State Fair

Dear Maizy,

We had to go to the Utah State Fair, we just had to!!  I love going and always have.  My agenda has changed over the years.  I used to go for the rides, then I would go with my girlfriends to flirt with boys, then I would go for the beer, then I went there on dates, then I would go for the sometimes fun concerts they'd have and now I go to take you and to people watch of course!

Thursday after work I zoomed home, picked up you and daddy and we headed to the fair to meet Grandma Shelly and Grandpa Glen. 

We refused to pay for parking, so we found a spot, a very good spot we thought, on the side of the road in the neighborhood nearby.

We got into the fair park and tried to find g-ma and g-pa.  We didn't have any luck, so we just went and checked out all of the animals. You were in awe over the huge cows!! You giggled at the cute, cuddly bunnies.  Weren't shy about petting the goats.  You couldn't see enough of the pigs! I was smiling form ear to ear because you were having a great time trying to take it all in.

Then we finally found g-ma and g-pa.  Grandma couldn't wait for you to ride the pony, so that is where we headed and you rode a cute little pony compliments of Grandma and Grandpa.  You had a great time!  Dad walked right next to you while you rode the pony, Thunder, it was the cutest thing to see.

Then we decided we were all hungry.  Grandpa treated us to dinner - fries and fry sauce for you, Navajo taco for Grandma and the rest of us had bbq sandwiches! We blocked the fact that we were eating at the fair and tried to enjoy our dinner.  Whew!  We all avoided food poisoning!

We walked around some more and headed towards the "Big Yellow Slide!" You were a champ!  There was no doubt that you wanted to go down it, so we grabbed our potato sacks to slide down on and you walked all 110+ stairs to the top. While there a lady commented on how beautiful you are!  It was really sweet and we never get sick of hearing it.  You sat in dad's lap, I sat next to you guys and we held hands as we went down then you and dad got going faster than me, so off you went.  Grandma was supposed to be our picture taker but that didn't go so well.  When you go to the bottom the guy working there commented on how awesome you did!  you have no fear babe!  You said "again, again!"  

Then we headed to go check out the model of hot tub Grandma and Grandpa bought.  yep, they bought their hot tub from a guy at the fair! We had to try the thing out - without water in it of course. You were all about it.  You got in it and was cracking up then asked me to get in and then we were all pretty much in there. Ha ha ha!

After that we headed to go check out the butter exhibit.  Pretty cool!! It was a sculpture made out of 700 pounds of butter.  Wow! 

Then after that Grandpa was ready to go home, so they left!  We were nearing the end too.  We walked down one more aisle.  You picked popcorn as your treat!  Yum, then while we were  walking around I found $10 on the ground with no one near by I claimed it!  

You decided that you were done riding in your stroller and that you wanted to push it instead.  We let you push it around, but since it was on gravel it was a little challenging and it kept getting stuck. Dad tried to help you push the stroller, but you were getting upset, so you yelled out "MICHAEL!!"  It was hilarious!! dad didn't think it was too funny and ever since then you have been calling daddy by his first name whenever you are ticked off at him!  Oops!

When we finally decided to leave we strolled to the car, it was such a beautiful evening, we got there to find a big pink slip on the windshield!!  We got a parking ticket!!  UGH! 

Regardless it was a wonderful evening. 

Thanks! 

I love you!!

Love,

mommy

Brother or Sister

Dear Maizy,

Your father and I have decided that we would like to add to our family.  We asked you if you wanted a brother or sister and each time you said "sister", but I am sure you'd be fine with a brother too. 

We don't mind what God gives us as long as he/she is healthy and looks like you!  I have to admit another girl would be perfect or else your brother is going to have to love the color pink since that's what all the baby clothes are.

We went to the doctor yesterday to discuss my health with her and if she gave us the okay to have my IUD removed.  Dr. Ponder was excited to see us and to meet you.  She commented on your beautiful eyes!

My blood pressure was AWESOME!!  116/72 - woo hoo!  She said that since it would be my second baby the chances of getting preclampsia again would be slimmer - good news!

We are excited but nervous of course but if this baby is even just have as cute, sweet, smart and fun we will be blessed

We have decided to try to give you a sibling - it wasn't an easy decision - because:

• Your father and I have siblings and couldn't imagine our lives without them.
• You possess such leadership traits and skills and I can't help but know you'd make the best big sister in the world.
• Who else are you going to complain to your parents about that would fully understand!?
• I love my sister to the ends of the earth and I want you to have a similar relationship.
• Being a big sister you will learn to share, protect and stand up for those you love.

Firstborns are natural born leaders.  Over half of the U.S. presidents are first born. (CBS News)

My dad said that he and my mom had my sister because I was becoming quite the brat.  I can see that.  Not that you are bratty but those that don't ever have to share - how will they learn?  

Disclaimer: Even though I have a sister I was and still am a horrible sharer.  

I think that my sister and I were born too far apart from each other.  I can see the good parts, but there are bad parts too!  I want you and your sibling to be closer in age than I am with my sister.

I know that sacrifices will have to be made while you two are younger with us being a one income family, but it won't be that way forever and I would rather get through the rough patches now when you and your sibling are younger and can't remember.  I LOVE not having to ever have to take you to daycare and I want the same for your sibling.  

Your father is a way better stay-at-home parent than I could ever dream of being.  Plus I learned with you that you don't need the latest and greatest toys - you have them of course - but it's me and your dad that you want to play with.  The things you love to do are free or really cheap.  You like coloring, throwing and kicking a ball around, taking a bubble bath, doing puzzles, chase each other around the house, play dress up in my clothes and shoes, play make-up and jump on the couch.  We spend a lot of time together as a family and that is what's important. Not if we have the latest and greatest t.v., dvd player or the nicest cars.  We live in a nice home full of love, we don't want for anything and that is how it should be!  I can't help but want to add another cool person to our family.  

I know there will be times when you wished you were an only child, Lord knows I did.  ; )

But I will never regret having another child and you will never regret having a best friend in the world.

If you weren't so darn awesome I wouldn't want another one.

I love you sweet girl!

Love,

mommy

Holy Tomatoes!

Dear Maizy,

Sunday morning we woke up earlier than I ever care to on a weekend, but we had to get to Grandma Annette's to can tomato juice!!  Grandma Annette did it last year and I told her next time I wanted to help her and here we are a year later.

I did know what to expect, but I had the best time! Well that was until Sienna woke up. She is such a little pill.  I have the hardest time with her.  I was playing peacemaker between you two all day and that exhausted me more than the actually canning - which is no easy task my dear.

Sienna bullies, manipulates and pushes you around and I can't stand it.  She is not disciplined at all and refuses to listen to anyone.  I have a really hard time with her. Ugh!

Anyway, we got started around 9ish.  First you wash all the tomatoes, then you cut them in in fourths, then you fill a huge sauce pan and boil the tomatoes and stir frequently so they don't burn and to work the juice out of them.  Then you put them through the strainer thing and then strain them again and voila you have juice!  You put the juice in your jars, snap a lid on them and then put them in the steam canning thing for 40+ minutes then they are done!  I make it sound easy but there is a lot of work involved.  You also have to wash all the jars and lids, put the jars in the oven until you fill them  - hot juice in a hot jar works best.  

Anyway, we ended up with 70 quart sized jars full of tomato juice.  Grandma, me and daddy kicked butt.  We each helped and did what we were good at.  We had a few mishaps and burns, but overall, it was awesome. 

See...............................

I looked over and you were riding and talking to Scooby Doo - photo op!

"Look Mommy!"  You did this all on your own, it cracked me up!!

Look how adorable you are!?!?!  Sienna was trying to copy you of course.

We got to Grandma's by 9 am and we weren't finished until 6 pm and we still hadn't finished steaming them.  There was definitely a sense of accomplishment and you feel like a pro after. 

After we put the juice in jars - we still had more tomatoes but not enough jars - Grandma took me, you, daddy and Sienna out to dinner.  We went to Red Robin!  It was actually quite tasty and fun to relax and be with my cute family.

Thanks for being such a good girl that day and always.  I hope you and I do things like this when you're a bit older, it's so memorable!  Memories from that day will far outlast the jars of tomato juice.

I love you!

Love,

mommy

Life According to my iPhone

Dear Maizy,

September has been one of the busiest months yet and it's only the 11th.  Yikes!  I haven't been able to catch up on all we've done, so I'll let the pictures do the talking.

Gosh you're cute!  You are full of sass.  You say a billion words, know all your colors, shapes, animals and the sounds they make, now we're working on the alphabet.

You are the sweetest most polite little girl you say "Thanks Mommy!"  and "Ya pwease!"  For yes please.  You also say "No!"  Which is bad and goo, but mostly good, you haven't abused that word just yet!

Sienna gave you her old Barbie bike of sorts, so you have been working on pedaling and getting around on that thing. You love to get on your tummy to color and do puzzles and you demand everyone else get on their tummy too!  You are a demanding little girl, but it's good because you know what you want. 

You make me laugh and smile everyday!  You are addicted to my iPhone as much as I am. You are easy going and fun to take places.  You only throw tantrums when you are tired - I can't blame you for that. You are becoming more and more independent and want to do everything "I do it!"  You helped me bake a cake last night and that was quite the adventure!

I usually am not a patient person, at least I've been told so and I never thought I was, but with you I have more patience than I could ever dream about.  I am glad!  It makes our relationship a lot better had I not any patience. 

You laugh and smile ALL the time.  I love it!  You do funny things and you know they are funny! 

Thanks for being such a good, good girl.

I love you!

Love,

mommy

Labor Day Weekend

Dear Maizy,

We had an awesome Labor Day weekend!  It all started on Friday right when I got home.  You woke up from your nap and I brought you downstairs and put you in your high chair so you could eat a snack.  We were all just talking about our weekend plans and such.

Then you were being super cute and saying funny things and I told your dad "She blows me away with the things she does and says!"  Just then you started blowing, it cracked us up!!

Saturday we slept in until 11a.m. and then we got ready for our date with Grandma Shelly.  She picked you and I up about 1p.m. and we headed to the movie theater to see Brave.  We got to the theater and Grandma treated us to Skittles, popcorn and drinks!  Grandma is my fave person to go to the movie with besides you and your dad of course!

You weren't too into the movie, but I was.  we had a row to ourselves so you just walked around, sat on my lap, climbed on the chair, sat on Grandma's lap, ate popcorn and candy.  Regardless of not liking the movie I'd say you had a great time!

Grandma dropped us off back at our house.  We just hung out and played, then we took you back to Grandma's around 6ish and dad and I headed to a baseball game.  You were spending the night and we were sad, not because we asked Grandma but because she offered.  We arrived to the baseball stadium and it was raining like CRAZY!  Luckily we were in a suite so it didn't affect us too much.  We ate dinner, ice cream  and they handed out lots of free stuff since the game was delayed.  We didn't stay too long, so we got home pretty early and talked about how much we missed you!!

Sunday we went and got you pretty early from Grandma's since we were going to Grandma Annette's to go swimming.  We didn't get down there until about 2ish since we were slow pokes.  We only went swimming for about a half hour because it started thundering, then Grandma Annette treated me, you, daddy, Aunt Deb and Sienna to lunch at Applebee's. We had a lot of fun!  I will admit though that I like to limit the time you and Sienna spend together because she is kind of out of control! 

We got home, relaxed, ate our leftovers from lunch and before you know it, it's bed time.

Monday I had the day off because of the holiday.  Woo hoo!!

Monday you and I slept in until 11!  It was awesome.  Then we just hung out and did whatever the heck we wanted all day.  We went on a drive up the mountains.  Did a little bit of shopping. Ate a yummy dinner!  

I love our weekends together!

Thanks babe!

Love you!

Love,
mommy

Big Slide

Dear Maizy,

The other night I got home from work and I needed some time alone.  I was tired, had a headache, so your father took you to the park to play.  You two were gone for two hours and I was So thrilled for your return. You were filthy!  Which meant you had a lot of fun, so you and dad hopped in the shower. 

When you were ready to get out of the shower I came in and got you and took you in your room for the after bath routine - dry you off, lotion, diaper, jammies. 

I was asking you questions about your day.  Then I asked you about the park.  

Mom:  Did you go on the swings?

Maizy: Yep!

Mom: Did you go down the slides?

Maizy: Yes, the big slide. On my tummy!

Mom:  Wow!!  That is awesome.  Good job?  High five!  (you are an awesome high five-er). You weren't scared?

Maizy:  Nope!

Mom: Michael!  Did Maizy go down the big slide on her tummy? 

Daddy:  (yelling from the other room) YES!  How did you know?

Mom:  Maizy told me!

Dad was quite impressed with you that you told me all about your time at the park.  He then proceeded to tell me that there was anther girl at the park that was about 4 years old and you two played beautifully together.  You followed her around.  She followed you and would help you climb and get in the swings.  

You seem to make friends pretty easily.  You are not afraid to go up to children and start talking.  Even the older kids just gush over you even though they may not understand what you are saying.  They pick you and carry you around, it's quite entertaining.

You are my sweet little friendly girl!

Love you!

Love,
mommy