thirty never looked so good

Today is Josh's 30th birthday.  Last year I thought I would be sweeping him off to some adventurous, fun weekend and instead we made dinner at home, returned books to the library, and had family home evening. (The adventure vacation is coming in May with a brother surf trip to Panama).  I want him to feel special today. I have always been amazed what he has accomplished in is (young) life.  Here are just 30 of your amazing accomplishments (in no particular order...silly/serious all thrown together).
1.  Noah
2.  Clara
3.  Rowan
4.  Won two bikes for running 300+ miles is grade school
5.  Learned to Surf (even got a nickname Utah in the waters of Santa Cruz)
6.  Served a fultime mission to Italy
7.  Can speak Italian
8.  Bought/owned some beautiful cars and 5 beautiful homes that you worked hard on and for
9.  Owner of a successful business
10. Successfully switched door openings on the washer and dryer
11. Finished a triatholon (Oops, duathalon for the scouts in santa cruz)
12. First in family to graduate HS
13. Climbed the Great Wall of China
14. Learned to make amazing salsa, and the best creamy white sauce
15. Built your own guitar
16. Performed live in California and Utah
17. Wrote your own music
18. Took three of your family members back to Italy
19. Married in the Temple FOREVER to your laura kate
20. Passed all levels of that ridiculous war game on your phone
21. Taught yourself to swim at a somewhat advanced age
22. Supported your brother on his mission
23. Inducted into Pearl Jam superfandome (kind of made up but you would be if there was one)
24. Reads more books in a year that most (at least me) in a lifetime
25. Can tidy a house in 15 minutes
26. Successfully grew ringlets
27. Mastered the art of grilling steaks
28. Can eat an entire box of Sandies cookies and only have a six pack to show for it. (grrrr!)
29. Won a nationwide essay contest for a soda company ($7000 prize)
30.  Is able to be happy where he is at while still driven in his future goals.

i love you. can't wait to be there for the next 30.

ode to clara jane 2

clara is two.
I love her.

I love her squeals
-the pitter patter of her feet on the hardwood floors to let you know where she is and that she runs everywhere
-the sweet intonation and lilt in her voice even when she she says ah, huh
-how she follows noah and chases scout
-the way she tucks herself in my bed to watch a movie
-her love of mimi's (princesses) especially ariel and that she believes she is one too
-that she still burrows herself into me when she is shy.
-her big fawn eyes, soft kisses and hugs
-her fearless since of adventure, and that she not afraid to get dirty, infact she likes it
-the tenderness she shows to her dollies, animals, and sometimes baby sister
-the way she melts her daddy's heart
My little girl. I don't want her growing up too fast just because she's a big sister (could be why I haven't given any thought to putting an end to her binky or bottle). Looking forward to and praying for "terrific two's". I already feel like time is rushing by, let's slow things down a little, I don't want to miss a minute of these precious years.

best buddies

There's nothing like being homebound for six weeks to make family relations even closer.  Clara and Noah have become the best of friends, compadres, and more often then not partners in crime.  I am so happy to have them entertain each other while I am feeding Rowan (which seems to be nonstop).

looking for leprechauns

building forts

playing puppies

using the material they picked out to make baby blankets for the united way as capes

making up songs at the piano

disclaimer: Noah does have other clothes without camo, but since November it is a daily struggle to have him wear anything else...just picking my "battles".

Three's Company

The transition is going well. :)

 

It is really sweet how Rowan can curl up and snuggle in.

  She is starting to show some personality

Rowan Abigail Stika

February 9, 2010

8 pounds 20 inches

After much worry, anticipation, and prayers baby Rowan was born healthy,  beautiful, and without complication. What a blessing!! I was induced 10 days early because of the pulmonary embolisms and I think the timing was perfect, since she was larger than my other two babies.  I  found out Rowan means "little red."  We thought it an appropriate name  if we had a third redhead. 

Josh had the joy of naming her, and we waited until meeting her for the final decision.

 

I came home to this beautiful Valentines Day creation from Grandma Stika. 

(This is minus a tray of beautiful chocolates that were too tempting for the kids.)

Clara and Noah were watched over by Grandma Sanders and Aunt Becky. It seems like they had a great time.

Noah has been really sweet and tender to Rowan.  Poor Clara has been quarantined with RSV, so she hasn't been able to visit with her baby sister. Still, she has been good about sharing Mommy's time

still here.

Big, uncomfortable, tired but excited for the upcoming events.  I'd love to say that the following pictures are the nursery for baby #3  but they are of Clara's room that I am just finishing up.  I picked up the number cards at a cute shop at Sundance when we went on the Alpine Loop outing in the fall and instantly had a vision of how I'd use them in her room. (I wish my follow through had been as instant...3 months later.)  As for new baby, I've cleared room in my closet for her clothes, changing station, etc.  With our new house layout I felt keeping her close trumped cute nursery of her own.   The favorite movie line "nobody puts baby in a corner" comes to mind, however this somebody's putting baby in the closet (at least for now). 

Who says horizontal stripes aren't flattering? Yikes,  I know I will regret posting this one.

clara's room

'tis the season for...

Angels Singing,

bells ringing,

trains rides,

cousins nativity,

snow angels,

love,

almond roca,

games,

lights,

and special gifts.

What an beautiful, Christmas season filled with family, love, music and magic!