Life's Precious Moments

I cant' stop laughing.....

2010-10-03T18:49:00.000-07:00

On the drive home tonight from my parents house, Maya kept telling me she wanted a treat. I told her she can't have a treat until after she eats her dinner. Then her whining continued and even turned to yelling at me, and then it went like this....

Me: "Maya, you better WATCH YOUR MOUTH or you wont get any treat tonight!!"

Maya: " But mommy, I can't watch my mouth, kids don't have DVR players in their throats so how can I watch my mouth?!?!?!?!

LOLOLOL...

Priceless!!!! :)

We're Back!!!!!!!!

2010-10-01T18:27:00.000-07:00

It has been sooo long since I've posted. SOOOO much has happened over the last 8 months. We had a great summer and now enjoying the fall season. Maya started preschool this year. Here are her first day of school pics! She loves to learn and it amazes me still how much she is learning and growing each and every day. I love being MyMy's mama!!

I will continue to post more and get all our friends and family caught up! :)

Maya's prayer....

2010-02-08T10:19:00.000-08:00

Maya's prayer last night...

"Dear Heavenly Father, thank thee for this day, all of your blessing, thank thee for her, her, him, him, him, AND ME! In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen!"

I love what she comes up with when she prays.

This was a first......she went around the room and pointed at Grammy and me (the hers'), and then Carsen, Taylor, and Grampy (the hims') and then she ended by pointing at herself....

So precious!

Happy Birthday Maya Jewel

2010-01-26T08:27:00.000-08:00

HAPPY 3RD BIRTHDAY TO MY PRINCESS, MY ANGEL!!! She was born on January 26, 2007 at 7:45 am, weighing it at 9 pounds 8 ounces and measuring 22-1/2 inches long!

Maya turns 3 today. I can't believe how fast these 3 years have gone by. I can still remember her birth as if it were yesterday. She was a week late, and still my body was not showing signs of progression, but my doctor had me induced. I was checked in to Utah Valley Hospital at about noon on January 25, 2007. I had the very last vacant room in labor and delivery, it was very busy day! From about noon to eleven pm that night I was very slowly progressing, they didn't give me Pitocin yet because the nurse said my body was progressing well enough on its own (yeah right, it was sooo slow!) My doctor got after the nurses and said they should have given me Pitocin the night before, so FINALLY at 7 am they gave me Pitocin. I can still remember sitting there and only 30 minutes later I felt like I was ready to push. I told my mom to get the nurse quick, the baby was coming!

At 7 am when they started the Pitocin I was only dilated to a 7, and at 7:30 am when the nurse came back in to check me, I can still remember her strolling into the room, probably thinking I had another question, or wanted to turn my epideral up, and when I told her I felt ready to push, she gave me this look like "yeah right" and so she casually went to check me and to her surprise, sure enough, there was Maya's head! She hurried and paged my doctor and told me NOT TO PUSH, WAIT FOR YOUR DOCTOR!! About 15 minutes later, a LONG 15 minutes later, my doctor FINALLY made it and with 2 pushes, and 5 minutes later....MAYA JEWEL WILLIAMS was born! (I remember thinking to myself, it took only 30 MINUTES to go from a 7 to a 10 with the Pitocin, and to think if they had given me Pitocin the night before, Maya would have been born hours earlier... thanks nurses. LOL)

The things I remember most about the birth:

1. Maya's cone head, poor girl. It was soo bad from those 15 minutes when she was ready to come out but I wasn't able to push while waiting for my doctor. Her poor head was stuck right there in the canal for way too long!
2. She didn't scream at first like you anticipate a new baby doing. They suctioned her mouth and nothing, no noise. She was turning blue, so they hurried her over to the baby crash cart. She was sooo overdue that she was cookin in there and had a ton of fluids in her lungs so they had to suction it all out. When I finally did hear that first cry and they laid her on my chest, I just wept, wept tears of joy, like nothing I had ever experienced before.
3. She hardly slept!!!! Maya was a very alert and awake newborn. Even the nurses' commented on how alert she was and it was a common assumption that she was VERY overdue. My doctor waited a whole week after my "official due date" to induce me but Maya was measuring about a week big all throughout my pregnancy, so it is very possible she was delivered closer to being 2 weeks overdue! She didn't act like a normal newborn, she was very strong, and more awake than a usual newborn.
4. I had a lot of quiet moments with just me and Maya in the hospital. I couldn't take my eyes off her, and she would just gaze into my eyes....I felt of her spirit, her innocence, her purity. I can still remember those big brown eyes looking up at me as if to say, "I'm here mom, I'm here for you, let the journey begin."
5. L-O-V-E...I never knew it was possible to love someone so much until I held her in my arms. It was instant. It was unconditional, and it grew with every moment, and still does.

I thank God every day for calling on me to be her mother. She is so full of energy, of love, and her sweet spirit touches everyone she comes in contact with. She is soo special and I am soo grateful for her. She has saved me, literally, and because of her I am a better person. She inspires me everyday. Words really can't describe how I feel about her and what she means to me....

So, happy birthday to my babygirl, my angel.

**more birthday pics to come**

Maya's Happy Place is......

2009-12-10T21:41:00.001-08:00

WHEN SHE IS SPENDING TIME WITH HER COUSINS!!!!

Avery & Hudson don't have names anymore.....Maya simply calls them her "cousins" AND she asks to talk to them and see them more, and more, and more ALL THE TIME!!! I don't have enough fingers to count all the times in one day that Maya asks to go to "Jenny's house"

And when she is hanging out with them she is the happiest 'lil girl ever, a happy Maya = a happy Mama!!! ;)

And even though Carly lives far away, Maya loves to talk to her on the phone and look at her pictures. We are so excited to see them so soon!

Making a gingerbread house at Grammy's

They "love being a turtle"

Maya & Carly playing at the park

Thanksgiving

2009-11-29T19:55:00.000-08:00

"I love you thiiiiiiiiiiiiiiis much mama"

M&M

Kids at Turkey dinner

A whole lotta yummy food!!!!

All smiles

Up close n personal with miss maya and her chipped tooth (she ran in front of Avery when she was swinging and maya went flying, she won't do that again!)

G'ma & G'pa Hill

I love dessert!!!

Thanksgiving wouldn't be complete without games, and the traditional Parle Vu France!

.....and the kids danced! Maya LOVES music, and anytime she hears it, she gets to movin and shakin

Disney On Ice

2009-11-16T09:04:00.000-08:00

We went to Disney on Ice and it was a great show. Maya was in heaven and I enjoyed myself as well! Ariel has been her favorite for quite awhile now but she now is becoming more fond of all the princesses. We drove down to Sandy and took the trax downtown. Maya loved the "Train" and was giggling and singing the whole way down there in anticipation. We had tickets with my friend Lori and her daughter, and Lori's sister Leslie and her 2 girls. Grammy, Hudson, and Avery had seats close by and all the kids had a great time. We will definitely being going back next year, this show was fabulous!!!

Maya and Mama on trax, "the train"

Maya got to pick out one toy and of course she wanted an Ariel doll.

Jada (lori's daughter) and Maya before the show with their princess dolls

Aladdin

Little Mermaid

Snow White

The kids at intermission

Cinderella

Tinkerbell and all the princesses with their prince at the end of the show

Fairy Godmother waiving goodbye with all the princesses

Halloween Activities

2009-11-03T08:50:00.000-08:00

Happy Halloween!! Maya is actually healthy this Halloweeen, a change from her first 2 when she was so sick, so we are very excited about that! She picked out her very own costume, Disney Princess Ariel from The Little Mermaid. Ariel is her absolute favorite! We went trick or treating at Jenny's neighborhood again and the kids had a blast. Here are some fun pics of Halloween, the pumpkin patch, and carving the pumpkins.

All ready to go trick or treating!

My little poser, so pretty!

I dressed up as a nurse and went to a Halloween party with some friends, gettin some suga' before I head out the door. I love suga' from my baby!

I love Maya's expression here...crackin up at Carsen, so cute.

We stopped by to go trick or treating at Grandma & Grandpa Greats house.

We also stopped by Aunt Hazel & Uncle Bill's house

Carving pumpkins with the fam

My big girl enjoyin carving pumpkins.

Fun at the pumpkin patch

Maya and Huddy, her partner in crime

Caught in action....

Avery & Maya, the bestest of friends..

M&M...Maya n Mama :)

Jenny & her lil' man

Uncle Tay Tay, Uncle Carsie, & Avery girl

Summer wrap-up

2009-09-28T08:27:00.000-07:00

We have had a great summer, accomplished a lot, smiled a lot, cried a lot, enjoyed a lot, and been very, very blessed! Here are the last of summer pictures!

The Hill clan got together last night at Tracy & Joeen's house, she truly is the hostess with the mostest! :) This pic is Grandma Joyce and Grandpa Herb with many of their great grandbabies on the Hill side. Getting all these kids to be in 1 picture took a lot of skill, and as usual Joeen got the job done!

The chaos before the 1 shot with all the kids in it! Way to go Joeen!

We sure know how to do treats!!!!

Maya doin what she does best, posing! :)

We had a lot of movie and popcorn nights at home in bed together! Great Maya & Mama time!

Avery is quite the lil soccer player....she get it from her mama ;)

Kate & Carly came to visit Utah for a couple weeks. We had a great time and Maya LOVED little miss Carly. These 2 became fast friends and had a blast together.

So happy together

Lunchtime, all smiles!

Kate celebrated her birthday with us while she was in town, we had a great time!

Me and my fave (and only) sister-in-law! ;)

The cousins, the kids, the crazies!

2009-09-09T12:34:00.000-07:00

Thanks to my Aunt Joeen for taking the kids pictures last night!! Let me tell you, she had her work cut out for her!!! Maya and her cousins found it a grand opportunity to run and run, chase, be obstinant, or do whatever they so pleased. Joeen is so gifted with that camera and caught them for some fabulous shots! What she didn't know was that she was going to get a workout, not just a photography session. I love the pictures. They absolutely catch their personalities and make me smile! THANKS JOEEN! You are the best!!!!!

The cousins, the kids, the crazies! ;)

This about sums up the night! haha

Great pic!

Sister and brother...so cute!

Maya was running around all night long not wanting to take the pictures that she was supposed to be in, but then when it was time for Avery and Hudson to take pictures she wanted to be in every one!! Oh my daughter.... such a jewel ;)

Miss Maya

Pretty Avery

Handsome Hudson

Cute Carly

It's official!

2009-08-22T11:36:00.000-07:00

Maya is officially potty trained! Hooray!!!! I am soo proud of her, and very relieved! We have not had any accidents for about 2 weeks now. She goes on her own, sometimes even shuts me out and closes the door so she can do it all by herself. Her independent spirit and strong will has definitely paid off big time with this. I don't even have to give her treats or rewards most of the time as she just goes out of habit. Who knew that accomplishing this would make for such a happy mama! Soo fabulous! :)

P.S. This outfit has been her "Fave of the week" Just good 'ole boots and panties. She cracks me up with this! It changes about every 1-2 weeks as she will change to another favorite outift, or combination of bizarre clothing. Too funny! I love this little girl so much!!! She keeps me smiling and life so fun!

Cabin-day 2

2009-08-15T07:47:00.001-07:00

We had a great couple days up at the cabin playing games, relaxing, taking lots of walks, and laughing a lot. A great way to spend some time as the end of summer is drawing near.

The view is gorgeous up here!

Beauty is all around!

The boys

The Larsen family. We love it when they come to hang out, they are like family to us.

Aww.. aren't my parents a cute couple.

Maya bein silly with her Uncle Carsen

Enjoying a great walk

Silly kids

Me with my parents

Grampy & Maya

Mama & Maya... the best duo ever :)

She was pretending like she was playing scrabble and was shoving her face with chocolate, thinkin I didn't see. ha ha. Sneaky lil thing.

Game time! She get it from her mama ;)

Cabin- day 1

2009-08-12T07:21:00.000-07:00

Every summer we spend time up at our cabin up the canyon in the Utah mountains. It is soo beautiful, relaxing, and peaceful. One of my favorite places to be!! Maya loved every minute of it.

I love this place!

Maya and Carsen enjoying the swings.

My pretty girl :)

Maya loves being with her Grampy

Me and Taylor, one of the greatest people I know!

These crazy kids jumped in the water hole. The water was freezing!

I love being up here!

Father & Son, Rod and Alex

1-2-3...JUMP

Dad got the first ringer of the night playing horshoes! He won the first game and I WON THE SECOND GAME! My first time ever playing horseshoes too. It was all in the hand/throw technique. Thanks dad for teaching me! ;)

Carsen got the 2nd ringer of the night! Wahoo!

Best buds.... tryna act tough!

Campfire, smores, and good times!

My 2 year old BIG girl and her pretty panties.....

2009-07-17T07:16:00.000-07:00

Pretty panties is just the trick to potty training Maya!!! She is quite infatuated with her pretty panties and we cannot go anywhere without her showing her panties off to whoever she can as she exclaims "I'm a big girl...look...look, my pretty panties!!" What started out as me snapping a few picture of her showing off her pretty panties to me has turned her into an obsessed flasher. Not necessarily what I had it mind for potty training, but hey, it gets her on the potty, so I can't really complain ;)

She also loves to show she is 2 years old by trying her hardest to point her 2 fingers. It is pretty funny to watch her do this.....such concentration, strained eyes, noise affects, twisted fingers, and then her "I did it" yell after she thinks she has accomplished it.

She is turning into such a BIG GIRL! I am loving every minute of it, and often pause and wonder where in the world has the time gone! Maya brings my life so much joy, so much purpose, I am soo blessed to be her mother!

Flashing queen doing her thing

My big girl is soo pretty

2 years old and counting.......

Love the look....trying so hard to do it! :)

Pretty panties are the BEST!!!

Gotta love her!

Summa Summa Summa Time...FUN!

2009-07-15T06:53:00.001-07:00

We've had a great summer so far!

Maya loves to go swimming, feed the ducks, take walks, play at the park...basically anything outside she just LOVES! We are on day 5 of NO DIAPERS!! Thats right... we are officially potty training! She wears panties all day and is in pull ups at night time. She is doing great!! Maya is such a determined and independent lil girl and it has really helped with potty training her as she is in control, so she tells me when she needs to go and is on top of it! We are off to the store to buy more pretty panties as that seems to really help the excitement of it all :)

Hope the summer is going well for everyone! Here are some pictures of our summer so far.

Father's Day with Grampy. Maya sure loves him!

Cheesin it up with her dad on Father's Day

Jenny and her kids have been in town for about a month and we have really enjoyed them! The Lehi Pool is just awesome! My favorite (and I think Maya's favorite) by far!

Avery girl loves her goggles and is a great swimmer and just loves the water.

Maya was only comfortable in the water by herself at knee deep, anything more than that and she was clinging to me, oh my lil scaredy cat! It had been awhile since she had been in the water and this was her first time, but we have been swimming more since the Lehi Pool and she gets more brave and enjoys the water more each time. I'm so glad!

After a great day at the pool we had to get a picture of all the kids....but where's Hudson??!!

He was boycotting pictures.... this is the best I could do....

....but then I did manage to snap this picture, bribery works wonders! ;)

The girls, so cute!

***Update on the daycare situation- Maya is doing MUCH better already. We've had lots of talks and provide great incentive to behave at daycare and naturally she is behaving better. Hooray!!

Is it true?

2009-06-25T07:41:00.001-07:00

No pictures, no funny stories, actually, this is a plea for HELP!!! You all know that Maya is "Heather reincarnated" as many of you like to put it. She is FULL of energy, sass, sweetness, strong will, determination, and......she likes things HER WAY! Did I mention stubborn??!!

On Monday of this week as I was picking up Maya at daycare, I asked Amber (my daycare lady) how Maya was today....the usual question every day that I pick her up. Some of the most common responses are 1) She didn't eat well today 2) She didn't sleep well today 3) She was so loving today 4) She is having trouble sharing with the other kids 5) She was my little helper today 6) She was great today (I LOVE this one) 7) She has been kinda whiny today 8) She was just okay today.....

BUT, I heard a new response on Monday..... "SHE IS MY MOST DIFFICULT CHILD!"

Eesh!!!

Continuing to talk to Amber about Maya being the most difficult child in her daycare she told me that Maya has gotten really physical, and it's not getting better, but worse. She pushes the other kids when they have a toy she wants, are sitting where she wants to sit, or just for no real reason at all. She throws things a lot, toys, cups, food, whatever is in her hand at the moment when she gets the urge to throw.....AND, she said that she is kinda the bully of the group! Maya is the only girl in the daycare as well. Granted, it is only a group of 5-7 kids on the days Maya is there, but all but 1 of the boys are older than her...and she is bullying all of them? Oh wow.

I was SHOCKED....I sat there thinking, is it true? Is my Maya really a bully, oh my gosh! I felt horrible. I am her mother, it is my responsibility to teach her how to act and treat others. What am I doing wrong? What can I do to help her? What is going on with her to make her act this way?

Monday night when we got home I sat down with Maya and talked to her about this, reminding her that pushing hurts people and its a big NO NO, and throwing is not okay, and explained to her why. I asked her about Colton (the 1 year old she pushed off his chair and he got a goose egg on his head that day), and she said "I love Colton mommy", and she even prayed for him that night, as she does many nights along with Amber and the other boys at daycare.

As I have talked to some people about this, I have been told, she is just acting like a normal 2 and a half year old, she'll grow out of it....

But is she really?

I am beginning to think that this may be the case of the "only child syndrome." I dont see this kind of behavior out of Maya when we are together, but then I got to thinking, at our house every single toy is hers, what she wants, she can pretty much get. If she wants to color, or play with her dolls, or with her blocks...she can switch from toy to toy and not have anyone she has to share with. Although I haven't seen her "bully behavior," I have seen her tendency to throw things, and to no avail she does still do this often.

This is where I turn to you for HELP!!

All my friends, family, blogging followers, HELP ME!!! If you've had an only child, or a bully of a child, or have any advice at all... I NEED IT!!!!

Maya really is such a sweet girl, so happy, and soooo sweet, but I fear that if I don't figure out how to help her filter through these other emotions and behaviors, that they will become an even greater problem, and I dont want that for my princess!!

**I have been reluctant to even post about this because what mother wants to advertise that their daughter is being a bully at daycare (sigh...) but I trust that someone out there has something valuable to say that can help me, so I'm counting on YOU! :)

My Smart Girl

2009-06-01T13:22:00.000-07:00

Maya and I went to a graduation luau with some friends and she loved Afton's glasses! It was so cute when she put them on it's like she knew it made her studious and smart and she was making this "I'm smart face! " Too cute :)

He's Back!!!!

2009-05-19T12:07:00.000-07:00

Isaac has been back a couple weeks now from Finland. We are sooooo happy to have him home! Maya was a little shy and reserved for the first 5 minutes at the airport but then warmed right up to him and they have picked up right where they left off. We are LOVING our time together and the warm weather has made it nice to go and enjoy the zoo and parks. Here are some fun pics of us since he has been back! Welcome home Isaac, it is great to have you back!!!

You think they look alike??!!

The happy couple

She loves to play peek-a-boo

We had a great time at Liberty Park downtown in Salt Lake feeding the ducks. The bridge was the perfect place for Maya to throw the bread to the ducks because they couldn't get too close to her. When we first got to the park we were at the edge of the lake throwing the bread to the ducks and a swarm of them starting to get out of the lake and surround us on the shore and this was a little too close for comfort for Maya. She freaked out!!! She was climbing up my leg to get away from them and was screaming hysterically. Isaac and I couldn't stop laughing at our scaredy-cat daughter. She has asked to feed the ducks just about every day so she must have not bee too traumatized.

A day at the zoo. She loved the train!

Maya is quite the daddy's girl

Us on the train (thanks Spence for stickin ur head in the pic!! ha ha)

The twins....

Spence & Navea brought their kids and spent the day with us at the zoo. The kids were in heaven!

She finally rides the merry-go-round without freaking out! YEAH!!! Last summer we took her to the city fair and it was her first merry-go-round ride and she was terrified and cried the whole time. A couple times since then we have tried to get her to ride at various places and she wouldn't but this year we have been to the zoo twice and she is happy and smiling the whole time!!! Yeah for Maya!

Springtime Fun

2009-04-29T09:20:00.001-07:00

It's been awhile since I've posted, so much has happened. We celebrated my birthday, took a trip to the zoo, celebrated Easter, Jenny and Jeremy are back in Baltimore for the season, and Ali graduated from BYU on Friday, had her 24th birthday on Saturday and moved to New York City on Sunday! I miss both my sisters a lot already and my neice and nephew, not to mention Maya misses them a ton too, life is pretty different without them around but I am soo excited and happy for this chapter in their lives.

Its finally Springtime!!! Although, it hasn't really felt like it much. The weather has been crazy here in Utah, for a few days we have sunshine and get up to about 70 degrees and then we have snow!!! It is finally warming up again but who knows if it will stay for good this time.

Isaac is finally finished with his season in Helsinki, Finland and is getting his travel arrangments in order and he will be back home in Utah very soon!! Although this season had its share of challenges, he did what he set out to do in his comeback year, has great stats, and is back in basketball shape and hopes to land a better job in a better country for next year! Maya and I are very excited to have him back very soon!!

Maya is growing so much and keeps me on my toes! Everyday I hear a new word or phrase, see a new expression, and keep enjoying my lil mini me. On Saturday we went to dinner to celebrate Ali's birthday and during dinner Maya was putting on quite the show, one minute having a melt down, throwing a fit, to the next minute laughing and hugging, and smiling...I turned to Grandpa Williams and asked him what he thought of little Maya and his exact words were "she is Heather reincarnated!!!" Oh boy!!!!

Here are some pictures of what we have been up to lately, hope this Springtime finds everyone doing very well. Loves.

Happy Birthday to me, the big 28

3 generations!

Fun at the zoo

Her and this cheese grin! ha ha

Maya LOVED Easter, she takes after her mother and LOVES chocolate, chocolate, and more chocolate!

The infamous bunny cake! Grandma Jewel always made this every Easter. Thanks to Jenny we enjoyed this wonderful Williams family tradition this year!

The 3 musketeers!

These 2 always want the same things!

Congrats grad! So proud of my sister!!!

Weekend getaway.......

2009-03-24T10:31:00.000-07:00

Maya and I took a weekend getaway trip to Las Vegas to visit some of her family on her dad's side. Maya's granny and Auntie Shanelle were going to be in Vegas for the weekend so we ventured down there and spent the weekend with them. It was a great time. Maya LOVED them! It was her first time meeting her Granny and Auntie Nelle, so at first she was a little shy and clingy to her mama, but within the first hour she warmed right up and was her normal self. We enjoyed good food, walks, and lots and lots of play time. Here are some pics from the weekend.

Granny with Maya and mama

Mama & Maya

She loves to cheeeeeese it up!!!

They spoiled Maya and brought her gifts and toys including these heart glasses, what a cutie!

Granny had GREAT objections to how I do Maya's hair and even insisted on giving me lessons on how to do it. The afro with a bow is out of the question according to her.... thats my favorite! haha.

Auntie Shanelle and Maya.

Maya loved her auntie...they had an instant bond. Played, cuddled, and Shanelle even got her to sleep, something I still struggle with since throwing the bottle away!!

Gotta love this smile!!!

Saying goodbye.....

It was a great weekend! I am soo grateful that we were able to spend this time with them and build these memories!

"My daddy"

2009-02-24T09:54:00.000-08:00

A few days ago Maya and I were at my friend, Afton's house, who had found some old toys that were still in perfect condition that had never been opened. One of them happened to be 2 NBA figurines perfectly packaged and Maya spotted them....next thing I hear is "daddy, daddy, my daddy!!!" Maya was trying to tear open the package to get to her "daddy" and ran up to me to help her. With Afton's permission, Maya tore into that package and carried her "daddy" around with such pride. Ever since then we cannot go anywhere without her "daddy." She even sleeps with them, reads books with them, and takes a bath with her "daddy." On Saturday morning when we were walking out the door and she stopped dead in her tracks and ran back inside screaming "my daddy, my daddy...." and after coming back with both of her figurines in hand she was a happy girl, grinning from ear to ear, I had to take some pictures.

Maya's Birthday Party

2009-02-20T08:18:00.000-08:00

I am finally updating about Maya's birthday festivities! There has been a lot of sickness going around the family and life has been pretty crazy the last month, but we finally managed to have Maya's birthday party! Between 3 different antibiotics to kick her ear infections, the flu that hit us both, colds, and sinus infections, we did manage to get the family together and have a little party for her a few weeks after her actual birthday. Here are some fun pics from the festivities!

On Maya's actual birthday Grammy and I took Maya to McDonalds with her buddy Hudson. Grammy also took Maya to the party store to pick out a birthday hat and balloons. She loves this pink, glittery cowboy hat. It has become quite the addition to her wardrobe.

My lil princess all ready for the party

Uncle Taylor gave horsey rides to the kids, they couldn't get enough of them

Tearing open the presents! She was loving it.

After every present that she opened I showed her who to say "thank you" to and give loves and without fail Maya would say "your welcome" I said, "no maya, you say "thank you" and with a big grin on her face EVERY TIME she would sweetly reply "your welcome"

Maya had a shadow the entire night, her buddy Hudson was right there with every step, helping her open presents, making the cutest comments on everything, helped her blow out her candles, and playing with her new toys. Maya had opened all her presents and Grampa Great Williams had an envelope for Maya. She tore open the envelope, opened the card, and saw the 10 dollar bill and was SOO EXCITED!! She dropped the envelope and was holding that 10 dollar bill like it gold, and as u can see in the pic, Hudson was right there, with his, "ooohhh, you like maya, you like?" These two are soo cute!

Carsen and Alex became the party entertainment for the kids with a whole lot of running around and wrestling!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAYA!!!!!!!

2009-01-26T16:30:00.001-08:00

I cannot believe that my baby is 2 today!! It has been an amazing 2 years and I couldn't ask for a more loving, sweet, sassy, adorable, gentle, happy, full of life little girl!

Maya is so special to me, she is my angel who was sent here to rescue me. I'll never forget in her baby blessing when it was said that she had a specific errand in coming here to earth as my daughter, to not only be taught and guided by her mother, but also to teach and help her mother in very special ways. In just these first 2 years I have been taught so much from her. I know she was sent just for me. I can just picture her up in heaven saying, send me, I'll go....let this woman be my mother so I can love her and motivate her to come back home....

I thank God every day for her and I truly am grateful to call her my daughter!

It has been such an amazing experience to watch her learn and grow. From sitting up to crawling, to her first words, to walking, then running, and now she babbles on for hours and climbs up on anything! She is turning into quite the little girl with her jewerly, shoes, and playing dress up, yet she loves to grab a ball and dribble and shoot. She loves to go potty and would sit on the toilet for hours if I let her, and most recently (thanks to my family) she has found great joy in calling me "heather" not so much mama anymore, or I am "heather mama" all in one.

I love watching her take in the world, seeing how she experiments and pushes herself to try and do new things. She LOVES to read, sing, and dance. My life is full of soo much joy because of her and I am eternally grateful to be her mom. I am thankful to my Heavenly Father for trusting in me as her mother and for blessing me with the most amazing calling on earth, motherhood!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY BABYGIRL! I LOVE YOU WITH EVERYTHING THAT I AM!!!

With love, heather mama.

Maya was born on January 26, 2007, weighing 8 lbs 9 ounces, and 22 1/2 inches long. Here she is 1 day old.

1 week old

1 week old..check out those hands!

Blessing day. 2 months

4 months

5 months

6 months

8 months

1 year old!

18 months old

2 years old today!

Inauguration Day

2009-01-20T08:10:00.000-08:00

I have enjoyed watching all the broadcasts, reading the newspapers and articles online about today's event, the inauguration of our 44th President, Barack Obama. I have also came across many friends blogs who have posted about this event in history and their words put it so plainly, yet profoundly, and I echo their words. (so if you see any part of this from your blog, thank you...)

Whether you voted for Obama or not, one cannot deny the significance of this day! Although I don't agree with all of his policies and platforms, I do believe he is a good man. I admire his love for his family, and I marvel how his speeches can stir up feelings of unity and pride in a country of such diversity.

I loved his inauguration speech. I loved how he spoke of unity and hope, because that is what I want too.

How can one not be proud to be an American today? How can our hearts not swell with pride when history is in the making?

I spoke to Maya's Granny today and she could hardly get any words out because she was so overcome with emotion. She was raised in Alabama, she remembers walking the streets of Montgomery fearing for her life as a little girl watching whites hose them down.

Monday we celebrated Martin Luther King Day, and then today we witness an African American President be sworn in as our leader. To some they may not understand just how profound this is, but to her, it is a dream come true.

Today, Martin Luther King's words spoken on August 28, 1963 rang true for so many Americans:

"Let us not wallow in the valley of despair, I say to you today, my friends.

And so even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream.

I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal."

I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia, the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood.

I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a state sweltering with the heat of injustice, sweltering with the heat of oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice.

I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.

I have a dream today!

I have a dream that one day, down in Alabama, with its vicious racists, with its governor having his lips dripping with the words of "interposition" and "nullification" -- one day right there in Alabama little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers.

I have a dream today!

I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, and every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight; "and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed and all flesh shall see it together."

This is our hope, and this is the faith....."

I think that all of us in one way or another have either been the target of prejudice, or been exposed to it in some way. Maybe it was a joke you heard, or a off-handed comment by a friend.

It's still here.

But today our country took a huge step. Maya is going to grow up in a world where the color of skin is not a limit in any way. My daughter will know a president that is that same color as she is. I AM SO HAPPY for her!!

GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Holiday Wrap Up

2009-01-11T10:15:00.000-08:00

Better late than never right??!! Here are lots of picks wrapping up our holidays! Enjoy!

Maya in her Christmas dress all ready to go to church.

Hammin it up!

We started out Christmas Eve with dinner and a program at the Hills house. It was a blast!

All the kids

The girls

The boys

The old folks...I mean the wise adults.

After the Hills we went over to Grammy & Grampy's house and opened up our Christmas pajamas! The kids loved that they were matching!

The whole gange

Stocking were hung with lots of love.

Christmas Morning! Maya was in HEAVEN. She loved her princess couch!

Loved her jewerly, princess crown, and her own kitchen cleaning kit! She is always taking the big broom and dustpan and tries to help me clean so I am happy she now has her very own! She is quite the lil' helper!

Auntie got a bike from mom & dad and Maya thought it was hers!

The kitchen is my favorite gifts that Santa brought Maya! This entertains her for HOURS! A mother's dream!

My lil' diva & her jewerly

All ready to go out and play in the snow. She loves it!

Happy New Year!

2009-01-08T13:23:00.000-08:00

I wanted to wish all my friends and family a HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!! I hope this new year finds you all healthy and happy!

I know I'm so behind on posting the rest of Christmas and the end of 2008 and I promise to do that very soon! We've been very busy with recovering from the holidays and getting back to work. Maya has been sick with one thing after another, first a cold, then ear infections, and now pink eye. There is never a dull moment in the life of mama and Maya. =)

Stay tuned for new pics and posts! They will be up very soon!!

Christmas Festivities

2008-12-17T08:53:00.000-08:00

Where does the time go?

I know we are all busy during this time of year. It always amazes me how fast December is here and gone, but even with all the hustle and bustle we are sure to still enjoy this Christmas season.

With Maya's 2 year old birthday just around the corner in January, she is quite the lil' talker, soaking up everything around her, talking, dancing, and giggling all the time. She also is enjoying all the holiday fun, taking after her mother. =)

We helped decorate the Christmas tree at Grammy and Grampy's house, made gingerbread houses with the fam, drove to Thanksgiving Point to see the lights, (which Maya absolutely LOVED), and are anxiously awaiting Santa's arrival! The spirit of Christmas is all around and I love the feeling in the air.

We also have had TONS of snow this week. Maya has come down with a cold the past few days so we have yet to get her out in the snow to play, but as soon as she is healthy we are looking forward to that. The forecast does say a WHITE CHRISTMAS! I couldn't be happier!

I have really enjoyed living in my condo this year. I live in a great place with great neighbors. This really is the first year I have gone "all out" on my christmas decorations and I'm pretty proud of it! I wouldn't say I'm the most creative or artistic person, so this really is quite the accomplishment for me! I wish I could keep them up all year round...there's just something about the way they make my home look and feel! =)

Here are some pics of what we've been up to, ENJOY!

Decorating the tree at Grammy's house

She loved putting the ornaments on...and attempted to take them off too.

Uncle Tay Tay helping too

My crazy parents....aww.... the love!

My 4 foot REAL CHRISTMAS TREE!

My beautifully decorated fireplace!

Decorations everywhere!!

And more decorations....

Maya with my friend Cassidy

Maya helping Auntie Ali with the gingerbread house

Maya loves her Grammy!

The Guthrie's (so glad your here for Christmas!)

My brothers...they struggling building their house. The roof was caving in, the trees were breaking, and Carsen was harassing Taylor with the icing. We were all dying laughing! Grammy had to come to the rescue to help them finish it up.

Avery & Hudson love Grammy!

Eatin her ice as usual....messy face and all!

Holiday Fun!

2008-12-14T19:54:00.000-08:00

Have I mentioned I love this time of year???? I LOVE THIS TIME OF YEAR!!!!!!!!!!!

We have a Williams Family tradition to cut down a REAL CHRISTMAS TREE every year and gather the family together that is around to make our trip to the tree farm, tag the tree, and then return to cut it down. We don't do fake trees like most Utahns do, we are OREGONIANS at heart and only allow for REAL TREES in the house. hee hee.

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving as well, spent with both sides of the family. First we ate at Granpda Williams house with Joan and her kids and then we went to Tracy and Joeen's and enjoyed the small group of Hill's that were there and played games and had yummy treats.

Here are some fun pics of the last couple of weeks.

Cutting down the Christams tree!

Grandpa getting ready....

Grampy strapping the tree to the car in the background while the ladies froze while we waited to get in the car. Nice cheese smiles ladies! ;P

Me and my angel face on Thanksgiving day. Who knows what she was lookin at...

Cheesin it up!!

My parents! They are the best!

Christmas is coming!

2008-11-25T12:37:00.000-08:00

With Thanksgiving this week I have quickly gotten into the holiday spirit and am sooo excited for the holidays. I love this time of year! Christmas is by far my favorite holiday, not for the presents, the snow, or the time off from work........but for the spirit of giving and love that is soo abundant during this time of year and for the time spent with family and friends!

A lot has happened in this past year and as I reflect back I feel very blessed and grateful. With Christmas coming I wanted to share some of the pictures from last year.......

Look at how much hair Maya has grown in one year....yeah!!

Christmas dress 2007

Cutest lil' nose I've ever seen!

Once there was a snowman......

So chubby, so cute!

My lil' indian

2008-11-20T19:58:00.000-08:00

I am sooo grateful for the wonderful daycare that Maya goes to 2 days a week. Amber has been a HUGE blessing and Maya loves her and her home. Today in daycare they made themselves into little Indians in celebration of Thanksgiving.

I had to share these adorable pictures!!

Happy Halloween!

2008-11-01T10:29:00.000-07:00

Maya was sick on Halloween so I was worried how she would be going trick or treating. Getting her dressed in her costume was quite the event but once she got outside and was running house to house with Grampy and her cousins she was happy as could be! We went trick or treating at Jenny & Jeremy's neighborhood. It is the place to be if you want some GREAT candy. A few houses are known for giving out king size candy bars and they even have a hay ride for the kids to take them from house to house. One house has a mini haunted house throughout their garage. Her neighborhood does pretty much every holiday real big!! It was a little rainy but held off for most of the night and it actually wasn't too cold.

Maya held Grampy's hand and walked door to door with great excitement and was lovin every minute, but that only lasted half the time. We came to a house where the man passing out candy was outside in his driveway and he had a scary mask on. Now, as you all know, Maya is quite the scaredy cat, so when she saw him she freaked out!!! She was pulling away from Grampy as Grampy was trying to reach to the candy bowl to get her something! There is a picture below of this, too funny! Maya wouldn't walk one more step after this and so we had to hold her the rest of the night and after a few minutes she was laughing and smiling again.

Thanks to Jen & Jer for being great hosts and to Grampy for being Maya's sidekick running from house to house while I walked along taking pictures and chatting with my sisters!

It was a great Halloween!

The cutest kitty I've ever seen!

Carsen the hippy, Hudson the pirate, and Maya the kitty

She loved grabbing the candy and putting it in her bag

Grinning from ear to ear as she walked away from every house until.....

The scary man!!!!

Mama & Maya

Love her to peices!!!!!!!

Cutest pirate I've ever seen!

The hosts! Thanks guys!

Play time

The kids love their Grampy

Auntie Ali with the cutest witch I've ever seen!

A MUST SEE!!!

2008-10-30T10:41:00.001-07:00

This is the best thing that has come out of the election!! Enjoy!!! =)

http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/politics/2008/10/24/von.ga.kids.political.rap.cnn?iref=videosearch

(I tried to upload the video itself with the embedded info but I couldn't figure out to get it to work.....so if any of you know how let me know!)

Pumpkin Patch FUN!

2008-10-27T21:06:00.001-07:00

We finally made it to the pumpkin patch tonight! It took quite the effort to get us all there, and we still were missing Ali Jo (darn college classes, work projects, and intern applications), but it was a great time! We went to this place last year and the kids had a blast. It is very kid oriented so we went back again. Now I'm really getting in the mood for FALL & HALLOWEEN! =)

So hard to get them ALL to look at the same time!

Grammy was making Maya laugh! Great job Grammy. I love her laughter!

Me and my princess

She loves her Uncle Carsen

The 3 lil' cousins

Uncle Tay Tay with his favorite kiddies. =)

Running through the maze....we got lost for awhile but Avery led us out!

Gotta love these things

Taylor & Jeremy

What pumpkin patch do you know that has these great kid toys?

She wouldn't move from that spot! My scaredy cat!

"Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeee" Maya said all the way down

Grammy is such a great helper

Who knows what they were lookin at...silly kids!

Maya with her favorite Grampy!

Satisfaction

2008-10-26T00:27:00.001-07:00

I wrote this on December 19, 2007. I was reading through some old stuff and came across this. It was a great reminder for me and I wanted to share it with all of YOU!

Enjoy!

Satisfaction. I've been thinking about that a lot myself lately. What an insightful subject to think about. I often find myself wondering, am I truly satisfied? I have an amazing job, amazing daughter, fantastic family, and I am turning into the kind of independent woman I admire. But there are always things missing, whether it's a person, a feeling, or an object. What makes us decide that what we have is not good enough? What sends us over the edge of contentment and into the depths of a never-ending ravine looking for happiness?

We convince ourselves that life will be better after we finish school, find the right person, get engaged, get married, have a baby, then another. We soon grow bored and look for the next "step". The Stones had it right when they declared "I can't get no satisfaction". Are we so self-involved that we have to look to outside sources to make us happy? We tell ourselves that our life will be complete when our boyfriend gets his act together, when we get a nicer car, buy a house, are able to go on a nice vacation, or when we retire. The truth is, there's no better time to be happy than right now. If not now, when?

My favorite quote comes from Alfred D. Souza. He said, "For a long time it had seemed to me that life was about to begin - real life. But there was always some obstacle in the way, something to be worked through first, some unfinished business, time still to be served, or a debt to be paid. Then life would begin. At last it dawned on me that these obstacles were my life."

This perspective has helped me to see that there is no road that ends at happiness. Happiness is the dandelion on the side of the road. We should treasure every moment we have and treasure it more if we shared it with someone special, special enough to spend our time with. We need to realize that time waits for no one.

I'm done waiting. I take big bites of life. There are many things I want to do yet and I will, but not because I need to feel "complete." I've finally realized that I am complete. I am surrounded by wonderful people and I am thankful for that. I am a mother, and that alone is enough happiness. I have my head on straight and I'm not afraid to admit that I AM satisfied. I have a relationship with My Lord, My Savior, and a Heavenly Father who loves me for me. I no longer think the grass is greener on the other side of the fence because I know grass always turns brown when fall comes.

Stop waiting until you get a better job, get a nicer car, finish school, until you go back to school, until you lose ten pounds, until you gain ten pounds, until you have kids, until your kids leave the house, until you start work, until you retire, until you get married, until you get divorced, until Friday night, until Sunday morning, until you get a new car or home, until your car or home is paid off, until spring, until summer, until fall, until winter, until the first or fifteenth, until you die, until you change; decide that there is no better time than right now to be happy.

Don't let the good things pass you by because you focus on the past or the future. We shouldn't be worried about what we have to do or have to be satisfied, but rather enjoy what we have now that satisfies us.

I chose to be satisfied….NOW!

What do I do????

2008-10-25T12:12:00.000-07:00

At first I thought it was just a one time thing, but now it is becoming a daily, seems like multiple times a day thing.....

So tell me, what do I do with my 21 month old adorable little girl who always wants to be NAKED???!!!!!

What started out as innocent "curiousity" with her body has now progressed into an obsession!!! She never wants to have clothes on, ever! And when she goes either #1 or #2 she is determined to take her diaper off and fight me to the death to put another one on. After the first few "oopsy's" of finding her naked, I have realized that she is very sneaky and determined about this! She knows I don't want her to do this so when she is good and ready she goes into her room to get naked in private. Going into her room has been a usual thing for her because she has a lot of toys in her room and she likes to play in there, but now her room has become her refuge of nakedness!!

It was just a couple days ago when I put her down for her nap and about 10 minutes later I could hear her banging something against the crib. It didn't sound like blankets, it had a more coarse sound to it. I immediatly panicked fearing what I would find, and so I rushed into her room.....

........and what do you think I found???

Yep, you got it. Not only was she naked, but there was POOP EVERYWHERE! All over her, her bed, her bumper, her crib, the blankets.....and the smell, oh my! I thought I was going to throw up. After putting her into the bath, opening all the windows, and washing everything twice on a HOT HOT cycle...I sat there thinking to myself, what do I do???

Seriously, I need help. As much as I'm laughing writing all of this, I really do need help. I tried to convince myself it was just a stage but it is not going away, it is just getting worse. I have been told by many, "oh she is just acting like a normal 2 year old." Really?

So in my attempts to handle this situation like a responsible mother, I decided that she would only wear sleepers for nap time and bedtime, zipped up from head to toe!! So far this has worked for sleeping after about 20 minutes of screaming herself to sleep because she can't undress herself, but how do I handle the daytime nakedness? No matter what time, no matter where....she is ALWAYS undressing herself. In the grocery cart, in the car, in nursery at church, at the park....I mean really...is this really just her being "almost 2"??

(sigh)

The Wee Witch's Festival

2008-10-21T11:57:00.000-07:00

I love this time of year! There are soo many great things to do and places to go! Jenny and I took Avery and Maya to the Wee Witch's Festival up at Gardner's Village. It was a blast!!

Avery is going to be a witch this year for Halloween so she proudly wore her costume to the festival, as did many other little girls. Maya wasn't too sure about all the witch's walking around. We had only been there about 10 minutes when Maya saw a little boy who was dressed up as a power ranger with a mask on and it scared her to death! So from that point on she clung to me almost the entire day! We still managed to have a great time!

There was a petting zoo, a costume parade, witch's dancing and walking around everywhere, great shops and lots of festive decorations and people everywhere! Avery rode a pony, got her face painted, and even got a couple witch's autographs! All the while Maya was miss scaredy cat and didn't break a smile almost the entire day. Literally.

It was a lot of fun and I would highly recommend this great time to anyone!

Happy Anniversary to US!

2008-10-20T13:55:00.000-07:00

Happy Anniversary to us!

Isaac and I met 3 years ago today when he spotted me from across the room. We made eye contact and he smiled at me. Instantly I thought to myself, wow...tall, dark, and handsome!! And what a great smile! Standing right next to Isaac was his cousin, Phil, who also saw me from across the room and I didn't know this then but later Isaac told me that Phil saw me also and wanted to approach me but Isaac told him to back off as he made his way over to me from across the room. I'm so glad he did!!! :) We struck up a conversation, talked all night, talked all weekend, hung out for about a week straight....and became great friends instantly!! We had a lot of fun right from the start getting to know eachother. We loved playing basketball together, watching sports, eating out, and just hanging out and talking about anything and everything and getting to know eachother. He didn't like to go shopping with me, however, but I forgave that. ;P

We had an amazing connection and had so much in common....I can still remember "the talk" sitting in his family room about us being "exculsive." He wanted me all to himself! I was a happy girl that day!!

Our relationship has had its share of ups and downs, laughter and sadness, tears and smiles, mistakes and lessons learned...and lots and lots of love, good times and great memories.

I made this ecard and sent it to Isaac and I just love this website that does these ecards that you put your own faces on them.

Check this out!

http://www.mushygushy.com/CELQPG

I'm so grateful for these last 3 years, for Isaac, and for our daughter! This has been a great journey! Especially the spiritual journey we have both been on just in this last year and a half, individually and together. We have both grown closer to our Lord and Savior and thus we have grown closer together. I look forward to the journey ahead!

Happy Anniversary babe! Love and miss you! XOXOXO

This picture was taken 3 years ago when it all started.....

Pickin A Winner!

2008-10-15T16:10:00.000-07:00

Maya has found her nose and boy does she LOVE to pick it!!!! At home, in the tub, at the park, at Grammy's house, in the car, at the grocery store....anywhere and everywhere we go this girl is always diggin in her nose!! My aunt Joeen caught it on camera at the park last week. haha. This behavior she DID NOT pick up from her mama. This is all thanks to the men in her life, her daddy and her Grampy!!!

He's on his way to FINLAND!

2008-10-08T19:58:00.000-07:00

Today has been an emotional day to say the least. Isaac is finally on his way to Finland to go play professional basketball overseas. I am so proud of him and how hard he has worked for this. He played for a few years out of college overseas and did very well, but due to personal circumstances he did not play for a few years. So, at the ripe age of 30 he has made this year his comeback year and has been blessed with this opportunity to play again. It is bittersweet though, I think I've cried more tears today then I have in a LONG time. Tears of joy, of gratitude, and of sadness.

Maya just loves her daddy and the timing couldn't be worse for her to go around my house saying " dada" over and over again looking in EVERY room with a sad look on her face when she doesn't find her daddy. One of Isaac's favorite games to play with Maya is hide and seek so I think she expects to find him hiding and when she doesn't she comes running back to me saying "Dada" over and over again. I swear it's like she knows he is gone for awhile. We will miss him soo much and for that I am sad, but at the same time I am extremely happy and am grateful for this blessing in his life!

Christmas come quickly so we can see you again daddy!! We love you and will miss you babe!

Go get 'em!!!

Eating Adventures!

2008-10-06T20:12:00.000-07:00

Maya has figured out recently that playing with her food is much more fun than eating it! Just the other night she was tugging on the fridge and got it open all by herself. She grabbed a jello and brought it to me with a big grin on her face. It was bedtime and she was already in her pajamas (notice the crazy hair that had been in pigtails all day so it looks like that...haha) and I did not really want her to eat but she insisted.

SO......

I put her in her chair and turned away for just a minute to come back to her jello all over her clothes, hair, and the floor.

Then the following day while she was having some yogurt she thought it would be fun to do it ALL OVER AGAIN!!! At first I wanted to tell her that was a no, no....but all I could do is laugh and get my camera out yet again.

Looks like these eating adventures are becoming the norm around here. (sigh) ;P

My baby is growing up!

2008-09-27T09:46:00.001-07:00

Yesterday we went and got Maya's pictures taken. She was soooo smiley and happy. I am soo proud of her. That sweet and smiley personality of hers shines through in her pictures! I just love this little girl!!! When we got to look at the pictures after we were done I got a little emotional sitting there looking at my baby girl. She isn't so much a baby anymore. She is my little girl now.....*sniff sniff*

Where has the time gone???

Ever since I embarked on this journey of motherhood I made a promise to myself and to Maya that she would always know that even though the circumstances of her coming into this world were "different", her mommy and daddy love each other and they love her very much!!! So....it is important to me that she have pictures of us all together as she grows up as I know these things will become meaningful to her. So enjoy the "family pic" ;)

I haven't ordered yet so please feel free to tell me your favorite! Keep in mind these are the proofs, not cropped or fine tuned yet.

Unbelievable Performance!

2008-09-17T08:20:00.000-07:00

BYU 59 UCLA 0

What more can I say???

This game was UNBELIEVABLE!!!

I have never seen Cougar Stadium that loud and crazy. It was soo fun to be there and to experience this.

BCS BOWL GAME HERE WE COME!!

All decked out in BYU BLUE baby!

Go Cougars!

Me and Mama Jo

The Cougars rushing the field

Aww... so cute! My amazing parents!

Touchdown drive. All day long!

It was HOT! Enjoying a snowcone to stay cool.

BYU 59 UCLA 0.

Unbelievable Performance!

They're Back!

2008-09-15T10:05:00.000-07:00

Jenny and the kids are FINALLY back! YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!

The much anticipated off season is FINALLY here and so are the Guthrie's! (Minus Jeremy who will come when the season is over). We are sooo glad that they have a house here so we can be close and enjoy this time together.

Jenny and I both talk about how Hudson and Maya must have been best friends up in heaven before they came to earth because they have always had such a special bond between them. Even during the months a part during the year they love to look at each others pictures, kiss them, and light up at the sight of one another.

This reunion was no different! They haven't stopped hugging, giggling, kissing, and playing together. Maya is also VERY fond of Avery. She follows Avery and Hudson around like a puppy dog, mimicking what they do, playing with whatever they are playing with, and loving every minute of it!!

Of course I had my camera ready at all times to capture these adorable moments!

It was quite the song! ;P

Jammin away on Grammy's piano

Silly Avery making faces

Play time with the barn

Aww.... kisses are so sweet!

Cute little story about this picture...Maya would push Hudson into a wall, chair, table, or whatever she happened to run into, which would stop them, then Hudson would stand up and turn it around then Maya would push him again unti they ran into something else. Right before they would run into something they both would say, "Whoa, whoa," and then giggle like crazy. It was so cute!

Whatever Hudson did, Maya did, including throwing ball as me! haha

Sweet boy!

Star in the making!

Jenny's house has quite the selection of toys to play with. This was a favorite for these two.

Welcome Home sis, Avery, and Huddy! We are sooo glad you're back!!!

Remembering 9/11

2008-09-11T22:40:00.000-07:00

Today is the seven year anniversary of that terrible and tragic day, 9/11. I hope each of us can take a moment to remember. May we remember those who died in such innocence. May we remember those who lived and fought to save the lives of others. May we remember the patriotism that spread across our country.

May we remember.....

In times of tragedy I believe that true character comes out. On this day I was proud of the character of America. The heart of America.

I am proud to be an American.

I am grateful to live in this free country.

It is days like these that should forever remind us that GOD IS a part of our country and always will be.

I will never forget...

GOD BLESS AMERICA

And God bless the families torn apart seven years ago...

Attempt Failed!

2008-09-10T12:37:00.000-07:00

The first day Kate and Carly got here, we discovered that Maya and Carly had the same outfit. Kate and I got so excited as this meant....photo shoot!!!! So, last night, their last night here, we got these girls together to have a fun little photo shoot in their matching outfits....little did we know that these two crazy girls would not be havin it!

They did okay sitting by themselves....

As long as they were still able to watch Backyardigans.....

But the second we tried to get them to sit by eachother for pictures it was war!! haha. Maya can be a little agressive. Sorry Carly!

Notice Kate and Grammy trying to hide and hold these 2 close together...

This is the best we could do. Carly was content watching her show and Maya cracked a little bit of a smile for me

Finally....ONE picture that turned out somewhat okay. Thanks Kate for making the animal noises to get them to look up.

Maya ran to her auntie's rescue as soon as I put the camera down....

And Carly got ready for bed.

Art can speak a thousand words

2008-09-09T10:28:00.000-07:00

Greg Olsen is one of my all time favorite artists and it is my life long quest to little by little collect his artwork. It is soooo beautiful!!!

It was December 2007 and I was last minute Christmas shopping at Costco. When I first walked in the store I saw that there was an art exhibit going on. Nothing unusual for Costco, as you know they always have exhibits and displays, and like many times before I enjoyed the beauty of the art in passing as I was in a hurry to get in and out of there. As I walked by the display there was a picture that caught my eye. I stopped dead in my tracks. There was the most beautiful picture of Jesus holding the hand of a little mixed black girl. I couldn't take my eyes off of it. My heart started beating fast and tears started welling up in my eyes. As I stood there full of emotion looking at this picture I felt like I was staring at my Maya holding Jesus's hand. As a new mother I was already experiencing the emotions of feeling inadequate, blessed, scared, excited, and overwhelmed at teaching and leading Maya throughout her life. I pleaded with Heavenly Father often in prayer to please help me be the kind of mother that will teach Maya to know that her Father in heaven and Jesus are ALWAYS there for her. That she won't ever be alone. That even though her mother had made big mistakes in her life, that she overcame those hard times in life and grew, all because of her Savior, Jesus Christ and his love.

I had to get this picture for Maya! I just had to! I was already done shopping for her and this picture wasn't cheap, but I knew that this picture was meant for me. It was meant for Maya. There I was standing in line with my picture when Greg Olsen himself was sitting there at a table signing the pictures and leaving notes. I dashed over to the table and asked him, "what inspired this picture?" I had to know! He went on to tell me that he had a dear friend who had a daughter that had a babygirl who was a mixed little girl and she asked him why he didn't have any art of Jesus with black (mixed) kids and that she wanted a picture of Jesus like this for her daughter. Wasting no time I told him my life story in about 5 minutes (the shortened and to the point version) and that he didn't know it yet, but that this picture was for me! It was for my daughter! That when I saw that picture on that crazy, cold December afternoon running through Costco, that all was right with the world. I knew that Maya would always know that Jesus walks hand in hand with all of his children. He will always be there for her. Always. And this picture also gave me that assurance that as her mother, I too know that he will always be there for me, to lead and guide me to intern raise her up in the gospel to know these truths!

This picture now hangs in Maya's room with a note from her mother on the back of it. Someday when she is old enough she will understand more what this picture means and I know it will be a treasure to her, but for now, it is the picture that she looks to right before she goes to bed and says ever so sweetly, " Jesus and My My."

Kate and Carly come to visit!

2008-09-04T15:09:00.000-07:00

Kate and Carly are here visiting because Kate is in a wedding this weekend. We are sure glad they had this excuse to come to Utah so we could see them and play! Grammy took the two girls to play outside and the girls were lovin it! I was able to get some cute pictures of them together.

They both love Grammy so much they tend to compete for Grammy's attention. When one goes down the slide with Grammy, the other one must do the same, or when one is being pushed by Grammy on the swing, the other one must have a turn! It has been so funny watching these girls interact. Maya isn't too sure about Carly in her turf at Grammy's and Grampy's house because she is not used to sharing this house with any other grandkids but with every new day they are warming up to each other more and more. This happened last time they visited and by the last day Carly and Maya were hugging and giving each other kisses. These cousins are the cutest!

Maya going down the slide

The beauties on the swings

Maya loves to climb on anything! She has no fear.

Carly wasn't too sure about sharing this wheel with Maya... her expression says it all, "MINE!" Maya was snickering as she tried to take over the wheel.

Cute Carly going down the slide with Grammy's help

Maya was helping Grammy by pushing Carly on the swing

Maya's turn again! Notice how Carly is waiting patiently for her turn.

These girls are the cutest. We had soo much fun!!!!

I love BOYZ II MEN!!!

2008-08-28T22:43:00.000-07:00

Tonight was the Boyz II Men concert here in town. Who would have thought that Boyz II Men would come to the outdoor Scera Theater in Orem, Utah?!! I'm sooo glad they did! We went and had a fabulous time!! Although, it wasn't the same because my dad wasn't there as he is still at home recovering, but we still had a great time and took pictures and video to share. I grew up listening to Boyz II Men because of my dad. He absolutely LOVES them and listened to them all the time when I was growing up. Originally my parents were taking me, Isaac, Ali, and Carsen to the concert....but with the events of the last couple of days and my parents needing to be at home, it turned out to be me, Isaac, Ali, her friend Holly from the mission, and Carsen. It was a great night filled with great music that brought out the SOULFUL side in all of us. Ali and Holly danced and sang the night away, I was trying to teach Carsen how to dance and loosen up those hips...haha, but he wasn't too interested, he was content with his food, snacks, and one handed wave with his other arm still in a sling, and Isaac laid on the blanket in relaxation mood enjoying the music. Here are some pics from our FABULOUS night of BOYZ II MEN!!!!

Waiting for the concert to start

Isaac sat and relaxed this way the whole night

I love my lil brother

Ali and Holly (they met at the MTC in Brazil)

My lil sis and I

Look hard enough and you can see the legends! ;P

Dancin and groovin all night long baby!

My dad....

2008-08-27T21:51:00.000-07:00

It is now 10:45 pm and I'm emotionally drained and should be in bed already but I have a lot on my mind and a lot in my heart at this moment. My dad has been having chest pain for the past couple of months and it had been getting progressively worse over the last couple weeks. He wasn't paying it much attention until recently, and this morning while he was out for a jog it became so severe that he had to stop exercising. After he went to work anyway, came home to see our adopted sister Vieve off to the MTC (the girl Ali played soccer with and has been living with my parents), and going out to lunch, my mom and dad FINALLY went to the ER to get it checked out. After many tests and hours waiting, the doctors discovered that he had some blockage in a main left artery in his heart and they had to go in and place a stent. In what my mom relayed to us, the doctor said my dad averted a serious cardiac catastrophe within the next few weeks. Gratitude is the strongest feeling tonight. We are so grateful he got it checked out, so grateful that no more time had passed, and feeling very blessed and grateful for the miracles of modern medicine!!! This definitely shook me up, but so grateful for the prayers and love of great family and friends! LOVE YOU DAD, or as Maya would say- wuv you bampy!!!!!

Maya the lil' fairy

2008-08-21T08:17:00.001-07:00

The other day while we were cleaning Maya's room she found this fairy outfit in her closet. Aunt Joeen gave this to her for her 1st birthday and we haven't ever put it on her yet. So what started out as playing dress up in Maya's bedroom turned into a photo shoot outside. She was loving it! She was laughing, twirling, and blowing kisses and waving her wand as she danced around. She wouldn't let me take it off and ended up wearing it until we took it off to take a bath before bedtime. I love this little girl so much! My days are filled with so much joy because of her!

The last of the Cabin pictures!

2008-08-19T10:38:00.001-07:00

Just the 3 of us. I love this view!
Down at the water. This place is gorgeous!
Maya loves her daddy

More Pictures of the Cabin Fun

2008-08-19T10:25:00.000-07:00

Mama Jo with her babyboy Carsen

The Larsen's came up and joined us at the cabin as well. We wore them out! Rod napping and Marja says she was reading... they both look like they are snoozing to me!
Mama Jo was sick of me taking pictures. Nice face mama. haha
Maya loves her Uncle Tay Tay. She snuggles and kisses Taylor all the time!
Isaac came up on Sunday and cooked for the whole family a delicious Southern style dinner. We had roast, loaded mashed potatoes, cooked cabbage, black eyed peas, cornbread and a green salad. My mom suprised Isaac and cooked up a very tasty sweet potatoe pie, his favorite dessert! After dinner we all went down to the creek where the boys threw the football around and Maya and Grampy continued to play in the water. You can barely see them off in the distance in the back of this picture. We had a great time!

Family Vacation at the Cabin!

2008-08-19T10:06:00.001-07:00

Every summer we head off to the Williams Family Cabin up the Tibble Fork Canyon for some good food, fun, games, and nature! We went up there this last weekend and had a blast! Maya loved the little creek and would not get out of it. Her little toes were so frozen but she kept on splashing and throwing rocks until I had to drag her out of the creek. She had the worst tantrum of her life to date but that pouty face is oh so cute!

On our walk down to the lake and creek. Maya is such an affectionate lil' thing. She wasn't happy until her Uncle Carsen held her hand the whole walk.
The water was pretty cold but that didn't stop Maya from laughing as she played with Grampy
Alex and Carsen bein crazy boys together
A cute little story... I told Carsen that I wanted to take a picture of him with Maya in the water so Carsen went and squatted down next to her. Maya must have thought he was sitting down in the water next to her because next thing we knew she sat herself down in the freezing cold water! It took her breath away and she panicked while we were all laughing. It didn't stop her from continuing to play though, she just kept right on in that water! That is why she has no shorts on here and just her diaper. We finally got her to stand up while Carsen squatted next to her to snap this picture. So cute!
Adorable expression!! I love this little girl!

Play day with Blake & Erica

2008-08-08T13:53:00.001-07:00

Today was a fun filled day for us! Erica used to watch Maya 2 days a week for almost a year and Blake and Maya got really close during that time. They hadn't seen eachother for almost 2 months and were finally reunited at Great Aunt Dorothy's funeral this week and they were in heaven chasing each other around, hugging, kissing, and giggling all afternoon. Erica and I got the kiddies together again today for some more food and fun at McDonald's. These two love to hug eachother so much they almost fall over with thier big squeeze hugs. Good times!

Miss Maya Jewel!

2008-08-07T13:39:00.000-07:00

I have been blessed with the most amazing babygirl! Maya truly has been a gift from God and motherhood is the most challenging, yet rewarding experience of my life! So for my first post I just wanted to show off my beautiful babygirl, Miss Maya Jewel!

We are finally official bloggers!

2008-08-07T13:33:00.000-07:00

After months and months of planning to create a blog for my family, I FINALLY did!! I love looking at my family and friend's blogs as it is a great way to keep in touch and brag about how cute our kids are as well. haha. ;D

Check back soon for more pictures!