Penelope

Yesterday Huntley received a huge package for Christmas fom her NiNi, Grandpa, and Auntie April. Our tree now has no room under it and we haven't even put the presents we bought her underneath. The lucky little girl even got to open some up that day. She also had one huge present that Chris could not resist opening and now Penelope has joined our family. Since our actual dog, Daisy, is a little out of control, Penelope will be a good substitute. Huntley already enjoys taking naps with her. Who couldn't resist a giant pink puppy.

Here we are opening presents with Penelope in the background. I think she will have to sit on the floor from now on since she takes up the majority of the couch.

How Cool is this!!!

Snow is falling all around, on the housetops on the ground. My pre-baby self would have been jumping up and down and celebrating. I used to love the snow and everything it brought. But now my post-baby self is looking out the window and wanting to cry. No more stroller, no more walks, no more outside. Fortunately I recieved my REI winter catalog today and found this neato little contraption. How cool would this be too have. I could throw on my snowshoes and tow Huntley behind. Mabey we could even somehow attach it to the back of the snowmobile. Yes I know that would be awful and lucky for me I don't have to be worried about that tempting possibility because this way too cool toy is way too expensive to buy. Oh well, I guess we'll be enjoying the winter wonderland indoors this year.

For Grandpa Scott

When Huntley was first born she was like all newborns and pretty much slept all day and would only wake up to eat. Since Scott, Linda, and April were staying with us for a few days after she was born, she was held constantly as she slept. Scott would make me laugh because as she would lay there he would look at her and wonder when she was going to start doing something. Well three months have went by and now she finally does something and since Grandpa Scott lives too far away I thought I would put a video of Huntley playing on the blog just for him. We love you!!!

Oh Christmas Tree

Christmas is here!!! My favorite yearly tradition has always been cutting down the tree. When I was little we always went to my Great Grandma's back yard, she had her own mini forest in the middle of downtown Pleasant Grove. After her trees grew too big we started going to Oak City Canyon where my Aunt lives. As kids we had a blast sledding and four wheeling for hours. Now that we live in Flaming Gorge we pretty much just have to walk out in our back yard to cut our tree. Last year I took things to the extreme and spent all summer hiking around looking for the perfect tree. I was so excited to take Huntley out and pick out her first tree. Well that didn't go as well as I would like. Huntley fell asleep on the drive and I ended up sitting in the truck with a sleeping baby listening to Chris singing Christmas carols while he was looking for the perfect tree. (He didn't know I could hear him but he has quite the loud singing voice.) After we got the tree we did wake Huntley up to take a picture in front of it but she wasn't exactly thrilled. Hopefully next year will go a little better.

So Blessed

Today was Huntley's blessing day. I now think it's extremely appropriate that when a child is given a name and a blessing that it is called their "blessing day". Not only are they given a blessing, I found that it was a great day to think about all of the blessings I have. I am so blessed to have this little girl in my life, to be able to teach, nurture, and care for her. The past three months have been amazing and I never realized how much you could love someone. I'm also blessed to have such a wonderful husband who holds and honors his priesthood and was able to bless our daughter. He did such an amazing job and I am so proud of him. I'm blessed to have such a great family, mine and Chris's. I have an amazing mom, mother-in-law, and sister who have helped me so much to become a better mother. I'm also extremely greatful that it is possible for families to be together forever and that I will be with my family for eternity.

Huntley with her Great Grandma and Grandpa Phillips. They celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary today.

Spending time with Auntie Mera.

The downfall of the whole day was the lack of naps. The night before was extremely windy and poor Russell didn't get much sleep. Combine that with going to church and he was one exhausted little boy.

I love my family!!!

Playing dress up

Hooray for little girls! When I found out that I was going to be having a girl, my first thought was yeah I get to play dress up. Well after she got here I soon learned that playing dress up is no fun. Huntley hates anything going over her head, it must remind her of the traumatic journey through the birth canal. Or if I do spend time dressing her all up she immediately will have a blowout or spit up all over. So most days we dress her in the quickest and easiest outfits. This is kind of sad considering all of the cute outfits she has that she will probably never wear, should have kept the tags on those. Somedays though we just have to throw caution to the wind and put on a frilly dress and by some miracle it lasted the whole three hours of church. Unfortunately on the way home we heard sounds coming out of her that all parents dread, it's going to be awhile before we play dress up again.

Howdy!