother is by being one.

There are many times when I am overwhelmed with the task at hand, however, it is in the quiet, still moments, when I truly understand things that I can only appreciate as a mother.

Of course there are so many moments, but today, I am particularly grateful for the following wonderful blessings.

It's the eyes which twinkle brighter than any star, and smile that is so wide and laughs out loud that melt my heart as a mother. It's the tiny feet I love to tickle, and hear pitter patter down the hall. The soft little hands I love to hold and kiss, hands that love to colour or help me when I bake. Only these could I appreciate as a mother.

It's the bottom lip tucked in tight that makes me smile as I watch my girl concentrate. Or, the whimper that makes my heart want to take away any illness or sadness, but lets me know that I am needed, loved and depended upon.

It's hearing the most wonderful sound as she looks at me and says "I love you momma".

Lastly it's the peaceful feeling I get, when a little arm gently caresses my shoulder, and the soft sucking sound of a binky, as I lay down quietly at bedtime, by a beautiful girl I am lucky enough to call my daughter.

Only these things have I learned, since I became a mother.

Is it Father Christmas or Santa Claus?

I grew up saying Father Christmas, but here in the USA it seems he goes by Santa Claus. Kind of like I say "Happy Christmas" but here it is usually "Merry Christmas".

Either way, today was the day that we decided to take Amelia to visit Santa (yes, we picked the last Saturday before Christmas to visit a very busy mall). Last year, we traveled in lots of snow, just so that I could get Amelia's photo taken with the perfect one. This year, there was no snow, in fact the weather was quite nice. We headed to Washington Square Mall, and after dressing Amelia in her beautiful Christmas dress, stood in line to meet the man in the red suit. Amelia gave Santa a hug and had a nice visit with him. As you can see, she was pretty serious looking for the photo, but of course giggled and smiled tons after. It was fun to watch her and I love to hear her saying ho! ho! ho!

After our visit, we headed back home, and this evening, attended a live nativity, put on by our church at our new Stake Center. It was wonderful, and I have to say one of my favorite parts was seeing the live camel and sheep - a very fun surprise.

So, today has been a wonderful day for our family, all about Christmas, which ended with the true meaning, the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Happy Christmas!

Nothing Artificial About It

Earlier this year, I bid on a Christmas Tree, donated by a friend and colleague of mine to a silent auction we held at work. I have never experienced a "real" tree, so imagine my excitement when I won. Since February of this year, I have asked (harrassed) my friend as to how my tree was doing. Finally, this past weekend, we were ready to go and pick it out.

We bundled up in warm clothes, borrowed my friend Alice's truck and set off on our journey.

When we arrived the hunt began for the best Christmas tree we could find.


There were so many, it was hard to choose.

It was fun watching Amelia, as she discovered the pine needles.

My outdoors girl really enjoyed herself.

Even though it was cold, it was a beautiful day and the sky was blue.

We did find the perfect tree, but most of all, we had a wonderful time as a family.

Now the tree sits in our living room, wrapped with ribbon, covered in colourful lights, displaying all of our treasured ornaments, that hold memories of our family's past Christmas's.

I can hardly wait for next year, when we can do this tradition all over again.

No Evidence of a Baby Anywhere

Here's Amelia reading a book in her new twin bed, along with friends George the Monkey and her pup Scamp.

We recently bought this "big girl" bed for her after many sleepless nights (due to fact that she kept jamming herself up in the corner of her crib rails). The funny thing is, Amelia doesn't even come 1/2 way down the mattress. I found the most perfect flannel sheets for her, they are pink with monkeys and her new quilt is also quite adorable (as you can see).

The best part, is that I can now kiss her goodnight when she is asleep, before, I couldn't reach far enough into the crib to do this.

I'm happy to report that her sleeping pattern seems to have settled down again for the most part, and the bed is perfect.

Once the bed was up, We took down the crib (which meant her crib mobile went away), and also removed her changing pad and replaced it with a shelf for her books. So now, as I look around, there is not really any evidence of a baby (well, with the exception of diapers I suppose), my little girl is growing up...fast!

Below are photo's of Amelia in her new bed for the first time...

...Simply angelic!

Sweet dreams my Sleeping Beauty!