Costa Rica

One word: AMAZING! We had the most incredible time in Costa Rica. What a beautiful place! I couldn't believe how amazing the jungle was, how many animals we saw, and how much fun we had. It was so fun to be with Anton....we just laughed and laughed the entire time. We stayed so busy, and really took advantage of all the fun activities they had there. Here were some of our favorites...

*Zip lines
*Horse Back riding on the beach. Anton loved this.
*Jungle tours
*Night camp in the jungle. Anton saw a Fleur De Lance snake (one of the most poisonous snakes).
*Laying on the beach.
*Body Surfing
*Snorkeling day trip
*Seeing all the wildlife
*Eating at the most delicious restaurants
*Sleeping in!

Here are just a few pictures from the trip. As soon as we get the others, I will post some more.

I have to say thanks to my in-laws for taking such incredible care of Lilly while we were gone. We both missed her so much, but we did better than we thought because we knew she was in good hands. We really appreciated all the help from them, and for my parents for bringing her home for us from St. George. Thank you Thank you!!

What a weekend...

Friday...Intermountain Financial Group had their annual awards banquet which is a black tie affair. It is kind of fun to get all "fancified" and hit the town. Anton always looks so handsome in his tux. Anton loves his job, and all the people he works with. It is such a great company. He has received awesome news over the past two weeks, and was given a great promotion at work. I am so proud of him! On Saturday we were leaving the house, and I opened the door and there was this yellow ball sitting on our porch. I picked it up, and on the ball it said "Have A Ball With Your New Job!!" - Todd & Debbie (Antons boss and his wife). It is the small and simple things like that...along with many other great things...that make working there so great.

(My parents are a handsome couple....don't you think?!)

Saturday....I had a hot date with my husband. He took me out for my birthday to a delicious dinner at Trio, then we finished the night off by coming home and having a 'Cake de Fleur' while watching a movie. Such a fun night. Anton is the best husband...I love him so much.

Sunday....Since we are going to be gone on Valentines, I decided to have a little Valentines party with just the three of us. It was so fun. I made enchiladas, and a chocolate cake for dessert. I love my little family.
Monday.... I turned the big 2-7! The beginning of my day didn't start off so hot. I think the top two pearly whites are making their debut, so Lilly wasn't all that fun to be around. And, to go along with the teething, she has yet another cold. But, I did get to go to my parents that night...they had dinner, and a little party for me. They are so cute. And, I had so many wonderful visitors, phone calls, and messages sent to me. I am so lucky to have so many incredibly sweet people in my life. So, looking back, I guess it was a pretty darn good birthday. Thanks everyone!

(Lilly wouldn't let us take a picture of her last night...so this is the best we were able to get. I am sticking out my tongue to try and get her to stop wiggling. Didn't work.)

Tuesday....My darling friends came over and we had lunch together. I am so lucky to have such dear friends. Each and every one of them are so neat, and so sharp, and love diet coke almost as much as me. :) They just have it together, and they are so down to earth. Love them.

Tomorrow...I get to go to lunch with my siblings and parents for my birthday. Man, I am spoiled. I love the birthday lunches with my siblings, it is always so fun.


Well, we are off to Costa Rica on Thursday...I can't wait!!! See you when I get back!

Hope

I was driving home today from running errands, and it must have been right when the Jr. High let out. As I was driving down the street, I saw a large group of girls walking down the street. Ahead of them about 15 feet was a little African girl, in her native clothing, walking all by herself. I don't know why, but it broke my heart to see her walking all by herself. I am sure the girls walking behind her weren't mean, or cruel, they were probably just aloof. I looked back at Lilly sitting there in her car seat and just thought to myself, I hope that Lilly will be the girl that asks her to come walk with them, or includes the girl even though she is different. Anton and I have talked a lot about this and how we will make sure that Lilly knows the importance of being kind and including other people. I know teenagers are silly sometimes, but all I can do is hope that Lilly is sweet and kind and willing to include the "under dog". Why it hit me today so hard, I don't know.

Look at these two little Beauties!! Cute little Taylor and Lilly are going to have so much fun growing up together. They are BFF's...even though they might not know it yet :) Thank you Tate's for such a fun night. We love you guys!!For all you mom's...have you tried this stuff?! It is awesome! Lilly gets really dry cheeks because of me wiping her face after she eats. This has really helped. I love it. If you haven't tried it...go get some! Speaking of things I love....these long sleeve tees from Down East Basics are a must. I love love love them. They fit true to size, and are nice and long. Love them. Go buy one.

Never want to forget

This post is really just for me and Anton. I never want to forget some of the funny and adorable things Lilly does...

1. She gets these purple rings under her eyes when she gets tired.
2. Instead of crying for us to come and get her out of her bed, she just starts talking and playing.
3. She has to be in one of the top corners of her bed to fall asleep. She will not go to bed in the middle of her bed.
4. She has the stinkiest feet. It cracks me up!
5. When I am getting her dressed she wiggles and wiggles, until I get that shirt on her head...then she sits really still because she knows "Peekey-Boo" is coming.
6. Her laugh is really deep.
7. She has to double fist her stars. The more she can get in her hands, the better. She loves those.
8. She thinks is the the funniest thing when I dance for her. She flaps her arms and legs, and smiles so big.
9. When she gets mad, she points her toes.
10. It makes me laugh when she toots...she has such a sweet face, and out comes this monster toot.
11. When I push her in the stroller, she loves to put her feet up on the bar in front of her.
12. She loves to go on walks...especially when I take one of the dogs with me. She loves to watch what the are doing.
13. When I give her her blanket, she rubs her little face in it.
14. She would rather put the books in her mouth than have me read them to her.
15. She loves the bath. She squeals and splashes the whole time.
16. One of her favorite things is to get on her daddy's shoulders and he tickles her with his hair.
17. She shakes when I go get her oatmeal ready. She loves oatmeal, and knows what I am doing when I get the bowl out of the cupboard.
18. I think one of her absolute very favorite things is when I get her undressed for the bath. She loves to be naked. She holds her head up high and looks around like she is so cool.
19. I love when she is sitting in her swing, and she has both her feet in her hands.
20. When she sees Mickey Mouse come on the TV screen she flaps her arms and smiles.

And, this is just the beginning. I am so lucky to be her mom. I love every single, teeny tiny thing about her.

Spring fever

I don't know about you, but I have really been itching for Spring to get here. I went to breakfast with my gramps this morning, and when I went out to my car, my doors were frozen shut. Now that's what I call fun!!

I am really looking forward to seeing some of these...

I can't wait to take this little munchkin on walks again...

My dogs, particularly Cooper, are going insane sitting inside. No one is more excited for Spring than Cooper. Poor guy.

We go to Costa Rica in not too long...I can't wait! I know I am going to miss Lilly, but I am in need of vacation, and some time with my hubby.

Even though I tire of winter by this time of the year, I really like February...my birthday, valentines, anniversary, and spring is near. So, to sum it all up...I can't wait for Spring!

Recipes

I made both of these this week. The soup was so easy, and so delicious. It is healthy too! And, the Chocolate Snack Cake is a recipe from my Granny Jensen. I made it last night for dinner club, and it turned out really yummy. Try these recipes...they are really good!

*Broccoli Leek Soup*
2 Tbs Olive Oil
2 Leeks, including tender green parts, finely chopped
1 1/2 lb. broccoli, trimmed, florets & stalks cut into 1 inch pieces
4 cups of chicken stock
salt & pepper
1/4 cup sour cream
2 tsp chives

In a large saucepan, warm the oil. Add the leeks & saute until softened, 3-5 min. Add broccoli & continue to saute, stirring frequently until softened. Add the stock & bring to a simmer. Cover partially & cook until veggies are tender. In a blender, blend the soup in batches until smooth & return soup to the pan. Add sour cream and salt & pepper. Serve with warm, fresh bread.

*Double Chocolate Snack Cake* ~ Ginger Jensen's recipe
1 2/3 cups flour
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup Hershey's cocoa
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup water
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vinegar
3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour square pan (8x8x2 inches). In mixing bowl combine flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda and salt. Add water, oil, vinegar and vanilla; beat until smooth. Pour into prepared pan. Sprinkle chocolate chips over top. Bake 35 to 40 minutes. Yummy!!