Where are you?

I have been blogging a lot more lately...one, because I love it, and two...I am stuck at home because I don't want to take Lilly out in this awful ugly gray cold weather. I hate it. Lilly hates it. Anton hates it. The dogs hate it. When is winter going to end!!? Spring...where are you!!? I wouldn't even mind the cool weather, if there was at least some sunshine. I can tell poor Lilly is so bored. In order to keep us sane and from getting cabin fever, we have to resort to small little drives around town. I know this isn't the first post I have complained about the weather, so I am sorry, I am just so darn sick of not being able to take Lilly outside! Our magnolia tree, cherry tree, and tulips are all starting to bloom, so I know the warm weather is coming soon. It just can't get here soon enough! I am ready for the sunshine - how about you?!

Sweetleaf Baby

When Lilly came home from the hospital, my mom brought over the most scrumptious baby wash and lotion for Lilly's first bath. I loved it so much, I just used the last of the shampoo about two weeks ago. The set also came with a room spray. It is made by the brand Thymes. Lilly's has been eating more and more "real" food, therefore making her diapers oh so unpleasant. I was just cleaning her room, and it was a little smelly from a diaper change I had just done, so I sprayed some of that room spray, and wallah!...her room smelled so so so good. I highly recommend this brand of soaps and lotion...even if you don't have children or babies, it is a wonderful gift (I know from experience!), and they have really yummy soaps for your kitchen or bath. They aren't cheap, but they sure are delicious!! A definite favorite of mine.

Cousins

I don't know about you...but I think these kids kind of like each other...I stole these pictures from my sister-in-law Nicole. The two adorable blonde's are Prentice and Truman...they are such cute little kids. We miss them!

Dogs

When I was pregnant with Lilly, I had so many people tell me how much I would hate my dogs after Lilly was born. My first thought when they would say that was, "how sad and cruel to feel that way about your dog", then my second thought was "I hope I don't end up feeling that way about my dogs". My feelings toward my dogs haven't changed one bit. I love them as much as I did before. Of course my love for them doesn't even compare to the love I have for Lilly, but I still love them...they are part of our family! Recently Lilly has been really interested in the dogs. She loves to watch them eat their food, laughs at them all the time, and loves to pull on Coopers beard and ears. He is such a sweet little guy...he just sits there and lets her pull and pull. Diva on the other hand is a little afraid of Lilly and her quick little hands. Here is a video of Cooper and Lilly that I took this morning. Cooper is always right by Lilly...I think he kinda likes her :)

Book Review

Yep, you guessed it...another historical novel. I finished this book last night, and I didn't want it to end. To be honest, the first 50 to 100 pages were really slow, and I wasn't that crazy about it...but as the story progressed and the love between her and William Wordsworth came about, I loved it. Absolutely loved it. It was one of those books where I came to just adore Annette and my heart went out to her when I was reading some of the things that she had to go through. It was like I grew an attachment to her....weird, I know. As much as I loved this book, I would only recommend it if you absolutely love historical novels. It is filled with so many historical details, that it might bore you if you aren't that into history. The story is about Annette Vallon, a french woman, who falls in love with an English poet named William Wordsworth. Because of the French Revolution, and Britain's tension with France, they have to part. I read this last night, a letter written to William from Annette, and thought it was so beautifully written..."Come, my friend, my husband, receive the tender kisses of your wife, of your daughter. She is so pretty, this poor little one, so pretty that the tenderness I feel for her would drive me crazy if I didn't always hold her in my arms. She resembles you more and more each day. I believe that I hold you in my arms. Her little heart beats against mine...I say to her "Caroline, in a month, in fifteen days, in eight days, you will see the most cherished of men, the most tender of men"...Always love your little daughter and your Annette, who kisses you a thousand times on the mouth, on the eyes...I will write to you on Sunday. Goodbye, I love you for life."

On a different note...my dearest friend Jen was in town last week and we were able to meet up for lunch. Her little daughter, Elizabeth is so darling! I hope her and Lilly grow up to be dear friends like their Mommy's! I very rarely get to have my picture taken with Lilly, but her husband snapped a few pictures of Lilly with their fancy camera, and got one of me and Lilly too! What a treat! Too bad she isn't smiling for the camera...oh well!

Wrapped

Last night I hosted yet another fabulous and delicious dinner club! Since it was at my house, I told Anton he was on his own to go do whatever he wanted. I kept Lilly at home, because she goes to bed so early...and plus, I am sure she didn't want to miss out being with the ladies! Anyway, when Anton got home, I asked him what he had done all night, and he decided to go shopping. I went into the bedroom and he showed me all the stuff he got, and he pulled out this most adorable little dress for Lilly. "I thought she could use this for Easter." How cute is that?! Lilly definitely has him wrapped around her teeny, tiny little finger. He is such a cute dad! I can't wait for her to wear it for Easter!

Dear "Bling Bling",

This post is specially for you! Since you have to put up with my husband teasing you day in and day out, I thought you deserved a cake. What kind would you like?! Thank you for being a "fan" of the blog :)

Love,
Liz

Busy Bee!

I was a busy bee today! I was doing one of my very favorite things....Baking! Of course Lilly had to deliver St. Patrick's Day cookies to some of her favorite people, and I made a Lemon Bundt Cake for Relief Society. What a fun day...but now I am wiped out. Time to go rest my feet!

Also, here are some pictures from St. George...

Rambling

I am sitting in my parents beautiful home here in St. George, and Anton and Lilly are out in the casita taking a nap, so what a better time than now to ramble on about whats on my mind. It is so beautiful here...I don't want to leave. When I go out of town, there is always a part of me that looks forward to going home. Not this time. I was telling Anton about it when we went for lunch today, because it is so unusual for me to feel this way. Maybe it is because of the beautiful weather and, I have had so much fun with Lilly. This beautiful weather allowed me to take her to the park for the first time this morning, and I can't begin to tell you how much fun she had in the swing. She could have stayed in it for hours. It was so darling to see her that happy. I am sure I am feeling this way because I am away from the same old routine of things at home. I think Lilly likes having a change of scenery too. So, now that the weather is going to start warming up, I really need to get me and Lilly out of the house. I can't wait to take her to the park, or swimming, or even just be outside in the backyard with her. She has loved being outside! It will be good for both of us - I think it will really boost our spirits! Another thing that I have been thinking about for several weeks now is, I would like to start doing things "for me". Like, I would love to learn how to plant a wonderful garden, or learn how to sew (I know how, but I would love to get better at it), or take a few cooking classes. Any suggestions?! I think it sounds fun to learn how to do something new. On a different note, I know I always talk about my little family, and how crazy I am about them. But, this blog is for my memories...so I never forget even the simplest of things. Last night was one of those "sweet times"...it was 8:30 and we were trying to get Lilly down for bed. Anton and I had already changed into our pajamas, and we were all piled onto our bed. I notice she was in the mood to play (not sleep!), so I had Anton kind of balance her up on the bed so she was standing, and I would run from the doorway and jump on the bed to surprise her! She thought that was the best thing she had seen in quite some time. She laughed so hard....she pulled out the deep belly laugh, which is my very favorite! Later, after Lilly had gone to sleep and Anton and I were laying in bed together, I thought to myself that life couldn't get much better. It was such a silly night...we didn't do anything really, but we were together...as a little family. That's what was so sweet about it. It was just "us" and nothing else. I have loved being down here with my cute little family. I hate to go home to the same old routine. But, like I said, now that the weather is getting better, I will do my best to get out and about more. I am looking forward to warm weather if you can't tell! Well, I guess I better go wake the sleepy heads up! I will post pictures of our little trip when we get home!

Our House

Here is what has been happening at our house over the last few days...

*Friday, we played cards with my sister and brother in law. It is a favorite thing of ours to do. Because of my incredibly-not so awesome math skills, everyone was laughing so hard, that my sister cried off every last ounce of her make up. I was happy to be the source of entertainment that night.
* My main squeeze made it into the paper on Saturday. Nice job babe!
* I had the honor of seeing beautiful Miss Taylor be sealed to her parents in the Salt Lake Temple. It was a little slice of heaven. She was all smiles, and I like to think she knew exactly what was taking place. Congratulations Tate's, we love you!
* Did a session at the Salt Lake Temple on Saturday night with some of my family. It is always so beautiful to be there. We finished the night off with eating at delicious Pei Wei. Yummy!
* I hardly ever go to the mall, but I received some gift cards for my birthday. Lilly and I packed up and headed to the mall to do some shopping. Lilly got a darling new swimsuit, and I got a beautiful sweater from J. Crew, and a darling shirt from Banana. It was so fun!! I must say, I could honestly buy every single thing in Janie & Jack for Lilly. Too bad it is so darn expensive. I did splurge and get her swim suit from there though. I can't wait to see it on her!
* We are headed to St. George on Wednesday. I am looking forward to spending some time in the sun!
* Lilly graduated from the "red chair" to a booster seat. She loves it! She thinks she is such a big girl.

Here are some pictures as of late...

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Ouch!

I just had someone ask me if I was pregnant. Super Duper! Now if that doesn't sound like fun, I don't know what does!

Sunday Night's

I love Sunday nights in our house. We usually go on a walk, come home and make dinner, watch a movie, and almost always we make a delicious treat. We decided this Sunday that we would make something different from our usual chocolate chip or oatmeal chocolate chip cookie. We used a recipe I got a while back from my sister-in-law (she always makes the most delicious desserts). We had a lot of fun making these together! So, if you want to try a new cookie recipe...try these out! They were delicious. I admit, I even had one for breakfast with a cup of milk on Monday morning. Now, that is what I call healthy! :)

Ginger Cookies (soft)

*Megan Woodward*

1/2 teaspoon salt, cloves, ginger
2 teaspoons baking soda

1 teaspoon cinnamon

2 cups flour

- Sift these together

3/4 cup shortening

1 cup sugar

1 egg

1/4 molasses

- Mix these together until fluffy. Add flour mixture. Mix well.

Roll dough into balls. Roll balls into sugar. Place 2 inches apart on greased cookie sheet. Bake @ 350 degrees for about 10 - 12 minutes. (Bake at highest rack level in oven).