Mostly Emma Jane and Maren!

Trip to Disneyland!

2011-09-27T16:55:00.007-06:00

So we took a trip to Disneyland! I haven't been there since I was like 14, and Cameron had never been. It was a surprise to the girls. The morning that we packed up and left we told them we were going to go to a hotel for a vacation. Almost 12 loooong hours later we arrived. It was slightly anti-climatic for me when we told them the surprise, but oh well. We went to Disneyland for 2 days and California Adventure for 1 (the later I was not all that impressed with). We really enjoyed ourselves, especially me and the girls! Unfortunately we were all sick. I got a cold a couple of days before we left and inevitably everyone else got it too. We pushed through the sickness for the princesses though.

It was decorated for Halloween, which was fun!

The girls had little autographs books, Emma didn't care who it was, she wanted to fill that book! Maren says Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty in the cutest way!

My girls pretended they were toys all packaged up!

Rapunzel. Emma was bummed that Pascal wasn't there. Maren loved the flowers in her hair.

We met Belle twice, just our luck with the Princess Fantasy Faire. I am too embarrassed to tell that story on my blog though.

Ariel is both of the girls favorites (at least today). Maren calls her "mermaid."

In front of Small World. This and the Little Mermaid were Maren's favorite ride. Maren did not like Pinocchio and the Snow White one (they are quite scary!) Emma's favorite rides were the Big Thunder Railroad and Splash Mountain. Emma's least favorite was the Matterhorn and The Tower of Terror. She said she did not like it "when her bum came off the seat!"

Okay, so I guess they loved it all! Tinkerbell is always a hit! The girls loved it when she said to them "has anyone ever told you that you look just like me!" They were beaming!

Maren did not like the "shark" however, this little boat ride through the whale was darling.

Pluto. If you know my kids, you know they love dogs!

Quintessential pose in the tea cups. Cam skipped this one (and many others).

Newport Pier. We alternated the park days with relaxing beach days. It was always a little overcast while we were on the beach but we still had fun. The water was cool and Maren hated the water. "It no get me!" But she loved the sand.

Emma became one with the sand. She pretty much just rolled in it for hours. Her car seat still has some sand in it that we can't get out. Nor was the hotel probably pleased with all that sand in the tub.

We had a fun and action packed week! Oddly, I was ready to come home though. Everyone is all better now that we have returned and caught up on sleep, except for me. Sinus infection. We stayed really nice and close to Disneyland and just walked there but by the end of the week our legs were tired! They each got to pick a souvenir. Maren picked a cute Tinkerbell baby doll. She loves babies and now sleeps with her at night. Emma picked a Little Mermaid Polly Pocket thing. I accidentally pulled off her arm the next day and her necklace broke. So Cam, despite how tough he thinks is, is a more of push over than me. We both felt bad about the Ariel toy and so he bought Emma a Jesse doll which she loves and Maren Bullseye the horse from Toy Story. It was a super fun week and I am so grateful we got we the chance to go while the girls could still enjoy the Magic of it all!

Emma, she's getting big!

2011-09-14T14:30:00.006-06:00

So, I can not believe how big my girls are! Emma started at a new preschool this year. She goes three days a week in the afternoon, and so far she, and I, LOVE it! Here she is on the first day! She is funny, she is totally into dresses right now. And Maren wanted in on the action, she has Emma's shorts on! So silly!

Here she is outside the school, she wasn't nervous at all. But her teacher says she is really quiet and shy. Weird?

Here is her teacher, Miss Kelly. She is darling. She is sooo creative.

Here is Emma at her first soccer practice. She is sooo fast! She was way more cautious at the game, I think the clumping together of the kids made her nervous. She didn't want to get kicked.

End of Summer, etc!

2011-09-12T15:22:00.001-06:00

On the 24th of July, Kelly and Jeremiah got hitched. So, the fam made a weekend of the event in Victor, Idaho. We went to Jackson and went to Bar J.

Here is my beautiful baby at the wedding.

The girlies.

Some more exciting news! On Friday 16th miss Jenna Morgan was born! We are so extremely delighted for Aaron and Erica! Emma and Maren couldn't get enough of her. Neither could I!

She is sooo sweet and gorgeous! Aaron and Erica are the cutest parents too!

We also went to good 'ole Bear Lake. We camped and played in the water.

The Little Mermaid.

And here is a cute pic of the cousins doing what cousins do. Being crazy!

Random Summer Catch Up!

2011-07-19T11:56:00.006-06:00

So I have not been as good at blogging as I should be. But here is a random post about some of the recent random summer things we have been up to. The Griffiths came to stay with us while they were here visiting Nana after her surgery. Emma was elated to play dress up and other things with Eliza.

We all went swimming at the Classic Fun Center Waterpark. We had never been there before but it was way fun. Emma finally decided to be brave at the end of day. I would take Maren down the slide on my lap then catch Emma at the bottom! Emma also participated in a dance contest and won some sweet glasses. Maren loved playing in the baby pool and eating a snow cone.

We have had a fun time hanging out with neighbors and friends. This is Emma holding E.

We share a unfenced backyard with cute kids. So, they often play together (sometimes the moms don't even know about it!) It is really hard to get a pic of 4 kiddos while they are eating twinkies!

Maren got a tramp for her 2nd birthday. As you can tell she is not in this pic. She has been really slow to warm up to it but is getting much better. Emma has enjoyed it tremendously.

My girls doing what they do best! Being pretty! Emma and I did Maren's hair with all our bows, she loved it!

Way back in May Emma had a program with her prescool. She did a great job! Here is Emma with her galpal Ashley.

Cabin

2011-07-04T11:50:00.003-06:00

On our annual trip to the cabin, we stayed in this pop up outside the cabin. Emma loved it! She played in there constantly, red cheeks and all! (It got pretty hot in there during the day!) We slept great though, and was nice to kindof have our own space.

Maren and Andrew. Aren't they precious?!

The tramp, one of the kids favorite activities.

The paintballing boys! I should of taken a picture of Cam's battle wound. Nate got him good!

Princess Camp

2011-06-24T11:41:00.002-06:00

Abby invited Emma to attend Princess Camp. It was a glorified dance class with lots of Princess themed activities. They went for 2 hours a day for 5 days. Emma loved it!The gals getting ready for their final day! They did a fabulous performance!

Princesses love snow cones! On this day they had their UP DO's done. I guess Emma's hair was too short, they just gave her one braid.

Emma's first day. Look at the excitement. Maren would have nothing to do with Emma getting in a pretty dress and not her. Maren and I spent some time with Georgia, Drew and Isaac during the camp. Always Fun! Oh a almost forgot to mention the best part. The real Snow White came all the way from Disneyland to have a tea party with the class! I should find a way to scan that pic in! It is PRICELESS!

Camping trip to Yuba Lake

2011-06-20T11:22:00.004-06:00

We took a trip down to Yuba Lake just to get away. Spend some time with our little family. And just chill. We had a nice time. The last night the wind howled and almost blew our tent away (with a sleeping Maren in it!) The next morning was Father's Day. Happy Father's Day Cam, it was pouring rain. I made bacon in the rain and we packed up a wet tent. Other than that though it was a great trip. I love it how the girls can't even fake asleep, look at those grins.

Sweet sisters!

Emma posing next to the lake. The water was so high there wasn't much of a beach to play on but we made due.

Maren turns 2!

2011-06-04T11:15:00.007-06:00

I can not believe my baby is 2! She is such a sweet and funny girl. When I think back over her life I am so impressed with the progress she has made and the smart little one she is now. Maren we love you and are grateful to have your sweet spirit in our home.

Maren got a new camp chair!

Maren is obessed with brushing and playing with hair so we got her a baby Rapunzel to go crazy with! Since then I have braided it because it is out of control so she still just brushes mine all the time!

Emma got to stay up late the night before Maren's birthday to help us decorate! She did a nice job on the basketball hoop. Maren loved all the balloons and streamers so we left them up for about 5 days.

We got Maren an ice cream cake from Coldstone. It was a hit!

My precious girl!

In the afternoon we went swimming at the Pratt. That evening we went bowling as a family.

What a fun day! Happy Birthday Mar Mar!

The Mystery Hair Fiasco!

2011-06-02T23:59:00.007-06:00

So, one morning after a night shift I was resting/drifting in bed. There was a lot of yelling/fighting so, out I came to diffuse the situation. I see little locks of golden hair lying on the TV stand. Hmmm, I thought, that's weird. Later I am looking at Emma's hair. Why is it so short by her ear? Well despite all my tricks she will not admit to cutting her hair. Maren did it she insists. Okay, whatever. My fault leaving children unattended with scissors and all. Make an appointment to even it up so it is not so noticeable. The after picture.

She absolutely LOVES going to see Maryann at the salon! Maren's do it herself hair cut is a bit more random. Some places are right to the scalp!

The after picture! It is hard to stay mad at these cuties when they are so darn cute!

Meet the UNICORN!

2011-04-12T12:19:00.004-06:00

So, this past weekend we went to Carey to celebrate Cam's birthday and see the fam. Cam and his brothers have been talking a long time about the unicorn that lives in Aaron's field. Now, Emma loves unicorns but she also insists that they are not real. Well, her dad and uncles have been telling her otherwise for awhile and this weekend they proved it to her. They painted and decorated Patches and left him out front and when Emma came out she saw a real live unicorn! She believed for about 1/10th of a second. That little stinker was less than enthused. She proceeded to tell them that the horn was made out of paper, and that she could see the tape on it. Then when Aaron asked her about the pink stars and hair she proceeded to point to Aaron fingers that were stained a bit hot pink. She is too smart for her own good.

Maren on the other hand LOVED it! She stood on the couch looking out Grandma's window all day staring at it and pointing and then she would say enthusiastically "CORN!"

It was quite the excitement in Carey. Numerous people halted to stop to stare, some took pictures, others brought their kids out to see it. Several people talked about it at church. It was hilarious! What I realized all weekend long was what a fabulous family we have! They are truly the BEST people ever! My kids love all their aunts and uncles because they are sooooo good at playing with them. Grandma and Grandpa spoil them rotten. Grandma gives marathon 4 wheeler rides, Grandpa is the best story reader. The guys tease and hassle them constantly but they LOVE it, the gals are super sweet to them and play constantly. So, thanks for the great weekend, we love you!

While we were there Cameron turned 34! WOW! Sandy spoiled him with endless bacon, lemon meringue pie, ribs, ham, and orange cake! We ate A LOT! (as always) . We love you sweetie! You are the BEST DAD in the world! Those girls adore you and so do I. Thanks for all your hard work! I LOVE YOU!

Oh, and lastly because I am a nerd. I have recently tried to coupon a bit to save some money. My trip to Walgreens this morning. Stocking up! However, it wasn't nearly as a good deal as what Erica hooked me up with while in Idaho, so I think I will stick to just paying someone else to do it because it is a lot of work!

Hmm, do I dare do this?!

2010-11-03T17:12:00.003-06:00

So, do I dare do this? I am so far behind on my blog and have missed so many important things like; Cam getting a new job, Maren turning one and accomplishing SO MUCH with her physical therapy, Emma turning four and starting preschool, etc, etc, etc. I suppose I will just move forward from here on out. I really don't really like computers, they are naughty for me, I would much rather scrapbook, and I do, and am mostly caught up. However, Mel let me borrow this adorable pumpkin costume for Maren and I promised her I would do a post so she could see it.

So here are my little mermaid and my little pumpkin at a little fall festival we went to!

Another shot of the mermaid before her preschool Halloween performance!

Carving pumpkins?! Whose idea was this, it is not fun, it is messy, dangerous, difficult!

And he thinks I am the "too relaxed" parent? Using knifes with our 4 year old?

Last weekend I went to Milwaukee to visit Katie, Court, Bentley and new tiny but beautiful Lily! I felt like a such a slacker parent to miss Halloween I told Cam he better take lots of pictures for me. Thus I was not able to take pictures on the trip of the baby, their cute town or all the fun things we did; and Cameron took this ONE picture in Idaho the whole 4 days!

By the way I had an excellent trip! It was so much fun to see Katie, you forget how much you miss someone until you are with them and remember how much fun you have together and how much they mean to you. Love you Katie! (and your cute fam) Thanks for everything!

Crazy Cameron, etc.

2010-02-27T10:02:00.006-07:00

Cam snow-shoed to a yurt in Pocatello with his family. He also took Nate along for the ride. This is a picture of Nate and Corbin sledding.

Here is Lee Jay, Cameron and Tyler.

Here is everybody. They had fun, eating, playing games and sledding.

Here is Emma Jane Jane all dressed up!

We are really trying to get Maren to eat more baby food and learn to drink from a sippy. I am excited to wean her at a year! Isn't she getting so BIG!

Okay so here is the funniest picture of the whole post. Cameron is a crazy nut. I will be the first to admit he is good helper around the house, when I ask of course. However, not that my way is the only way, I do feel it is the best way; but Cam has other ideas. Some times I have a lot of housework to do like dishes, vacuuming, laundry and bathrooms, so I might not go all out on each task in order to get them all done, but not Cam. So the other day we went grocery shopping. When we got home Maren needed to nurse and go to sleep. So I asked him to put the groceries away. However, when I got out of Maren's room the grocery bags were of the floor full of groceries but Cam was cleaning out the fridge, not just wiping it down but taking out each shelf and scrubbing it in the sink. Cute I know! But I still had to put away all the groceries! Later I was folding laundry in my room and I asked him to vacuum the living room and I come out to see this!

He had hauled in the ladder, was balancing the vacuum on the ladder and steadying it IN his shirt was dusting the ceiling fan. Now I will admit it was in need of dusting but he is just crazy! So it is good to know that if Cameron was in charge of keeping up the house, one room would be intensely cleaned from top to bottom one day and the rest of the house would be a tornado! Are all guys this weird or just mine?

Our Life!

2010-02-07T21:13:00.006-07:00

So not only am I behind on blogging I am behind on everything! Laundry, cleaning and scrapbooking. I haven't even printed a picture since July. Needless to say Wal-mart's photo dept is gonna get a chunk of cash from me tomorrow. So here is a tid bit here and there of what we have been up to since October!

Maren is now 8 months old and about 18 lbs and 7 oz. She is at that beautiful stage of sitting and playing but not the slightest bit interested in going anywhere. She is very vocal and likes to scream and she also is pretty fair weathered when it comes to baby food.

We had a nice Christmas. It was fun because Emma really got it this year and was all about Santa, his reindeer and NOT being on the "naughty list"

Emma had her first dance recital! Although she didn't do much dancing she sure looked cute.

Here is Santa! (I can never get these darn pics to download in the order I want them too!)

Gingerbread house!

Family pictures at Thanksgiving time.

Emma is such a good big sis!

Cam and Emma had a good time in the snow, that is now all melted, Hooray!

Emma and I got to go to Disney Princess on Ice, she has been way into princesses lately, however she also liked the cotton candy just as much.

I just cannot believe how big my girls are getting. They keep me busy and crazy but I sure do love them!

Halloween!

2009-10-31T21:15:00.001-06:00

Emma was Snow White for Halloween! Doesn't she look beautiful and grown up!

"Mom, don't forget to take a picture of my cape!"

Maren was a little cow, sorry it is upside down, but I don't have the slightest idea how to fix it.

We had a little Halloween party at our house for Emma's friends and preschool buddies, it was super fun!

Photo Shoot!

2009-10-31T21:10:00.000-06:00

Random catch up!

2009-10-31T20:38:00.007-06:00

So, I'm a little late in blogging this, obviously, but can you believe Emma is three! She turned three on September 29th. We went bowling with the Raymond's on her birthday. There is no one she loves more than her cousins!

Cameron and I got her a bike, a princess one no less, however, she is not super stoked about it. Maybe in the spring.

I love this picture because I think she got the most excited about this gift. A fun dip candy in the package from Grandma and Grandpa. So I have learned for next year not to waste my money on big things like bikes just take her to the gas station and buy her candy. Like father like daughter.

We celebarted her birthday also at Nana's house. That is where we sung to her and she got her pink heart cake that she had talked about for months before hand. She also made her own birthday girl crown!

Here are my darling girls in their twiner outfits from Nana. So adorable!

Here is Maren, she is super chunky!

Here is the fam with our pumpkins.

Emma and Bentley playing in the first snow of the year. I hope you all notice Bentley's pink pants and hats, I posted this just for you Court!

Some catching up!

2009-08-13T12:19:00.009-06:00

So, it would be impossible (and very long and boring) to catch up this blog with what we have been doing the last 10 weeks. So, I won't attempt it. But, we have been having fun dispite the sleep deprivation. Maren is such a sweet girl, we love her so much, it is hard to remember life without her. Emma is good too; she has her moments of sassiness but loves being a big sister. She is now potty trained and is going to start dance in a couple of weeks. So, here a just a couple of random pics of over the 300 on our camera.

Emma has been playing with friends. Here is she and Bentley giggling up a storm.

Here is our little family on June 21st on our way to Alex's blessing.

Emma Jane once again pretending she is baby. Look at how gigantic she looks!

Our girls! Emma still hasn't figured out to back up so Maren can actually see her.

Here is Maren at one month old!

The more recent pictures of Maren, and our vacation to the cabin are still on the camera. So, I will save those for another day. But Maren was a whopping 11 pounds 10 ounces at her two month appointment!

Uncle Tyler came home from his mission on July 23rd. Here is him holding Maren for the first time.

The Cook cousins at the airport.

Our New Baby!

2009-06-07T11:01:00.007-06:00

Our little Maren Lynn Cook entered this world on Thursday June 4th, 2009; at 11:21 p.m.

She weighed 7 pounds 8 ounces and was 19 inches long. She is doing great; beautiful as can be, she just has her days and nights a bit mixed up. We have been home from the hospital for a week now, and are just loving having Maren in our family. Emma is the best big sister and is adjusting quite well, I think. I have yet to be alone with the two of them yet for more than a couple of hours though! I am feeling pretty good, unless I have really forgotten how is was last time, the recovery from this c-section has been a lot better. Thanks to all our family, friends and neighbors for your love and support. We are so blessed!

My dear mother and Aunt Kelly, took turns taking care of Emma while we were in the hospital! Thanks guys!

Emma loves to give the baby kisses and hold her (for about 30 seconds)!

Cam has been a rock star through the whole ordeal!

She is such a chunky peanut!

It's about time! (I know!)

2009-04-15T14:31:00.012-06:00

So it has been almost 4 months since I have posted. Why you ask? No fantastic reason other than life, and my life isn't full of totally exciting blog worthy things.

So, new things that have happened?

-Cam turned 32 years old, on April 9th, he is officially on old man, but still super sexy! Oh and I used a sewing maching to make his from the heart birthday gift, a Utes BBQing apron; and baked his favorite, orange cake! So, domestic, huh?! Oh, I guessed I turned 26 in February too, but no pics and what did we do???

-Lee (Cam's dad) had a bit of a health scare. He ended up having a triple bypass surgery in Boise. Cam was able to be there with him for that. Then Cam, Emma and I went to Carey to visit him over Conference weekend. He is doing surprisingly well and was only in the hospital for 5 days and has already gone back part time to work. He is such a blessing in our lives and we are so grateful that everything went well, we love you Lee and continue to keep you in our prayers.

Aunt Kelly pretty much was Emma's personal entertainment all weekend long, thanks Kel!

And of course, Uncle Aaron had to get in his fair share of roughing her up!!

-We had the 15th grandchild born on the Peck side. Alexander Edward Peck, was born on April 7th, he is cute as a peanut.

Emma always says "oh, he's so cute and tiny!" whenever she holds a baby!

Jameson Jay Griffiths (#14) was born in January. Here is Emma visiting him in Vegas.

-I am still pregnant, this pregnancy has been much harder on me and much more filled with pain and discomfort. I currently have my third cold of this pregnancy so far and a nasty cough that feels like Maren is going to pop from my abdomen with every cough. Thus why I am blogging instead of cleaning my house right now. (Allie would have a heart attack if she saw the tornado that went through my house, I probably have like 3 loads of dishes to do, bummer!) I have absolutely no nesting instincts and am totally unprepared for June. Good thing I have a hard working husband!

-Um, I started a new job at Mountain West Medical Center working in their OB unit (Labor and Delivery/Post-Partum) in February, I really like it, however, it is way different than the "U" (I still work there one day a week). That could be its own post in and of itself.

-Cam got a new job at Zions Bank in January and is really liking it and doing quite well, I am really proud of him.

-Emma is in a big girl bed downstairs, she is getting so big and is "so excited for when Maren is big enough to come out of my belly." She also has a cold currently. Her newest thing is to act like she has no idea what you said when you ask her to do something and cocks her head and says "what you said momma?" This gets really annoying when all you have said is "Please put on your shoes" or something else completely simple. She is definetly two and I definetly have less patience since I am prego. Oh, she can now open doors too! She hides in the pantry at least six times a day. She loves to play "Hunt the Belly Wampus" (thanks Griffy's) and hides in the same 3 places, under Maren's crib, in her closet or under a blanket. She can count to 16 and sings her ABC's but not in the right order all the time. She had a fabulous time playing with all her cousins while they were here for Spring Break and it made me realize that I really need to start a playgroup for her.

We went to Wheeler Farm and looked at all the animals.

The cousins! Emma is crying, she had just got dirt thrown in her face by the boys!

Feeding the ducks.

Playing "Ring Around the Rosies"

Looking at the piggies.

Emma always wanted to climb up the fence like the big kids were doing, she needed a little help.

The Childrens' Museum at the Gateway.

-I changed from my snowflake background today but it is snowing outside! I am ready for consistenly good weather.

The first BBQed hot dog of season!

Here are some other random pics of what we have been doing.

Emma's easter present from the Easter Bunny. We didn't take her to church that week, due to her cough. That worked out okay though considering I forgot to get her an Easter dress. Poor thing, her mom is really losing her mind!

Emma absolutely LOVED dying Easter eggs. She hasn't stopped asking to do it again since!Please excuse the snot running down her nose, and don't I just look beautiful???

The End! Hopefully the next post won't need to be a novel. Sorry!

We are officially having a......

2009-01-22T17:17:00.004-07:00

GIRL!!!

We had our ultrasound yesterday and are happy to report we will be having a healthy little girl. We will probably name her Maren Iris Cook. She looked adorable. Emma and Cameron were both able to come and Emma is still convinced that we are "just having a baby." Here are a couple of pics!

A late and long Christmas update!

2009-01-05T17:48:00.009-07:00

Cameron, Emma and I got to go to Carey and be there for the Christmas Eve and Christmas Day festivities for the first time! I finally didn't have to work, yeah! So here are some of our pictures in completely random order ( I still don't know how to get them in the order I want them). Enjoy!

We have a tradition to open new PJ's on Christmas Eve and this year I also enclosed "Twas the Night Before Christmas" book. In my family my dad recites it every Christmas Eve, this was the first Christmas Eve I have missed at my parents house and was a little sad about it. I wanted Emma to know how important traditions are to me and I want to keep this on going with her.

Cam's family puts on the nativity scene with the kids. Emma was suppose to be Mary but refused, not to mention it was like 9:30 p.m. (was past her bedtime!) I love that Aaron was the donkey, and don't ask where Lee Jay's pants are!

Mary and Joseph.

Rachel was a beautiful angel.

Sledding behind the pickup. Emma kept wanting "another turn"

But she definetly preferred to go with dad!

My mom and dad came over to our house the Sunday before to exchange gifts. Emma loves her Nana and Papa. Thanks for everything guys!

Cam and Emma playing in our first snow of the year!

Christmas morning! She LOVES the dollhouse furniture Grandma and Grandpa gave her!

Lee and Sandy's kids gave them a trip to Nauvoo, I hope they are excited, and have fun planning the upcoming trip!

One of the many presents Christmas morning!

This is Terea's gag gift from James. There is actually a beautiful picture of the Bountiful Temple (where they got married!) underneath. Those Cook's they are such jokers.

Emma opening Kelly and Tyrel's gift. She has been playing with those cookie cutters none stop, I am going to have to wash them before we actually use them to make cookies and get all the play-doh off.

Opening her stocking and her "Gymbo" doll.

Okay, I think this pic is so cute! Rachel got a new bike. Don't worry about her face she just had a sledding accident the day before we came, she is all right and was very brave!

Another, less cute, picture of the accident. Poor Rachel!

First morning pic, puffy eyes and all. Corbin, Alyssa and Rachel had to wait for Emma to wake up to open presents, sorry kids!

Her Christmas Eve PJ's, so warm and cozy!

My adorable Emma Jane!

A much needed update!

2008-12-14T20:52:00.011-07:00

Um, so I have been very disenchanted with blogging lately but I suppose I am due for an update. So, Cameron finished our basement right before Thanksgiving, so that the Griffy's could stay with us. It was great fun to have them! Cam did an awesome job downstairs! We love letting Emma play with all her toys down there so they aren't crowding my living room. Emma is also excited about her new pink and green room that she will move into soon enough. We still have a few little odds and ends to finish up, but so far it has been so handy to have that extra guest room; Mel, Mike, Liza, Luke, Sandy, Aaron and Erica have all used it. So anyone else is welcome anytime! Sorry there are no pics, you will just have to come see it for yourself!

We had a great Thanksgiving, we ate at my parents and it was delicious. Emma wore her new shirt that said "I'm gunna be a big sister!" Yep, I'm pregnant! Emma showed her shirt to Nana first and it was super fun to tell everyone together. Then we sent a picture message to all of Cam's fam and it took them a minute to figure it out, but then there were congratulations all around. Allie also announced at dinner she is expecting as well, 19 days before me! So far for 2009 there will be at least 4 new Peck grandchildren!

So, I am 13 weeks and am due on June 19th, we couldn't be happier, we are so ready and so excited for this new burrito!

Okay, so can you believe Christmas is sooooo close! I can't. But it is finally starting to feel like Christmas because we have started doing Christmas things like......

Making and decorating Christmas sugar cookies. Note the Carey Panther yellow and blue.

Thanks to the Funk's for the food coloring, last minute on a Sunday night!

Getting a tree and decorating it! Emma was following Cam around the tree and carrying the lights for him (it was so cute and helpful!) but of course I got out the camera and she stopped.

Putting up Christmas decor!

Building a gingerbread house. Thanks Grandma Sandy! Emma was fascinated and didn't want to stop.

Going to see the Lights on Temple Square, so pretty!

Emma sitting on Santa's lap. She said she wanted "toys".

This holiday season has been, and will be, so much fun with her. She doesn't totally get it all but she does get a lot. Tonight when I laid her down she asked for Christmas songs (instead of the standby "I am a Child of God" "Twinkle" and "Rock a baby"). So I sang "Picture Christmas" "Silent Night" and "Oh, come all ye faithful" She loved them all, she is such a sweety. Merry Christmas!

Happy Halloween!

2008-11-02T15:53:00.004-07:00

Emma sitting on the porch handing out candy to the trick or treaters in our neighborhood.

Cam took Emma trick or treating because I had to work. She was Tinkerbell and had a great time.

Here are our pumpkins! Happy Halloween.

Vegas Baby!

2008-10-30T20:03:00.007-06:00

Emma and I went to Las Vegas to visit my fabulous sisters Allison and Melanie, we got back a couple of weeks ago but I am a little slow to blog it. We had such a fun time! We flew there and Emma did quite well on the plane. On the way to Vegas I had to be patted down at airport security, so retarded, they eventually decided it was the underwire in my bra! We stayed the first two nights and Mel's and the second two at Allie's. They were both so hospitable! It was so much fun to just get to spend time with them and their adorable families, you know, see those cute kids in their own elements. They are all such sweethearts and for the most part they all got along.

Emma loved playing with all the new exciting toys, she was totally entertained. Here are her and Eliza playing princesses.

Hannah taking Emma for a cruise in her Jeep.

The first evening there we went to this Pumpkin Patch by Mel's house. The kids rode rides, played in jump/bounce houses, ate cotton candy, did a straw bale maze, and even took a Pony Ride. Afterwards we went to dinner at In & Out.

Notice how filthy Emma's hands are. Vegas is DIRTY!

On the second day we went to the Springs Preserve and played in the gardens and the playground. We had a picnic, it was fun but I didn't take any pics. Did I mention that both Allie and I had horrible colds during the trip, we weren't really ourselves.

On the third day we went to the "dizzy park" by Allie's house. We walked there and also went to this cute candy store by her house and Emma picked out a gigantic sucker that she took like 10 licks of and then was done.

Hannah getting ready to spin Emma in the "strawberry" (see videos below)

The Nigburs have a Wii, and I had so much fun playing with their Wii Fitness, after I created my own Mii I got wicked good at ski jumping! But I lost everything else but it was still fun.

Emma and Luke just chilling.

Eliza, Emma, Hannah and Nick. So big and cute!

Oh, I forgot to mention the story about losing my wedding ring! I lost it at Mel's house, I left it on my bedside table and when I was packing up it was gone! I was freaking out! We are pretty sure that someone little hands took off with it. We asked all the kids about it but you know the kinds of answers you get from toddlers. We went through the trash, looked everywhere in her house and even checked Luke's poop for it. Finally we gave up and thought maybe later with a clearer head we would have more luck. Well needless to say I was a wreck. But late that night Mel called me while I was playing 4-mation with Keith and Allie and said she found it! It was in a box in the room I was staying in, I was so relieved, and so was she. A Happy Ending Hooray!

On the last night there in good old Vegas, Keith watched the kids while Allie and I went to this new seafood place by her house. Nice guy right! We had a great time, even though Emma only napped 2 out of 4 days and woke up crying in the middle of the night 2 out of 4 nights we still had a fabulous time. Thanks my Vegas-ites for being my best friends, I love ya and miss ya!

Below are some hilarious videos of the kids at the dizzy park. Don't think we are bad parents we were just in need of some entertainment.

Shout out to working moms!

2008-10-04T03:48:00.002-06:00

So, here's a random post. I have been working some extra hours lately at work. I am going to visit my sisters in Vegas soon (Hooray!) and am flying so I am trying to get those tickets paid for, plus I have bought some new clothes (I didn't have very much in my new larger size!) and surprise, surprise we may (Cam would say I) have gone a little overborad with Emma's birthday. Regardless, I have been picking up extra at work.
So, I have always said when people ask me what I do for a living I have said that I am a stay at home mom. Which I think is mostly true. I only work one day a week (12 hours) and Emma is either with my mom or Cam or a combination. I don't feel that she is ever without excellent care. So thanks mom and Cami! However with these extra shifts I have had to work some other things out. I have had help from friends (thanks again Alicia) and from my rocking sister Georgia! Cam has also gone in early several times so he can come home early. Hold on, I promise I have a point.
So, it has been hard. I'm tired, the house is pretty messy, the laundry and dishes are backed up. Plus the worst part is I swear Emma is acting out because she is mad at me and feels a little abandoned. Even when we're home I feel I have lots of other things to do besides just have tea parties constantly.
So, I just wanted to say to working moms and single moms out there, you guys have it rough and I give you props for all you do! Also I want to say that I am so blessed to have so many people around me in my life that are willing to help. I am also so grateful for a husband who works so hard so that I usually only have to work just one day a week. He is so awesome and not only does he work I think that he helps out with Emma a ton more than most dads do, and he does a lot of cooking and helps occasionally with housework. So I am a pretty lucky gal, and just wanted you all to know that.

2 Year Photo Shoot

2008-09-28T20:09:00.007-06:00

We went to the Little Grins Portrait Studio here in Stansbury to get Emma's 2 year old pictures taken. We found it to be very comparable to Kiddie Kandids. She was such a ham that we had a hard time to getting a normal smile out of her, but here are some of the better ones.

Emma's Birthday Party!

2008-09-28T20:08:00.001-06:00

Well Emma's birthday is actually on Monday the 29th, but we decided to have a BBQ on Saturday to celebrate. My family that lives in Utah all came and Cam's mom and sister Kelly came down from Idaho. Plus we had several friends who came. Great fun was had by all. Here are some pics. Emma talking on the phone and eating cake! (Multi-tasking, I wonder where she learned that?)
Nana got her this adorable dress up stuff, this is Emma and our neighbor Ashley playing with it.
Then all the kids wanted in, Carter too?!
Tinkerbell was Emma's favorite, I think she likes the wings.
Aunt Kelly got her this adorable "Diva in Training" apron, so cute!
Emma opening one of her many presents. She got so spoiled rotten, we don't have enough room for all these new toys.
Emma loves Nemo
The birthday girl
Eating some more frosting

Emma loves to paint and she wanted her friends to do it with her.
The kids looked through the swimming pool filled with packing peanuts for treasures.
It made quite the mess! It took Cam a long time to clean it all up. Thanks Erica for helping.
Another present.

And Another.
The End.

Emma Jane Cook

2008-09-28T20:07:00.001-06:00

So tomorrow my baby turns 2!

Two years ago tonight Cameron and I went into the hospital to be induced to have our baby girl. The induction didn't go so well and I had to have an emergency c-section. But luckily at 1:46 p.m. we had a healthy little girl who weighed 6 pounds 13 ounces and was 20 inches long. She was beautiful and we loved her immediately.

She breast fed like a champ right from the beginning. She didn't practically sleep at all the entire 3 days we were in the hospital but she was happy and had lots of visits from friends and family who love her.

We were pretty nervous to take her home. But luckily both of our moms were big helpers.

This is her birth announcement photo. The next few months were quite a blur, I don't remember much. Emma was a pretty colicly baby and had reflux and I had a pretty rough time with some post partum depression. But through it all, everyday that girl made me smile. She is so beautiful and I never knew how much you could love another person. When I told my mom we were pregnant she got me a yellow vinyl board with the words "a child fills a place in your heart you never knew was empty" I still read that plaque several times a day (it is hanging in Emma's room in perfect viewing from the glider) and still marvel everyday at how much I love her and how she truly does fill my heart. I love you Emma Jane Jane, always know that!

Emma growing up!

2008-09-28T20:06:00.001-06:00

Her Blessing Day (December 10th, 2006)

That bouncy seat saved our lives! Thanks Mom!

I loved dressing her up like my little dolly!

Her Christmas dress from Grandma Sandy! So cute!

Cutie Pie!

2008-09-28T20:05:00.001-06:00

To this day she still loves to wear hats!

Her first rice cereal.

Emma loves to be outside.

Her first tent experience, she loves to camp.

Emma Jane Jane

2008-09-28T20:04:00.001-06:00

That girl was a chunk, and such a great eater!

Oh the binkies!

The amount of toys she has has exponentially expanded since that picture.

Her first go round at Gymboree. She couldn't walk yet.

One Year Old!

2008-09-28T20:03:00.001-06:00

Her first birthday!

Chocolate pudding!

Playing in the snow!

Christmas!

2008-09-28T20:02:00.001-06:00

Her second Christmas

Valentine's Day. (I know I would cry too if Cam had given me that ugly bear!)

Say Cheese!

So you get the idea, we love her and she is our everything. It is hard for me to imagine what my life would be like without her, I love her dearly and although I am deeply sad she is getting so big and I am excited for all the new big things to come. I am so awed by the fact that Heavenly Father has entrusted me with this amazingly sweet and smart little girl. And that I have the honor of being her mother. Happy Birthday Emma!

The end of an era!

2008-09-20T05:06:00.003-06:00

Okay so I know it has been a long time since I have posted, but we have been unusually busy lately. Nothing too incredibly exciting, just lots to do. And I also really need to get the internet so I can blog when Emma is napping and Cam is at work, but you know bills equals money. However I wanted to share some exciting news for those of you who haven't heard. Emma is rid of her binky!!!!!!! Cam decided about a little over two weeks ago that it was time. I had picked up an extra shift and wasn't going to be home but he was super brave and did it all by himself. It went surprisingly well. She only fussed for a few minutes. Then a few days later Cam had put her down for a nap (I was at work, again!) and she never really fell asleep she was talking and singing so finally Cam went in to lay her back down, but guess what our silly monkey had done! She had put up her big blanket over the side of her crib so you couldn't see her and when Cam walked over she had a binky in her mouth! Which, when she saw him, she quickly threw out next to the wall! So, apparently she had found a long lost binky wedged between her crib and the wall and was keeping it a secret from us, little stinker! Cam promptly took that one away. Since then she still is doing okay without it, about the same time she came down with a cold and has been a little fussier anyway. The funny (and terribly frustrating) thing is that she will only go down for her naps for me and to bed for Cam. If we switch it up it is lots of crying and lots and reasoning. I can't believe she is getting so big, she is almost 2 you know! I am proud of her for being such a big girl, and proud of Cam for biting the bullet and sticking to his guns, he is a lot braver than me, I have been having anxiety about taking it away since she was three months old, and all the fretting for nothing, it was relatively painless! The End of the long binky novel.

Labor Day Weekend!

2008-09-01T16:13:00.005-06:00

So this Labor Day Weekend we went to Carey, the girls stayed at home and played while the boys went backpacking into Cain Lake. Here are some pictures of our latest adventures.

Emma and Rachel making cookies with their awesome Aunt Kelly! They were big helpers! Emma cracked the eggs, and don't they look cute in Grandma's aprons.

Emma frosting the cookies!
Emma digging in! Of course she wanted to eat the one with purple frosting!

Apparently the fishing was fabulous at Cain Lake.
The crew; Cam, James, Tyrel, Aaron, Corbin and Lee.
The view!

On Saturday we went to the Twin Falls fair. Rachel and Emma had a fun time riding the rides together. Alyssa sneaked on this ride even though she was too tall.

Emma having a stare down with a cow! She loved the petting zoo, just not the petting part, she liked the looking part. We also ate some yummy food and sno cones. It was a way fun weekend, thanks to all the Cook's!

Oh, I almost forgot Sandy made Cook pinochle history, a thousand aces! Unfortunatley I was on the losing team.

My Awesome Sister!

2008-08-21T18:21:00.002-06:00

So, last night my sister Georgia and her kids came by after visiting an old friend in Tooele. We visited and ate some dinner and then she took Emma home with her to spend the night. Her first sleepover! I don't actually remember how it happened but she was relentless, and so was Nate, so I gave in! I packed her bag and away she went, she didn't even care, she waved happily goodbye to us as she backed down the driveway. According to Georgia she slept well and played good with her kids the next morning. Cam and I rented a movie and went and got ice cream, and then I slept in til 10 am the next morning! So, I wanted to thank her publicly on my blog for giving me and Cam and unexpected break! To preface the story I have been having a really hard time with Emma lately; she is throwing tantrums, throwing food, making huge messes and saying "NO!" like every minute. I am a first time mom and really don't know how to handle it all. Georgia knew I had been struggling, especially yesterday, and she is always so thoughtful. But to top it off, today when I went to pick her up, she made me lunch and we had a nice talk while the girls were napping. I didn't get any sure fire solutions to my problems, but I got some good ideas of things to try and more importantly I got the reassurance that anything Emma is doing is not that out of the oridinary and that for the most part I'm doing things okay. So thanks Georgia for always being there and listening and offering moral support, I love you! And if anybody has some more advice with what to do with my almost terrible two daughter who is addicted to TV let me know!
P.S. Emma and Abby played dress up while they were there and Georgia got some adorable pics, I will post them when I get them.

Comments!

2008-08-14T16:52:00.001-06:00

I don't know why it won't let you leave comments. I tried adjusting the settings, did it work?

Island Park

2008-08-13T20:29:00.004-06:00

This past weekend we went to Island Park for the Cook Family Reunion. Tyrel's family has a cabin there that they so graciously let us use. Thanks Wrays! We went four wheeling, tubed the Henry's Fork river, went to the Playmill in West Yellowstone, and went boating on the Island Park resevoir on Aaron and Erica's new boat! Oh and played lots of pinochle. Emma had fun playing with her cousins, aunts and uncles, and grandma and grandpa who spoil her rotten. She took her first boat ride ever and cried when mom and dad went extreme tubing. Sandy has a hilarious video of me doing like eight somersaults over the water when I biff it, I will post it when I get it from her. I wasn't very good at taking pictures but will post some more when I get them. Four Wheeling with Aunt Kelly!
Floating with Dad and eating a ginger snap!
Alyssa makes a great tug boat!
Emma and Rachel had a tea party!

Emma's first Pet, and my poor parenting!

2008-08-13T20:03:00.004-06:00

So I have been meaning to blog this since Emma got her first pet back on July 29th, but I am a little slow, but here is the hilarious story anyway. Cam sometimes takes Emma to the store and he isn't very good about making her stay in the cart and he lets her walk very slowly all around. On this particular day he took her to Wal-mart and decided to show her the aisle with the fish. She loved them and wanted to stay and look at them all day. So a couple of days later I take her to Wal-mart with a mile long grocery list and first she screams that she has to get in the cart and is screaming "walk, Emma walk!" Then after I bribe her with a sucker it is "fish, fish, fish, fish" well I take her to that aisle and make the mistake of letting her get out because of her demands to see them up close. When I tell her it is time to go she throws the tantrum of the century. So guess what her novice mother does. Buys her four fish, two black and two orange, not to mention that they were expecting a shipment the next day so I paid $3.26 per fish because they were out of the 10 cent fish. But I also have to buy food and a bowl. So Emma goes through the rest of the shopping trip happy as clam shaking her fish around in the cart. She reminded me of Darla in Finding Nemo, because after we got them home and into their bowl one of the orange ones died about a hour later from all the trauma. Emma is adorable with them though, she named them "Nemo, Dory, and Crush" and she feeds them every morning and stares at them in their bowl. We love our little persistent and smart girl, she has us wrapped around her little fingers.

Girls Weekend in St. George!

2008-08-13T19:43:00.004-06:00

The first weekend in August me, my mom, and Georgia drove down to St. George and met the Vegas girls, Allison and Melanie for some fun! We ate lots of yummy food, went shopping at the outlets, played in the pool and stayed up way too late chatting. The highlight of the weekend was the Tuacahn theatre; we saw the Sound of Music and Les Miserables. If you haven't ever been there I would suggest going, I have been several times and am always impressed with the performance. I wanted to say thanks to my sisters and my mom, I had so much fun with them and love them all so much. I miss you girls that live in Vegas so much, it always so fun to hang out and so sad when it is time to go our separate ways. I also want to thank Cam for taking time off work for me to go and take such good care of Emma while I was away. I am such a lucky gal!Eating at the Pizza Factory, we're all drinking the essential!

Swimming at the pool, I elected to not post the pictures of the chicken fight!

At the show!

All dressed up for church!

Happy Anniversary!

2008-07-26T22:41:00.003-06:00

So we got married in the Salt Lake Temple on July 27th, 2002. So we just celebrated our 6 year anniversary! We are getting old! Cam surprised with a massage and facial from the millpond spa, it was fabulous and relaxing. Thanks honey! However, it took longer than he had planned because they let you use this eucalyptus steam room and redwood sauna and my massage therapist left me in there for 30 minutes. So after my facial it was 5:50 pm and we had reservations in salt lake at 7pm. Needless to say I was driving home to get ready a little fast, and pulled over by the sheriff going 44 in 25 and not having my license on me! I was thinking, oh my gosh, Cam is going to kill me! But I smoothed talked him and gave him my sob story and got off with a warning! Hooray! I got home at 6:05pm, Cam wasn't pleased, but I showered quickly and went to our romantic dinner with wet hair and did my makeup in the car. We went to the Bambara Restaurant and Cam had filet mignon and I had salmon. It was lovely. Cameron had arranged for my sweet mom to come and stay the night with Emma (also a surprise!) so we spent the night at the Hotel Monaco. It was really nice and we ate Creme Brulee in bed (Ooo La La!) Thanks for a wonderful evening my sweet, sexy and wonderful husband.

So we have been through a lot in six years, here is a look back at our memorable moments. Thanks for being such an amazing husband and father Cami! I look forward to the rest of eternity with you! Love Ya Babe!

July 24th

2008-07-26T22:34:00.005-06:00

So Cameron had the 24th off, so we spent the day playing outside in Emma's pool and playing in the sprinklers. Then we took Emma to see WallE. We got there a little too early so she ended up being restless like 45 minutes into the movie. But overall she did pretty good, thank goodness for popcorn and suckers! It was a cute movie. Then Cam made us some delicious BBQ chicken wings that he flavor injected with Wingers sauce (he got a needle and syringe from Cal-Ranch, he thinks he is Bobby Flay!) He also made some delicious corn on the cob, Emma dug right in! Then we did fireworks with Emma Jane and our neighbors the Wingett's. I kind of thought she would be scared but she loved them (she didn't see any fireworks on the 4th; we were at the cabin)! She really liked the sparklers. Then she went to bed at 10:15 pm, way too late for my little pumpkin. It was a fun day!

Emma really loves corn on the cob! (Must be Nana's girl)
My Silly Chef!

Emma's first sparkler! (Video footage, oh yeah!)

Victor Idaho

2008-07-22T03:48:00.016-06:00

This past weekend we went to Kelly and Tyrel's new house in Victor Idaho. We celebrated Lee's 60th birthday and Erica's 28th birthday. We played lots of pinochle and Rock Band, and went to Bar J Wranglers Chuckwagon. We had a great time hanging out with the Cook clan. Emma was a little stinker and was a little slow to warm up but she loved the park right across the street. I was amazed at how much her physical skills like climbing have improved lately, she did awesome getting around that play structure. We are so grateful for our family, they are the sweetest and kindest bunch around. Thanks Cooks for a fun weekend, we love you!

Our Family in Jackson Hole

Me, Erica and Emma on the train at Bar J's

The Cook Clan at Bar J's

Silly Emma! Putting her hamburger on her head!

Emma jamming out with Rock Band!