Lately

Life seems to move ever so fast these days. We are alive and doing great! I thought I would share what we have been up to lately. 

 I did Claire's hair in lots of sponge curlers instead of piggies for church. I think she was feeling very pretty. Look at that face. :) 

She can now reach the piano and loves to lightly play. She also loves to sit on my lap and watch me play. Occasionally she wants her turn at it but she likes to "choose her song" first. 

 Auntie sent us the best package! Witch socks. Aren't they too cute! I found the shirt on clearance for 1.59! It says, "wickedly cute." Seleta and I didn't even plan it. 

 Auntie also sent Claire some cute cat ears and her favorite friend, Elmo! 

One of Claire's favorite things is to "give loves." She does this by leaning her head or face on you or on the object that is receiving love. Besides her parents, her glow worm and now Elmo get lots of love! 

Shaun's laptop was constantly overheating. It was on it's last leg so Shaun watched a You tube video on how to take it apart, clean it, and replace some heating putty that keeps it cool. He was pretty sure he could handle the job and so he gave it a go.  

 I'm happy to report that it was a success!!!! And now we are up and running again! 

So proud of you, honey! 

In other news I received an additional calling. I am still the primary chorister, which I love, and am so excited for our program come up. But I was also called to be the new ward organist. Our little ward is really lacking in musical abilities. The current organist just retired from his job and they are moving. The funny thing is, I have never ever played the organ. I have some practicing I need to do, and I am really nervous, but I am also really excited to learn. The first few times may be a little rocky, but I know I will receive divine help. :)  

Claire is One!

It is so hard to remember what life was like before Claire came along. She has brought so much joy into our lives. I know Shaun and I have both grown a lot and being a parent really stretches you in new ways. (I'm sure those of you with older kids are thinking, "just wait.") 

I can honestly say I have LOVED every stage so far. Sometimes when Claire is transitioning from one stage to another, like sitting to then crawling or just nursing to starting real food, there is definitely an adjustment period. Once Claire and I have both adjusted to her new change I LOVE it! I am so grateful she is such a happy and healthy baby! 

Every single time I go to the store where some stranger stops me to talk to Claire. She gives them this warm smile and it melts their hearts. 

She is definitely not afraid to try new things or be around new people! She LOVES people, especially kids. 

It's crazy to look back at all of these pictures and see her so little. Now that she is one she definitely has taken on a new look. She is so full of fun! 

Here are some things I don't want to forget: 

*She still crosses her feet as much as she can

*Claire is very active and loves to crawl, pull herself up to anything (including me, chairs, the piano bench, etc.) She also loves to walk while holding our fingers. 

*She is getting really good at standing by herself for 5-10 seconds without sitting down. 

*She is slowly getting better at eating real food. Her favorites are bananas and veggie straws. 

*If there is a speck on the floor she will find it. If you ever need to find a needle in a haystack I promise she would crawl right to it. :) 

*She says "Hi" now and has been repeating a lot of initial sounds. 

*She is still so patient. 

*She loves loves loves books

*She loves to play with mom and dad. 

*She just started nodding her head anytime she hears music. She especially loves her glow worm that plays soft songs.

*She loves her pacifier! 

*She like little tiny things, i.e. her 3 inch stuffed dog that I am usually searching for because it has fallen in-between the crib slates. 

*She loves life & We absolutely LOVE her! 

p.s. we did have a little party for her. My friend took a bunch of pictures for me so when I get a few back I will post the details. :) 

The Big 30

I had an AMAZING birthday! I feel like I was celebrating for weeks because of my awesome family! When I was at my sister's in July she spoiled me, then heading to Utah and Idaho for the wedding I was once again spoiled with a new hair cut, new dress and some birthday shopping money. 

I am overwhelmed with everyone's kindness! 

 To kick off my official birthday weekend we met Boyd and Allison at this DELICIOUS burger place called B Stop. It is owned by the food network man, Michael Symons. I can't even describe how yummy it was! The shake, fries, and burgers were so so so so good! 

Following lunch I got to go shopping to spend some of my birthday money. Shaun and Claire were so patient. :) 

 Then, on my actual birthday my sister surprised me with a beautiful cake. There is a lady in my ward who makes professional cakes and my sister had arranged this surprise back in May when she was visiting. Seleta really went above and beyond making sure my 30th bday was awesome! Thank you!! 

WOW! 

While I was in Utah my friend, Bonnie, gave me some Jamberry nails to try. Secretly I really really wanted to get my toe nails done for my birthday but didn't want to spend the money and just kept putting it off. So I was so thrilled with this gift. If you haven't heard of this company you should check them out at http://www.jamberrynails.net/home/default.aspx. 

I also requested that we get our piano tuned. My brother, Ben, loaned us his piano tuning tools and Shaun spent a few hours working on it. Unfortunately it is a little more complicated than we thought so we will need to pay someone to come and finish the job. I really really appreciate Shaun trying, though. :) 

I cannot thank everyone enough for the sweet cards, emails, texts, phone calls, FB messages, etc. It truly was a wonderful birthday! 

THANK YOU! 

Sarah's Baby Shower & Idaho

Nikki's wedding couldn't have been at a better time. I was able to head to Idaho just in time for my Sister-in-law's baby shower. 

My Mom and I made a diaper cake. I love the little babies! 

I made Sarah and Ben a car seat cover. I couldn't resist the dinosaurs! 

Cute pregnant Sarah! 

 Cousins! 

 Great Grandma moved to a rest home in Pocatello so we get to see her a lot more now!! YEAH! 

Great Grandma Lundquist 

Claire loves my brothers! 

 Had to visit Tastee Treat! 

 We had a great time with Great Grandma T! 

Claire loved sitting with Great Grandpa Lundquist

It was an absolute miracle! All of my siblings were home at the same time! The only person we were missing was Shaun. I didn't take as many pictures as I thought but Claire and I had a wonderful time. 

My favorite place! My parents have a covered deck. It has the best morning sun! I really really really enjoyed relaxing out here! I miss you guys already! 

Nikki's Wedding/ Utah visit

Claire and I flew into Utah just in time to help prep for the wedding. Shaun's niece, Nikki, was getting married so we were excited to join in the festivities. 

Nikki's siblings all came over to help me cut up fruit the night before the wedding while Nikki and her parents were at the temple. Claire slept great and we got it all ready. Shaun couldn't make it because of school but he helped contribute to the preparation by sending us a video tutorial on properly cutting cantaloupe. It was VERY helpful. :)   

You can't tell from this picture but Claire and I have matching skirts. I found the material at JoAnn's for 60% off. I am not a seamstress and this was a frustrating process, but thankfully they turned out beautifully. 

Timp temple 

Shaun's oldest brother and Claire 

While we were waiting for Nikki and Spencer at the luncheon Claire and I went to the "mother's lounge" and she fell asleep. It was a really hot day, can you tell? 

Annie and Claire are cousins. Annie loved entertaining her while we ate. 

The Bride's family. I got to do the Alisha and Missy's hair that day and the mother of the bride is Shaun's sister, Beth. 

The reception was held in Shaun's parent's yard. It was gorgeous! Claire slept the entire reception so I was able to help run the kitchen and keep all the yummy food stocked. 

Catered by Kneaders...Yummy! 

I loved the twinkling lights!  

Reading books with Grandpa! 

 This picture is a little out of order but Claire's nap is just about over so I am going to leave it here..The worst part about flying this time was keeping Claire occupied for 3 hours during our layover. I wiped down this ledge so she could stand and look outside. 

Grandpa gave Claire a torn-less rose. She literally picked off each petal at a time. It was cracking me up. 

I was also able to visit my old school, Spanish Oaks, and meet up with lots of old friends. It was a wonderful visit and I enjoyed seeing everyone. 

The week in Utah was also eventful for Claire. She learned how to pull herself up on things. She got her first fat lip, :( but I was able to keep pretty good tabs on her and catch most of her falls. She is a pro now and loves to walk around with us holding her fingers. :)