Oh, What do you do in the Wintertime?

So yeah, it has been really yucky weather out here. We were dumped on the last few days. The kids have had to make their own fun. This is what they came up with... Being Firebirds (from the Little Einsteins) They made a line with the chairs, would walk across them and then jump (aka fly) onto the love sac. It was so cute to be in the kitchen cooking dinner and hear my two little firebirds giggling together...

Gingerbread Houses

Our friends Lee and Marie invited our kids over to their house to make gingerbread houses with them and their nieces and nephew. I totally thought that they would do what I do and buy the kit from Costco and put it together... boy was I wrong. They made the cutest gingerbread houses out of a milk carton and graham crackers and plastered it with candy. It was the cutest thing I have ever seen! Ethan's House Emilee's House Thanks Lee and Marie for the cute houses and all of the candy, You're AMAZING!

HELP!

It really drives me nuts when I publish posts and it comes out in one huge paragraph. I do put the proper spacing in but when I hit the publish button all I get is one long paragraph. Does anyone in the blogging world now how to remedy my situation?

Merry Christmas From the Dawdy's

I think that this might be as close to a post as Aaron might get. He wrote the Christmas letter this year...okay, he always writes the christmas letter, but I have to do everything else, he can do this one thing! So I am blogging it so I have record of it. Friends and Family far away, be looking for a hard copy in your mailbox. Side note: We always call these silly things bragging letters because sometimes that is all they sound like...but we do enjoy recieving them from those we don't blog stalk, okay that I blog stalk, and I guess we like getting them from everyone I like to feel the love!

Merry Christmas!

Once again I have been tasked with authoring our family Christmas Letter. I believe Alisha thinks that if she keeps asking me to do it eventually I will get it right one day. Maybe she’s right. One day . . .

So, I think first off I want to invite those of you who do not normally communicate with us through this medium, to do so. We do want to know what is going on with all of you and we thank all of you who do keep in touch with us. Please let us know what is going on in your lives. Emilee: Cute thing: Emilee has shown us recently that she watches too much television by repeating a phrase from a commercial every time she hears the word “money”: She yells out “It’s my money and I need it now!” I should like to start off with our brightest (and by that I mean loudest and most attention getting) star, Emilee. This year has seen a lot of growth for our 2yr old girl. She has become quite the little princess. She loves to sing and hates it when others try to accompany her. I think she wants to bask in her own musical glory uninterrupted. Among her favorite songs to sing are: “Child of God” ( which she learned from a DVD Grandma gave the kids ) and “Do as I am doing” ( which she learned at church and from her mom). She loves little dolls and girly things. She also likes to do whatever her brother is doing at the time, even more than last year. Ethaniel: Cute thing: Ethan has gone to pouting when we tell him to do things he thinks are unfair, which makes me laugh which makes Alisha laugh trying to figure out why I am laughing which makes Emilee and Ethaniel join in laughing just to be like mom and dad. Of course Ethan likes to do less and less with his sister. Of course he invites her along to do what he is doing when under parental supervision. He started kindergarten this year and has become an excellent student despite some behavioral issues ( he likes to hum while he works and his teacher likes things quiet ). He has made some good friends thanks to his mom and likes everything under the sun if it has to do with boys and it is a toy and it is on a commercial such as: Bakugan, Transformers, Star Wars, Ben 10, etc…… …………………………yeah………………………………...there’s a lot of commercials………………… ………………………………......................................................................................................................... He recently bit through his tongue and lip on the stairs outside our condo. The doctor at the emergency room encouraged us not to admit him because all he would do is stitches and it would do more damage to the tongue than good. The first night it stopped bleeding but the next day was a nightmare for all of the bleeding. How do you get a 5 yr old boy to not play with his newly injured tongue. Eventually it stopped and it looks pretty good now a few weeks later with no apparent scar. He still likes to know every night, from his mom, before bed what is going to happen on the next day. He is a busy Boy. Alisha: Cute Thing: Pancakes on a stick. She craves ‘em. THE smartest thing I ever did was marry Alisha. A bright ( not the same bright used to describe Emilee ) talented and beautiful girl she continues to shine on many levels. When we first married I thought that she was just a gossip queen. She loves to talk about people. But I have found more recently that it is an informational talent. She seems to see and know things that other people are completely unaware of ( and I don’t mean myself, the average person can perceive way more than myself, hands down ). She doesn’t just pass on the information to others but she uses it to help people. A nice surprise. I love her for that. She has learned to maneuver around her picky family where meals are concerned. She has made our home a beautiful place to live by decorating, painting, and fashioning new furnishings. She is involved in Ethan’s classroom a lot as she is the Room Mother there. She has her own blog and spends time writing on there and checking out her friends sites as well. She is to be awarded for surviving a week long visit from my brother Mark and his family, for which she entertained, taxied, and endured wonderfully. I am not sure I could do the same in her stead. She is always teaching me new things that I would have not known without her. Aaron: Cute thing: I don’t do cute. Not too much exciting to say in my behalf. I recently posted my portfolio on the web in an attempt to get a much better job. After which I lost my job. Nice timing don’t you think. I have spent the last two weeks with family and still improving my portfolio. During this time of financial hardships across the nation I feel blessed with the knowledge that this is not all of existence. That it doesn’t end here. That if we do the best we can with what we have been given we can inherit something greater. I am grateful for the knowledge of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I am also grateful that I have such a wonderful family. I hope that each of you has an amazing day in remembrance of His Birthday! Merry Christmas!

We've Seen the Lights!

Every year at Christmas it is a family tradition of ours to go see the lights at Thanksgiving Point via Horse Drawn Carriage. This year was no different other than we invited some friends to tag along with us, 35 of them could make it! It was so much fun to be on a wagon where you knew everyone there. We attempted to sing Christmas carols together but it didn't last long. The kids loved the lights and having their friends around them. Ethan said his favorite was "the Karate Chop Santa". After we went through the lights we had Hot Chocolate and Donuts. So much fun! Note from the Editor: Aaron was in charge of taking pictures...sorry...there were others there with us besides the ones in the pictures...shout out's to: Brad, Lori, Blake, Ryan, Camille, Ryan, Jamie, Carter, Rylee, Marie, Becky, Paul, Melody, Noah, Andrea, Dave, Madisen, Sydney, Camille, Mike, Rebecca, and I think that is it!! Ethan enjoying the lights, I don't know what is up with his hat! He was in Heaven having Ryan and Blake by his side.Emilee, sitting on her favorite spot...Becky's lap... She loved being right by the horses.

Shawn, Kristin, Libby and Mallory, trying to stay warm.

Clark, Tori and Ezra admiring Tori's Photography skills!

Rebecca, Garth, Lily and Ashley...oh and their OTHER son Ethan, I don't know why he is in the picture and not their REAL son Ryan?!? Tyra and Randy, I don't know where their kids are but they were there too!

Hot Chocolate and Donuts After...Hit the spot! Both Aaron and I are so grateful to our many friends that we have around us. We are very blessed to live where we do and have the support system we do. If you get a chance to go see the lights, it is a Holiday must!!

A good old fashioned update

Well, unfortunately I do not have another picture to post. I did not take any pictures this weekend but My aunt did so I am hoping to get some from her, HINT, HINT. But I would like to update the blogging world on some events going on in our lives. First off We have gotten to spend the week with Aaron's family. His Brother Mark and Sister in Law Deanne came from Arkansas with their 6 kids to spend the week with us (and his mom and Brother Matt). It was a lot of fun, a lot of craziness, a lot of sleepless nights, and a lot of family bonding, I think all of us are still deciding if that is a good thing or a bad thing. Mark and Deanne's Little boy Luke was in the Hospital from Monday to Thursday. He had gotten a pretty nasty infection in his knee, crazy I know. He is out and we are keeping them in our prayers on their way home. With Little Luke in the Hospital, it gave Aaron and I quality time with the other kids. I can not believe how much they have grown. They were a lot of fun to be around and I now know I am not as young as I thought I was. I introduced Kaytlin and Lyndsi to the magical world of IKEA. We went to see the Movie Twilight, Went shopping at Midnight at the mall, and played countless games and drank way too much chocolate milk. I hope that good times were had by all. My house is just a little too quiet right now. They are missed already. We Spent Thanksgiving at my mom's house. It kinda just snuck up on me this year. I can not believe that it is here and gone. Crazy!! But we had lots of good food and made our wish lists for Christmas and then played cards, I love thanksgiving!! And last but not least, Aaron was laid off from his job. I know crazy good timing isn't it? They just have not had any business coming in and they figured that they could hire out the design work, or send it to corporate. Oh well, this happened to us before. We were looking for a new job and praying for a new job and then he was laid off. Same thing this go around too. I hope that this time works out the same as the last. I know that there is something out there that we should be doing, I hope it comes quickly though. So yeah, really, if any of you know of Graphic Design Jobs, PLEASE send them our way! Wishing love to all this holiday season! Here's to a very Merry Christmas!! Alisha

Keep you Fingers Crossed!

It has only taken a YEAR, but Aaron finally has his web portfolio up and going. There a few bugs to work out but it will come. At least now he can start applying for jobs. So if any of you know of a need for a graphic designer. Send them our way!!

aldawdy.com

All good things must come to an end...

Well yesterday was my birthday. It was a lot of fun and I appreciated all of the comments made and and well wishes sent my way. You guys are the best. But as the title of this post states, all good things must come to an end. Aaron took me out for a fun Date last night we went to Olive Garden and to the Home Depot to buy paint so I could finally finish painting my Kitchen walls. We picked up the kids from the sitters and were heading up the stairs to our house. Ethan was cold so he had his arms in his sweater (I know you are never suppose to let kids do this, but it was cold.) So anyway, Ethan was walking up a head of us and he went to step up, missed the step and fell. His face caught the full brunt of the fall. I went and picked him up and took him inside. There was blood everywhere. I could see blood on his chin and I knew he had bit through his lip. I went to go get a wash cloth and Aaron took a closer look, Ethan Had also bitten through his tongue. I immediately got light headed and went to the other bathroom. I could not handle the blood and the sight of Ethan's tongue. This was his first really bad injury. We decided to take him to the Insta Care in Saratoga. All the time Ethan is looking at me asking "Am I going to be fine Mom?", Choking back tears and praying he will be fine I answer "Yes, you will be fine." Well wouldn't you know it The insta care was closed. I got on the phone with Ethans Doctor's office and was talking to a nurse, a new nurse evidently, because she was not making me feel better. She says "Wow that sounds really bad, I don't know what to do." Then she says I will go talk to the doctor and call you back. Aaron and I just decide to head to the Emergency room. The gash in his tongue was considerable and I didn't know if it would need stitches or not. We got to the hospital and Ethan was sitting on Aaron's lap saying, "I don't want to die, I don't want to die." We tried to tell him he was not going to die and to try and breath normally, he would probably hyperventilate and pass out at the rate he was going! Eventually the Nurse called us back and she looked at it and said "Wow, Let me go get the doctor I don't know what to do." Come on people, you are supposed to be professionals. I AM THE ONE THAT DOES NOT KNOW WHAT TO DO! The ER doctor came in and he did know what to do. He said it did look pretty bad but he said that stitches would only make it worse because Ethan would play with them. He would also have to put him completely under to stitch him up. He told us to give it a few days and the tongue would heal. (Blessing note, They never took our names and information. The doctor just came and looked at Ethan, The Nurse cleaned him up, then they sent us on our way. Therefore no Emergency room Bill, Happy Birthday to me!) So we get back home and put him to bed. He woke up early the next morning Blood running down his face again. Again, I got sick, had to leave and Aaron had to take care of him. I won't even tell you the stories Aaron was telling me about his tongue, GROSS! But the poor kid could not hold his tongue still and every time he moved it, it would start bleeding again. To top it off the tongue was swollen, his lip was swollen and he could barely talk. I felt so bad for him and I wanted to take the pain away for him. There really was nothing we could do we had to just let it heal and keep washing his mouth out. It was horrible! Needless to say he is doing fine. Still a little swollen. But not bleeding anymore. I feel bad because his Primary Program at Church is tomorrow and he will have to miss it because we don't want him to risk breaking it open again with all of his glorious singing. He is such a trooper. He is my brave little boy. He is being spoiled rotten right now. Eating Popsicles whenever he wants and watching movies and playing the Wii, what more could a boy ask for? (Maybe a whole tongue? We'll give it a couple of days.)

29 Things for 29 Years

So thinking back on my 29 years of life I was wondering, what have I done with my life? I decided in honor of my birthday I would share a few of the things that have made me, well, me. Some of it is just for fun others are serious, but here you go:

1. I have discovered DVR, in my opinion it is the best invention in the world.
2. I have also Discovered Blogger, obviously, I don't know if this is a good thing or a bad thing, I spend a lot of time here.
3. I won my 9th grade Speech contest. I don't remember the speech, but I have the trophy to prove it.
4. Speaking of Trophy's, I played Orem High Tennis, GO TIGERS!
5. I was on the yearbook staff in JR. High
6. I survived JR. High, really the worst years of my life. I don't know what I will do when I have to send Ethan and Emilee into that horrid place.
7. Graduated from UVSC with my degree in Early Childhood Education, Let me tell you nothing you learn in school prepares you for the real thing!!
8. Taught Preschool for 9 years, has it really been that long? I miss it so much.
9. I finally learned how to drive a stick.
10. I have mad organizational skills, kind of obsessive about where things go. Which is why I think Aaron does not do the dishes anymore, I do go behind him and put things back in the right place, I know, I know, I have shot myself in the foot.
11. I would like to think that I am a pretty creative person. That or cheap, either way though that is a good skill right?
12. I would also like to think that I am a good friend, I guess you guys can be the judge of that but I love people and I really do have some of the best friends and family a girl could ask for.
13. I get up and walk two miles 4 mornings a week, really it is just because I am a good friend and would hate for Kristin to be out there in the cold waiting for me. I would feel horrible.
14. I own my own house. Barely.
15. I moved all the way to Illinois. Both Aaron and I did not know if I was going to make it on the drive out there. I guess I threw a few fits, I don't remember doing it but Aaron brings it up every chance he gets, but we made it and I really fell in love with the people and town out there.
16. I sang a Solo in church in that ward, It was the scariest thing I have done!
17. My Mom taught me how to sew, straight lines at least.
18. My mom taught me how to Cook, Thanks Mom! Aaron thanks you too! I love food!
19. My mother in law taught me how to make fudge and Caramels, I will never buy store bought caramel or fudge again! Okay, that is a lie. I walk by a fudge shop and just can't help myself.
20. My dad taught me how to work hard, and that power tools are not scary, but always use them when Aaron is standing next to you, just in case...
21. I have held various callings in the church from Primary to Young Women's Camp and also Relief Society, In Illinois I survived 5 callings at once.
22. I survived child birth, TWICE, and am trying to talk myself into a third.
23. My kids sleep through the night and have since they were two months old
24. I have successfully potty trained half of my kids, and am working on the other half, slowly.
25. I LOVE being Ethan's Room mom at school. He makes me so proud!
26. I have an adorable boy who is just like his mother and gets into trouble for talking at school, knows everything, and well, has to be the center of attention.
27. I have a beautiful Daughter who is just like her mom and cries over everything and is oh so dramatic.
28. I have a strong Testimony of the Church and am so grateful I was raised in a family that taught me about my savior and taught me all I need to know to be happy in this life.
29. The Best thing that has happened to me in my 29 years of life is finding Aaron and holding on to him. He is the best thing that has happened to me in my life and I appreciate him sticking with me.

Halloween Recap

I am finally getting to post our Halloween pictures! This year was very busy for our family on Halloween. It started out with a Halloween Parade at Ethan's School. It was really cute to see all of the little kids dressed up. It so made me want to go back to teaching!! Here is a video of the Parade, I don't know why there is no sound...Oh well.

Then after the Parade Ethan had his Classroom Halloween party, It was a lot of fun (well I can say that because I planned it!) The kids decorated cupcakes and played lots of Halloween games and of course loaded up on Candy. It is a lot of fun to be in the classroom with Ethan, I am so glad there are a lot of parents willing to help!

Emilee was Cinderella this year. I got a great deal on KSL.com for her costume. It came with cute "glass slippers" for her to wear. She rarely takes the shoes off and I have to peel the costume off of her each night, she insists on wearing it to bed. She was so cute this year going around with Ethan to each door. She finally gets the idea of trick or treating. It was so cute to see her running from door to door in her princess dress.

Ethan Was a storm trooper or a clone trooper, I can't remember the technical name for it, as mentioned in a previous post, I am not a fan of Star Wars and have no idea what are good guys and what are bad guys. But he was a good guy. He ask every day when it was trick or treating day. As his cousin Kayden says, How many sleeps until it is Trick or Treating?

Good times. I love watching my kids grow and see them find joy in the little things. Remember those Halloweens where you would just get sick on candy, you would take your stash home and dump it out on the floor separate all of the candy out and then convince your younger brother and sister that trading 3 smarties and 5 tootsie rolls for a snickers candy bar, was most definitely a good trade. (I never did that, really, okay maybe once,...a year).

Mo Tab...Here She Comes!

Aaron's Mom had the opportunity this month to sing in the tabernacle on Temple Square with a choir named "We Also Sing". They have been practicing together for the past two months and were able to do two performances in the Tabernacle. It was really great. I can't remember the lady's name that directed the choir (Merilee Maybe...sorry), but she was fantastic. She had a lot of energy and I bet she was a lot of fun to work with.

Linda's dream has always been to sing with the Mormon Tabernacle choir, I think she could get there, but she said that this was the next best thing!! Aaron and I are very proud of her for sharing her talents with every one. She is a great lady! We had a fun date night together with Matt & Kim!

4th Picture Tag

Jessa tagged me with this post. The rules: Post the 4th picture from your 4th folder on your computer. This is what I got:

It fits so nicely this time of year doesn't it? This is Em's first halloween. She was so little (6 Mo.)!! I can't believe how much she has grown. She is a mess because she was eating one of those gross baby biscuits while she watched me carve her pumpkin! Good memories! Thanks Jessa!

Now I tag, Keri, Amanda, and Brittinee!

The diagnosis: C.A.A.D.D.

I stole this off of Jessa's Blog I just laughed because it is exactly what I am suffering from! _______________________________________________________ Recently, I was diagnosed with C.A.A.D.D. - Child Activated Attention Deficit Disorder. This is how it manifests: I decide to do the laundry. As I start toward the basement, I notice that there are cheerios all over the floor and my house keys are in the cereal bowl. I decide to pick up the cheerios before I do the laundry. I lay my keys down on the counter, put the cheerios in the trashcan under the counter, and notice that the trashcan is full. So, I decide to take out the trash. But then I think, since I'm going to be near the mailbox when I take out the trash I may as well pay the bills first. I take my check book off the table, and see that there is only one check left, my extra checks are in my desk in the office, so I go to my desk where I find a sippy cup full of juice. I'm going to look for my checks, but first I decide I should put the sippy cup in the refrigerator to keep it cold. As I head toward the kitchen with the sippy cup a plant on the counter catches my eye--it needs to be watered. I set the sippy cup on the counter, and I discover baby wipes that I've been searching for all morning. I decide I better put them back in the bathroom, but first I'm going to water the plants. I set the wipes back down, fill a container with water and suddenly I spot the TV remote, left on the kitchen table. I realize that when I go to watch TV, I will be looking for the remote, but I won't remember that it's on the kitchen table, so I decide to put it back in the den where it belongs, but first I'll water the plants. I splash some water on the plant, but most of it spills on the floor. So, I set the remote back down, get some paper towels and wipe up the spill. Then I head down the hall trying to remember what I was planning to do. At the end of the day: the laundry isn't washed, the bills aren't paid, there is a warm cup of juice sitting on the counter, the plants aren't watered, there is still only one check in my check book, I can't find the remote, I can't find the wipes, and I don't remember what I did with my keys. Then when I try to figure out why nothing got done today. I'm really baffled because I know I was busy all day long, and I'm really tired. I realize this is a serious problem, and I'll try to get some help for it, but first I'll check my e-mail. Don't laugh--if this isn't you yet, your day is coming."

Fall Fun!

This past week has been full of fun fall adventures! Ethan had Fall Break off from school so we were able to play! On Wednesday I went with Rebecca to Gardner Village. It is so much fun there. I love it! They have a witch hunt that you can do with the kids. If you find all of the witches on the list you can take it to the bakery for a 25 cent cookie! They kids had a lot of fun looking for all of the witches. I also got a new witch hat, I can't wait for Halloween!!

Then on Thursday we went with some friends in the neighborhood to Pumpkinland, something I look forward to every year! I guess I should not say some friends, we had a lot of friends, I counted 102 people in our group, babies included, but it was a lot of fun, they do a good job gearing the activities to kids 6 and under! Here are a few pic's from our adventures:

A big thank you to all of my friends who make it so fun live where I do. Thanks for putting up with my crazy ideas! You guys are the best! Happy Fall ya'll!

I can't believe I did this...

Yeah, I was talked into Modeling for CJ Banks with a friend. I don't really know how it happened but I ended up there, I guess it just goes back to the fact that I can not say no!

It was pretty fun. I had never heard of CJ Banks, probably because I have not shopped in a mall for, how long have I been married, oh yeah, eight years. But Pam emailed me saying her sister was looking for fun spunky, not size 2 models to do a show at her store. I felt honored that Pam thought of me!! I can be fun and spunky but that is just usually in front of my friends, not walking down a cat walk! I was so nervous, I don't know why because it really wasn't that big of deal. I had fun and got to try on a lot of cute clothes. I just wish that my check book would allow me some more freedom!!

And for all of those that are wondering because you do know about CJ Banks, I refused to model the embroidered sweaters!!

A Very Merry Unbirthday to you!

Well this is what you get when you have a birthday in the Summer. You celebrate your birthday when your teacher tells you you can! So this is Ethan's Week to celebrate his birthday. The teacher had us make a poster telling all about Ethan. He sat with Aaron on the computer and picked out the pictures that he wanted. Then glued them all on. The poster hung in his classroom for the week and then on Friday I got to go into the class and listen to Ethan tell about his poster and pass out his "Birthday Treats". He was really proud. It was neat to see him interacting with all of his friends!! I asked him what treat he wanted to bring and he told me ice cream. I didn't think the teacher would appreciate the mess so I ask him what else. He told me he likes candy corn. So thankfully it is October and candy corn is around every corner. That was his Super Birthday treat. He passed them out and they sang happy birthday to him, and that was that. I am just glad he didn't ask for presents!!

Our Story...So Far

Where do I start? Today is Aaron and I's 8th Anniversary. It feels like a lot longer than that...in a good way. It feels like I have known him my whole life. It is hard to believe I have only known him for about 9 years. In honor of our anniversary I would like to share our story with you. It might take a while so if you just want to skip to the comment part, I completely understand!!

Aaron and I were "set up" by his sister in law, Deanne. I worked with her teaching Preschool. One day we were talking and she invited me over to her house her exact words: "We are having some friends over tonight to play games, you should come over." I had no plans so I decided to go. When I got there...you guessed it...Aaron was the only one there besides Deanne and her Husband Mark. (I should input here that this is my story so I will tell it how I recall, if you ask Aaron he has a completely different side, but it is my blog so my story...). I decided to still play, Deanne said that her other friends bailed out...yeah right. So of Coarse I was on Aaron's team. Let me just say that it was not love at first sight...for both of us. I always dreamed I would marry a brown haired brown eyed man. Aaron was Blue eyed and lets just say, lacking in the hair department. To top it all off I was grilled by his brother, How old are you, are you dating, do you like this, what do you think of that, so on...It kinda got uncomfortable! The only question Aaron asked me that night was if I liked Star Wars...I answered no. He said, "Well, it was nice knowing you." And that my friends was our first meeting.

The next week he invited me to go out for Chinese food with him and his family. I don't know why I did but I said yes. I knew I still had to talk to Deanne at work I guess. There was like 10 people there and he paid for everyone...In my head I thought that he must be pretty well off, which is always attractive, no matter what you say!

The next week he called and asked if I would go miniature golfing and out to dinner with him...yep, again I said yes, he had money after all and a girl needs to eat!! It was a lot of fun. I even got a hole in one! He was such a gentleman and he made me laugh to the point I was crying, I tried to tell myself that it was too soon to fall for this blue eyed boy. And was I right! On the way home he asked me what my plans were for the next weekend, thinking that he has fallen for me and wanted to take me out I said, "nothing, and you?" He then passed the shock of my life..."I am going to California to see my girl friend." If we were not speeding down State Street, I would have jumped out of the car right there. We did not talk the rest of the way home. I jumped out of the car when it came to a stop and I slammed doors all the way into my house.

The next weekend when he was supposed to be in California he called again. He ask if I was still mad at him and that he thought that Deanne had told me he had a girlfriend. She most definitely did not. Aaron was just looking for a friend here in Utah, since he had just moved from Illinois. I told him, "do you hold doors and pay for dinners and bring flowers to all of your friends?" He replied "YES". I was so mad at him I said "aren't you with your girlfriend, why are you calling me?" He told me that he never got on the plane to go see her and he wanted to come see me...ahhh. The rest is history my friends, He came down every day after work from that day on and on the weekends he would spend the night at my parents house. We were engaged 3 months later and married three months after that. Someone really wanted us together, because as we both have said, it was most definitely not love at first sight. But I am glad that he was persistent and that he came to see me every night and has not given up on me for eight years!!

We were married in September, I graduated school in December and we moved to Illinois in March. It was a whirlwind of a year. We lived in Illinois for three years. It was really tough, but we grew so much together. We only had each other there. Looking back it was the best decision we could have made for ourselves and our marriage. After three years and a house selling out from under us we decided to move back to Utah, Okay I was just a big baby and needed my mom's help with the upcoming arrival of our baby, the house selling was just a final straw. Ethan was born One week after we moved back to Utah, I think it was the crazy 20 hour drive back to Utah that did it!! We stayed with my parents until we found a job for Aaron and got on our feet. We bought a condo in Eagle Mountain and Emilee Mae joined us here in 2006. And that my friends is our story. I am grateful for the persistence of my husband. To this day he can do whatever he sticks his mind to.

Aaron I love you. Thank you for all of the love, tears, smiles, laughter and trials we have gone through together. Here is to eight years down and eternity to go!

This One's for the Girls...

So now that Ethan is in School Emilee and I have had a lot of girl time. Emilee loves to do make up with me in the mornings. She also has found my jewelry box. She loves to dress up and look pretty.

She watches me wash my face or put on the little makeup I do wear and always says, "Pretty Mom". Some days that's all a girl needs, someone to think you are pretty!

Anyway, Emilee is totally Girl. She loves to color and Paint her toes, I can see pedicures in her near future. Lately she has been walking around the house with her arms crossed and I ask her if she is cold.. she says no, baby sleeping. She is holding and imaginary baby in her arms. She will come over to me with her arms held out and say, hold the baby mom. You have to hold the

"air" around you just right or Emilee will say no mom, Like this and show you again. And don't even think about just putting your hands down. You must take the "air" and put it in the cradle to sleep. Do you think that she is telling us something? I am in denial, I can't have another baby right now, I think Emilee would think it was her baby and carry the poor thing all over the place. I really would not be surprised if I woke up one day and the baby was in the doll cradle. Yeah, I think waiting would be the best and safest idea, right? RIGHT, at least that is what I am telling myself!

Photo Session- Part II

So I have been wanting for a long time to get a family photo together. I do not have one with Emilee, yes people she is 2 and a half, I am behind. So Matt, Aaron's brother, agreed to take ours. He is really getting into the photography stuff and he is pretty talented. I really only thought that you just point and shoot, each day I learn there is a lot more to making people look their best, especially where the Dawdy family is concerned!! Anyway, Enjoy...

Thanks Matt, Your the best! By the way if anyone wants to be a Guinea pig for him he is looking for subjects!!

Photo Session- Part I

I have a new friend. Her name is Shannon Hadden and she is Amazing. She wanted to get some more photographs to build her portfolio so Sharon hooked us up. She was fabulous! Thank goodness because to me my kids seemed very uncooperative. Emilee and Ethan would never look at the camera at the same time, and if they did they were not smiling. Honestly is that too much to ask, look like you are having fun, at the same time--please. Oh well, I think that she really caught the personalities of my cute kids! For more information check out her photography blog here. Thank you Shannon!!

Pictures Together:

Ethan:

Emilee:

Sorry this is so long but I just had to see them all and I didn't want to do a slide show. Aren't my ids cute? (I try to keep telling myself this so maybe I will remember when I want to pull my hair out!)

Part II, Family Edition is coming, I just need to get my stupid internet to work!!