It's Time for a Blog Post!

Right now, all of the millions things that I should be doing instead of updating my family blog are being put aside! I'm not sure why I chose today to do this, or why I feel it is important in this minute, but for some reason my fingers typed in my blog web address and I just started typing... So, since my last post was in January, I thought this post should be a recap of the past eight months!

Cherissa
I've been insanely busy balancing (okay trying to balance) being a wife, mother, employee, YW Pres., friend, and individual. Some days I feel like I fail miserably at half of those roles, but I'm striving to be better at accepting that I can't give 100% of my time and energy to everything! I been to Lake Powell twice this summer with my family. I'll be honest and say that I spent most of the time reading a book in the shade with a coke and some treats...and it was glorious! I'm trying to decorate our house, because I never really have until this point! I HATE doing it, but I'm liking the results. I keep setting goals to start working out or playing soccer again, get better at photography and sewing, learn to cook some new and healthy recipes, and finally scrapbook all of Violet's pictures, but for now...well for now I'm just updating my blog!

Bret
What can I say for my hubby?! He is the best Daddy on the planet, works hard for his family, and still manages to save some for weekend dates with me and couple of rounds of golf each week. I call him "my 3rd Counselor" because he helps me so much with my calling. He is dying for the two of us to go on vacation this fall somewhere fun, so hopefully we can make that happen!

Violet
We are smitten with this little one! The past few months have been especially trying though, as we are trying to work through her "eating disorder" that the doctors have diagnosed her with. So far, we haven't found any cause, we just know that she isn't interested in eating. At 20 months, she only weighs 18 pounds. However, she is FULL of personality! The past week or so have been especially entertaining because she talks more and more everyday. She also had a great time in Lake Powell because she loves being around other kids and doing all the water activities. She has gone golfing with Bret and I a few times this summer and is starting to catch on! She is growing up too fast, but we are loving every minute of it!

I have to apologize for not tracking your family blogs and staying in touch. I do check them now-and-again, even if I don't leave comments! I also make this promise, I'll TRY to post on our blog more often than every eight months, but guarantees!

Violet's Ice Cream Parlour

Violet's birthday party was a fun night of ice-cream, hot chocolate, presents, family, and fun. Violet had mixed emotions about some of evening's activities, though. For example, Violet didn't nap the whole day and was a little overwhelmed when guests started to arrive, as her picture with my Mom will show! But then, Uncle Josh came and redeemed himself for giving her a scary penguin toy at Christmas with his giant teddy bear, which she loved. It was no big surprise that she loved the doggy bank that Grandma Stowell gave her, too. Notice the big kiss she gives the dog on the nose in the pictures! Yes, I'm jealous of that stupid dog! Also, Vi didn't love her sparkler candle that I put on her cake. In fact, she was a little terrified of it! I thought it was a great idea since I knew she wouldn't blow out a candle. Once it was removed, she dug right into her cake and got nice and messy, as every 1 year old birthday girl should.

Violet: A Cause for Celebration

One year has passed since beautiful Violet joined our family. I am amazed at how quickly time went by. Bret and I both agree that every moment with Violet has been a gift and we love her more than words can say. Violet's most noteworthy characteristics became apparent early on. She is a happy and easy-going, and wears a big smile all day long. She is her Daddy's sunshine and her Momma's little buddy. Violet has a tender heart and bursts into tears whenever she hears the word "no," even when it is spoken in passing conversation and isn't directed to her! Violet used to say "bye bye" and wave her tiny wrist so cute, but now refuses to do it because she realizes that if she does, someone will leave her. Violet adores dogs, and is beginning to really like her baby dolls. While she is very stingy with giving kisses to her Mom and Dad, she freely shares them with any picture of a dog and all her stuffed dogs (she has several). Just this morning she learned how to feed her baby doll with its little bottle. She feeds the baby for a minute, and then tries to have a little sip herself! Violet is very much a "girly girl." She is obsessed with necklaces, more than the average baby, and is attracted to anything sparkly and pretty. It breaks my heart to see her changing so quickly and growing out of her babyhood, but I admit that each new day is more fun and exciting than the last because she is developing into an amazing little girl. Happy birthday, my love!

Our Little Stocking Stuffer

Christmas was magical this year. Having a baby makes everything much more meaningful, and a lot more fun. Seeing Vi's face when she first saw Santa, Christmas lights, and wore a donkey costume for the Christmas Pageant are priceless memories. Having Violet also made the gifts under our tree a lot more colorful than usual, too. For a long time, I've looked forward to staying up late and setting out the gifts for my kids, just like my parents did. I loved how our living room looked with all the toys, and clothes, and presents. Here are some pictures from our Christmas. I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season!