Taylor Turns Three

Taylor has been waiting and waiting for this day. For the last two months she has been asking, "Is it my party yet?" She is obsessed with princesses, so of course, we had to have a princess party. She was in three year old heaven! I even dressed up in my princess getup. Our friends and neighbors celebrated with us. We had pizza and cake. She blew out her candles in one shot. I'm sure all of her wishes will come true.

We are so happy to have Taylor in our family. She is fiesty and full of personality. She is quite independant. In fact, she doesn't like me in the room with her very often. If I try to enter the room, sometimes she yells, "I need my privacy" . She loves to play with Tommy, and she says that Cole is her best friend. If you ask her how old she is she will tell you "four." She just can't wait to be able to do all of the things her brother does.

She definitely stands out in a crowd, and she loves the spotlight. Her favorite activity is dancing around in her princess costume while singing in her princess microphone. I feel blest to have such an entertaining, funloving, sunshine baby girl. I can't wait to see what this year brings.

Annivalentinesary 2008

Emmett and I were married Feb. 12, 1999. Since our anniversary is so close to Valentine's Day, we celebrate both at the same time. We call it our Annivalentinesary. This year Emmett was in charge of planning. On Feb. 12 he told me that we would be leaving the children at my sister's house for the weekend. He had planned a weekend getaway to SunValley.

Ice Skating at the SunValley Lodge

We drove strait to the skating rink. It was a blast. At first we were wobbely, but by the end of two hours we were looking graceful (haha) and twirling in circles. I felt like a kid again. We met a 58 year old woman who skated professionally. She was fun to watch and gave us an encouraging word.

Zou 45

As we all know, Emmett is a sushi lover. Zou 45 is a sushi restaurant. Emmett claims that he chose the sight for our celebration based on his need to return to Zou 45. They really do have the best sushi I have ever had, but it does come with a steep price. We started out with an appetizer that was incredibly tastey, but minute in size. We then ordered our sushi. After devouring it within a minute we decided to order again. After all was said and done we had ordered four times. Our tastebuds could have gone for more, but Emmett's pocketbook was emptying quickly. Besides, we were almost late to our next event.

Wait Until Dark

I hate scary movies. I don't like the anxiety inducing, sit on the edge of your chair type movie, book, story, etc... The Ketchum little theater was putting on a scary play "Wait Until Dark". Although Emmett knew it would be a risk, he planned it into the vacation. He thought that suspending disbelief during the play might be challenging, and in that case it wouldn't be scary. Of course, by the end we were both sitting on the edges of our seats. I was so amazed by the ability of the actors that Emmett was quickly forgiven. In all honesty I loved every minute of it. After the play we went to the Feather Bed Inn (bed and breakfast) and cute, sweet Emmett gave me a pedicure.

Famous Christina

Our hostess from the bed and breakfast fed us well in the morning. For lunch she recommended Christina's. She said that "Hanks" might be there because of President's Day weekend. Emmett and I both looked at her like "who in the heck is Hanks". She told us that Tom Hanks frequented the restaraunt. It was a celeb favorite. Emmett got ready to empty the pocket book once again and we headed there for lunch. The ambiance was wonderful and the food was to die for, but there was more. I asked the waiter to take our picture. I told him I wanted to do a travel log for my web blog. He asked me if I'd like Christina to be in the picture. Sure, why not. He got her from the back. She sat down with us and we had a little chat. She then took us to the kitchen. After the fact, Emmett and I thought maybe they did all of the chit chat, showaround because they thought it might be good advertisement for them. Who knows, but I have obviously put in a plug. Oh and by the way she has two cookbooks out if you are interested. (teehee)

Silly Snowshoeing

We went snowshoeing at the Galena Lodge Resort. It was a lot like hiking in the snow. It was a lot of fun. Emmett and I were both in silly moods. We wondered off the path and found trees that when shaken would release what we liked to call "snow bombs". We shook lots of trees. We also found it intriguing to make a small snowball and roll it down the mountain. We had a contest to see whose snowball went the furthest and got the biggest. I won!

The Opera

If you are still reading you are either bored or really bored because I am growing weary of watching myself write. Opera is a genre of music that Emmett and I have never cared for, so I was surprised when he told me that he had reserved our seats for a night of opera singers. Apparently the singers that night were the best of the best. Since I don't keep up with opera I took their word for it. I do know that the voice of the soprano brought Emmett and I to tears. We were both sold! We love opera. By the way we sat up close because some of the "Diva Doners" didn't show up. We're not sure what "Diva Doners" donate, but we feel lucky.

Time to say Goodbye

Time to say goodbye to our get away. Goodbye to sleeping in and waking up to the smell of breakfast. Goodbye to a jacuzzi surrounded by ice, to getting in and out of the car with the click of only one buckle. Goodbye to pretending to have enough money to keep up with the wealth of SunValley. Goodbye to the Feather Bed Inn (sadly it is being sold. 1.5 mill. any takers?) More importantly it is time to say hello. Hello to another year of marriage to my sweety. Hello to my children who I missed dearly. Hello to my ordinary, but somehow extraordinary days. I am so blessed. I really do love Emmett with all my heart. I know that my happy marriage makes life sweet. Thanks for the vaca baby.

Michelle

Valentine's Day

I feel lucky to have so much love in my life. I am blessed to have loving relationships with immediate family, extended family, and friends.

I tried to have the kids pose for a Valentine photo to send to our loved ones who do not live nearby. I couldn't get them to cooperate simultaniouly, but hopefully the effort counts for something.

Tommy, I LOVE you because…

1. You still like to snuggle with me.
2. You are eager to please.
3. Your smile lights up my life.
4. You make my life new again.
5. You obey even when it is hard.
6. You are so talented.
7. You are my boy.
8. You open my eyes to the true meaning of joy.
9. You are the most handsome five year old on the planet.
10.You are You.

Love,
Mama

Taylor, I LOVE you because…

1. Your sweet voice puts a smile on my face.
2. You smile at everyone.
3. Your emotions are so full of passion.
4. You remind me so much of myself.
5. You are a princess.
6. You remind me to be carefree.
7. You need your mama.
8. You are my little girl.
9. When you sing it brings me to tears.
10. You are You.

Love,
Mama

Emmett, I LOVE you because…

1. You know how to communicate.
2. You can fix anything.
3. You manage money so well.
4. You treat me so well.
5. You are the male version of me.
6. You are the breadwinner in our home.
7. You know how to calm me down.
8. You are my best friend.
9. I want to be with you every waking hour.
10. You are You.

Love,
Michelle

Taylor Attends a Party

Taylor attended her friend's birthday party. She was so excited. This was her first party without Tommy or myself coming along. She didn't understand why she couldn't have the present she wrapped for her friend. I convinced her not to open it. She had a great time at the party. I can't believe she is almost three. My baby is growing up.

Wishing For Summer

Last night, Taylor found the sprinkler that the kids run through in the summertime. Tommy asked Emmett and I if he could go outside and run through it. I asked him if he thought it was a good idea. He said that he knew it was dark, but he really wanted to do it (keep in mind that it is 8:30 PM and there is about a foot of snow outside). I thought it would be a good idea for Tommy to learn a good life lesson. After questioning him a little more I told him that if he really wanted to run through the sprinkler, then by all means he should go get his swimming suit on. He came downstairs with his suit on. Taylor followed him. She was stark naked. She couldn't find her suit. Tommy grabbed the sprinkler and ran to the back door. I couldn't believe that the freezing weather had not yet deterred him. Emmett and I turned on the outside light and opened the door. Tommy looked outside and said, "Maybe I need my shoes." I told him that he couldn't run through the sprinklers with shoes on. Tommy and Taylor headed outside in the snow undressed, sprinkler in hand, and beaming with excitement. As soon as they stepped in the snow they promptly came back in. Tommy responded with, "Well maybe I changed my mind." Maybe it is time for a vacation to the beach.

Our Family 2008

Emmett has been wanting me to start a blog. I was hesitant, because I thought it was unproductive. One of my friends told me about a company who will transform your blog into a scrapbook. When I found this out, I was sold. I think it will simplify my life instead of complicating it. So, here I go.