Adventures in Moma Land

Has anybody else ever hid snacks so that their cute child would stop asking for them every time they see them? Clare doesn't talk yet. If she wants something, she reaches for it opening and closing her little fist and begins to hyperventilate. It's actually both cute and not cute at the same time. I got her some freeze dried yogurt snacks and was giving them to her in the computer room yesterday. I hid the bag when I felt like she'd had enough. Now I can't find the bag. I'm hoping I can remember in a couple hours or days rather than a few months or longer.

I always like to put a picture with my blog so, here she is! Clare began doing this on her own this morning. Putting the hat on and off and pulling it over her face.

January? Your kidding!

Alright, so yes I did know it's January but it didn't look like it with all the rain we were getting. It sure is nice to have some new fresh snow!
What a year it's been already. I'm (Chrysi) older, Rick's brother is leaving for the MTC in no time at all, Clare is growing out of her old nap schedule, and Rick may get an opportunity to travel for work. I'm acctually tired because I shoveled about 6 inches of snow and slush out of our 35 foot drivway yesterday.
Anyway, January has been good to us! Here's some pictures.




It's important to remember to let her feed herself or she won't be very happy and she just won't eat. Which means it's even more important to remember to get out the bib.




















She wanted to play with the keys when I was unlocking the door so I showed her what they are for. Now she wants to play with them and stick them in all the little cracks she can find. Smart blue eyed girl!







Of course keys aren't the only item to be figured out. So, if it can be pushed hoisted or moved, it is.

It's DECEMBER!?!

It's been December for 11 days now but it has only felt like it since the latest snow fall. I also just realized that there's a little less than 14 days until Christmas. Wow!
Here's a little recap on November to cover all those posts we would have put up if we had used our time that way.

Thanksgiving weekend. We had so much fun spending the weekend with family down near Capitol Reef. We also got to chop our own Christmas tree.

Walking like a champ! This girl is off to a running start in her new coat.

Utah Football. We all loved the Utah vs BYU game. Especially the final score!


1 year old. Can you believe it's been a year. I took this picture of her on her birthday. She has grown up so much ans she's still the most beautiful baby to me.

The Giant Stuffed Hippo she got for Christmas last year is one of the most fun toys you can tackle.

Clare's First Steps

Long time, no post!

Alright I'm way behind so here is my excuse.
First, our computer went on the blitz because of a virus. When we took it in to get it off they had to keep it for a week and wipe EVERYTHING off because it was all so corrupted by viruses and spy ware and you name it... Then when we got it back it took a while to dig through the moving boxes we STILL haven't unpacked and find the disks we needed to reinstall EVERYTHING.
Once it was reinstalled Clare and I (Chrysi) took off with Ricks side of the family on vacation for 8 days. Disneyland, Sea World, and Mission Beach. Then I had to use all my spare time to finish making Clare's Halloween costume.
So that's it. I guess I've just been procrastinating since Nov. 1 because that's where my excuses run out. I'll put up another post soon with plenty of pictures of our adventures.

Family Pictures and Birthday week

Another week flies by and I'm not quite sure if I was awake as it happened. I guess this blog is my outlet to figure out what actually occurred and whether it really mattered or not. As we get older and our family circles continue to grow exponentially, I realize that I forget more birthdays than I remember. I do declare it a miracle that I actually remembered both Charlie's and my Dad's Birthdays this past week.

Our family has a tradition for Birthday celebrations. A delicious celebratory dinner is prepared by mom with the birthday boy or girl incharge of selecting the menu. (I am sure this is pretty typical of many familys.) But near the end of dinner, Dad motions to the family that it is time to take a moment and allow each member of the family to express their thoughts and feelings about the honored member of the family. I must admit that it can be uncomfortable when upon notification from dad that it is now my turn to share my feelings. I probably should prepare before these events knowing what is most certainly going to occur. Well this past week, we had two birthday dinners. Sunday the 7th was Charlies 17th birthday, and this last Sunday we celebrated Dad's birthday. Unfortunately, due to a strange rash that Clare developed, we elected to stay home and family pictures with Chrysi's family before Airety and Brian leave for Germany, we were unable to participate in the events.

So I feel that I have now had addequate time to prepare and would like to share my thoughts about my brother 10 years younger and the man I wish I could be more like, my Dad. I feel like time passes so quickly and if we waste the opportunities we are given we will forever regret it. As an older brother I have felt the burden of being the good example and the bar setter for my younger brothers. When they slip up or don't achieve the very best, I tend to take the blame for not being the best example and supportive brother I could have been. I know its not my fault, but I always ask myself if I am being the brother I should be. Could I make a better effort to attend a soccer game, cross country, swimming or water polo meet? Of course the answer is a resounding YES! But I have noticed something this year. I have some of the most accomplished and talented brothers who achieve and find success in almost every avenue they take. Charlie is one such example. I will forgive him for not continuing the running and soccer tradition and taking on swimming and water polo. Charlie is an amazing athlete and is one of the hardest workers I know. He has taken his education more seriously and has recognized the potential he has to be successful in everything he does with correctly applied effort. I am so excited for the doors of opportunity that are opening up to him because of his work ethic. Charlie is a great example and role model for me in my work and family life. I am so proud of him and greatful to be his brother. We love you Charlie!

Being a third generation Richard, I have the mantle of living up to the greatness my great uncle and father have given the name. Dad has always been and will continue to be the image of knowlege, love, security, hard work, and spirituality. Like most children, we view our parents as invincible and perfect people who we want emulate in every way. Although I realize that my father is neither invincible or perfect, I still desire to be like him in almost every way. Dad has always be available for me. As a soccer, basketball, baseball, and tee ball coach, Scoutmaster, Bishop, spectator, tutor, teacher, and cheerleader, Dad has always been invested in his families interests. As a man that works harder and probably just as long and as anyone else I know, he has always put aside his work to be actively involved in our lives. Dad has taught me a great lesson of how important a successful education is by his example and hard work. As a husband who does all of the laundry and ironing in the house and as a gardener extrodinaire, Dad has instilled a sense of responsibility that I have to be a better support to Chrysi and father to Clare. Dad, I love you and Happy Birthday!

A Little Olympic Spirit

Well the Olympics are now over and I can actually
try to get something done productive, especially
sleep. I thought all might want to see who the last
cut was for the U.S. womens gymnastics team. As
my personal opinion, had the U.S. had not cut this
girl, we would have the team gold medal and we
wouldn't have to complain that the Chinese beat us
with 8 year olds. And plus, she is at least 16! Enjoy!