Me. . . Matt. . . . and the baby makes 3

10 year ago at this time. . .

2011-11-09T22:15:00.002-07:00

Karen and I started dating 10 years ago at this time. We went on our first date on October 23rd 2001. A rockus Halloween dance at Dixie State in St. George. I remember meeting her a few weeks earlier with my sister Marie and telling my best friend Ben that night that I had met the Girl I was going to marry. He responded in true Ben fashion... Really. . .Wow, that's great. Now that awesome. . .Geez! Now he is married to my little sister and there 1st child is weeks away from baptism. We have moved 7 times in our marriage. Owned 4 cars. I have attended 3 different colleges and changed Career's 3 times. I have gained to much weight and she gets more beautiful everyday. We have seen a scary world get scarier. Share a wonderful little girl, and are enjoying our first home together. Karen turns 30 this year and we have our 10th anniversary next year. We hope to make it a great year. I still consider Karen my best friend and a great example. She so talented and resourceful. She keeps thing moving and makes my life a better place. Most of all I love her more than I can say. Life is not always easy, but I wouldn't want to face the challenges with anyone other then Karen. Just saying. . .

Sunday moments with Daddy

2011-02-17T20:57:00.005-07:00

Matt is giving me 6 minute to get ready for church without interruptions of the two year old. Your are never to manly to paint your little girls nails.

Emma rethinking her choice to have her manicure from an amateur

That thing you Do!

2011-02-17T20:21:00.003-07:00

I don't know what is so comfortable about sitting in porcelain sink but Emma sure thinks its a cozy place. it is the best way for mommy to get her hair done without a wrestling match. I still trying to decide if my child is normal or not for a two year old that is .Normal when it comes to the emotions one minute she happy as a lark singing songs and just like that she is in tears about nothing no initiative or ouwee. Is this a typical female ??? it happens 8 times a day talk about an emotional roller coaster.

2010-10-16T21:50:00.001-06:00

Emma and Her baby Punk

Adjustments

2010-10-16T20:50:00.004-06:00

I promised I would blog before this week is up and so I am within only hours to spare yet I still get points of half a star for making the effort. My mind has been narrating when i would publish on my blog since my day of freedom September 22. Yes that was the day I was officially relieved of my duties of apartment manager. I must admit as must as I have always loved and longed to be a 100% stay at home mother I just don't know what quite to do with my self. Yet . . . I have no desire to start working. Emma has certainly enjoyed all of the attention yet their has bee a change for here to with the lack of little friends always sharing entertainment and fun. I still feel as though I am in a dream. First time in my life I have my own home. My entire life I have never had a permanent house the my family could call their home yet a
"House is where your heart is " I planing on doing a little blog on all the thoughts and picture of my new home.
Another adjustment Emma doesn't sleep in any more. Yes she's my build in alarm clock 7:30 am if I am lucky and if the lord knows I need sleep he answers my prayer by letting her sleep till a little after 8:00. Life has become so simple and I wonder how in the hell did I hold it all together during the months as a apartment manager and part of the primary presidency?????. I have half the duties that are required of me and I am still tired, HHMmmm figure that one out. While still adjusting to a new home lifestyle, neighborhood and ward there are a few things that will be a tradition in our little family. For the third year in a row me, Matt and the baby went to pick pumpkins this morning to me traditions are a small piece fastness in the life of a family if a family can keep a tradition then a family I believe can truly stick together. Though the course of my immediate family it has been the traditions that have reconnected and rekindled our hearts . I recently discovered that I truly Love my brothers.They were little !@#@s when they were young and up till about two years ago. And now I truly long for their presence and friendship. Well enough of the emotional stuff. Here is a tradition that will remain in our family for years to come.

Pictures and Picking Pumpkins

In case ye forget and lose your reward. . .

2010-06-30T21:22:00.003-06:00

OK we are still here. Busy. . . Crazy Busy. Matt has 37 days left in Nursing School, but it seems like 37 years most days. He is gone until 7 or later every weekday. So Emma and Karen are forced to hold down the fort alone. It would help if Karen, wasn't managing 60 other forts at the same time, but such is our life right now. Emma is officially a 2 year old with an attitude to prove it. She is starting to get a curl in her hair and talking up a storm. She goes from complete sentences to nonsense, but hey don't we all. We are starting to look at homes to purchase in all of our spare time, with Karen of course doing most of the work. We are all looking forward to the days when Matt can lead a life void of late night study sessions, and free clinical work hours. Anyways loved ones that's the update. Oh yes in recent news Emma spent the weekend at Primary Children's with a serious case of croup, which is always fun for all involved. She is getting better now and sleep through the night again. Thank you Lord. We will now attach pictures proving are continued presence upon this earth. Oh note we wanted to say that it was great to see Alex Chamberlain randomly at NPS weeks ago. We miss all of our friends and family during this crazy time in our lives.
The following are pictures from Emma's Birthday party. We had a big party with local friends from he neighborhood.

The Birthday Girl.

Karen's Awesome Winnie the Pooh Cake.

Karen the greatest momma on the block.

Tea for Two and Two for Tea

2010-04-12T23:07:00.004-06:00

Easter Sunday
I have always wanted an Easter dress and because of that I tent to go a little over board well I always wind up getting two. Oh well I purchased both of the dresses for les that $17 thank you Ross. Well more than anything else I always wanted to have pretty hair bow and a sister or cousin to have a matching outfit. Well after much reminding and a little prodding I was able to pursued may brother to go pick out an Easter dress for his daughter and I ever so slightly helped him think that his Daughter Grace And Emma should have matching dresses a dream come true. I was so happy I could cry form excitement and joy. There was a minor set back I had to alter one of the dresses to be smaller to fit one of the little girl can you believe it Emma and Grace and only inches apart and Emma definitely outweighs Grace when ever I pick up Grace I feel as though I am going to send her sailing to the moon. I the dresses turned out perfect although some wrestling skills were require and when Emma was final dresses she stood up like a spread eagle like an iguana was wearing an itchy wool sweater. I think I may have a tom boy on my hands. I’ll dress hear up until she really can voice her opinion Mom has got to have a little fun while it lasts. Well I was determined to make this a photographic event. ( I haven’t had many of those lately.) Although I tried to set up the studio and get some cut picture of the too cute girls the best ones happened when they were really playing pretend tea party. Emma was super silly dispite those teeth that just wont come in all the way thats my little girl

Grace did these poses all on her own she is such a silly little doll

Two very cute little girls that are too cute for ther own good

they are so sweet when they aren't fighting

These two started playing just fine untill it became a contest on who had the most dishes

These are definatly little princesses Grace even has her little pink finger curled

Pictures people. . .

2010-04-03T13:24:00.010-06:00

Almost two. . . and I can prove it!

Obsessions

2010-02-13T19:14:00.004-07:00

Happiness Emma has obsessions in life at this point.

Our little Lady loves a good purse.

Baths are Awesome. DUDE

Shoes! She loves shoes. She tries on every pair she can find.

Babies. She owns 4 dolls and is looking to adopt at least 12 more.

Winnie the Pooh.

A few nights ago at 3 a.m. we heard Emma awake in her room. . .

Dad: Hi Emma. What are you doing?

Emma:Hi . . .Jaber Jaber. . . blah. . .blah. . . Winnie ah Pooh.

Mutton Bustin. . .1-15 style!

2009-12-02T19:32:00.005-07:00

Hey everyone this is Matt. I have a hopefully once in a lifetime experience to share with all of you. Over the Thanksgiving holiday, Emma and I went down to visit my family in La Verkin. Karen had to work late Wednesday night and early Friday morning, so she decided to stay home, so that I could spend a little extra time with my family. I missed each other terribly, but I appreciate her sacrifice in letting me see my family a little longer. I got down home Wednesday night, and due to weather concerns decided to come home early Saturday Morning. Karen was sick and home alone as well, and Emma travels better early so she can sleep in the car seat. I left home around 5 a.m. and the trip was uneventful until I got about 5 miles south of Nephi. So let me set the stage for all of you. . . imagine the early morning light with a gray overcast and a gray freeway. I was minding my own and cruising along at 80 mph on Cruise control. I was waiting for radio stations to appear again etc. I go up over a little hill and . . . I SEE SHEEP ON THE FREEWAY. . . not just one or two a whole FREAKING HERD! I was about 50 yards from them at this point and there was not getting around them. I was in shock but didn't have time to compute even a little. I hit my brakes and hoped for the best.

I hit two. The first one met my car broadside right in the middle of the license plate. I was hitting my brakes as hard as was safe, but I bet was was still going 50 mph when I hit her. She turned just before I hit her and gave me a look like one of these Serta Mattress sheep here. She flew back airborne and was dead on impact. I met the second one at almost the same moment around my right headlight. I hit the second one in the hind quarter. In my weird surgical brain I automatically thought about how, the one had severe internal bleeding, and the other had an inoperable pelvic fracture. So the impact slowed me down alot more, and I was able to pull over without clearing out more of the sheep. I got to the side of the freeway, and thought about what had just happened. My first thought. . . HOLY SHEEP! I JUST HIT A HERD OF SHEEP ON 1-15! I checked my rear view and saw a UHP trooper moving the rest of the sheep off the road. I know it could have been a lot worse. . . Emma slept through the entire thing and I didn't swerve off the road and kill us. My car has a shattered bumper, and I have a little tuft of wool stuck in my bumper that I am keeping as a trophy of my kill. I got an accident report from the officer. So I call my insurance. and they tell me that it is my responsibility to pay the deductible. If this was a first time event for the farmer of the sheep. It was of course, who lets their sheep roam the freeway on a daily basis. So. . . Merry Christmas. I went to my uncle Craig's house in Nephi and he helped me duct tape and wire the bumper safe enough to drive home. I think we will wait until after Christmas to fix the stupid thing. Crazy. . . sheep on the freeway.

I'd like an order of sunshine to go with that

2009-11-17T21:50:00.020-07:00

When under stress, or when my sweet Emma has been Whining for hours, or when I am sick and tired of lazy tenants, or I am at the end of of my rope, I always try to picture myself at Laguna Beach.

When I heard I had an inkling of a chance that my daily fantasy was with in the grasp of my fingertips, I leaped at the chance.Even if I had to brave the city of LA by myself I was going to go.

Matt Has been such a hard worker in school and work and is 100%dedicated to doing his best as a result he was offered a stay in a close friends home in Palm Spring. Matt has had three opportunities to go yet with his dedicated perseverance he has been unable to juggle his school and work schedule.

So thanks to my ever loving, hard working. brain squeezing husband of mine who has made it possible for my daughter and I to go to the California.

Some pictures just speak for themselves.

In the beginning of July I took an apartment management position which has been a great blessing to our family yet, I feel the quality time that I had with Emma was lacking and I was determined to make it up to her on this trip. It was so wonderful to be in a place with no distraction or mind sparking need to clean the carpet or fold the laundry. The first day I broke out my camera, which has been so immensely missed along, with blogging and all other creative things that my business has eaten way at. I just had to snap some pictures of my little chick. I still can't believe how much she has grown. This Emma and I taking off on her first airplane ride to Phoenix..... The take off was great and then . . . . it was nap time. lets just say that as a mother you no longer become embarrassed over anything strange smells, screaming children, loud screaming kids, chocolate stuck to you pant due to the granola bar that you r baby finish of or rather didn't finish and did I mention a loud Screaming baby. My brother who was traveling with us said" I have never seen Emma act that way!" Yes this little face my look deceiving but their are sprouting horn bud sat the back of her head that seem to grow at the most in opportune time possible. By then we got off the plane in phoenix Emma had whimpered herself to sleep on uncle Chris's shoulder which did not last for long. We then flew to Long Beach and then rented a car went grocery shopping and ate t In and out burger. We did all this to avoid traffic from LA. My brother Chris did not think this necessary but, I having experiences in L.A. knew spending two hours shopping and dinning is better than two hours in the car with a screaming baby. As soon we hit the freeway Emma was out for the count I had to check on her twice to make sure she was breathing because this was the quietest she had been in eighteen hours

There is my sweet little Girl doesn't she have such a pleasant face when there are no horns.

The weather was absolutely perfect, not too hot not to cold.

Emma was pleased as punch
to be walking bare foot
in mid November

I had to take a picture of Emma and I and not wanting to brother uncle Chris. I set up my timer on my camera and took the picture myself. I love the exquisite magenta flowers. The more I think about, I think I need to move to a sunnier climate.

I keep thinking that spring was just around the corner sadly I was slapped in the face with reality when I flew into snowy Salt Lake.

I had told Chris that I had NO plans to do anything but sit at the pool side and soak up the sunshine. Or as the doctor my percribed Vitamin "D" Therapy.

Feeling pity on my board bother we took a trip to the mall I thought the mall would be allot bigger than the ones in Utah after all the ones in Florida were four stories tall and as big as six football feilds. I must say that malls in California are mindfully of family and children the was a "sweet" , family / changing room where you could change you baby watch sponge Bob nurse or just play with your little one. There were even s heated wipes, talk about cushy.Does California pay higher taxes than Utah???? Doesen't Utah have the largest number in the country for children under the age of eighteen, I say we start a petition . OH yeah I was talking about my vacation.. Anyway this is Emma playing at the mall on some cool foam toys.

We had to take this picture of Emma in the helicopter for uncle Nick

Finally a Cheese from Emma although she still wouldn't look at the camera

Here Is Uncle Chris climbing in to the big rig. Do you think Uncle Chris has a thing for diesel Trucks or what .

Your never to old to be a kid.
Jeffery the Griffie from TOY R US

Here are some pretty "dang" cute Piggies

Emma prancing around with her pretty, polished, pink piggies in her perfect pink polka dot suit

I just couldn't leave with out getting a picture by these beautiful flowers. It was like finding a pearl for me in the bitter beginning of winter

During my trip to California I was able to see an angel...

I thought it was unique for the light to catch a glimmer of Emma's golden hair can you see her halo?

This picture was defiantly a Kodak moment . Emma sharing uncle Chris's BBQ ribs

I Wanted to take a picture of the lovely home we stayed in but. . . the house was too big. It was as though I was staying in a home I toured in the parade of homes in St George . Theather Room and everything

Thousands of wind mills

Wind mill farm between LA and Palm Springs

Emma's First encounter with the ocean and the beach a moment that can not be replicated or replaced Mother and Daughter in hand

Ah finally the Beach. I must say there is something about the beach that give one tranquility. I could have spent my whole visit camping on the beach. I don't know if it is the found memories of childhood or the bright loving sunshine. I also have a confession to make get ready for this one Allreds....

I even love the beach more than Disney Land don't get me wrong I love Disney and Disney movies and Disney stuff, Heck how many peolpe do you know have a disney tree and has painted a dozen disney walls. I just love the calmness of a good day at the beach.

One happy little girl.

There is nothing like sand between your toes.

A beautiful baby with a beautiful back drop.

Th cutest crab on the beach
Emma got a little grumpy after she fell down in the water. . .
I told her she needed to hold my hand. she has become quite the little Miss Independant.

Born free. . .

Livin the dream

interpritive dancing. . . I'm free . . . I'm free

Don't you hate it when you get sand in your pants

Uncle Chris and Emma chilling at the beach

Her is the picture I would like blown up to the size of my front window so I don't have to look at the cold winter snow

My favorite sign

Children are never

more serious

than when at play

-William Shakspeare

Emma slept most of the ride home on the plane ant yes the trip was too short you don't even know how many times I tryed to work out in my mind how I could stay longer.

Pictures people. . . Pictures and a VIDEO!

2009-10-31T22:43:00.009-06:00

Happy Halloween! This is how we served the food at our party. Yummy

Capt. Hook, Peter Pan, and Tinker Bell!

Emma is a little ball of energy. Her most recent adventure is walking backwards! We are not sure why she does this, but she sure gets all excited about it. Here are a lot of pictures. She is a sweet little girl! Happy Fall!

The best of intentions. . . .

2009-10-15T20:45:00.003-06:00

Hey Everyone Matt here. . . you know sometimes even the best laid plans don't turn out the way we want. When Karen and I were married 7 years ago, I wanted to give her everything and I still do. Here we are now 7 years down the road, still trying to make ends meet. I still haven't given her a house. I still haven't taken her to Europe. I still make the same stupid mistakes I always have. Heck, I am still in school for gosh sakes! There are times, I fear that I have failed her. I feel like a failure as a provider. I feel like a night with tarnished armor. I guess, I just feel human. . .all to human. In my eyes, Karen has only gotten more beautiful. She amazes me dailey. I married up. She makes wonderful things out of the simple things she obtains through great effort. She is my greatest inspiration, and my truest friend. She holds the very essence of happiness that is our marriage. This all might sound like a bit much to all of you. I am not in trouble, and we didn't have a fight. I am just being honest. I love her, and most of all I am glad she loves me.

Saying very little, but knowing all that really matters.

2009-09-08T21:09:00.006-06:00

As a child I remember many cold winter mornings, being carried by my father out to our old clunker car in a blanket. We would fake as if we were asleep and he knew it. He would talk to me, and I would always respond in only fake moans and weak "whats?" He would laugh. He put the three of us kids in the back seat (we all fit lying down) and drove us to Grandma's house. He would carry us in and grandma would love us. She didn't just watch us. She loved us. How does a person define the unspeakable impact that the special people make in our lives. To my Grandmother Allred, I was precious. I felt safe, I felt protected, and I was taught by example. Her life was defined by patience and tolerance, with a spark of stubbourn resolve. She fed us at least 100 loaves of hand kneaded wheat bread, with butter, honey, and milk. I remember watching her take the cream off the top of the milk everyday. She would then start kneading bread for hours. She had a way of shaping things into something worth having. She did it over and over again, with love and goodness. She said very little with her mouth, but spoke volumes with her hands. She was the only person I let cut my hair until I was 7, and the only person I let cut my finger and toe nails until I was 5. She had a way of calming me. When she met my long awaited daughter she sat there holding my hand just as she always did and said what she always said. "Oh my precious, Matthew" "I love you", and I already knew. I told her the same, and she already knew. She always taught us to express our love for each other, and it has blessed my life everyday since. Grandma, Do you know how much you make up the best parts of me? You owed us nothing and you gave us all you could. Thanks for coming to Christmas Eve Dinner during my childhood and watching me spill the fruit punch. Thank you for all the socks you gave me for Christmas. Thank you for allowing me to feel great about me. Thank you for allowing me hour upon hour of time to run free through the hills behind your house. There are days, I still go there in my dreams. Thank you for raising my father. I believe that God will make all things right in the end, and I will see you. You will hold my hand and call me your precious. Then we will sit again saying very little but knowing all that really matters.

I love the mounatians, I love the fireside, when all the lights are low

2009-07-23T21:18:00.009-06:00

I know it has been forever and three moons since I have been able to blog but, life is finally back to normal. At least I think so??? I recently took a management position in my apartment complex and I am loving the social aspect of it, but I feel as though my long awaited summer is slipping through my fingers. I had to do something summer so we all when up to Trial Lake up Mirror lake Highway. I really enjoyed myself but also remembered how challenging it is to look after Children in the great outdoors. I couldn't help but think of our honored pioneer mothers who conqueredthe great outdoors everyday. "Blessed honored Pioneer." There is nothing that attracts a child more than water and rocks here is Grandma Jen teaching Emma how to through rocks, and cute Gracie trying to get rid of the rock???? Grace was so cute she loved throwing rocks and making big splashes and sing. But don't try to sing with her she only like to sing a solo.

Here is my lovable, cuddly, whinny little one( come to find out she was Whinnining because her daddy put her diaper on funny and she had a perma wedgie)

Discovering the great Outdoors

The uncontrolable attraction with water (Grace for some reason had to "find a Potty" three times in an hour???) Does the sound of water make you need to pee?

Here is Emma and her Daddy kicking it around the campfire.

Grace and her Daddy

This is Emma testing the boundries of the quilt!

After we had all discoverd our share of the great outdoors the little ones settled down next to the campfire with a good book, and a someone to cuddle. Emma has her uncle wraped around her finger.

Turning one has never been so fun

2009-06-02T12:05:00.021-06:00

Wow I really cant believe how time is a mere blink of the eye, yet it can seem as though some days or weeks will never end. There is one thing I do know is that I cherish ever moment I spend with my smiling chubby cheeked girl. People who look back on there life never wish they would have spent more time watching TV , working on careers, or Internet surfing, they always say how they wished they would have spent more time with the ones they love. Well enough of the sappiness. Emma had a party full of fun. I sent out the invitations with a cute picture inside so that all who were invited would be enticed to see the butterfly beauty. Her is the quick photo shot that I did at my uncle's house. I was able to get a few smiles despite the fact that it was totally bedtime. I must say I am one proud mommy and one pleased photographer (a.k.a. Me)

I know that a one year old doesn't really know what all the excitement is about but my one year old certainly loved all of the attention! And hey, I love to have any reason to have a party, just ask my mother. Emma was so excited to have her favorite Grandpa and Grandma Allred and awsome cousins come form St George for the momentousocassion. It was really a three day party. We had the get together at her grandma Jen's house in Kamas and then we all went swimming one Em's favorite things to do!

Here is the Birthday girl
I have to say that Em's Daddy picked out her birthday dress! super cute!

Hanging with the Awsome cousins

Awww Em's awe struck by the candle (I hope she doesnt become a piro like her daddy)
Emma's was a little confussed on was her daddy gave her a whole cake to eat but once she had a taste or two she was hooked. I hope she didn't get a tummy ache.

"Here Daddy you try some it tastes so much better after I licked it"

Present time !!! I think Em was a sugar over dose and didn;t know quiet what to think but she liked all of the new things to play with especially the paper!

Here is some of the party guests. Em's Second cuz Oakland. Mr Blue Eyes

Em's Friend Rachel she came clear from Idaho ( this is Rachel's Model pose )

And of course the grandparents

Emma would also Marie like to say "de-d0" wich trasanslates to "Thank You" to aunt Marie for coming and Aunt Jan, Cuz Sara and Lacy, Isabella, Isac, Isaiha, KJ, and Olivia, Krystal, Racheal, Grandma and Grandpa Allred and all other fabulouso people who came to party.

Turning One has never been so Fun!

Excuses

2009-06-02T11:54:00.003-06:00

Okay, Okay, it has been like . . . . . forever since I personally have been able to blog here are my list of excuses.
1. I sleep + Emma sleeps = no blogging time
2. My husband is a computer and not to mention a bathroom hog. Every moment that I find that I can blog My hubby is happily playing the keyboard.
3. I don't feel like fighting with my computer.
4. My husband is a computer hog.
5. I feel guilty blogging while my daughter is awake because I feel I should be spending every blissful moment of my attention on her.
5. I just finish directing a play.
6. I am sooo tired that sleepping beauty wouldn't even wake up for a kiss from a young hottie.
7. Oh and did a mention my husband is a computer hog...(J/K I love You honey)

What a year. . .

2009-05-16T22:06:00.004-06:00

A year ago today, Karen and I were headed to the hospital again. It was the second of our visits due to contractions. They ended up sending us home again hours later. We both swore they we would not go again until things got dramatic. Sure enough 5 days later we found ourselves there again. Things were not all that "dramatic" but Karen was running a slight fever and things just felt "funny" so there we were. They put us in a small triage room and took some blood. We both had convinced ourselves that we had overreacted as we waited for the nurse to return and send us home. I will never forget the site of the nurse walking in with the IV tubing. (A red flag for me, having been around long enough to realize the implications) Karen's white blood cell count was very high and her doctor was contacted. A high white blood cell count in the body is a sign of a systemic reaction battling infection. Appendicitis was suspected, and fear set into my heart. I have done at least a hundred Appendectomy's in the OR, but never had I done one on a 37 week pregnant woman. I was certain that it would be done open and they would just take Emma C-section in the process. They started Karen on an antibiotic and waited for the OB and General Surgeon on call to come on consult. I got restless and paced to floor of our newly assigned delivery suite. Karen must have got sick of me pacing, so she sent me away. I went to the OR, to see my friends and with luck find a general surgeon myself. I found one of my favorite doctors and spilled out me story across the table as they surgical team worked away on an appendix case believe it or not. As I was doing so Karen called and said the OB needed to speak with us both right away. I ran back up stairs! The doctor told us that Karen had a Uterine infection that required us to break her water and get the baby out. So minutes later he did so and a long night was started. Karen's water was broken at 10:04 p.m. and she had an epidural 2 1/2 hours later. I pulled out the bed/chair and we watched the American Idol final, and waited. I was still in my surgical scrubs from my trip down to the OR. At 7:00 Karen was ready to push. I called to OR for Karen's doctor to come up, she delayed surgery and came up to deliver our sweet girl as 8:20 a.m. on May 22, 2008. Karen was beyond amazing through out the whole process! Emma was born sick due to the infection, but and we were not able to have her in the room with us. Due to her state we were only able to touch her for 10 minutes every hour in the level 2 nursery. This was awful for Karen and I as we prayed and prayed. Days pasted and she started to gain strength. We will never forget bringing her into our home for the first time. She arrived home still needed IV medications, and weighing 6 lbs even. So small and fragile. We watched her like a hawk. We were all emotionally drained, and we are both so grateful to this day for all of your love during those days after her birth. Time over this past year has consisted of a lot less sleep, a lot more worry, and most of all a lot of joy. Emma is our little princess. She is a happy little content child with a warm spirit that radiates through her clear blue eyes. I would like to thank Karen for being the best mother possible to our little girl. I attribute Emma's Joy to her mother! Happy Birthday my princess. . .Daddy and Mommy love you beyond every tomorrow.

Mind Control

2009-05-05T22:27:00.002-06:00

I am convinced that my child has super hero hearing after dark. I have come to this conclusion because every time I lie down she starts to fuss almost to the second. Are bed is not squeaky, so I think she must hearing a decrease in my respiration rate or something. The sad thing about it all is that it is a trap. . . she baits me. She fains cold or injured to lure me in like a fat kid to a twinkie. Sure enough being one of those kind of kids I take the bait everytime. As soon as I crack the door and she sees me she smiles a smile as if to say. . . HA It is so easy. . . Silly man. . .now come play with me. In reflection, I must admit that I am so scared by her control. Sure her mom controls me but I am used to that. She has tricked me into thinking it was all my idea years ago. I wonder if they have disscussions about it all when I am at work. That would explain why I am the one sent everytime. I bet if I snuck back into our bedroom, I would hear Karen laughing at me a little from beneath the sheets. HA It is so easy. . .etc. OH, wait I must go. . . Emma needs me.

2009-04-16T10:16:00.005-06:00

Here are the ever so adorable pictures of my no so little girl . As I said before I just couldn't pick well . . . Emma couldn't pick which one she liked more.

Here is my happy sunshine girl

Look at this sweet little face

These next pictures I wanted to put make them an heirloom by having Emma wear some antique jewelry that has been passed down for four generations. Emma is wearing a round locket that was my grandmothers on my mothers side of my family and a ring on her left thumb that has a little diamond and the letter "L" for my maiden name and my father side of my family. I remember when I was a little girl I would more than often ask to where my mother's locket with our four family pictures in it. I would always feel so special and privilege to try on the locket I felt that it was even more special because it had been loved by ancestors before me. When I was six or seven my mother passed it down to me as a timeless Christmas gift

I love this little profile

the hunt!

2009-04-15T19:08:00.008-06:00

Pure Bliss

This is Emma and Her Lamby that uncle Chris gave her for Easter

On Easter morning Emma had a little visit from E. Bunny. Of course, she wasn't sure what all the commotion was about but she enjoyed every bit of the attention and excitement. Emma was so lucky to get Two Easter dresses. ( Okay Okay Emma picked them out herself and I just couldn't say no partially because I never had an Easter Dress so I compensated for both of us) You"ll have to check out the coming up blog of Emma all dressed up for Easter. These are pictures of Emma's First Easter Egg hunt.

Emma with her Bed head of hair

ooo I hear some thing good in their

This blog is brought to you by the letter "D"

2009-03-31T18:21:00.005-06:00

Yes, todays blog is brought to by the letter "D" as is in my

Darling. . .
Dearest . . .
Daughter . . .
Delightfully. . .
Dined on . . . the letter
"D"

Yes the letter "D" . I was organizing my scrapbooking supplies in hope that I might see the desk top of my ever so missed crafting table this afternoon, and Emma was delightfully picking through what ever scraps she could find merely only tasting each color she found. Then when my back was turned ever so slightly, she shoved a now drooling, damp, die-cut, of a dusty-blue letter "D" I of course started to retrieve what ever I could get from her mouth but in her rebellion she swallowed all but a tiny scrap of my 2 1/2 inch letter "D". Dagnabit @#*@ I thought well here's to extra fiber in her diet and I though the Dang "D" had taken its course when I could tell it was a little stuck . . . well she wasn't in distress, so what won't come up, must go down with delicous apple juice.

I had to chuckled a little to myself because all I could think of was Seseame Street and Cookie Monster eating the letter "D" which is ever more silly because Emma has to play with her Cookie Monster giggle toy ever time I change her diaper. Today we learned from Seseame Street a lesson we didn't want to learn! "C" is for crazy that's good enough for me! I hope everything goes through Digestive tract Okay

ode to joy

2009-03-12T20:29:00.009-06:00

Do you know this Woman?

My wife is funny, genuine, patient, sincere, and just plain good. I miss her when I am away from the house everyday more than she will ever know. She is such a wonderful mother to our child and friend to me. I am never truly at peace until she is at rest. I love her more everyday. Words are weak to discribe my true gratitude and adoration for her. I will love her beyond every tomorrow. She is my JOY.

Laundry Day!

2009-03-03T21:55:00.003-07:00

Sometimes things pile up, and we are lucky in such times to have such a great little helper! Who else would give us the chance to refold, as often as our little Emma does!
It is a lot harder to try and take pictures of such as active moving target. All the world is a game for our little one at this point. This is her 9 month Teddy Bear picture, compare and see how much our baby has grown.

The cutest little profile in all the world.
The expression on her face reminds us both of her Grandpa Allred. We love you Grandpa!
Emma will always be our little princess.
The Bluest Eyes. . .

New mode of transport!

2009-02-23T21:39:00.005-07:00

So Emma has really done it this time. . .

As you can tell by the footage we have a little crawler now! I know that we are in big trouble now, but hey we are excited for her. Sad in a way, but happy for her she has been so frustrated not getting around! We love our little sunshine!

A Great Meal and a Broken Pony! Happy Birthday!

2009-02-22T20:37:00.005-07:00

We spent Saturday night out on the town in Celebration of Mom Latham's birthday. We had big plans for the night. . . Mom has always loved Ford Mustangs, so we talked to a dealer and set up a test drive. They do not sell a lot of these cars in the winter. (they are rear wheel drive and we are in Salt Lake). So the dealer was gun hoe. We chose the most beautiful car on the lot, a hot red number with a glass roof, hood scoop, and a sweet spoiler. The test drive was a ride to never be forgotten. . . I will tell you about it in a minute. We went to dinner first though.

Mom has always wanted to go the Roof Restaurant downtown near Temple Square in the Joseph Smith Memorial Building. It was a gourmet buffet beyond compare, with breathtaking views and a very calm little Emma. . . by the grace of God alone. The above picture was taken just outside the Roof after dinner. Awesome. It was the best place in Utah to eat with world class deserts that Matt almost single handily at all of.

So back to our test drive. Mom had no clue about the car thing, or she never would have let us do it. We arrived and she was a good sport though, and chose the car she would want. Well the dealer brought us the keys and the engine was dead. "It has been sitting for a long time because of the snow" seemed like a good reason for that. We headed out and let me tell you this car was beautiful on the interior as well. Mom noticed the "check engine light is on" about a block into our trip. dealer . . ."oh um, well it is most likely from the dead battery" "I will shut it off once we get back" So we didn't think to much about it, and got on the freeway. The car beeps at us concerning low fuel. . .Mom says "the fuel light is on" dealer says "oh really well just push the info button and see how far we can go. . . so I push the button and it says zero miles. Dealer says oh bummer we better get back fast exit here, we are a little over a mile away by now. So we exit and get back on the freeway and sure enough we start to sputter run out of gas while exiting by the dealership. At this point the guys says "shift into neutral and don't stop to hard it will slosh the gas away from the tank" We all sat there and wondered why we had to have this lesson on how to run out of gas from this guy, but then it gets better. . . as we stop mom notices the the car is running really hot. . . mom says "I think it is overheating" dealer "no it's not" mom "the gauge says so" dealer "you must be reading the wrong gauge" mom "this is not my first car and I can read a gauge, H for Hot C for Cold!" dealer "silence". So at this point we are half a block away and need to go through one more light making a left turn, as we approach the light it starts to starts to turn red and mom thinks she needs to go right instead of left. . . As we approach the intersection the dealer "turn here, NO not right LEFT, GO THROUGH THIS LIGHT" mom "what oh oh oh". . . So mom ends up half way through in intersection and the car kills (it was a stick). Traffic is coming and we fire it up, as smoke pours out of the new shinny hood from the overheating issue. Dealer . . . "silence". Mom makes a turn into the dealership and parks right away. We make awkward goodbyes and he gives us silly excuses and we drive off laughing. Not a way to sell cars. Still a funny story.

living without a net. . .

2009-02-21T20:42:00.003-07:00

This is Matt again and I am feeling brave tonight. I want to try to get through a small tribute to my Grandma Sperry who past away recently. Grandma was always there for me smiling in the background (just like the picture above). My grandma was more than extraordinary. . . she was amazing. She had style, humor, patience, flar, and warmth. She has played a large part in the person I am today by example and acceptance. I was blessed to live close to my grandma as a child. I remember burning leaves with her in front of her old white house. I remember her sending me out to get the clothes off the line after dark. (she was afraid of the dark until the day she died). I remember running to her house during the summer for sandwiches and the Andy Griffith Show. I remember being sick at school and having her bring me home for Coke from the bottle and slim jim beef jerky. She was my friend, she was my safety net. When my heart was broken, she would tell me how dumb the girl was and how great I was.
Grandma's was always felt like home to me. She made me feel better about myself and where I was going in life. I think about her everyday now, and feel a little bit scared about how things will go on for all of us left behind without her. Maybe she stayed around just long enough until she was sure or Heavenly Father was sure we could fly on our own without her.

One thing is for sure. . . she will always be there for me seen or unseen smiling in the background.
Miss you.

Emma's Grace!

2009-02-20T22:35:00.003-07:00

Emma and Grace have are again the stars of the show. I just think that they are so cute.
Here they are in the fairy woodland motif so popular this winter locally.

ONE PLEASED GRANDMA!
See ya!

It doesn't matter how you are fed, only that you get fed!

2009-02-16T08:56:00.005-07:00

On Thursday February 5th it ws my brothers birthday and Emma and I went up to visit, Emma's Cusion, Grace, just couldn't get enough of Emma and Wanted to be involved in what ever Emma was doing. This was so funny. I had to post the video. It took all of my self control to keep from rolling on the floor and laughing.

It doesn't matter how you are fed, only that you get fed!

2009-02-16T08:56:00.000-07:00

Taquito Bash!

2009-02-15T23:13:00.014-07:00

This post is for you Elder Piglet!

Ever since I can remember my grandfather has been making taquitos. It is a hand crafting art that many are trying to master. The story that I know, is that My grandfather would watch the taquitio vendors on Alvaro Street in California. He would watch intently to make sure that he knew how to perfect to taquito art. From what my mother has told me he used to by more than his hearts desire and pack to them in coolers to bring home to his eight taquito loving children when he moved to Utah he had to find a way to get his "taquito fix" and so once or twice a year Grandpa and with the help of his oldest child would painstakingly roll hundred of taquitos for all to enjoy.
Last Sunday to celebrate my grandfather's birthday we ate taquitos in his honor here are the pictures of our "little" get together. As you can see the children of eight have grown and so has the family!

Here is my mom and Grandpa
getting ready for the bash!
Notice the ever famous guacamole!

Here is all the grand kids that we could round up and they all had to take part of the action of blowing out the candles we had to relight the cake a couple of time because Josh (4 yrs) kept blowing them out before they were all lit.

Bryan kept announcing " this piece of cake has my name on it! this piece of cake has MY name on it!"

Grace is Grandpa taste tester. Just to make sure that it sweet enough.

Emma in a tender moment with her great grandma Saunders

All the cousins hanging out! Robbie on the couch,then Grace, Sara, and Bryan on the floor.And the little entertainer with the maraca is Tyler

The most entertaining part was the little kids of course!

You are never too Old!

2009-02-11T23:16:00.008-07:00

I finally got to sit down and post my pictures of the children's museum a week and a half ago. My little hubby has recently been the one to update the blog (Partially because I think he like being on the computer). I really should been sleeping right now but. . . I slept all afternoon because of the anesthesia but hey that is a story for another day.
Anyway, I have been wanting to go to the children's museum for years now. Yet I thought I should bring some kind of a kid with me to the museum so that I could fit in with the rest of the crowd. I was so excited to find that my cute little nieces and nephews were coming along for the adventure also. It is so fun to see the variety of ages and how they are discovering the wide world around them. I only wish I was a little bit smaller so I could discover and Play with the children without looking like some adult in special Ed.

Here is Emma with all of her blonde headed cousins, You can't tell that they are all related.

Left to Right
Little Leighna, Awesome Addie, Kick'in cool KJ, M&M Emma, and Lovely Livi

These little Blondie's are ready for fun!

Well as soon as the children saw what lay ahead they were off like a bullet well all except the one that couldn't walk yet. Compliments to the chauffeurs AKA - Grandma and Grandpa

We first greeted by a giant contraption that, sucks up balls and send them every which way and spits them out in a huge bin full of balls. It was like the tubes you see at the bank that sucks up the shuttle to go to the bank. The kids loved it. Balls and kids are always a good combination for giggles and smiles.

This is KJ totally amazed that a ball can do that

Full of wonder........

Here is little Leighna trying to get in on some of the action

Livi's turn now

Wow what a rush of air!

Here is Emma and I in the water discover zone! Water seems to have a magnetic pull on children

We were amazed to a little people town full of you guessed Little people this was the farm area

Emma just loved the chicken's
What does a Emma say"Cluck Cluck"
Every time you took a chicken out of the coop they started to cluck

Here is my little Garden Imp

Ogah Chugga Big red Truck

Addie, seems to be having road rage at the moment.
Shaking your fist will never get you any where Addie.

This is a little disturbing.
this place really brought the
kid out in two brothers

Aunt Silvia thinks this rush hour traffic is such a headache

Who knew that Trina and Emma are extreme sport Rock climbers, look at that dare devil rock climbing up side down and with out a harness!

Emma thinks that she'll stay firmly on the ground or in Aunt Silvia arms

Then we went to the birds nest. Emma just loves jumping on all the birdies furniture. This little bird house was too cute we just had to get a picture together

Here is Emma and Aunt Sil cruising on the back of the giant very mild mannered swan.Who knew swans could get that big!

WOW that is the biggest Lego I have ever seen!

This area of the museum was full of discovery! Addi, Leighna, and uncle Jonny figured out how to make paper space ships. It is amazing how much entrainment a coffee filter, fan and a plastic tube will bring.

Grandma and Porter who is wide eye at everything around him

This was by far the coolest thing ever at the children's Museum the was a real live helicopter it even had a radio that relayed to the air tower and it made exact sound like we were all about to take flight. Soon as the kiddies figured out that we weren't going to take flight they were all over the helicopter. It was a treat for the whole family to see what Uncle Nick fly's around in all day.

Here is another daredevil Grandma fly the helicopter with her head out the window and a grandchild in her arms. Silly grandma!

Channel 5 News

This just in. . . . . . .there seems to be a severe case of silliness aproaching the Allred family

All the world is a stage
especially when your under 12!
I was surprised the Miss Marie didn't get on the stage and start reciting Shakespeare.

Leighna in her Final Curtain Call!

Brushed teeth has never been this cute!

2009-02-04T22:06:00.001-07:00

Life is not always easy when you can't walk, talk, or get everything you want all the time! Although, in the midst of all of Emma's woes as a baby she does get to have a lot of firsts! This post will focus on Emma's first time brushing her teeth! When you only have two teeth so far caring for them is very important.

We presented the brush knowing one thing. . .she would put it in her mouth! She did not disappoint and in fact she seemed to rather enjoy the hygienic exercise! To cute. . .So cute. . .oh my gosh look how cute. . .ohaahh. . .Cute! You know you thought all of that.

Now she is really getting in the grove of it all!

Thats right baby girl front and back of gums! We love you Emma Christine!

Fly me to the moon!

2009-01-27T18:37:00.000-07:00

Emma's trip through the Universe

Emma was Ahh struck by the pendulum!

First we had to check the weather to make sure it would be a clear night for lift off. Grandpa and Emma were the experts on the weather.

Emma is getting scared at the whole thought of going into space without grandpa

Here Is Emma and her Daddy at the launching dock

Here is Emma being Sized up for her space suit Do you think it will fit??? 10 ...9...8...7...6...5...4...3...2...1...............

Blast OFF!!!!

First stop

The Big Bright MOON

Emma and Mommy living the life on the moon!

One Small step for man, one smaller step for Emma

Then Emma and Daddy explored the Martian landscape!
TO INFINITY AND BEYOND !!!!!!!

As you can Guess Emma was home in time for her bed time story and dinner at eight. Nothing like a hard days works.

Well I always wanted to be a children's author ( Just Kidding) It all started last Friday Emma her Grandpa and I had some extra time. So while we were downtown and decided to go to planetarium after all it is free entertainment. We were only there for a half an hour but it sure put all of us in Ahh. There was so much to look at much more exciting than the normal four wall that Emma and I see ever day.

Emma and I had so much fun that we decided to go back on Saturday, we took the train down town and every one on the train just adored my Cutie-pa-Tootie.We even ran into ever trusty ever so spiritual BYU Fans (a rarity in Utah Territory) and came to find out we meet a receiver for next year on the Football team.

Matt's random thoughts!

2009-01-24T07:05:00.000-07:00

So this is Matt and I am on assignment to update the blog so. . . here we go! I must say that the music that you now hear on the blog was my sweet idea stolen from my sister Marie, who stole it from someone else. Karen got dibs on the first song you hear but it does remind us both of our cute baby girl. The other songs are mostly chosen by me, but regulated by my sweetheart so that you guys don't have to rock out to hard to my taste in music. I mostly put chill stuff on there anyways until the end, then things pick up a little. So life for us is all about a soft little 8 mth old with 2 brand new bottom teeth, and smiles to spare. She is really a handful for Karen some days but Karen does an amazing job, and a lot of Emma's joy is a result of her sweet mothers love. My joy has a lot to do with that also. Nursing school has started up again for me and I am working 3 -12 hour shifts and 1 -4 hour shift, along with clinicals at another hospital on my free day and a 5 hour lecture on my 4 hour shift day in the morning! Busy that is what I am. Karen is flying solo most of the week until 9 p.m. and I don't always get to see my baby awake during the day. Emma makes sure I get to see her at night though and in some sick way I am glad, but you know how it is we all need more sleep! Emma is wanting to crawl so bad she commando's around across the room.

Karen has given her a toy box and drawer in the kitchen all to herself which she loves. Karen has really makes our home life wonderful for us and Emma and I really appreciate her.
I saw the above picture yesterday and thought about how far we have come since then. Yep, I will be the first to admit I married way up.
Enough said. . .

2009-01-15T21:21:00.000-07:00

Daddy's ( Papa Smurf )first day in his New scrubs For his clinicals in nursing school. Emma is enthralled with her daddy's stethoscope. Matt has 1 down and 4 more semesters to go. We are in it for the long haul.

2009-01-15T18:23:00.000-07:00

Spreading Sunshine!!!

All along her way

Emma has always had a smile that bring joy to everyone. This past weekend we attended Emma's Great grandmother's funeral. Emma made best effort to cheer up all who were around her. He was even laughing her big belly laugh during the services.

Emma and Grandma Allred Sharing Smiles

Hanging out with Grandpa my "cuz" and Aunt "Re"
Livi, Emma's cousin, loving the free life of no pants and four wheel'n

Emma and her great Aunt Mary Lou. sharing her smiles and sunshines

A Child's Smile

by Jennifer M Croy

A poem of your children, that is truly a blessing and gift from God

A child's smile brightens your day, brings joy throughout the day.
To see them laughing with glee, warms the heart in you and me
A child's smile lights up a dark room, and sends away the gloom
When they want to play with us, and give us a hug it shows love from God above
They are our blessing and gift in life, when they are sad or injured, we pick up the pieces, and

wipe each tear away to bring another smile to their face even on a rainy day.
When they grow up and leave the nest, we still bless God for our happiness

Our children is a blessing in life, and without them we would not have a life
Our God above has shown us great love from our children's laughter and smile to all
Ithank God everyday for our children's love, and blessed gift, when we pat their little heads and plant them a kiss.

The Family Christmas Party -

2008-12-28T20:38:00.000-07:00

a short message to Elder " Big J"

Here is all the guy hanging out and holding down the fort.

This is the little boys fighting over the trains. they fought over the trains all night even during the nativity

this is mom reading the "Cajun Night Before Christmas" an all time family tradition who knew that alligators could fly.

Here is the clan making funny looking reindeer

This is a picture of all the cousins writing the missionaries and sending them goodies Thes guy sure look like they could be up to trouble! I wonder what kind of surprises the missionary will find!

The nativity of with the family

You have every animal that came to visit baby jesus even a garaffe and a dalmation.

Emma the little Lamb

The three little yappers

A Message to Elder Latham!

2008-12-28T19:50:00.000-07:00

So this is for Elder Jon Latham in Brazil, and we hope he has a very Merry Christmas! p.s. tease Matt about this and there will be no forgiveness in this life nor the next!

Emma "da ice cube" Allred

2008-12-28T18:47:00.001-07:00

Emma just loves to play with ice cubes!

Gobble Gobble

2008-11-27T20:57:00.000-07:00

Happy Thanksgiving!So are little turkey had here first thanksgiving! Emma has her Halloween costume for next year now so that will be good. We had a good day with Grandma Latham and Uncle Chris! We ate a really nice dinner at Marie Calenders and mom said that is was the most relaxing thanksgiving she has had since she was a child. The food was really yummy and we could have all that we could handle so it was great. No dishes either and that is always good.

After that we came home and watched kong fu panda, and had fun playing with Emma and eating junk food. We had a great time and really needed the break away from work.

Emma loves her bitter biscuits.

Happy Holidays

Krispy Kream

2008-11-27T20:10:00.000-07:00

On our way to to visit grandma it was "a must" for us to stop at Krispy Kream doughnuts. These are the only doughnuts that I will eat.

Doesn't Emma look cute as a krispy kream fan
uhmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!
Now I have a sugar buzzzz

I wasn't planning on giving Emma any but she decided to have a taste for herself. I think she is also a pretty big fan. There is nothing like a doughnut hot out of the oven. it just melt in your mouth.

Over the River and Through the Woods

2008-11-18T21:01:00.000-07:00

So what a weekend we all had. We took Emma on a small trip to visit Matt's Grandmothers' and Mom and Dad in Nephi. Emma was a big hit and enjoyed meeting new family and seeing new places. She is not lacking in love by any means!

Grandpa loves Emma and the feeling is mutual.

Grandma teaching Emma how to kiss!

Emma showing off her skills!

My Grandmas' were always active, but time caught up to them, and we are glad for everyday that they are still with us!

Great Grandma admiring the show! Emma woke up from her nap to a view much cherished and loved by everyone in our large family.

Grandma's Song

Great Grandma's first visit with Emma! Emma looks rather shocked to meet grandma and notice all the family resemblance.

You can see that a great smile runs in the family.
This grandma played a large part Matt's life also and will always hold a special place in his heart. It was especially special for Matt for her to see Emma!

look at that full tummy

2008-11-18T20:45:00.000-07:00

You'd think with that much of a full tummy that you would sleep through the night and not get hungry for a midnight snack. Not Emma! Emma loves pears. Once she starts she wants more and more and more. You can see how full and happy she is though and ask yourself. . . if you were feeding her and she looked at you like the picture below you would feed her more too.

I am a happy Girl!

Whoa. . . did I eat tooo much or what?!!! Did I really need that other jar of pears?

Girls just wannna have fun!

2008-11-18T20:25:00.000-07:00

My friend from Boise called me up and we decided to have a photo shoot of us and our girls it was pretty last minute but I think they turned out cute. I must say these little girls gave everyone a work out trying to get them to look in the right place and to smile on que. It took five adults to acompliish what you see an this blog.

Kiss Me I'm cute!

These are some memories that will last a lifetime I remember when I was a young my BFF and I got our pictures taken together. It was just as fun to do as an adult and I hope that these two little girls will become just as good friend as their mothers.

The little girls were so courious and amazed at each other they poked and pinched at each other I think if I could have video recorded the session it would have supplied some good laughs.

Its always fun when grandma comes.

2008-11-16T21:27:00.000-07:00

Emma and I were very luck to have a visit from her Great Grandma Pilosi, we had been planning this visit for a year. since we found out that I was pregnant. I was a little nervous, in hopes that Emma wouldn't tiered or grumpy but that she would be her happy little smiley self. My wish came true the second my grandmother opened the door to let us into her hotel room Emma worked all her charms using her best smiles and coo's. Grandma couldn't believe that I had such a happy baby. ( I wasn't a very happy baby that is just another thing that Emma has inherited form her daddy). We spent some time at the hotel getting re-aquainted and then we descided to go to lunch at Marie Calenders. Grandma was quite inpressed by thee food and some what dissapointed that there weren't any Marie Calenders out East. Then we went to Deseret book and the Quilted Bear where Grandma purchased a Cherished Teddy for Emma to add to the collection the she statrted me on years ago. Emma was excellent untill the last five minutes of the ride home. Grandma just couldn't believe that she could get that mad and that red so fast. After Emma's nuclear Melt down, Emma fell right to sleep and I was able to show my grandmother my scapbooks from Highs school and my art portfolio. I think we both felt like we had missed out on so much of each other lifes. But no sense in looking back,was time to make new memories so that is just what we did the next day.

This is Emma and her Great Grandma Pilosi

Matt desided that we shoud tryout the new aquarium. It was nothing like the national aquarium that my Grandmother had visited in the past, yet she said that she enjoyed this aquarium more because she didn't have to fight the crowds and because she could get a closer look at all the fish.

This is a picture ao Emma and Daddy stearing the boat watch out don't run into those rocks! This little ride seemed so real I almost wanted to grab on to the side thing when the boat left the(pretend) docks.

This is Emma checking out all the fish she was amazed and stunned. I wondered what she was thinking she after all, she did spend nine months of her life in water.

Hello Mr.Fish!!

This is me and Emma who is sitting on a huge octopus eeek!

Nice octopussy!

Now this was a real creature of the sea! Matt really didi touch this sting rayI thouht that It would feel liek leather but he said it felt slimey eewww. Mat was wet the rest of the day up to his elbows.

After the museun we went to and adventureous lunch where we were able to get the center stage of the diving show. I think that the restruant was alot like Grandma's home Florida. I wonder if it was a little to adventurous??After the restruant we desided to make a memory at build a bear here they are picking out a bear.

Here is Great Grandma kissing the heart to put in the bear for so it will be filled with love for Emma.
Here is Emma Crying because the stuffing Machinne scared her to death when it started to fill her bear up. Silly Emma, it is only fluff.

This is the bear when it was finish being stuffed and sewn up. Emma liked much better. On the bears gift certificate grandma named the bear Honey.

That was all for our visit with Grandma I think we wore her rightout. We sure had fun and made a whole bunch of fun memories, to last a life time.

The curse of a creative mind

2008-11-12T23:50:00.000-07:00

Here I am midnight, and I am exhausted, and all I could think about today was going to sleep for the night yet here I am. The second I lay down my mind begins to turn. Recently I have been thinking of the christmas gifts that I will be giving my loved ones this year. It will hopefully be a great sucess, and I know it will take a lot of work but, the out come will be awsome. I have just spent the evening and the last two weeks gathering supplies. . . for the creation of my seceret gift. In a nutshell creative juices are still flowing like a flash flood and fit to be tied because of the late hours. My creative juices are some what a frozen and concentrated.

Cutest Pumpkin in the Patch!

2008-11-01T18:35:00.000-06:00

Last October Matt and I passed this pumpkin patch often, and thoughts of kodak moments with our little one crowded our minds. We planned that next year we would bring little Allred to go pick our family pumpkin. Matt surprised us by coming home from school early. I think he was just excited as I was to go pumpkin picking. It is so much more fun than picking one from a box.

Finding the perfect pumpkin.

We searched far and wide for the perfect pumpkin and perfect picture

It's called a what? How silly! Why is it so orange!

Cheese!!!!

Pumpkin Posers!

Matt picked a papa sized pumpkin

Emma thinks that this could be the one

Yeah!!!

I though that this was the cutest pumpkin in the patch!!

Last year Matt and I enter the pumpkin carving contest at his work in hopes that we would win the prize, it was close last year we got second place. This year. . . . . We received first!!!! And a Fifty dollar gift card. Here is a picture of the winning pumpkin!

Photo Shoot

Friday I decided to do a photo shoot of Emma and her Pumpkin I must say that she is quite photogenic, and I have too brag. . the photographer did a pretty good job!

Peace Love Candy!

Happy Halloween!!!

2008-10-31T17:45:00.000-06:00

Trick Or Treat!!!

Emma pick piglet to be her halloween costume in honor of her uncle in Brazil because Elder Latham translated into Pourtoguese as Piglet!

Emma actually adores Winnie the Pooh and Piglet too she laughs and giggles when she watches Winnie the Pooh and the blustery Day. She espcially loves the part with tigger and the Elfilumps and Woosels Emma was in quite a mood maybe she should have been better as a grouchy lion although these picture she is quit pleasent looking

This Costume what given to us from our good friends Krystal and Cynthia. I wish there were more holidays we could dress up there are just too many cute choices

Grace (my Neice)dressed as A die hard BYU fan

Grandma Jen,Grace and Emma

Grace couldn't get enough of Emma, she keep trying to share here candy with her

Witch's night out!

2008-10-24T21:51:00.000-06:00

Last Friday, we girls had planned to go to Gardner village with my aunt and all of our cousins. It was quite a warm festive site. I was ecstatic to get out of the house Emma and I had been sick all week and haven't done much. We are actuallyare on week two of our illness. Anyway this was a much needed night out we musthave been at the village for three of four hours. We saw all the witches twice! I would have gotten pictures but my camera sucks batteries like they are going out of style.

The Three Witches

I was so glad to have my mom come along, Matt was held up in a surgical case and it was great to have the help. Not that I couldn't have pryed my mom away from Emma. My mother is so funny she calls Emma "Her Baby."

Grandma treasuring HER Emma

Emma Chillin' in her stroller

She had so much fun taking in all the excitment and people (it was packed like a mall at Christmas.)

This is a picture of all my crazy cute cousins

After Gardner Villiage we picked up some Papa Murphy's and we all met at my uncle house to indulge in the feast. Matt met us at my uncles house and he just couldn't seem to get enough of Emma and I know she missed her Daddy.

LOOK what came out in the wash!

2008-10-18T20:37:00.000-06:00

Two weeks ago our very dear friend past away. . . We didn't know if our lives would be the same. . . until we realized we could buy a new friend. . . a dryer that is! That's right our ancient GE dryer died due to loss of a heating element and poor health insurance. I actually felt quite attached to the sorry old thing, but thanks to Home Depot we have another addition to our household. Emma shared in our excitement.

Look what came out in the wash!

This is snuggley soft!

Are my nails clean now or what!

( No Emma's were dryed in the making of these pictures!)

Everyone thinks we are strange for taking these pictures, but they are stinking cute and the pictures are unique plus the dryer was never on so chill!

Fall in the Canyon

2008-10-05T20:34:00.000-06:00

I had heard from a friend that the canyon was at its peak in the turning of the leaves, so I decided to see for myself. At first, I thought there wasn't much change but as we (my super cute family-Matt, Emma, and Grandma) climbed higher in the canyon we were greeted by the most beautiful Autumn splendor. We oohhh and ahhhed at all the bright red berries, the terrific orange oak leaves and flaming yellow aspen trees. It rained the night before so the forest was carpeted soft oranges and yellows.

Well being the scrapbooker that I am dressed my little family in Autumn attire. My husband who is so cute hated dressing like a "preppy" but hey, we have some pretty cute pictures to make a memory by. . . We wished we would have remembered extra batteries for the camera!

Fall Folley

Matt and Emma

Emma and I

Discovering the fall colors

Emma loves her Grandma!

2008-10-01T21:03:00.000-06:00

Emma laughin' it up!

Well things are going pretty well for all of us here. Matt is still doing really well in school and Emma is growing up more everyday. She had her four month doctors appointment and we got all of her statistics. She is 26 inches long, which is in the 97th percentile for her age, and she weighs 15.5 lbs which is in the 87th percentile. Matt and I are both really enjoying our sweet little girl, and she is full of smiles and fun! We can all feel the fall approaching and long for the cool weather, but Matt is dreading waiting for his buses in the snow again this winter. I am dreading being trapped inside all day more than I normally am.

2008-09-23T16:41:00.001-06:00

Emma VS The BYU Game

2008-09-23T15:08:00.000-06:00

Lavell Edwards Stadium

VS
Emma

We were lucky enough to have two tickets given to us to the sold out BYU game. Matt was especially excited (the football fanatic that he is). I on the other hand thought it could be fun, and could be even more Fun, if I made the event idyllic for my scrapbook. So I decked Emma all out, in full proper BYU attire. I wanted to make her to be a cheerleader but grandma said "there is no way my granddaughter will be a cheerleader." So she is a very cute football player. I took pictures before the game that were "stink'n cute" but the smarty pants that I am, I forgot to put the memory card in. I'll find some way to get those pics off my camera. For the mean time these will have to do.

Emma before the game with her cute head band (her hair looked better than mine that day)

Matt and Emma the die hard BYU fans

I even put a cute little sign on her cute little bottom that said "Cowboys Stink"(the opposing team).We were afraid that the weather was going to be rainy, but we roasted in the sun instead. Matt was so wonderful at covering the baby with sunscreen that he forgot to put some on himself he was glowing a pretty tomato pink or shall I say medium-rare, at the end of the day.

The Game......
There was so much excitement in the air and the crowd was ecstatic Emma was terrific till the ROTC set off the cannon and then. . . she came unglued. I couldn't really hear her screaming because of all the noise, but I knew she was ticked. Finally after a few minutes under the bleachers she went to sleep and I was able to watch the first quarter of the game. Then the sun started to beat down and Emma started to turn all red. So back under the bleachers again, after she cooled down a bit I we tried to go out to the stadium but, because BYU has such a kicking cool team this year the team made a touch down every five minutes which meant that the cannon went off ever five minutes.

Matt , Emma, and Karen outside the stadium

To make a long story short Emma and I ended up on the grass outside of the stadium reading books. Emma loved it and we both got smiles from passer-bys at the adorable sight of mother and daughter enjoying a good book. BYU won the game but Emma won my heart and my attention that day. We spent the rest of the weekend and Monday recovering from the big game. Whewwww the funny thing is I thought Matt wanted to take Emma to the game and he thought that I wanted to take her to the game. We love our daughter but next time she'll be at a lovely place called the babysitters when the next game comes around. It will be less traumatic for all of us.

After the Game

2008-09-18T17:16:00.002-06:00

2008-09-18T17:16:00.000-06:00

Emma, after her bath @ Grandma's on Sunday

Her eyes match the towel !

For all those out there who thought that we we forgot to up date our postings, well we haven't, I just don't think my life is all that interesting. Well mine isn't but Emma's life is! She did the funniest thing this morning. I put her in her swing for her morning nap, and I went in the other room to also take a nap and when I came out to check on her she was kinda hanging out the side I'll have to snap some pics next time. She is used to sleeping on her side, so I think she was trying to get to that position while strapped into her swing. Some good news!!! Matt has passed all his tests in his pathophysiology and pharmacology, but finds it very distracting with a super cute little girl around. Adding to Matt's already full plate, is the fact that he is the scout leader for our ward (perfect calling for a really big kid). Emma, is defiantly developing a little personality, today I tried twice to get a good picture of her but she had her own ideas of what she wanted to do. She definitely is not a sleepy newborn anymore. She is getting so BIG! Here are some pictures of when she was a month and a half and today, almost four months old. Some little bit of excitement for me was a service auction, I attended last night. I auctioned off an oil painting art class. Hopefully, I was able to get a few people interested in my art classes so I can start an art group.

Emma at a month and a halfEmma todayEmma's Bear Impression

2008-09-13T21:26:00.000-06:00

Let the Games Begin!

Ummm.....What is this mushy stuff

Grandma watch this video

ewwwwwwww this tastes like a mixture of rice and plastic

being a baby is not easy

2008-09-13T17:21:00.000-06:00

Well what a great few days, on the 11th we all went to the State Fair, we thought we were not sure that we would be going because of the cold rain and Emma's had twenty minute melt down. Talk about raw nerves, It was her second melt down of the day. You would think Emma was being brutally tortured every time we put her in her car seat. The little stink quits screaming the second she is out of the seat. Talk about a royal Princess fit. She is still my little sweety though, in spite of her fits. She was totally fascinated with all the lights on the carnival rides and visiting the prize winning bunnies. I devoured the art and crafts and did my own critiquing over the fine arts. My goal is to put one of my pieces of art in the State Fair before I die. I am curious to see how well I could do. The fine arts display was a motivator, and It inspires me to get painting again. I think it has been six months since I have painted and I am missing it terribly. I would like to start an art group some day too . . wishes and dreams.

Yesterday, Emma and I recovered from her melt downs (I honestly think that she screamed herself hoarse, she had nothing left) We went to visit her second cousins, and she loved all the attention. She especially love making conversation with Nathan who is her same size at six months old! Emma, also had he first encounter with rice cereal . . . I'll post some pics or her silly expressions later, you'd think we were feeding her escargot left overs. Well the cereal seems to stick with her longer so she did not wake up till 4:30 this morning. Today she just chilled with dad, who was a saint and cleaned the house and did the laundry (five stars for Matt!) I worked with my mom at the good old post office. I like working for the post office, but talk about monotony, the best part is getting to be outside. I am so excited that the leaves are already changing color on the mountainside. I scored on some yard sales and had fun sharing conversations with my mom/boss.

Here is some terrific news! BYU won 59 to 0 over UCLA talk about a butt whipping! Matt was a little nervous about the game but, as Matt would say "the righteous will prevail!" (he he he ha ha ha) the perfect ending to a Saturday.

2008-09-11T16:16:00.000-06:00

It will be so much fun to try out and hopefull my brother in another country will enjoy seeing this blog to! Unfortunately I am not very computer savy (or as the the comcast guy calls me) so this has taken me two hours to do so. . . . untill later