8 Month Old Miley

This girl is the absolute love of our lives. It is probably safe to say we are completely OBSESSED over her. We just can't get enough. We can't get enough of her gummy smile, her chubby cheeks, her slobbery kisses, and her little laugh. She brings joy beyond measure to our home. Miley continues to learn and develop her personality each day, and watching her always plants a big smile on our faces. Baby Miley at eight months old is more like having Animal the Muppet living in our home.This girl keeps us entertained with her LOUD grunts and yells. Everyday I try to teach her about having an 'inside voice' but I'm not sure that it is getting through. I can't help but crack up when she does it, and Justin eggs her on when he gets home with a grunt and yell contest, so I guess we are really not helping. Miley is so curious about any and everything. She wants to get her grabby little hands on anything she can touch, and sometimes it can be a real trick hanging on to her. She would probably leap right out of my arms if I didn't practice the death grip on her everyday.

Some of the fun/funny things she has been doing lately include giving kisses (which are more like an -open mouth, insert tongue, slobber, lick-but we love it), sticking her tongue out and blowing raspberries, and loves to curl her toes into a point, and when she is jumping in her jumper she will get up on her tip toes with her toes curled under?! I guess she is practicing to be a future ballerina. Every night Justin and I brush our teeth as fast as we can so we can hurry into her room together to watch her sleep. This is one of our favorite things to do, and we do it every night. It's partly to check on her, and turn off her fan, but mainly to smile or giggle at the funny position she has put herself in. There is something so sweet about watching her sleep peacefully after a long day of playing with toys, and singing songs. ;)

We Love You Miley. We are so glad you are ours! Kiss kiss.

Easter Weekend in Zion National Park

We spent a terrific weekend with family in Zion over Easter Weekend. It was a much needed vacation for us. Very relaxing, in beautiful surroundings. Here are some of the pictures from our trip.

The Crew minus a few that had to leave early. Madsen, Cox, Oliverson, and Andersen Families.

Humanitarian Aid Kit Assembly Night.

Us. Easter Morning.

Enjoying Sunshine.

Eating Out.

Thanks to our parents for such a great time!

We're Moving to CANADA!!!!

Today Justin burst through the door after work completely out of breath because he ran all the way home from campus as fast as he could to tell me he's been accepted to Dental School at Dalhousie University!

Holy Cow! We are excited!

Dalhousie has a class size of about 36 students, and there are usually only 4-5 spots made available out of those 36 to international students.

This is an incredible achievement. (I can brag about my husband a little bit.) Justin has worked so incredibly hard. I have seen his tireless efforts, and I could not be more proud of him.

I have felt for a long time that we would be moving to Canada, but we have had to wait, and wait, and wait to hear if my feelings would prove to be true. I am so glad they are.

We feel extremely blessed, and know that Heavenly Father is watching over our family.

I have always known the school that accepted Justin would have one amazing student. He will be an asset to the school and dental community.

Canada, Here We Come!

Expressing Grattitude

Have I been grateful enough for my life's greatest blessing? Everyday I tell Miley over and over how much mommy loves her. She hears "I love you, I love you" over and over all day long. Today I looked at a picture of Justin and I on the coffee table as Miley and I played on the floor, and I decided to switch things up a bit. Instead of saying to Miley "Did you know Mom loves you?" I said "Miley did you know Mommy loves Daddy?" I could not stop the tears from welling up in my eyes as I asked her. "Mommy loves Daddy" is not enough to describe how much he means to me. The love I have for Justin is what makes me happy. It gives me strength, and it is by a large measure, what I live for. I want my children to know and hear that their mom adores their dad. My life would not be the same without my spouse by my side. He is my guardian angel, my teacher, and my best friend. It is not just his unwavering faith or his incredible example, nor is it the laughter he produces or the way he loves our daughter. It is his one and only disposition that makes his entire countenance sparkle. It is his fierce loyalty, and understanding heart. It is the way he takes my hand in his. I love you. I'm grateful for you. I appreciate all you do. I admire you. So glad your mine. Forever.