Staheli Family

Grandpa

2011-12-30T19:14:00.000-08:00

I was lucky enough to call myself a granddaughter to Ferrin Wood. I know I married into the family but that was never an issue with grandpa. From the very first time Dave brought me over to their house he was grandpa. I have so many amazing memories of Grandma and Grandpa in the 8 years I knew them. Yes I said knew them because Grandma passed almost 3 years ago and Grandpa passed on Dec 20th 2011. I cannot tell you how many times I was able to go fishing with grandpa and Dave and no matter how unlucky my pole was grandpas pole was always super lucky. When Grandpa would notice I was not reeling anything in he would offer to let me take his pole and reel his fish in. No matter how many times I would make a fuss about having a nasty fish flopping around the floor of the boat hollering put it back put it back Grandpa would always smile at me and make sure the fish went back were it belonged. There was countless Saturday breakfast with his amazing hot cakes. He always made sure you had plenty to eat and if he thought you had not had your fill he would try to give you more. Then there were the stories of when he was young, when grandma and him first got married and his many experiences from working at BYU. I learned many things from grandpa from staying out of debt to how to treat the person you love the most (your spouse)Grandpa was always so kind to grandma. She would be getting on him about something and he would just sit there alot of time with a little grin, After she was out of ear shot he would often make comments about getting a little rise out of her here I never heard him raise his voice ever. He treated people with so much love. If ever I went over to his house without the girls or Dave his first question would be about where they were. Even in the end when he had many days of confusion he always remembered that I had the girls. I Owe him so much thanks because he was one of the people in Dave life that helped him become the man he is today. Dave shared a special bond with his grandpa. They both had an amazing love for fishing. If they both could go fishing everyday all day they would. They shared a love for BYU sports. I know Dave enjoyed watching many games with his grandpa. The one thing that they both share that I am so grateful for is the love of family and being together with the ones you love. When the call came that Grandpa was going down hill my heart broke. I knew I was about to lose one of my favorite people but I also knew that as hard as it was for me and my family, It was so happy for Grandpa. When Grandma passed away almost 3 years ago a piece of grandpa went with her. He missed her so much there was not a day that went by that he did not pray for her or miss her with all of his heart. I am very thankful for the time my girls and I got to spend with him. I am going to miss Grandpa so much and I cannot wait for the day I will get to see him again.

Twirl skirts

2011-11-20T18:59:00.000-08:00

If you are looking for the cutest skirts for your lil princess check out my moms blog at http://nanakateskreations.blogspot.com. My girls LOVE the twirl skirts!

Raspberry picking.

2011-10-05T09:10:00.000-07:00

In early September I found this cute raspberry patch and took the girls there we have since been back twice and pick about 20lbs of berries. Marlene and I made raspberry jam which is to die for good, and I have tons of frozen raspberries which are amazing on pancakes. Savannah LOVED going until this last time we found a spider that was about the size of Kenna fist after that she has not asked to go again :)

One of the times we went we brought Kaitlins friend Ellie and had a race to see who could get the most berries. Kaitlin, Ellie and Savannah were a team and Kenna I were a team. Unfortunately for my team one of the people liked eating and dumping the berries much more then she liked picking them.

I can't wait to go next year. I hope by then Savannah would have forgotten about the spider.

Guess who started preschool

2011-10-05T09:02:00.000-07:00

Savannah did.

I am a little late posting this she started at the beginning of September. She loves going and is learning lots :)

Missionary opportunity

2011-09-06T21:14:00.000-07:00

I had my first real missionary opportunity today. The discussion came to the point where I asked him to read a book a Morman and see what he thinks.He loudly proclaimed I only want to be part of a church that gives me something, so what will your church give me. My response was Eternity.
In the past 2 years I have really struggles with some aspect of my testimony after losing Brandon. Today while talking to that man I know what I was saying was not sinking in or even really having an impact on him. For me on the other hand it was the one thing I needed.
When I told that man Eternity I also proceeded to point to my girls and said "I will get Eternity with them I will get Eternity with my husband" and that is when it hit me and I told him "and one day I will get my little boy placed in my arms and I will get an eternity with him " Wow the one thing I have needed to hear more then anything had just come out of my own mouth.
I know that the lord had a hand in this experience he was showing me the one thing I needed I knew all along I just needed to believe it for myself.

Look who started Kindergarten

2011-08-31T05:51:00.000-07:00

Kaitlin started Kindergarten on Mondat Aug 30th. We live a ward with 12 kids her age,9 of them are in her class and all but 1 are girls so to say the least she was excited. She was going to get to be in class with all of her friends including her BFF Ellie.

Kaitlin was not so thrilled to wake up at 7:ooam on the day of but other then that she was so excited. She had picked out her dress the night before and after much stress she decided it was best to wear a pink dress with her hair Kinky in a headband . so other then pulling out braids and pulling on clothes she was all ready for her first day.

She spent most of her first day coloring a picture, getting to know the other kids, and finding the runaway gingerbread man.

GOOD LUCK KAITLIN!

Kaitlin with her BFF Ellie

She LOVES the fact she sits at the table with Ellie and one table over is her friend Ty and Kelsey.

2 years

2011-07-21T08:23:00.000-07:00

Today Brandon would have been 2. I cannot believe it has already been 2 years. I miss him so much!

Picture overload

2011-06-28T23:41:00.000-07:00

I am so far behind on blogging I thought I would just do a mostly picture post of what we have been up to these last couple of months.

April

Kaitlin got her ear pierced and trust me the whole mall knew she was getting her ear pierced. I had no idea my daughter could scream like that!

I took Savannah, Kaitlin and Kaitlins BFF Ellie to the Living Plant aquarium. The girls and I had a blast. We sure do love Ellie she is such a sweet girl and we were so happy that she could come with us.

We went swimming at our favorite pool in Lehi as always the girls had a blast!

March

ST. Patrick day 2011.

Savannah and Kaitlin danced in "dance for a cure" at Payson H.S

February.

We played lots of wizard of Oz Savannah favorite game.

My Princess Savannah turned 3. With a dinosaur cake of course.

We went to the aquarium for her birthday. She had three loves in life at the time 1) Turtles (aquarium) 2)Dinosaurs 3) Princess. As a result we spent a lot of time at the aquarium.

Valentine day 2011

I attempted to make a fondant cake. I can put that on my list of NEVER EVER AGAIN!!!!!

February

Savannah started dance

The girls had their first trip to the dentist. Savannah handled it alot better then Kaitlin. However, Kaitlin has since been again and she has done great.

Michael left on his mission. He is serving a mission in Uruguay and I know he is an amazing missionary! We miss him tons but we are so greatful that he made the decision to serve a mission and teach people about the gospel.

Kenna was blessed

January

At the aquarium.

Angel came to visit. We sure love this girl :)

having one of those days.

2011-05-11T21:13:00.000-07:00

As time goes on things get better a lot better as a matter of fact. I went from feeling like my heart would never heal to having a mostly healed heart. I don't think my heart will ever truly be fully healed I think that ache of always having a "what if" will be there, always wondering who Brandon would be today. Dave is the most amazing husband! he has put up with the consent downs in the beginning to the emotional roller coasters to the every once in awhile unexplained bad days. But sometimes I don't think it is fair to drag him down with my upset moods and that is why I am writing this out tonight. Do not feel like you have to read this I just need to get my feeling out tonight.

I am so sick of people seeing my 3 girls and saying don't worry one day you will get your boy or is your husband disappointed. I understand they are strangers and they do not know the situation but seriously mind your own business I LOVE my girls with all my heart and yes some day I will get my little boy back and he will be perfect untouched by this world. I hate it when I hear people say to me to be grateful I lost him because I am lucky he will never have to experience this world or maybe there was something wrong with him and I should be grateful I do not have to raise a child with disabilities. I would take any disability if I could have my baby he was mine and I would have LOVED him the same no matter what. Maybe I am just self fish but I wanted Brandon here with me, however, because I can't I have learn to accept that one day maybe I will get to have him again.

As time goes on I feel like what happened to Brandon has become almost like a bad dream like I think about it and it hits me I lost a baby like I can not believe it happened. Sometimes I blame myself and wonder what I could have done to change the situation. If I had gone in sooner if I was more careful. If I was a better person.

Kaitlin has truly been my angel through my bad days. She know just what to say to put a smile back on my face. When we were at Disneyland this past week my thoughts kept turning towards Brandon should have been here. I just felt like there was a hole there and something big was missing. Of course I never said anything to the girls or Dave. But on the last night there Kaitlin passed a man selling balloons and asked if she could buy one and send it to baby Brandon in heaven so he could see mickey too. It broke my heart that she was trying so hard to include a brother that she will never know but she already loves so much.

I look at other people that have baby boys and that is one of the hardest things for me because I just think back to Brandon. Holding baby boys break my heart because I just think about Brandon and the chance I never got. seeing little ultrasound pics of babies little hands and feet are so sad because that was like Brandon little hands and feet when he was born. He was just so tiny i still cannot believe something could be so tiny yet so perfect.

Brandon never uttered a cry yet I loved him so much. In the end I had to do the hardest thing I have ever done in my whole life which was give him to a complete stranger knowing that is the last time I would ever see him in this life. As I think back to that moment my heart still breaks every time. I just wanted one more moment one more chance to whisper "I love you" to him. I just wanted to have him for one more minute.

I just miss him.

This is what I have left of my little guy this is what keeps my trying to improve myself in hopes of one day getting to hold my little guy again . I have held these little hands and feet very close to my heart and I think I am finally ready to share them.

Happy Birthday Dave

2011-02-27T12:59:00.000-08:00

This amazing man that I am lucky enough to call my husband turned 32 on January 10th

To celebrate Dave's birthday I made him his favorite pie and we headed over to Grandpa Woods. We had a really great time eating pie, visiting and opening gifts. The Sunday after his Birthday we had a very yummy dinner with the Staheli family. It was great to see everyone and the food was awesome.

The Chocolate pie that I made. Dave only likes one kind of cake and that is his mom's Texas cake and I knew we would be having it for his family party so the next best thing is pie right.

Grandpa and the girls playing.

Family party cake.

A Name and a blessing.

2011-02-20T20:31:00.001-08:00

McKenna Emmelie Staheli

We finally got McKenna blessed a couple weeks ago. Dave gave a amazing blessing and McKenna managed not to cry the whole time.

Because I was super stressed about McKenna getting sick and we had to have the blessing at such a weird time in order to get everyone there we decided to have the blessing at our home and it was wonderful. I would do it again in a heartbeat!

Our 3 princess

Daddy and McKenna

I was so greatful that Grandpa Wood was able to be there. He means the world to us and we are so thankful that he has been able to be part of the girls lives.

I was so glad that we were able to get McKenna blessed before Michael left on his mission.

Michael holding McKenna and Tiffanee holding Kaitlin.

My mom took the fabric from my wedding dress and turned it into a beautiful dress for McKenna. We are so greatful for her and her sewing abilities :) Thank you so much mom you mean the world to the girls and I.

New Years eve party.

2011-02-17T20:57:00.000-08:00

This year Dave had to work so the girls and I decided to have a game/dance party. We started the night off by making ice cream sundaes. Savannah's eyes were a lot bigger then her tummy and she ended up not feeling to well after eating all the candy. Then we played some games the girls got for Christmas the favorite of the night was hungry hippos and no matter how hard we tried Savannah won almost every time and not just by a little bit. After the games we turned on some music and the girls danced until they were to tired to move. I started to feel a little sorry for my poor hubby and we headed over to the jail with treats for Dave. When we got home we rang in the New Year (at 9:30) by doing a couple of fireworks and I put the girls to bed.

Making sundaes

Savannah's finished product.

Can you tell Savannah LOVES hungry hippos

Dancing to Princess music.

Dave looking super tired at work.

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2011.

Christmas 2010

2011-02-16T15:54:00.002-08:00

Christmas 2010

The day before Christmas I decided I wanted pics of the girls in their Christmas dresses. These were probably the best out of like the 50 I took. I learned a very valuable lesson that day if you want to do pics with 3 young kids make sure daddy is home ;)

All 3 girls

Kaitlin 4 years old

Savannah 3 years old

McKenna 2 months old

Christmas Eve was so fun we started the evening over at the Wood Christmas party and then headed to the Barkers party.

Rylee, Mason, Savannah, Jackson and Kaitlin.

Christmas Eve jammies.

After Santa came.

Stockings

This is were McKenna hung out while the girls open presents.

Both the girls asked for pillow pets for Christmas and they were so excited when Santa remembered.

I know this is 2 months late but I hope everybody had a great holiday season and a very happy New year!

Christmas tree hunting and Gingerbread castle

2011-02-07T20:37:00.001-08:00

Once again this post is super late! But better late then never right???

So in early December we took the girls on our annual Christmas tree hunt. This year it was a lot colder then normal and I had McKenna, so I told Dave "I am not picky. Lets just get the first tree we see" To my surprise the first stop were Dave got out he found two nice trees. The girls and I got out of the truck and we decided on the second tree. I could not believe how fast we found a tree!

Kaitlin had a great time being out in the snow. Savannah on the other hand is just like me and hates being cold and therefore she hated just about every minute of this outing :)

Kaitlin in front of our tree.

This was the only half happy look we got out of Savannah. She only stopped crying and gave me a half smile cause I told her I would take her back to the Taho if she stopped screaming and let me take one pic.

Cute McKenna :) When we first put the snowsuit and hat on her she screamed and then fell asleep and slept for the rest of the time. I have a feeling she is going to be like Savannah and I and HATE the cold.

Decorating the tree. I handed the girls the ornaments and Dave helped them hang them. It was really cute to watch them pick special spots for each of them. It was also so sweet to hear Kaitlin talk about different ornaments she had received in past years ( I am surprised on how much that girl can remember!)

Kaitlin and Savannah were so proud of their beautiful gingerbread castle.

Kaitlin Dance Performance

2011-02-05T14:39:00.001-08:00

In December Kaitlin had her very first Christmas Dance performance. She was in 2 dances "I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas" and "I saw Mommy Kissing Santa Clause" She did such an awesome job! Dave and I are so proud of her.

Getting ready.

Getting ready to leave.

Striking a pose after the show.

Daddy was so sweet and got her flowers.

I will try and post video of her performances.

I am going to try and play catchup.

2011-02-05T11:25:00.001-08:00

Thanksgiving 2010

This year for Thanksgiving we went to my parents house were we had very yummy food (Thanks mom and Wes) and a great visit it was awesome to see everyone.

McKenna is growing up so fast.

2010-12-19T21:38:00.001-08:00

McKenna Emmelie first morning home.

Savannah and Kaitlin are such proud big sisters

McKenna 2 weeks old.

Melissa took some really cute pictures of McKenna!

1.5 months old

First time visiting Grandpa Wood.

One thing we have always loved doing is bringing our girls over to Grandpa's after they come home. Grandpa is such a special person in mine and Daves lives and we feel so blessed to have him in the girls lives too.

Swimming and Leaves.

2010-12-19T21:22:00.001-08:00

This is what McKenna did while the girls and Dave went swimming.

Kaitlin is my little fish!

Savannah came to visit me on the side.

Daddy and the girls.

Dave made this monster leaf pile for the girls to play in. They LOVED it.

Halloween 2010

2010-12-19T20:52:00.000-08:00

Halloween 2010

Savannah the Tiger, McKenna the unhappy Lady bug, and Kaitlin the beautiful Princess Snow white

McKenna hated every minute of this!

Getting ready for the Omniture (sp?) Halloween party.

Pumpkin painting.

McKenna Emmelie is here

2010-10-17T20:20:00.000-07:00

McKenna Emmelie Staheli

October 11th 2010

6lbs 2 oz

19 inches long

Finally on October 11th McKenna arrived. After being stuck at 4cm for 2 weeks and spending Sunday night (Oct 10th) in labor and delivery just to find out my HARD contractions every 2 min were not doing anything and was sent home. The next morning Oct 11th I had a Dr. appointment. I was a 5 and due to my history of having babies very quick my Dr. decided it was best not to send me home but to the hospital instead. I was admitted got an epidural and then the Dr. came in and broke my water. 48 min later I was holding a beautiful little girl. She was 6lbs 2 oz and 19 inches long. Initially her body temp was too low and so was her blood sugar so she was taken from me but luckily Dave got to go with her. After a bottle some time in the warmer and lots of loves from daddy she was brought back and they just monitored her blood sugar for the next 24 hours. Since being home she has been very healthy and very sweet. She is sleeping 3 hours at a time which has been so nice and during the day she is awake more often so Dave the girls and I really get to enjoy her. I feel so blessed to have another princess in our lives.

Hunting with Dad

2010-09-19T19:25:00.000-07:00

About 4 weeks ago The girls and I accompanied Dave on his first hunting trip of the season. He had no one else to go with and we had nothing to do so it worked out great. The girls loved the idea of sleeping in a tent and spending lots of time with mommy while Daddy went and shot us a Daddy deer (buck). Lucky for me there was no buck shot and the girls had a great time.

Daddy and his girls.

Sleeping on the way down

I don't know why but I love this picture! The girls were playing with their Polly Pockets.

Dinner

We discovered the prefect solution to staying warm while sleeping in a tent..... Sleep next to Kaitlin she is like a little furnace.

Playing with the 4 wheeler. She cannot wait till the day she can really drive it.

Playing in the stream. It was so hot during the days that this was the only way to keep cool.

Taking down the tent. The girls and I were so excited to be going home. When it comes down to it we are all way happier with flushing toilets and electricity.

Oh and did I mention I was 32 weeks pregnant.

Better late then Never :)

2010-09-19T19:10:00.000-07:00

Kaitlin turned 4 on Aug 8th. I cannot belive how fast the time has gone! She was so excited for her birthday this year and asked to have friends over so we had a very small get together on the 7th and she LOVED it! We made princess wands, made princess jewelry and had a pinata (sp?). Here are just a few pics.

Kaitlin first dance performance.

2010-08-07T15:36:00.000-07:00

Kaitlin danced in her first parade and talent show today and Dave and I couldn't be more proud!

Kaitlin with her whole group.

Kaitlin and her best friend Tyra.

Kaitlin posing for the camera

More summer fun.

2010-08-02T17:52:00.000-07:00

When I did my last post I had not uploaded all my pics off my camera so here is the rest of the things we have been up to.

Went to Spanish Fork reservoir again. This has become Kaitlins favorite place.

This was Daves first time at the reservoir and I think it will be his last.

Savannah with her new dinosaur floaty.

The first time on Grandpas Wood boat. At first the girls hated it but they eventually warmed up to the idea of being on the boat and it was a great fishing trip.

The first fish Kaitlin has ever caught. She ended up catching 6 and was very proud of herself.

The first fish Savannah has ever caught. She ended up catching 3 and was also very proud.

I did not fish and as Kaitlin puts it "Daddy got skunked"

Playing at Yuba beach.

Savannah enjoying her snack a whole lot more then the nasty sand and water.

Kaitlin showing off her swimming skills.

Daddy up on the water ski's at Yuba. It was a very fun, hot day.

Dave took Grandpa Wood fishing and caught this big fish

Dave is going to kill me for posting this but he finally gave in and had his much needed knee surgery. He had to have a tendon release in his knee so it would not dislocate again and he had a lot of very damaged cartilage taken out and holes drilled into his knee cap in hopes of forming new scar cartilage. In true Dave fashion he was up and walking on it in less then 5 hours post op and has not taken easy since.

Summer Fun!

2010-07-25T11:55:00.001-07:00

This summer has been filled with lots of fun activities here are just a few things we have done so far.

Spent time with cousins. Kaitlin LOVES anyone younger then her that she can mother.

Celebrated the fourth of July.

Went to Spanish Fork reservoir. On this trip this was Savannah favorite spot eating cookies away from the water.

Kaitlin LOVED playing in the sand.

One of the girls favorite places is the Payson park. Savannah LOVES to swing and Kaitlin LOVES everything.

We have gone up to the Grotto a couple of times.

The girls getting ready to hike the Grotto. I love Kaitlin pose.

Daddies girls.

2010-06-12T13:14:00.000-07:00

I took this the other night while Dave and the girls were watching the NBA playoffs. It was so cute Dave was teaching Kaitlin all the names of the players. I walked in and Kaitlin says "Mom Kolby Bryant just shot the ball and missed" she tries so hard to be just like her daddy.

Home alone.....with daddy

2010-06-12T13:01:00.000-07:00

The other night I had to run to the store and Kaitlin did not want to come so I put cartoons on for her and left her in the very capable hands of Daddy. This is what I returned to.......

Dave decided to go downstairs and work on the playroom a little after I left and while he was down there our beautiful princess decided to give herself a makeover with mommy makeup. If you look at her forehead that is not dirt, it is eyeshadow and base. I have to say the bright red lip was my favorite though. I called Dave up and to say the least we had a really good laugh. The best part was when she said "Mom I did not put on pencil (eye liner) or eyescara (mascara) because you told me never to touch that" I guess when I was telling her not to touch the eye makeup silly me forgot to mention the rule applies to all my makeup. Kaitlin sure manages to keep us our toes but I sure do LOVE this girl!

Our little dancer

2010-06-10T21:12:00.000-07:00

Kaitlin has been telling us for some time now that she would like to take dance lesson with her friend Tyra so last week I finally caved and signed her up for a dance class in Payson and she could not have been more excited. Dad on the other hand was not the least bit thrilled when he saw her outfit of choice protesting that it did not cover enough and could she just wear jeans and a t-shirt. He then proceeded to tell Kaitlin that ballerinas like to play softball and soccer and would she rather do that. Kaitlin responded to this by telling her dad "I guess you are just NOT a fan of ballerinas" and took off to her room. To say the least Dave has spent the last couple of days telling Kaitlin he is her biggest fan and I have a feeling he will get to prove it by going to dance recitals and parades.

Outside fun

2010-06-10T20:23:00.000-07:00

Summertime has finally come and the girls could not be more thrilled! We spend most of our days outside playing in sprinklers, going on walks (which includes lots of stops to visit all of our friends) and riding bikes. These are just a few pictures of all the fun we have have been having so far.

Kaitlin posing in the sprinklers for the camera. This is the first year that she has actually enjoyed playing in the sprinklers and asks everyday rain or shine if I will turn them on.

Savannah hanging out on the sidewalk a safe distance from the sprinkler.

Jackson, Mason, Rylee, Kaitlin and Savannah all playing with the basketball hoop at Nana and Papa Barker on Mothers day.

Same day jumping on the tramp.

Looking for bugs under the bricks. Anyone who knows Kaitlin knows that this is not like her at all. She normally screams when she sees a fly, Spiders cause all out hysteria and we don't even want to talk about bees!

Playing on the swings. This is Savannah favorite thing to do in the whole world she will sit in the swing for hours if we let her.

Good News :)

2010-06-01T16:33:00.000-07:00

It is official we are expecting another little GIRL in October :)

Finally an update.

2010-04-29T16:43:00.000-07:00

It has been so long since I last updated that I have decided to make this a mostly picture post. That way everyone can see what we have been up to these last couple of months. The pictures go backward April-December.

All winter

Spent lots of time together at home because we have all had nasty colds.

April

The Easter bunny came. The girls had so much fun hunting for eggs (inside because it snowed the night before) They also had tons of fun having an easter egg hunt with there cousins and eating a yummy dinner at Nana and Papa house.

Dave and Kaitlin built a snowman. Kaitlin even gave him a Mohawk

March

We went to the Zoo. We were very lucky to see the baby giraffe, baby elephant and lots of other animals.

February

Dave dislocated his knee and tore a ligament in his knee while playing basketball.

Kaitlin planned a special Daddy daughter night. They drank juice, ate popcorn, read stories and played lots of games. It was really sweet to watch Kaitlin put so much planning into the evening just so she could spend it with her daddy.

Savannah turned two. I cannot believe how old she is getting. She is talking in complete sentences and she defiantly has a personality. When Dave is doing something she does not like she tells him "Monster eat you" when he says "I don't want the monster to eat me!" she always replies "then listen"

Dave was brave and took Michael shooting from what I was told he was not too bad of a shot.

January

Dave turned 31.

December

Happy New years 2010. We had a small party with Kaitlin and Savannah which ended at 8pm in our driveway with sparklers. Kaitlin still thinks she stayed up till midnight :)

Christmas eve 2009.

Halloween 2009

2009-11-04T10:44:00.000-08:00

Daddy (aka the dwarf) and Kaitlin

Tayla (Indian), holding Savannah (lion) Kaitlin (snow white)Mason (dragon) Jackson (captain Hook) Tori (fairy) and my favorite of the night Rylee (the peacock)

Savannah and her Daddy

The girls and I with Grandpa Wood.

They were worn out.

This year for Halloween Kaitlin dressed up as Snow White and Savannah was a lion (she called herself a tiger) Dave and I decided to show the girls what trick-or-treating really was and took the girls up to my mom's neighborhood to do some door to door trick-or-treating. At first Kaitlin was really scared but when she realized she got candy she totally relaxed until we were half way through and this guy answered the door wearing scary glasses and growling Kaitlin dropped her candy bag, started to shake and try and run away. To say the least to were able to drag her up three more steps and had to call it a night. Savannah on the other hand as soon as she realized there was food involved was right up on those door steps yelling "TREAT" it was really cute and if the person put the bowel down so she could pick and Dave and I would help her she would get very upset and tell us "NO" then pick her own treat. After finishing up in my parent's neighborhood we headed over to our traditionally visit to Grandpa Woods for more treats and a quick picture. After that we headed over to see Grandma and Grandpa Staheli. By the time we got home just after 9:00 the girls were toast Kaitlin climb into bed and within 5 min she was out cold.

Playing in the snow

2009-11-04T10:38:00.001-08:00

Fall Pictures

2009-10-27T18:23:00.000-07:00

A couple weeks ago we went up Payson canyon and took pictures of the girls these are my favorites. Savannah

Kaitlin

Dave and Kaitlin

My Birthday

2009-10-27T17:04:00.001-07:00

I know this post is long over due but better late then never right??? This year for my birthday like every other year Dave was on a hunt so Kaitlin took me out to lunch. It was so sweet she woke up and came into my room and asked if you could take me and Savannah on a date, I said yes and asked were she had in mind and of course she said McDonald's. She then proceeded to ask if I wanted her to drive. After a fun afternoon out with the girls we went over to Marlene's house were she had a cheesecake for me with home made topping (the best). Later that night Dave came home from the hunt (with no deer :) ) and re lite the candles and sang "Happy Birthday" to me it was really sweet. The best part of all is he gave me a new camera that is not held together be tape :)

Dave gave me the best gift of all NO DEER this year

Kaitlin striking a pose at McDonald's

My Smiley girl :)

Finally!

2009-09-10T10:42:00.000-07:00

When Savannah turned one I started only giving her a bottle at nap and bedtime. However Savannah is now 18 months old and I think she likes to have her bottle more for comfort then for need. So last night I did not give it to her and guess what she went to sleep on her own, no problem. Today for nap I laid her down with no bottle and she went right to sleep. I am so excited I did not expect it to go this smooth!

My other good news is as of 1 week ago we have Kaitlin going to bed in her own bed without me. In the past I have let her lay down in my bed with me until she fell asleep and then I would carry her to her bed, however, that way did not work so well because 1. she would just watch t.v with me and not sleep. 2. if I turned off the t.v she would cry because it was too dark. 3. if I turned on the lamp she would not sleep because it was light. Bedtime was taking up to 2 hours on some nights leaving her tired and cranky the next day. So 1 week ago I told her when she woke up she was sleeping in her own bed that night and kept telling her all day that was where she was going. So come bedtime she knew, however, it did not go so smooth the first night she cried for 30 min then fell asleep but by night two she was not happy but she went to bed and that is how it has gone for the past week. I am so happy now we do our bedtime routine and she gets tucked in and she goes to sleep.

Our new windows also came in on Tuesday and yesterday Dave had some time so him and our neighbor Steve put the first window in. I am so excited and it looks so good. I will get pics posted as soon as they are done.

Swimming

2009-08-30T14:59:00.000-07:00

Last week we had the opportunity to go swimming with Jon and Evie and to say the least it was an experience. Kaitlin has been swimming very few times and they have never gone particularly well. After a lot of coaxing she ended up having a lot of fun! Savannah on the other hand was not thrilled to be in the water and after a few minutes she was done in the water climbed into a pool chair and would not move. I had to pretty much force her just to sit on the step and she was not about to move.

Daddy took Kaitlin in the water and this is how she responded and trust me it was loud!

After they warmed up to the water Dave was able to convince Kaitlin to float on her back and not only did she realize she could do it but she enjoyed it.

Kaitlin jumping off the stairs to Dave.

This is where Savannah sat herself and she was not going to move! Every time I asked her if she wanted to go back in the water she would say "No NO NO"

We need to invest in a kick board Kaitlin thought they were great!

This was at the end of the day, as you can tell Kaitlin is no longer scared to be in the water. Jon's sister brought this floaty out and the girls LOVED it! It was a great way to end the day!

Thanks Jon, Evie and Jon's sister.

Kaitlin is 3 (I am a little late posting this one)

2009-08-29T16:10:00.000-07:00

Kaitlin turned 3 on Aug 8 and I thought that it would be fun to post some of my favorite pictures from the past couple of years of her.

I would also like to tell everyone about Kaitlin. She is a mommy girl and I cannot say that I mind it one bit! though she adores her daddy too, She is my big helper, from the day Savannah was born Kaitlin has always been willing to help whether that be getting me a diapers for Savannah or surprising me and changing Savannah all be herself ( you can only imagine how that turned out) She loves to be a girly girl by playing with dolls dressing up like a princess and talking all the time on her fake cell phone. She LOVES to do hair. She has talked since a very young age and unfortunately for us at time she talks and understands very well! (family secrets are not safe) She is her daddy's and my princess and we love her lots!

HAPPY 3rd BIRTHDAY Kaitlin Fay.

Summer Days

2009-08-28T19:12:00.000-07:00

I have been super bad at blogging this summer so I thought I would just put all the highlights into one. In July we had our big ceiling project (previous post), the fourth of July/freedom days, a trip to the zoo and a lot of fun playing in the pool and the sprinklers. Savannah on the carousal at the zoo.

Kaitlin on the carousal at the zoo. At first she hated it but after a minute she LOVED it and wanted to try all the animals. When it stopped she was very sad.

The girls and I in front of the giraffes.

Dave and Kaitlin. Aren't they so cute?

Fourth of July dresses. Kaitlin was trying to give a less then pleased Savannah a hug.

Petting the tortuous at Freedom days. Kaitlin thought it was really neat as long as it was not facing her. When it turned around she wanted nothing to do with it. Savannah just thought it was great she kept trying to ride it.

Kaitlin's first time having cotton candy.

Playing in the sprinklers.

We had the opportunity to go swimming in Aunt Shar's pool, and had a blast. The girls were very content just to float on the floatties.

Kaitlin hanging out.

Playing at the park in Spanish Fork. For anyone who has not been there it is great. Kaitlin cried when we had to leave because she was having such a good time.

Kaitlin swinging.

Playing in the pool one of our favorite past times.

Fixing the Ceiling. "It will be a easy job right?"

2009-07-26T12:38:00.000-07:00

A little while after we moved into our home I noticed the ceiling bowed a little by the swamp cooler and into the kitchen and it has bothered more and more the longer we have lived here. Dave decided in July that to stop my whining he was going to have to fix it. He told me that it was going to be a pain in the butt but he would do it. I told him I thought it would be easy and we could probably have it done pretty quick. I was wrong!
Day 1: Trying to find all the studs with a broken stud finder, a trip to the Zoo and then it started to all go down hill. After we got home from the Zoo Dave decided to start cutting. I put Kaitlin in the bath tub and I notice the lights flicker and some of the lights went dark and then I hear Dave yell, I run into the kitchen and come to find out Dave had cut a electrical wire and it was a good thing his saw had a rubber handle or he would have electrocuted himself. So then Project number two starts trying to fix the wire so we can have electricity.
Night 1: Much to Davids protest I went over to his parents house to ask for a flashlight so he could see in the attic and to ask Dave (my father-in-law ) how to fix the problem. After a trip to Walmart and a lot of time in the attic Dave had the electricity fixed. It was about midnight at this point so Dave decided to call it a night.

This was the beginning of day 2.

Day 2: Dave climbed into the attic this time so he could see everything and started cutting the ceiling out for the second time around 9 am. After about 30-45 min the whole piece he had been working on fell out (very unexpectedly) apparently someone in the attic accidentally put his foot on it and it came crashing down ( Dave was very lucky he did not come with it) Dave spent the rest of the day until about 4 PM trying to get everything cut out properly and cleaned up for sheet rock. By that night the hole was like 6 ft by 4 ft.

Here is the ceiling that came crashing down

Here is Dave slightly surprised to have the ceiling gone already.

Dave could not find safety goggles anywhere so he figured why not use his boarding goggles.

Day 3: Was spent cleaning the hole up more and attempting to put sheet rock in. At this time I was pregnant and his parents where out of town so he was trying to be muscle man and do it all by himself about the time I tried to help and dropped the sheet rock on his head we decided either he needed help (which he wouldn't get) or the sheet rock had to go up in two pieces (that became the plan. That brilliant plan did not get put in place till about 6pm so he called it a night.

Day 4: Putting up the sheet rock. He got the sheet rock up, the screw holes plastered.

Day 5,6 and 7 :was plastering and sanding that is what the top picture is. Dave looked like that every time he finished sanding.

Day 8: Dave got the texture up and that is where the project went to a stand still because I want to paint the whole kitchen and hall and not just the ceiling so I have been waiting till I felt better and then I will paint.

However the project that I thought would take a couple hours for Dave's part took 8 very long days. Thanks Dave you are amazing I LOVE you.

The Gratto

2009-07-26T12:04:00.001-07:00

Dave and I decided to take the girls to the Grotto for the first time about 3 weeks ago. Kaitlin LOVED it! Savannah was not so keen on the idea of walking or getting her feet wet in the water.

Kaitlin LOVED the water! Even though it was freezing cold.

Even though I found a rock for Savannah to stand on she was not about to put her feet down and get wet.

I tried to get Sadie to walk through the water, however, she had another plan she found the only big rock in the water and stood there and refused to get off. Apparently she is not a fan of water!

Getting drinks after our long walk.

Brandon Michael Staheli

2009-07-21T21:04:00.001-07:00

I don't even know where to begin. Brandon Michael Staheli entered/left this world this morning at 5:30am. He was 3oz and was 6inches long. We know that one day we can be a family forever and have a chance to see Brandon again.

Random Pics

2009-06-07T19:30:00.000-07:00

The first jump of the year. Savannah LOVES the tramp.

Kaitlin jumping.

I have been really slow at posting these pics. Earlier this spring Dave put down sod in two area's of our back yard and it turned out so good! I am really excited to have a fully grassed back yard.

Kaitlin giving a good smile for the camera.

This is what happens when we eat late and Savannah does not have a good nap.

Savannah with cookie on her face.

The first time Kaitlin and Savannah played in the sprinklers this year. Kaitlin loved it and Savannah hated the water but was very happy to be outside.

Savannah reading a story to everyone. This is her favorite book because there is a duck and a cat in it.

Kaitlin taking her turn reading the book to everyone.

Drinking slushies on a hot day. This was Savannah's first one ever and to say the least she LOVED it.

Fun at Jumping Jacks

2009-06-07T19:02:00.000-07:00

The other day since Dave did not have to work we decided to do something new with the girls and went over to Jumping Jacks. It turned out to be alot of fun for the girls and Dave. I was a little worried about Savannah having someting to do because she is little, but she surprised me and LOVED it. Savannah wanted to try anything that Kaitlin did and she liked to try and do it by herself. Kaitlin jumping on the young kids area.

Dave and Savannah getting ready to slide down.

When Dave would take Savannah at the big slide she would wave like a beauty queen the whole way up. It was really cute.

Dave and Savannah going down the slide.

Kaitlin going down the slide.

New baby

2009-05-10T12:40:00.000-07:00

Well it is official Dave and I are expecting our third child in early December. Kaitlin is thrilled and depending on the day it is a brother or a sister (today it is a sister) However she has given us one condition, We must sell Savannah :) any takers? J/K. We are all very happy and can't wait to meet her or him.

Why You don't leave Kaitlin alone in a room!

2009-04-14T14:42:00.000-07:00

Well here are two more fine examples of why you don't leave Kaitlin alone in a room for more the 2 sec. The first pic she told me she had to go potty after about 5 min. I got worried and went into the bathroom where she informed me "look mom I put gel in my hair" To bad for her it was lotion and not gel so into the bath she went. I was busy making dinner when I noticed I had not heard anything from the girls in awhile I walked into the living room and there was my surprise Kaitlin had used over half a bottle of leave in conditioner in Savannah's hair and then spiked it.

Basketball

2009-03-07T13:25:00.000-08:00

So as most of you know basketball is a big part of our lives in the winter. This year Dave played on 3 different teams which means me and the girls spend a lot of time watching. Lucky for Dave and I Kaitlin LOVES going! She will do anything if she knows the reward is going to watch daddy play basketball. Her favorite part of the games is helping her Daddy warm up.

Daddy and Kaitlin stretching

Working on passing the ball.

Shooting some hoops

And of course giving Daddy his good luck sticker to wear while he plays.

Savannah's 1st birthday

2009-03-02T20:30:00.000-08:00

Even though we were not having Savannah's birthday party on February 14th because Dave had to work I still wanted to make her day extra special. We stated the morning with the traditional birthday doughnut. This was the first time she had ever had a doughnut and she LOVED it, she ate every bit and wanted more. On February 15th we had a birthday party.

Savannah's birthday cake.

enjoying a birthday cupcake.

What is a birthday without presents.

Thank you all that came to Savannah party and remember her on her birthday. She loves all the gifts and special wishes she received on her birthday.

I cannot believe it has been a year!

2009-03-02T15:16:00.000-08:00

I cannot believe it has already been a year since Savannah was born. She has grown and changed so much in just a short time. Here are some pics from the past year. Savannah just after having her bath at the hospital she was 6 lbs 4oz and 18.5 inches long. Her birthday is Feb 14, 2008.

After Savannah first bath at home, She HATED it.

Savannah at 2 months old.

3 months old

4 months old in her blessing dress being held by Grandpa Staheli

4 months old

5 months old. I love how happy she look s in this picture.

6 months old

7 months old at the Payson park with Daddy.

She was the cutest little giraffe for Halloween (8 months old)

Christmas tree hunting with Grandpa Staheli (9 months old)

She was such a big girl sitting on Santa's lap, she didn't even cry (10 months old)

Savannah's first Christmas. I think she liked the paper best. (10 months)

Happy new year 2009 (11 months old)

"Happy birthday to you, Happy birthday to you." Savannah turned one on February 14th, 2009.

Anyone for some Vix

2009-02-05T17:02:00.000-08:00

Last week Kaitlin was not feeling well so I put her in my room to watch a movie. After about 10min I noticed it had been really quiet which could only mean three things.
1) She had fallen asleep ( Wishful thinking)
2) We found a movie that really entertained her (Wishful thinking once again)
or
3) She had gotten into something that she is not supposed to have (I think we have a winner)
The second I walked into the room I noticed a very strong sent of Vapor rub and then I hear a little voice say "look mommy I put lotion on myself" and I saw the mess her legs,hands and my bed were covered in Vix vapor rub.

The pictures do not do the mess justice!

You better believe in the end Kaitlin got a bath and of course a bath would not be a bath if Savannah was not included.

My little girly girl

2009-01-23T15:47:00.000-08:00

Kaitlin is such a girly girl today we finally found shoes to match her dress that we bought for Justin and Stephanie wedding. As soon as we got home she ran to her closet pullled the dress down threw off her jeans and tshirt and put on her dress and matching shoes. She then came out of her bedroom and asked me to do her hair "as pretty as Ellie" (Ellie is Kaitlin friend) After we did her hair she wanted pic taken so here they are.These are her new shoes.

(for every pic instead of saying Cheese she would say Ellie)

Blogging

2008-10-19T21:15:00.000-07:00

I thought I would give a try at blogging. I hope everyone enjoys :)