Pool Party*
Amie and I have been itching to get a pool for the girls, and today couldn't have been a better day to be outside, so we made a quick trip to Walmart for sun screen and this blow up pool and we headed out into grandma's backyard. The weather was perfect and we all had a great time being in the much needed sunshine!This is all Oaklee wanted to do... eat the sides..

and this is all Gracie wanted to do... roll her eyes at me when I tried to get a pic

and they both are in their own little worlds and stages which means getting pictures of them TOGETHER, was like pulling teeth! oh well at least we tried!

Who's bigger?... haha Oaklee takes the cake, and would probably eat it too!*

Finally a light at the end of the tunnel.. *

For the last 2 weeks, Oaklee just hasn't been acting the same. She would bug her ears, throw up, have a constant running nose, and other attributes of the "common cold." These symptoms went on for a couple of days, with no fever. It is when the fever came along that I got worried. After going to the doctor, Oaklee's diagnosis was an ear infection and possible sinus infection, and a prescription for Augmentin. I thought that in a few days we would be back to normal... (whatever normal means) So I gave Oaklee the Augmentin... If she was not throwing it up, it was coming out the other end and I mean bad. Along with the nasty symptoms of a cold, she now had what was like the flu. I called the nurses concerned about her bleeding, painful diaper rash, and each time they would tell me to just finish the prescription and get her acidopholus for her diarrhea. After about the 4th day of constant morning and night diarrhea, I called back the nurses. It seemed as though Oaklee was getting worse, and not better! They gave us a new prescription and told me that obviously Augmentin is too harsh for Oaklee stomach... At least we learned that in all this!! After the old antibiotic cleared her system, and the new one kicked in, I started to see improvements! Thanks to Amie and Josh's Nebulizer, we made it through lots of long nights. Also thanks to Grandma for letting Oaklee sleep over while her mom and dad got much needed sleep, and thanks to Amie and her witch doctor methods, (garlic oil??) I think Oaklee is finally feeling better! YES!

Colt giving Oak her Nebulizer Treatment ....

and playing with her to make her forget she's sick

and having some much needed relaxation time on the bean bag together.. (nice farmers tan...sexy)

and most importantly, making her smile... Thanks colt for all your help, your such a great dad!
P.S. Just a reminder to give me your e-mail address's so when I go private, we can still keep in touch!

*A Little More Safe

So I was watching the news the other night, and this story came on about a creepy man that followed a three year old little girl around in Wal Mart, and it made me realize even more that this world is a scary place, (even at wally world) so it is about time my blog became a little more secure, I don't want just anybody looking at our family, or some creepy Wal Mart man... so if you want to continue viewing our blog, give out your e-mail address or e-mail me, I will be going private in a week, so please e-mail me asap so we can continue to keep in touch! Thanks!*
p.s. I'm very computer illiterate, so I hope this will work! ha let me know...

If only money grew on trees...

Colton and I have an inside joke about having a money tree in our backyard, and today is his 19th b-day so I thought it would be perfect to have one for a day! Happy b-day Colt, we love you!

Reflection*
Looking back at my past year, and being Mothers day and all, I can't help but be floored at the amazing changes that have happened in my life. Tears fill my gaze as I think back to when sweet Oaklee was born, and all the lessons she has taught me in her short 7 months of life. Being a young Mom at first was like being in a chopping , wave thrashing ocean. It knocked me down a few times, completely thrashing me with all it's fury; I lost view, I slipped under breathless and exhausted, but what pulled me through was that little glimmer of light, much like a light house to a weary fisherman. That little light in Oaklee's eyes, and that beautiful smile radiated through the pounding waves and somehow brought me to shore, to safety. I watch her grasps her toys, as simple as a spoon, and her eyes fill with wonder and amazement. I watch her learn new things and how she gets joy out of the simple things in life and she constantly amazes me with what she brings out in me. It is humbling to think of where I was, scared and anxiety ridden, to where I am now, excited for each new day and full of love. I cant help but reflect back to some 14 months ago in the fetal position on my bed consumed in self guilt and so ashamed; tears dampened my pillow and face, a sisters embrace and mothers kiss told me everything would be ok. And it is.
I am so grateful that such a sweet spirit was entrusted to me. She is one of my favorite things to kiss goodnight and wake up to in the morning. You know, life can be crazy sometimes, if for sure still is for me and some times I still get knocked down, but it's in those moments when you find yourself, and your potential, and essentially what you were put here for. I never regret a single day of the life I lead now, and I couldn't and wouldn't trade it for anything. I love and embrace being a Mom, and Happy Mothers day to all you hard working, love filled Moms, you have an amazing job, and each day is beautiful--

*Farewell to 1229

I had mixed feelings standing on the sidewalk looking up at 1229. The shuttle van had arrived to take us to Dulles International. As we loaded our luggage I couldn't help but marvel at the beautiful home we would probably never come back to. The quaint little green 2 story house in the middle of a bustling city, had been one of the most memorable places I'd ever visited. Our short stay in Washington was again, another amazing culture and history feast for me. I am amazed at all there is to see and do, and especially, what there is to learn in DC. We again traveled to the Lincoln Memorial, White House, Korean War Memorial, World War II Memorial, and the Washington Monument to name a few. Every site unique to it's history. The Lincoln Memorial is quite the humbling site. To stare up into the marble statue of President Lincoln's face you can't help but be washed over with a sense of gratitude at the tasks the 16th president completed, that changed our nation. We got to experience some of the sights in the DC rain (it was awesome and freezing!) I have NEVER experienced a rain like this. Literally sheets and sheets came down on us. Amie stayed home with the babies, and when I came home she said it looked like I took a bath with all my clothes on! It doesn't rain like that in Utah!
Another highlight was Eastern Market. Being that I love food, you could always find me drooling over the pastries, and fresh shrimp. My mom made an awesome Sunday dinner to celebrate Amie and Josh's completion of there "nerve racking" talks they had to give and didn't dodge (even though it was their last week in the ward! Sucka's!) I wanted to experience a ward outside of Utah, and I truly felt a unique spirit in the atmosphere of their amazing ward with devoted members. Gracie and Oaklee had lots of baths, (of course) and time together, which is precious to me. It was such a great week and I hope someday, my travels will bring me back to beautiful DC.

*BeSt sUrPRiSe EVER!
DC HERE I COME! Better yet GRACIE HERE I COME! oh and Amie and Josh too :) I got the best surprise from my Mom yesterday. My Mom, Dad, Bro Chad, His GF Micah, and Colt (going on a Turkey hunt) Will all be gone next week. I was kind of feeling sad thinking, "What am I going to do all by myself for 5 days!?" I think my mom could read my mind. I came to her house yesterday and she said "So... you have Oaklee's stroller right?" "Yes" "and you have a pack and play right?" "Yes??" I still didn't get it... Very nonchalantly my mom said "Ok so all you need to do is pack your bags and be at the Airport on Wednesday" It took a moment to register.... "For what?" then It finally clicked! So Amie, Josh, and Grace.. get ready for Oaklee and I to rock your world cause here we come!
Thanks mom I love you!