My First Attempt at Knitting...

I have been interested in knitting for a while now, but I never took the time to learn...until now! I always looked at knitting as a mystery. It was so intimidating to me. I have crocheted for many years but making the jump to knitting seemed too hard.

As part of my anniversary gift, Matt bought me a knitting book. As I looked through the pages and saw all of the really cool patterns and projects, I got really excited. That week I went to Kamille's in Gardner Village and signed up for a Beginning Knitting class. I waited with anticipation because the class was a month away from the time I signed up.



The time finally arrived. My sister-in-law Tifani joined me as we learned how to knit a scarf. I was so proud of myself when I got it done. I know that it is a really simple pattern...but it amazed me that my project did not have any holes and was the same width the entire length of the scarf.


I have to say that I am totally hooked...and kinda embarrassed that I did not learn sooner.

Babies got a new pair of shoes...

Or should I say two new pairs of shoes!


My mom, Elizabeth and I spent the day together. We began the day with Elizabeth's 15 month check-up. She is doing great and is getting bigger! She weighed in at 19 pounds 7 ounces, which is the 7th percentile. Still a little to small for a forward-facing car seat but we'll be able to turn her around soon. We also found out that she is 29 3/4 inches tall, which is the 27th percentile. Tall and skinny...she must be taking after her mom (ha, ha, ha).


She got a couple of shots and handled them as well as expected. She was upset for a couple of minutes but nothing that mom and grandma couldn't fix with some hugs and kisses.

The doctor seemed surprised by how well Elizabeth could walk and run. He mentioned that she has amazing balance for her age. At one point, she even picked up a toy that was across the room and carried it back to me. I swear, the toy was as big as she is...it was so funny to see her carrying it.


Elizabeth amazes me everyday. She is able to do something new and gets more adorable every single day. She is not a baby anymore...you can tell that she is a toddler now. She is so independent and wants to do everything by herself.

Right now, she is obsessed with blowing "kissies". She does it all the time. She will blow "kissies" to anyone and anything. It is so adorable. She loves to walk around in my parent's backyard because there are a bunch of animal statues that she can blow "kissies" to. I will try to take and post a video of it soon.

At this point, Elizabeth is not talking much but she loves to sign. She knows how to sign "more", "please", "milk", and "bye-bye". We will be working on more signs soon. She also knows where her toes, feet, shoes and head are. Right now I am trying to teach her where her nose is. Little by little we will get it all!


Anyway...after Elizabeth's appointment we went shoe shopping. We wanted to get Elizabeth some Pedipeds and found out that they were available at the Quilted Bear. I was surprised to find that they had quite a selection. While I was sorting through all of the options, my mom and Elizabeth went exploring in the store. A couple of moments later I heard a squeaking noise and looked up to find Elizabeth standing there...wearing a pair of "Wee Squeak" shoes. She was so excited. Everytime she took a step...she got this look of amazement on her face. Once she realized that she could control the squeaking, she was running full-steam ahead. We could not keep up with her. It was the cutest thing to see her so happy! After a while, she just stood in place and stomped her feet. If anyone is interested, the Wee Squeak Web Site is http://www.wesqueak.net.

We were only planning on buying one pair of shoes that day, but we fell in love with the "squeaky" shoes and HAD to get them. So thanks to my mom...Elizabeth is the proud owner of two new pairs of shoes...Is she spoiled or what!

My Tender-Hearted Girl...

Elizabeth is the sweetest, most patient, kind little girl that I have ever seen. She amazes me every day. She is really good at sharing and it seems that she really cares about people. As I think back, I can recall numerous times where Elizabeth has displayed a tender-heart and total concern for another. I pray that she will continue to develop this gift. She is an example to me of loving kindness and I would love for her to continue to think of others before herself.

Last week, we were at Gymboree for her Play & Learn class. One of her classmate fell and bumped his head and began to cry. Elizabeth immediately dropped her toys, ran across the room to go and check on him. She rubbed his head and had a concerned look on his face. When he did not stop crying, she went to get him a toy. It was the sweetest thing!

Again, a couple of nights ago, Karla was watching Elizabeth. When I arrived to pick her up, I could hear Elizabeth crying while I was still outside. I went inside to discover that she was having sympathy tears. Apparently, Kena did not want to go to bed and every time she cried, Elizabeth would cry too. When she heard Kena cry, she would get a concerned look on her face, point up to Kena's bedroom, and would start crying. It broke my little heart to see tears running down Elizabeth's cheeks, but at the same time, I was overwhelmed with the concern that she demonstrated. She is such a blessing in my life and I know that she will be a blessing in many other lives...especially if she continues her tender-hearted ways!

We finally meet Jayden...

I was so excited to find out that Samantha was going to bring Jayden to the Freebairn Family Fourth of July BBQ. I have wanted to hold him since he was born. I love new little babies. They are so sweet and snuggly.














I cannot believe that Jayden is already one week old.











I love this photograph of Jayden and Me. It felt so good to hold him. I cannot believe that Elizabeth was ever this small. You don't realize how big your little one has gotten until you hold a brand new baby.


This is one of the sweetest pictures I have ever seen. I love how Samantha and Jayden are snuggling. You can tell that Samantha really loves Jayden, and that Jayden feels totally at ease in his mommy's arms.


Here is Jayden with his daddy. I love seeing fathers and sons together. In this photograph, Jayden looks so small up next to his daddy's arm.


This photograph of Aunt Melanie, Samantha, and Jayden makes my heart so happy. I love the look in Aunt Melanie's eye. You can tell that she is going to be a wonderful grandma. Jayden is one lucky little guy.


Last but not least, here is a photograph of Samantha's new little family. I wish them the best. Guys, if you ever need anything...we are always here for you!

Happy Fourth of July!

Oh! Where to begin...Matt, Elizabeth, and I had a great day. It was full of family, food, and fun! You cannot get any better than that.








We started out the day with a Ward Breakfast with the whole Freebairn Family. It was held at Karla and Kelly's Stake Center, and it was delicious. There was a ton of food and a lot of people attended. It was beautiful weather too!


After the breakfast, we played in the park before heading to Karla and Kelly's House to watch the annual Rancho Vista parade. I love this little parade. It lasts for all of five minutes...but it absolutely adorable. All of the neighborhood children decorate their bikes, scooters, skateboards, etc. and head down Rancho Vista Lane towards the Fassio Egg Farm Park for Popsicles. This year was the 20th annual parade. It is such a great tradition. I would love to get a little wagon and walk with Elizabeth in next years parade.


One we got Elizabeth and Kate down for their naps...Karla, Tifani, Kena and I went shopping at Gardner Village. It was great to get out together and enjoy the sunshine. Tifani and I signed up for a few classes at Kamille's. I am so excited because we are going to learn how to make some really cool things!

While we were gone, Kelly set up the "Freebairn Family Water Park". Seriously...Kelly and Karla should start charging admission for the backyard water park that they have going. They would make a fortune!

The girls had so much fun playing with all of the toys. This was Elizabeth's first time "swimming"...and she absolutely loved it. Elizabeth got to wear her swimsuit and Little Swimmers diapers. It was so great to see her out there having a ball. She was splashing and laughing. She thought that it was the coolest thing ever!


I loved seeing Elizabeth with her cousins. Kena and Kate are the sweetest girls. Elizabeth could not have been blessed with better cousins. They share their toys, be extra careful around her, and include her in everything that they are doing. I hope that they will continue to be good friends in the future because seeing them together makes my heart so happy!

Elizabeth loves her cousin Kena. Kena is such a great cousin because she watches out for and helps Elizabeth, she shares her toys and treats, and she loves to play. If you ever want to know where Elizabeth is...just look for Kena. Elizabeth is constantly following Kena around. She wants to do everything that Kena does. It is the cutest thing!


Here is me and my beautiful baby girl. I love my little sweet pea. She makes me so happy...especially when she leaves her hat on! Elizabeth decided a couple of months ago that she wants nothing to do with headbands or hats. It broke my little heart because I loved seeing her all "girly". Well, for one day a couple of weeks ago...and then again today... she wore a hat! Maybe, just maybe, she is over taking them off and I can have my girly girl back!


If setting up a water park was not enough, Kelly also was the official cook. He bbq'd hamburgers, hot dogs, and chicken. I cannot image how hot he must have been. It was 100 degrees outside when you weren't next to a hot grill. Kelly...thanks for all of your hard work. It was a really great day!


Here is Adam, Grandma Great, Grandpa Great, and Aunt Betty.


We ended the night with fireworks. Matt's cousin Jordan was the official fireworks lighter, and he did a great job. It was fun for me to see how times have changed. In the past, Matt's Uncle Jared would help Adam and Matt light the fireworks. Then Adam and Matt would co-light the fireworks alone. Then Adam and Matt would help Jordan and Samantha light the fireworks. This year Jordan and Samantha co-lite the fireworks alone. It is great to see the "torch" be passed from generation to generation.


I tell you...Kelly and Karla sure know how to throw a party. I look forward to the fourth of July every year because Karla and Kelly put so much effort into making it a wonderful day. I will forever hold dear the memories that were made this year!