Snow Fun

Friday was the first day we got Finley all bundled up in her new snow gear and took her out to play. She looked like the kid on Christmas Story who could hardly move. It was amusing to watch her walk, waist deep, in the snow. She loved it and would have stayed out all day if we let her. Brian and her made little trails through the snow and even Oly joined in the fun. We got at least 8 inches of snow at our house. You got to love Utah Snow! 

Going Private

Come January 1st, 2009 I am having my blog go private. Please leave a comment with your name and email address so I can add you to my access list. If not you can send me an email to soccer2ski@hotmail.com. Thanks!

All Dolled Up

Tuesday was Brian's youngest sister's (Micall) wedding. What started out to be a blizzard and freezing cold morning turned out to be a wonderful day. Not too mention that Mic's dress was 100% silk and therefore could not touch the wet ground. Her sister Tehmi did a great job of hiding behind the dress in every picture to hold it just off the ground. After the temple ceremony it was off to the luncheon and then reception. It was a non-stop day. My mother-in-law did a great job of not missing one little detail at the reception. The place looked amazing with all the flowers and pictures. It's crazy how 6 months of planning and hard work end in just one day. I didn't have my camera at the temple so I don't have any pictures of the bride and groom. However, the little girls were to die for in the matching dresses and shoes. They were so cute walking around and danced to the music. It was so nice to see friends that we haven't seen in a while. 

Finley loved her dress and tiwrled in circles all night.

Two of the cutest little girls. Finley and cousin Stella.

This is a picture of Finley and I with a great family friend Jake. He is the truest cowboy you will ever meet and a great big teddy bear to the kids and women. Jake is who my in-laws go on pack trips every year in Wyoming. I thought he kind of looked liked Santa with is awesome beard. 

Our Cute House

Well the house is coming along quite well and ahead of schedule. Here are some pictures to update you with. I can't wait to get in and decorate. Don't worry the walls aren't painted yet and there is lots of cleaning to do but this is roughly how things are. I love how the house is situated on the lot. It allows such great light in all the windows so the house seems open and cozy. 

Living Room

Kitchen

Laundry Room

Kitchen Pantry

Kitchen Pantry closed (shows what doors are like)

Dining

Master Shower

Master Tub

It's Healthy Right?

I've always been told that popcorn is a semi-healthy snack. Well does a bucket of it count the same? Finley loves popcorn and I was actually shocked that she prefers the cheese flavor over the carmel, but the carmel over the plain. I'm so glad to see her finally eat things lately. Oh and we can't forget her little Tinker Bell cup that she thinks is so 'cute.'

Family Pictures

Finley being tossed by Brian.

Here are a few family pictures. Oh it was hard to get Finley to smile or look at the camera. We had a some good ones though. 

Here is one of my family, Steve (dad), Brian, Spencer (brother), Finley & I, and LeAnn (mom).

Ward Christmas Party

On Friday night we had our ward Christmas party. I am on the activity committee and so I had to help set up and stay through the party. My job was great because I was in charge of making a Christmas playlist on my IPod. The party was nice and the dinner was yummy. As part of the entertainment the Midway Swiss Bell Ringers were there and so was Old St. Nick. Finley wasn't sure what to think of old St. Nick, but loved the candy canes he gave her.

Finley has moved from wanting to be a cheerleader to wanting to be a Swiss Bell Ringer. Here is some cute video of her dancing and waving her pretend bells.

This video is again of her bell ringing and so excited for what is going on.

Hair Milestone

It may seem like such a small thing but today we reached a new milestone with Finley'shair. It's now long enough to pull back into pigtails. Oh its so cute, but believe me it is not easy to get done and if she doesn't take one out after five minutes I'm lucky. But what can I say it's too darn cute!

Happy Thanksgiving

For my third Thanksgiving with the Tolbert family we were in St. George (I've never had a Thanksgiving with them that we haven't been in St. George, including the year I met Brian). It always promises a busy, non-stop holiday. We came down on Wednesday night and not much happened. On Thanksgiving day we stayed in the house most of the day due to rainy cold weather. The girls spent the day preparing a dinner for 11 and two babies. The food was of course delicious, and of plenty. As most we sat around the table and all said what we were thankful for. I must say that I am very thankful for my family, close and extended. I'm very blessed to have a job where I get to work from home and spend time with my daughter. Brian is a wonderful husband who is such a great support and love in my life. It was six years ago this week that I met Brian and his family and have loved every moment of it. I'm thankful that my family is healthy and strong. My life has changed since I've been married and I can't imagine it being any different. 

Back to Thanksgiving. So after a huge dinner and lots of pie, we went to see the new James Bond movie. Seeing a movie on Thanksgiving is a Tolbert family tradition. 

This picture is of Brian and his sister Micall. Now you have to understand that these two have weird bets between each other. After Thanksgiving dinner they Micall bet Brian to eat a whole beet without throwing up, and Brian bet Mic to drink a shot glass full of beet juice. They both HATE beets and so this was amusing. They both endured and nearly threw up after.

Friday came and from the get go the activity was skeet shooting. I'm proud to say that my husband won three times straight in a shooting challenge. After this we went out to eat and came home to play a game, which if I had the video, was so funny to watch. We were once again up until 11pm. Saturday started off with Debbie and I going on a walk with the babies. Tehmi, Trevor, Micall and TJ went golfing, and Trace, Brian, Grandpa Stan, and Hunter went for the 1st bike ride of the day. After we all came back we ALL went for a 13 mile bike ride. Next stop was lunch at In & Out Burger, followed by going home to hang out. Trust me this is a mild few days compared to normal. It has been a great time and I hope that all of you had a nice holiday. 

Our House

For those of you who don't know, we are building a home in Heber, UT. We are very excited and will be moving in about two months. It's funny how a small town girl who always thought she wanted to be in the city is going back to her roots.  Heber is a very pretty valley that still has a small town feel, and yet close to everything. I will try to post more pictures as it progresses. 

This was October 24, breaking ground.

Two weeks later we are framing and getting ready for trusses.

Three days later.

This was today, November 23.

Oh and this is our view from the front porch. Pretty sweet huh?

Twelve Hour Tolbert Flu

Yes, sadly you are reading the title right. It all started last week when poor little Stella got the flu, and now it has successfully passed through Trevor, Tehmi, Debbie, Trace, Hunter, Heather, TJ, and Finley. Luckily we have not had it for 8 days like Stella, but let me tell you, IT IS NOT FUN!! It's honestly sad to say that Micall and Brian are just ticking time bombs of when they'll get it. All the adults have had it for only twelve hours but poor Fin just got it today and who knows with her little system if it will pass by 2 am. We are a family that likes to stick together and do everything together so hey, why not all go through puking our guts out together. Brian has put our house on quarantine for the next 48 hours, this is after we took Fin to my parents this morning to hopefully save her from the bug, but it is persistent and got her anyway. 

I'll tell you what, it is the saddest thing in the world to be a mom with a sick little girl. So helpless and not sure what is going on. When she pukes, she looks at you and says "I sorry mama, I sorry." Makes you want to just cry. Oh, and the piles of laundry piling up, bowls and towels all over just in case, and coke (even in the sippy cups), and ice chips ready for who feels up to it. Brian has been super good about helping, cleaning up, rubbing backs, pulling back hair, running and getting coke slurpee's, ice chips, and letting Fin through up all over him and just keeping her calm. 

It's a flu war zone around here and I wouldn't recommend coming and visiting for at least a week.

Sorry today wasn't a day worthy of pictures but I do have to say Thank You to my sweet husband who has been handling two super sick girls all day. 

Economy

So we can't really afford housing, food, or clothing, but I guess now is the time to stock up on gas before it goes to $5.00 in a month. Thanks economy.

Gas station in Salt Lake City, 11/12/2008

I honestly haven't seen it this low since I was in high school.

Got to love kids

So I know that the main reason I have a blog is not to tell about me and my fabulous life but to show cute pictures and brag all about my daughter. Yeah I know, it's funny how when the kids (grandkids) come along it's no longer about you it's ALL about them. But that's why we have them and love them!!!

These are just some fun pictures of Fin.

We are working on being more girly with her hair. Pig-tales don't last all day but we're making progress

She was playing Peek A Boo