Happy Birthday to Michael!

It was my handsome husband Michael's birthday on Friday and I think he had a pretty good day. I'm so glad he was born :o). I just love him so much and he makes me laugh and makes me want to be better. I've been up and down these last few months with some goals I've had and he's encouraged me every step of the way. His belief in me helps me to believe in myself. He's the most caring, wonderful, funny husband and father and I love that I get to spend forever with him. I love you Michael!

Some favorite pictures of Michael

"Should've Been a Cowboy"

I'm up late doing a couple things for Michael's birthday and got a little side tracked. I wanted to update my playlist on here and decided to check my brother and sister-in-law's blog. They have an awesome playlist ;) and so I decided to copy some of their songs. They bring back a lot of memories for me. One is called "Heartland" by George Strait. Well I think it was on a movie called "Pure Country" and I remember my brothers loving this movie growing up. And when I hear it, it reminds me of Eric. When he was little he used to love dressing up as a cowboy and loved guns. Well hearing that song brought a few tears to my eye (good tears) and made me think of another song that reminds me of Eric. It's called "Should've been a cowboy" by Toby Keith. This song brings back even more memories and I can't stop listening to it.

On a different and very personal note I want to share that my dad did my brother's temple work this week. It was one of the best experiences I have ever had and I felt Eric so close that day. I know Eric is happy and working hard and helping others repent and be happy. There is not a doubt in my mind that he is being an awesome missionary! I miss him but can't wait to see him again. Every time I think of him he makes me smile and I know that he is watching over me and my family. I have felt a lot of peace and joy about everything lately and just wanted to share that. I know I've posted this picture before but I just can't help but smile when I see it. Love you buddy!This was at my wedding reception and all the little girls that served wore these aprons. So this is Eric being Eric :)

March of Dimes Walk

Last Saturday me and Michael walked for March of Dimes. I was really excited for it. Just to be able to do a little something to help. It was fun to see all these family teams walking, all of them inspired by these strong little babies. It was really touching to see them and all the children. Some people had made posters of their child's experience in the N.I.C.U. and of course I got a little emotional. We were so blessed that Noelle was so healthy but at the very beginning we were really scared. It's an experience you can't really prepare for and it's hard not being able to take home your baby for several weeks. It's hard to leave them at the hospital even though you know they are in very capable and caring hands. With that said I'm very grateful for that experience. I learned so much from it and there isn't a day that goes by that I don't thank my Heavenly Father for our beautiful daughter. We had so many people around us to support and help us. I know we were meant to go through that experience at that time and I feel closer to Michael and to my Heavenly Father because of it. I depend on Him so much and maybe that was one thing I needed to learn.

Anyway. The walk was fun. Very cold at the beginning but still fun to be there. We made pins to wear of pictures of when Noelle was first born and pictures of now. I felt like a very proud mama :)! We are going to make this an annual tradition and hope to take Noelle and other friends and family with us next year. Thank you to all who donated and all who thought about us. Thank you to all of you who prayed for us when Noelle was first born. I know those prayers were answered and we have been so blessed to be surrounded (in many ways) with so many friends and family who love us. We love you all!

I know some of my family wanted to see some pictures. These aren't the most interesting but it's all I got :). More of me than anything. It was just fun to be a part of it!

We walked on Canyon View Park trail (i think) up Provo Canyon. It was very pretty.
See my Noelle pins on my jacket? I was kinda proud of those :)
I got a shirt. I was a little excited about that!

My Girl

Today is the last day before our walk in March of Dimes. Those of you that have donated thank you so much, it means a lot! I just made this video to show how Noelle has grown in the last 18 months and how the March of Dimes gave her a healthy start in life. Your donation could do the same for another baby. Enjoy!

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Dancing

I thought some of you might want to see these videos. It's so hard to catch Noelle on camera anymore. But I've been lucky over the last couple of days to get her dancing. So fun!

Our Adventures

So I know it's been awhile. As most of you know I've been trying really hard to get donations for March of Dimes so some things have fallen to the side. However I'm up early and have an unusual amount of energy so I decided to update.

The last few weeks we've been pretty busy and had a lot of fun. On Tuesday, May 4th my sister Alyson came home from her mission from Spain. That week I was pretty much at my parents house whenever I could be. Noelle really warmed up to her and just loves her. I love to see Noelle go to her. Since Alyson has been home she has babysat for us, given Noelle many baths and played a ton with her. It's been a lot of fun and it's so good to have Alyson safe and home with us. Here are some updates

What's gone on with me:
-another haircut
-got a free hydro massage (it was weird but cool I guess)
-received chocolate covered strawberries from Michael for Mothers day
-had a great mother's day
-ran 25 minutes straight without stopping once

What's gone on with Noelle:
-played in jello
-gone shopping with mom and aunts
-went to aunt Taylor's lacrosse game
-played with aunts and uncle
-played with Grandma and Grandpa's dogs
-learned how to say "No". She still shakes her head more than she says "No"
-got a scrape on her knee from falling, then did it again
-has been loving strawberries
-swinging on grandma's swing
-went to nursery!!! They said she didn't cry once but was a little quiet

Here are some pictures of our adventures: (warning: there are a lot!)

Waiting for Alyson in the airport
(Taylor, Noelle, Nina)

Noelle with Aunt Nina
The family-Alyson's in the middle
Mom, Alyson, and Dad
Noelle giving Aunt Alyson kisses
Silly girls

A cute close up

My parent's dog, Lucy, wanted to cuddle up to Noelle

We needed to move the car seat to another car for the day so we brought it inside. Noelle loved playing in it.

Noelle looking at a "toro" (bull) Alyson brought home for her from Spain

She loves putting on these hats of hers. I can't help but put it to the side.

Playing in jello. Not as fun as playing in pudding.

I was straightening up when I look over to the kitchen and see Noelle bring this fruit snack box out all on her own. Guess she wants a fruit snack. She likes to move and pick up everything, even if it's heavy.
Playing on Grandma Fullmer's swing
The strawberries Michael gave me (because I know you all care so much :) )
My haircut. It's been a few weeks but I still like it.

March of Dimes - March for Babies

My friend inspired me to take part in the March of Dimes-March for Babies event. Because Noelle was born premature this event is something that really means a lot me. I will be doing a 3 mile walk in Utah County on May 22-for those of you who want to know. Please help me raise some money to help support healthy babies!

Also click here if you want more info on March for Babies. website: marchforbabies.org