I just have to say . . . . . . . .

That it is a good thing I like cleaning up potty messes or this whole potty training thing would be such a chore. :) *wink * wink*

Green Day . . . . . .

Yes - the band. I heard "When I Come Around" on the radio a couple of days ago and *BAM*, I was flooded with a million high school memories! It was so funny. Just had to give a shoutout to any high school friends that have a special place in their heart for Green Day or anybody else of that 90's era! :)

It's Going to be a GREAT Year!

I can feel it! Ever since the new year (yesterday), I have really been contemplating my life. I know, 2 whole days of deep thinking? Where did that come from? Anyway, I have just been thinking about how blessed we are. We took a chance on moving to this area and ended up in an amazing neighborhood and ward. We've met some great friends and acquaintances and it's going to make 2009 so fun! Also, Randy started a new job in September, which he liked, but didn't love. 2 weeks after that he got a NEW job that has been SUCH an amazing blessing. (Figures. You search and search for a job and when you get an offer, you end up getting TWO!) He likes it, which makes him happy, which makes me happy, which makes ALL of us happy! He has had some great success because he is such a hard worker and I really see him starting a rewarding career. Or at least it will be a stepping stone to a rewarding career. You never know with my risk taking husband. :) In 2009 my baby girl will turn 3. THREE! I CANNOT believe it! I've heard my mom say that it's the "Terrible Twos and the Trusting Threes." I don't know exactly what that means, but "Trusting" sounds a heck of a lot better than "Terrible." Here's to hoping! Ava is SUCH a sweetheart and I love her so much. She tries my patience (See Resolutions below), but with her attitude and stubbornness comes intelligence, perseverance, and kindness. Lastly, in 2009 we will have our second child! I am SO excited and SO nervous to have two kids. Some days I look at Ava and think, "She will absolutely adore her little brother." Other days I get terrified about dealing with my "persistent" 2 year old and a newborn. I know what you're all thinking, people do it every day. That really doesn't make me any less nervous, but I am beyond excited to meet our little man. So, as New Years goes, I have come up with a few resolutions:

1- Gain Weight - Ha Ha. That one's pretty much a given.
2- Get a 3 month Supply of Food Storage. (Of course, after I figure out exactly WHAT a 3 month supply of Food Storage is).
3- Be more patient. All the way around. With my daughter, my husband, everybody. My favorite saying is that life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it. I SO believe it.
4- Do something fun with our master bedroom. We lived in our townhome for 3 years and I NEVER got around to decorating our master bedroom. When we moved here a year ago I said that the master bedroom was NOT going to be the last room that I take care of. Well, I've painted nearly every room in the house, but our room remains a clean slate. *sigh* (Of course, this can only happen after I do the nursery, which LITERALLY makes our room the last room to get attention) Anyway . . . . .
5- My last, but most important, resolution is to focus on my testimony. This includes scripture reading, being absolutely, completely 100% prepared to teach Gospel Doctrine every other Sunday, praying, and teaching my daughter. I am so surprised at how quickly Ava took everything in around the Holidays involving Jesus. He is, by far, her very favorite person to pick out in pictures or on tv. My goal is to become like Ava in this sense, or like a little child. :)

What are your resolutions?

Blog to Book?

Who's done this? I'd like to print my blog into a book or journal and was planning on using blurb.com, but after downloading everything, I realized it doesn't work with blogger. Has anybody done this or do you have any info for me? Thanks so much!

Christmas Fun . . . . . . . . .

We had a WONDERFUL Christmas! We spent Christmas in Nephi and then had a Cuff family party the following Saturday. It was so great to spend time with family. Ava was SOOOO spoiled and loved every minute of it. We tried not to mention Santa Clause coming on Christmas Eve because frankly, the idea of the big, bearded man coming into our house in the middle of the night scared Ava to death. After opening her presents on Christmas morning, she decided that, yes, she did like Santa, but still didn't want to be near him. :) We are so blessed to have such wonderful family and friends around us.
Dora Pajamas . . . . . . .

Princess Shoes - Possibly her very favorite present. She likes to wear them, but LOVES to line them up!

New Blocks - More fun stuff to line up . . . . .

Thomas the Train . . . . .

Miss Ava was so spoiled for Christmas!

Ava and her Uncle Robert . . . .

Her beautiful painted nails. This was the first time. She loved it, but then wanted it off. I think she thought she couldn't use her hands since we wouldn't let her touch anything for a while. :)

Ava and her papa

The BEAUTIFUL picture Randy surprised me with. I got so lucky with my husband! What a way to stay focused on Christ year round.

I love this girl!

Ava and her daddy playing blocks.

Tinkerbell Slumber Set . . . .

Bowling the Day after Christmas . . . .


Yes, that's my sisters, my mom, and the Michelin Man.


The Cuff Christmas Party

The Thomas Train Ava got from her cousin Jaden. It has a real whistle that you blow and it stops and goes. SOOOO cute!

Opening Presents from Grandma and Grandpa Cuff . . .


Pictures with Grandma Shirley


Ava and her cute cousins


Me and the love of my life . . .