Happy 4th of July! (warning, long post)

We had a wonderful 4th. Jon got up with Sophie so that I could get my workout in before the Andersons came over for breakfast. I'm not supposed to be running and frankly I'm really not much of a runner, but I've been jogging a little when I take Sophie for walks (this is about my only form of exercise) and it's been kind of fun. Anyway, I set out Monday morning with the idea that I was going to jog a little and see how I do. I pushed myself, not to the point of injury but I pushed enough that I made my goal and later when I maped my run I found out that I ran over 3 miles without stopping. I was so proud of myself. I don't know the last time I ran 3 miles and especially since I haven't been training all that much. I do jog a bit when I have Sophie and jogging with a stroller that isn't a jogging stroller isn't the easiest thing, so maybe I just felt so light and free that my legs just carried me. I have friends who like to run and I've heard them and others say that you get into a rhythm, well I finally understood what they mean by that. I planned to jog from Monks to Pohl (streets near our home) but when I got to Pohl I was feeling good so I kept going. That is how I made it through my jog, I made a small goal to make it to the next street or intersection and eventually I made it all the way. I apologize for my ranting about my jog, but I was so excited that I was able to accomplish something that isn't very easy for me, not to mention something that my doctors have told me I probably shouldn't do since I have joint pain. My knees and SI (sacroiliac) joints have been doing just fine, which is why I continue jogging, but I need to be cautious so that I don't end up injurying myself or make matters worse.


When I got home Jon informed me that the Andersons would be at our house within a half an hour. Many years ago, my family started a tradition of having red, white and blue waffles for breakfast on the 4th of July. The waffles aren't actually red, white and blue, but the toppings we put on the waffles are. We usually have strawberries or raspberries, blueberries or blueberry syrup and whipped cream. Jon and I have kept the tradition going in our little family and we wanted to share our breakfast this year with friends, so we invited the Andersons. Lucky for me they came about 15 minutes later than they said, so I was able to sneak in a 5 minute shower before they arrived, but after getting the berries ready for breakfast. Breakfast was very tasty and a lot of fun. The Andersons stayed until noon playing the Wii and visiting. The kids had a great time playing Wii sports and of course Jon and Adam got in on the fun while Rita and I entertained the girls, Elsie and Sophie.


That afternoon, Jon and I took Sophie to the pool. Because of the holiday, the pool wasn't very busy which was to our advantage. We played in the big pool for a while and then Sophie wanted to get out and play in the kiddie pool. She loved the kiddie pool. I think she likes that it's just her size and the fact that she can walk makes a huge difference. She did go under, I set her in the pool and before I even stepped in, she leaned forward and went under. She was fine when I pulled her out, just a little coughing. I thought she might cry, but she didn't and she was ready to get back in. My brave little girl! Unfortunately I didn't get any pictures of Sophie at the pool, I forgot my camera.

After the pool, we came home and Sophie took a nap while Jon and I took showers and got cleaned up for a BBQ with friends at the Stewart's home. Jon made homemade Butterfinger ice cream and I made homemade salsa, it just isn't summer without homemade salsa and homemade ice cream. We had a fun evening with our friends.

My cute patriotic girl!

Sophie loves climbing up and down stairs. She has just recently started going down the stairs on her own. She has been so good about not trying to go down by herself, she hasn't fallen down the stairs once and we don't have a gate at the top of our stairs. Usually she stands at the top of the steps and waits for Jon or I to pick her up and carry her down the stairs. She's a smart little girl!

Some of our friends Rita and Elsie Anderson, Kaylee Jeffrey, Mandy and Amelia Judson and in front Avery and Wren Stewart.

It was so nice of the Stewarts to host the party. We had six families; Judsons, Stewarts, Jeffreys, Andersons, Breuers and of course the Harpers. The kids had a great time playing in the backyard and Johanna was so good to come up with some relay games the kids could play. Sophie had a great time roaming around and playing on the stairs. Until last year, the city's firework show was always put on at the stadium, so we have the perfect yard for viewing the fireworks. Last year they were in the middle of replacing the turf on the football field so the fireworks were done at Riverfront Park. I assumed they would hold the firework show at the stadium again this year, but they didn't. I was bummed, but what can you do. Instead, we had our own firework show in the Stewarts backyard. The Jeffreys and Judsons bought some fireworks so we got a mini show and it was wonderful. It was fun and the kids got to do sparklers. Sophie was in bed for all of the firework excitement. I don't think she would have enjoyed them anyway. After the fireworks the kids ran around the yard catching fireflies. I caught a couple of fireflies. They don't fly very fast, so they are pretty easy to catch. It was so fun to watch them light up. Out west we don't have fireflies, so it's fun to see them. We didn't keep any of the fireflies, we let them all go. We had a wonderful day though we missed being with our families. We have been so blessed with such good friends, they have come to feel like family.

Avery and Wren Stewart

Elsie Anderson

Spa Day!

For my birthday, Jon gave me a gift certificate to Liv Aveda for a spa day. I was so excited! I called and scheduled my spa day for Friday July 1st. The week of was a really difficult week. I had some health issues that caused me quite a bit of pain. It was a really tough week for me, but luckily by the time Friday came, I was feeling better and I was definitely ready for a day of relaxation and pampering.

I arrived at the salon at 9:00 am and I was taken back to the spa area of the salon. There I was asked to fill out a sheet for the facial and then to fill out a sheet for what I wanted for lunch. Yes, lunch was included. Once I finished, I changed into a bathrobe, so that I'd be all ready for my one hour massage. Life's been busy and stressful lately and so my back has been very tense and I've been so tired, so I was definitely looking forward to a massage. It was wonderful!! I can't even explain it, except that it was perfect. The masseuse really worked on my neck and back. She was able to get rid of some of the knots in my back. She recommended that I get a back massage every four to six weeks. Sounds great to me! Once she finished, I was so relaxed. I could have gone home and taken a nap and been completely happy with just the massage. I was so relaxed after the massage, it was wonderful!

After the massage I had a one hour facial. I'd never had a facial before, so this was a new experience. It too was very calming and relaxing. She cleansed my face and then she applied an exfoliating mask. While the mask was drying, she turned on a steam machine, that blew steam over me. It was different, but it felt good. Also while the mask was drying, she gave me a foot massage. I love having my feet massaged and they got massaged three times that day, once during my full body massage, during the facial and again during my pedicure. To take the mask off, she placed a hot rag on my face and gently wiped the mask off. The hot towel felt so good. She applied another mask and while this one dried she massaged my hands and arms. Another hot rag and then some cream. The cream wasn't just for my face, she massaged my neck, my upper back and the base of my skull. At times the pressure was a little uncomfortable, but over all it felt good. Finally my back and neck were no longer tense. I don't remember the last time I felt so relaxed.

After my facial I got to have lunch. They ordered lunch from Panera, so it was very yummy. I had a turkey sandwich, fruit and a roll. After lunch I had a pedicure and then a manicure. I used to paint my fingernails all the time, but the paint never lasts, so I don't paint them anymore, not that I have the time, but it was fun having my toenails and my fingernails painted and looking nice. After the manicure I had my hair washed and styled and then the stylist did my make-up. I got the whole works and boy did I feel pampered when I finished. My hair is at a length that you can't do a lot with it, so it didn't look too different from when I do my hair. For my make-up we tried some blues which I was a bit nervous about, but I really liked it. The colors were light which was fun, because I tend to use more browns which make my eyes darker.

My hair didn't look different, but my eye make-up is lighter and I really liked it.


My beautiful fingernails and toenails. I loved the color of the polish. It's called Peru B Ruby.

I felt pretty and relaxed when I left, and then I walked outside and instantly I began to sweat. Great!! It was 96 degrees and at least 88% humidity. It was miserable. Not only that, but my car had been sitting in the sun all day so it was blazing and I had the Honda which takes at least 10 minutes for the air to feel cool. I had a couple of stops to make before going home, so the air finally cooled in the care just before I got home. I felt like my make-up had melted off of my face. I also had a lot of creams and oils on me from the massages and so I felt really sticky. When I made the appointment, I purposely made it on a Friday, so Jon and I could go on a date. Well, that didn't happen. Sophie's friend Elsie turned one on Wednesday, June 29th. Rita had invited us over for Elsie's birthday party, but they were busy Wednesday and Thursday evening, so the party was Friday July 1st. Oh well, I got pampered and dolled up for a one year old birthday party. We had a fun time! Jon made homemade peach ice cream for Elsie's party. Rita actually turned the party into a birthday party/cancer free party for Jon. We found out that week that Jon's tumor is completely gone, which means the cancer is gone. Yay!!! Rita bought Jon a Cookie Monster cookie and the Bluray of The Adjustment Bureau. Thanks Rita for a fun party!

Jon's Cookie Monster cookie and his movie.

The Harpers with the cute birthday girl. She was eating her peas and carrots. I wish Sophie would eat peas and carrots.

The cute birthday girl enjoying her Grover cupcake. Sophie got a Big Bird cupcake, and yes the theme was Sesame Street.

Father's Day

This year was Jon's "first" Father's Day. Sophie was born on June 15th, the Tuesday before Father's Day, so we had Sophie with us for Father's Day but she wasn't officially and legally ours. We celebrated as much as we could staying in a hotel in another state. This year we really got to celebrate and I tried to make it a special day for Jon. He got to share his Father's Day with my dad, who was here visiting. I hope Jon didn't mind because I thought it was special that I got to celebrate with Jon and my dad. This year was a special year for me, because it turned out that I got to spend Mother's Day and Father's Day with each of my parents, because they were out here visiting.

I got up with Sophie and got her fed, then Jon came down and took over so that I could get the meatballs made and in the crock pot before church. Once the meatballs were made I made waffles for breakfast at my dad's request. Jon and my dad then watched Sophie for me while I got ready for church. I made Jon's favorite for dinner, meatballs and mashed potatoes, and we also had salad and for dessert we had the rest of my birthday cake. I offered to make dessert, but we still had half of my Cold Stone Oreo birthday cake, so we had that instead.

I didn't get a picture of Sophie with my dad on Father's Day, but I got these cute pictures of them the day my dad left. It was so much fun having him here with us. The week was a little crazy, but we sure had a great time and Sophie loved having Grandpa Reed here. She was constanly going up to him wanting to give him loves or wanting him to hold her, and of course Grandpa hated every minute of it. I gave my dad a Willow Tree statue of a father with his two girls and it's titled Daddy's Girls. I loved it and thought it would be perfect for my dad. He only has two girls, me and my sister Nicole. I have a brother, but they didn't have a statue of a dad with two girls and a boy.

Good -bye kisses from Grandpa Reed.

Sophie helped Dad unwrap his presents and then she got to play with the bows. Don't you just love the look on her face? I think she was getting ready to put that yummy looking orange bow in her mouth. So tasty!

I made a book about Sophie for Jon. Here Jon and Sophie are looking at all the cute pictures of Sophie from this past year.

We also gave him a Willow Tree statue titled First Dad. It's a dad holding a new baby. I know Sophie isn't much of a baby anymore, but I thought it was perfect. We also got him two new shirts, one at Jon's request a short sleeved white shirt for church. He had also requested some cheese corn from the Karmel Korn in the mall, but the Karmel Korn closed so he didn't get any cheese corn.

Happy Birthday to Me!

I don't have any pictures for this post, but I must share. My dad came out to Minnesota to celebrate Sophie's birthday, my birthday and Father's Day. He was here for nine days and we thoroughly enjoyed having him here with us. I know Sophie loved having him here and he loved being able to spend so much time with Sophie. Unfortunately I had to work three times while he was here. One of the x-ray techs at work decided to quit suddenly and I'm the back up, so of course this all happened the week that my dad was in town. I wasn't too happy about it, but what could I do. I worked Monday, Wednesday afternoon and Friday afternoon which made the week even busier than we'd planned. We celebrated Sophie's birthday on the 15th and then we had a party for her with friends on the 16th. Anyway, the week was very busy, but very fun. By the time we got to my birthday, I was worn out.

My dad got up with Sophie the morning of my birthday, so that I could go for a walk by myself. I've been trying to exercise 6 days a week and most days I end up going for a walk/jog. However, with Jon not feeling well, I usually end up taking Sophie with me. I don't mind it really, it's fun to have her with me, but last week I took her with me everyday but one. By Friday, she was getting tired of our walks. About half way through, she'd start to fuss and get fidgety. So, my dad offered to get up with Sophie so that I could go by myself and enjoy some alone time. It was perfect although it was extremely humid.

After I got back from my walk, I changed clothes and we went to breakfast at ToKen BBQ. I know that sounds weird, but don't worry I didn't have BBQ for breakfast. Tony, a guy in our ward owns the restaurant and though I like the BBQ, I love his breakfast food. Jon invited some of our friends to join us, but everyone was busy that morning. About five minutes after we got to Tony's the Andersons showed up. I was so surprised and excited to see them. It was fun to have them come and join us for breakfast. Thanks Andersons!

By the time we got home, I was full and exhausted. The busy week had finally caught up to me and I was so tired. We put Sophie down for her nap, but she didn't seem to interested in sleeping. Jon brought her downstairs and she got to help me open my birthday presents. I got a Willow Tree figurine from Sophie of a mother sitting on a rock holding her baby. I love it! My parents gave me some boots for this winter and three shirts and a pair of capris. My dad did the clothes shopping and he did an excellent job. He sure has good taste in clothes! Jon gave me a movie and the best gift of all, a gift certificate for a day spa at Aveda Salon. I am so excited! All week I'd been complaining of my back hurting and now I get a one hour massage, a pedicure and manicure, a facial, makeup and hair styled plus lunch. I made my reservation for next Friday, July 1st and boy am I excited. I truly can't wait to be pampered. It's just what the doctor or the hubby ordered. Thanks babe for the wonderful gift. I'm sure I'll feel like a new woman afterwards and hopefully I'll have the energy to continue being a strength to you through this trial.

After opening gifts, I laid down and took a nap. Sophie still wasn't interested in taking a nap, but I got up and put her in bed and she cried for a few minutes and then she was out. It didn't take me too long to fall asleep either, I was exhausted. I got to sleep for two hours and when I woke up I felt so refreshed. Thanks for letting me get some sleep. I really wanted to go to the pool, but the weather just wasn't cooperating, so we ended up going to the pool at the YMCA. When we first put Sophie in the water, she got really scared and nervous. It took her a little while to warm up, but once she did she had a great time.

After swimming, we came home and I showered and relaxed while Dad and Jon fixed dinner. At my request we had marinated chicken, corn on the cob (my favorite) and cantaloupe, a real summer dinner. It was so good and not to difficult to fix. Jon surprised me with an Oreo cake from Coldstone. It was perfect and oh so yummy! After dinner, which we ate after Sophie went to bed, we played a couple of games. I wanted to do something other than sit in front of the TV, so we taught my dad some of our games, and I think he enjoyed them. If not, thanks for being willing to play.

I truly had the most wonderful birthday! All I wanted was to relax and enjoy the day, and that is exactly what I got to do. Thanks Jon and Dad for making my birthday such a special day.

It's a party!

I had to work the afternoon of Sophie's actual birthday, so we had a birthday party for her the next day. We invited some of Sophie's friends (Judsons, Jeffreys, Andersons and Stewarts) and we had a BBQ at Highland Park.

I had a hard time coming up with a theme, but we've been doing a lot with butterflies lately, because that is what Sophie's room has for decorations. I also had a hard time trying to decide if I wanted a cake or cupcakes and finally decided that cupcakes would be much easier. I wanted to make some really cute cupcakes, but the week turned out to be very busy since I had to work three of the five days, so we went simple. I found these cute scrapbooking butterflies and they worked perfectly. My dad made the frosting. It was a cream cheese/cool whip frosting and it tasted so yummy. Thanks Dad for all of your help. Jon had his second PET scan that afternoon, so my dad helped me get things ready for the party. Jon was a little radioactive for the party.

My cute little birthday girl. It is so hard to get a good picture of her these days, she just doesn't hold still. I just loved this dress on her!

I bought some balloons for the party and before I even got them home, two of the balloons popped. It was a hot day and the two balloons touched the sun roof which was extremely hot and they popped instantly. Once I figured out what was causing them to pop, I closed the cover over the sun roof so that the rest of them wouldn't pop before I even got them home.

Sophie absolutely loves to swing. Grandpa pushed Sophie in the swing for awhile and then I noticed that he was sitting on the grass, so I went over to take a turn. The swings were in the sun, so grandpa and I took turns pushing Sophie while the other stood in the shade attempting to cool off. It didn't really work, but at least we weren't in the blazing sun.

Here is a picture of my "happy" birthday girl. For some reason she did not want to sit on the blanket with her friends, so she screamed for every picture. From left to right Wren Stewart, Elsie Anderson, Amelia Judson and Sophie. She looks the "happiest" in this picture, if you don't believe me check out the next picture.

It's her party and she can cry if she wants to, and she did.

Sophie got lots of books from her friends. I was so excited to see this book, because we also had that book when I was growing up. We actually two versions, one in English and one in Spanish. I'm excited to read it to Sophie!

Emma Jeffrey was so sweet, she made Sophie a mini blanket and an apron.

Opening more gifts. She loves the gift the Jeffreys gave her, which was a music box of sorts and it has a little giraffe in the center that spins around. Grandpa got sick of the song after the first two times he heard it. Sophie loves to listen to the music and dance. I don't mind the music too much, but if it starts to get on my nerves, I take it upstairs to Sophie's room so she can only play with it when she's in her room. You've got to love noisy toys!

I love these pictures! Elsie was truly enjoying her cupcake.

And she has the mustache to prove it.

We had a fun time, even though Sophie was a little emotional. Thanks to our friends for coming and helping us celebrate Sophie's first birthday, and for the fun gifts. We missed not having other family with us, but we have amazing friends and it was so good to be able to share Sophie's special day with them.

Happy Birthday Sophie!

I can't believe my baby girl is one. This past year has flown by so quickly. I've really been missing my little baby, but truly enjoying my little toddler. She is so much fun and she makes me laugh every day. She has such a fun personality and she truly makes my life so happy. I couldn't imagine my life without my little Sophie. Happy Birthday baby girl!

Some cute pictures that grandpa took of Sophie while she was still in her pjs. I just love the chubby thighs!

Grandpa Reed and Daddy took Sophie to the park while I was at work. Sophie loves the slide and swings. She got to swing with daddy and grandpa.

My cute birthday girl!

I love the cheesy grin! Grandpa Reed gave Sophie her very own camping chair. She loved it! However, I put her in the chair the next day and she tried to get out and fell on her face with the chair landing on top of her. Ever since then, she hasn't liked her chair as much. I'm sure she'll learn to love it again.

Uncle Nick and Aunt Ashley gave Sophie her own watering can, shovel and rake, so now she can help mommy with the gardening.

Two new outifts from mommy and daddy. They were on sale at Gymboree and I just couldn't pass them up. They will be perfect for this fall.

Playing with her little farm that the Camps gave her. The barn is soft and has four animals inside; a cow, a duck, a pig and a rooster. All four animals have a button that you can push and they make a sound. Sophie loves the duck!

Grandpa and Grandma Reed gave Sophie a pail with a shovel and she absolutely loved it. She stood up and swung her bucket around while trying to sing. What a funny girl!

Sophie with her bucket.

Cute birthday girl with all of her fun toys. She got some tub toys and a one piece summer outfit from Uncle Nick and Aunt Ashley along with a pink hat with brown flowers from her cousin Avery. The hat was Avery's when she was younger and she wanted Sophie to have it. Thanks Avery! She also got some alphabet blocks and a board book from Uncle Scott and Aunt Nicole. From Grandma and Grandpa Reed she got the pail and shovel, a butterfly pillow pet, her camping chair and watering can and tools. We got her the two dresses with sweaters, sidewalk chalk, a big bag of Mega Bloks, a beach towel and some splash balls for the pool and of course two pairs of shoes. What a spoiled little girl!

Grandpa Reed knows how to decorate cakes, so I asked him if he would decorate a mini cake for Sophie. I have a mini bundt cake pan, so we decided to make Sophie a doll cake. It was so warm in the house when my dad decorated the cake, that the frosting melted a little, but Sophie didn't seem to care. I thought the cake turned out so cute! Thanks Dad for decorating the cake.

Sophie getting so excited to eat her cake.

She didn't quite know what to do at first. In fact, she just played with the dolls hair. Jon cut a piece off the cake and gave Sophie a taste. Once she realized it was yummy and she could eat it, she dug right in. I think she ate more frosting than cake.

Oh so yummy!

She dug her fingers into the frosting several times and she'd eat a handful of frosting. Yum! She sure had fun!

You know it was good if it's all down the tummy and on the diaper. It was definitely time for a bath after that birthday cake.

Sophie had a fun first birthday. It was a busy day, but I think she really enjoyed it.

Sophie's New Room

Last year when we found out that we were getting a baby, we bought the furniture for the nursery, painted the walls green and bought Sophie's bedding for her crib. Until last month, that was all that we had done in her room. Finally we had the funds and time to decorate Sophie's room, so here it is.

I've wanted to make a board for all of Sophie's flowers and bows, but never took the time to do it. I wasn't quite sure how to make one, so I found some instructions online and I bought the supplies. It wasn't too difficult, but I did end up burning my finger and it wouldn't stop burning. I was quite pleased with how it all turned out. Thanks Amber for the idea and for calling to help me out.

I ordered several purple butterflies and they are really cute. We never used the quilt for Sophie's crib, so we decided to hang it up. It really adds a lot to the room. The picture frame next to the quilt has a picture of Jon kissing Sophie, Jon and I kissing holding Sophie between us and then a picture of me kissing Sophie. We had the pictures taken last summer when we were in Utah, Sophie was only 6 weeks old. I'm glad we were finally able to hang up some of the cute pictures that we've had taken.

You can kind of see the pictures in the picture.

A friend of ours gave Sophie the big S that is hanging in her room, but it was covered in pink paper. I took the paper off and recovered it with some cute scrapbooking paper that is purple and green and has butterflies. My cute Sophie is playing with her toys.

More photos and butterflies. Our friend Wes, took pictures of Sophie in January. I really wanted some of the pictures in Sophie's room and they look amazing.

Here's my Sophie wall. I love it, and so does Sophie. When we get Sophie up in the morning, she points at her pictures and gets really excited. She loves to look at her pictures. She points at the butterflies too, especially the one hanging from her light.

Sophie's swing that she never really liked. We don't have anywhere to store it and it takes up space in her room, so we'll leave it for now.