My Little White Dress

Most of us girls will have 3 white dresses in our lifetime: Blessing, Baptism, and Wedding. Each dress is special for different reasons. Karlee was lucky enough to have a Sealing/Blessing dress. On Saturday, Karlee got to wear the first little white dress, and she looked beautiful. Thank you Grandma Laurel for the dress, she looked so beautiful on her special day. After the temple her daddy gave her a beautiful blessing. We are so excited that she is part of our family, and we love her so much.

Here are a few pictures of Karlee's little white dress.

For Time and All Eternity

Our Eternal Family

On Saturday, August 23, 2008. We entered the Salt Lake City Temple to be sealed as a family for Time and All Eternity. This was such an amazing experience. I had been to many marriage sealings, but never had I been to a family sealing, and to have our sealing be the first, was priceless. This was such an emotional day. At the temple we were treated so wonderfully, just like the day we were married, the works! (the brides room and all). As we walked into the sealing room... there gathered, were both our families - what an amazing sight that was. I was so overcome with emotion as I thought about the long road that we have been on to get our sweet Karlee, and each person present at the temple that day had shared moments with us in Karlee's adoption.

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The sealing was beautiful. As we waited for the temple workers to bring in our precious Karlee, I sat and thought that, just maybe I had done something right in my life to be blessed so much. To be chosen to help bring one of Our Heavenly Fathers children, our little Karlee, into the world and to give her an opportunity to be brought up in his true and ever-lasting gospel. How blessed I am and how trusting is my Heavenly Father! When Karlee was brought into the room, and placed her on the alter, all I could do was cry (yes again). I was so happy! There I was with Rob, my eternal companion, and Karlee, our little miracle, in the Temple of the Lord to be sealed for Time and All Eternity. How great is that. I am so grateful for Temples and the powerful work that is performed inside their walls. My testimony of this gospel has been strengthened so much by our special adoption experience, of which I am eternally grateful. I am grateful for a loving birthmother who, I believe, was inspired to do the right thing for herself, and as a result has given Rob and I our miracle. I am grateful for adoption. My Heavenly Father has heard my prayers and I am so grateful for the many many blessings that he has blessed me with.

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After the sealing we took pictures outside on the temple grounds. The day couldn't have been more perfect, and Karlee did so good. All of our pictures were taken by my sister Monica, and she did a phenomenal job. Thank you, Thank you! Like I said we had so much family support there at the temple, and it meant so much to us. Thank you all so much! I also want to thank many of our friends who live outside of Utah. We feel so blessed to have you as friends. We have felt your thoughts and prayers on our special day. We love and miss you all terribly.

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Here are some pictures taken on our special day.

What a Happy Family!

Our Parents: our rock through it all.

Our super supportive family! --Thank You!!!

Our Little Family - August 23, 2008

Karlee and Mom! I love love love her

Karlee loves her daddy!

We just can't get enough of our little Karlee.

Our cute Miracle - Karlee

My 100th Post!

I saw this on one of my friends blogs a while back and thought it was a cute thing to do. But never thought that I would ever make it to 100 postings, so never thought I would do it. But looky looky I have 100 posts this year. Crazy. Didn't think I had that much going on in my life. I am so blessed and so thankful for so many things... Anyhow here it goes: (not in any particular order)

1. Rob, my best friend (Mr. Sunshine)
2. My darling Karlee
3. My Family
4. Nieces and Nephews (they are all so darn cute)
5. College education
6. Temples
7. Adoption
8. Karlee's birthmom
9. Disposable diapers and wipes - how did my mom do it with 5 kids - yuck!
10. Growing up in a small town in Page AZ
11. Friends (past and present)
12. Utah Mountains
13. Cherry Coke and Diet Coke
14. Cameras (for bloggin ofcourse)
15. Card Games: Trumph
16. Flowers: Tulips are my fav.
17. Mission to El Salvador
18. Gummy worms
19. Smell of Rain
20. My religion
21. Water bottles
22. Michigan Summers
23. Sonic 1/2 price drinks - Strawberry Slush is my favorite.
24. Lake Powell
25. Organization - making lists
26. My birthday on a fun holiday (april 1)
27. Arizona's Beauty
28. A good movie - usually a comedy
29. Holding a newborn baby
30. Reading
31. Reality shows - Survivor is my fav.
32. Flip Flops
33. Cell phones
34. Internet (how did the pioneers do it)
35. Theatrical productions
36. Karlee's smile
37. Taking pictures of people
38. Country music
39. LDS church history sites
40. Traveling
41. Michigan lakes
42. Kentucky rolling hills
43. Journals
44. Great examples in my life
45. Band-Aids
46. Sherbet (any flavor)
47. Karlee's Laugh
48. Great Morning walks with Karlee
49. Donating Plasma - helping to save lives
50. My physical body (not necessarily the shape of it.)
51. Yummy foods
52. Good Books
53. My mom (beautiful inside and out)
54. Cooking
55. Sewing Talent from my mom
56. My Freedom
57. Mexican Food
58. Disney Cartoons
59. Camping in the mountains
60. The Grand Canyon
61. Binkies
62. Low Rent
63. Hardworking husband
64. Costco Free Samples
65. Visiting Teaching
66. Baby Formula
67. Fresh Fruit
68. Diversity in life
69. The United States of America
70. Food storage (my mom's)
71. Computers
72. My dad - he is probably the best listener that I know
73. Sunday afternoon naps
74. Family History
75. Rob's laughter when playing with Karlee
76. Doing service for others
77. The smell of clean clothes
78. Digital photography (no more film, means lots more pictures)
79. My ward in Kentucky
80. Working with the youth at church
81. Recently vaccumed room
82. Email
83. Roof over my families heads
84. My long road trip with my sister Kaye (Navuoo, Kirtland, Canada=))
85. Laughing with my family
86. Grandparents
87. Mexico Beach Memories made with family
88. Graeters ice cream - probably a good thing its not in Utah
89. Not having to spend $$ to have a good time
90. Being able to fall asleep almost anywhere
91. Life lessons - at least trying to figure out: Why?
92. Understanding Life Lessons
93. A good Cry
94. Family Reunions
95. Outdoor adventures whatever they may be
96. A good nights rest
97. Quiet moments
98. Temple marriage

99. Test & Trials

100. Taking/making time to count my blessings

My life is pretty darn good!

Temple Sealing Announcement

So here is Karlee's Temple Sealing announcement. I had so much fun making it. I have to laugh because it looks so formal, so wedding-ish. Oh well I am happy with how it turned out. The temple sealing is going to small and intimate with close family members. We chose to do our sealing up north in the Salt Lake City temple, because it is where Rob and I were married. I am usually not so sentimental, but I think that it will be super special.

Can you see the resemblance?

Having some fun with our camera today. Karlee probably thinks I'm such a dork! oh well, what ya gonna do. Karlee is at the stage where she loves to look at her self in the mirror. I am sure she doesn't have a clue that its her, but I think she likes what she sees. Can't say that I blame her! I think that we have finally determined her eye color: Beautiful Brown! (like me) and then she has the cutest dipple on her right cheek (just like her daddy). So I guess she does look like us, bits and pieces.

Say Cheese!

Karlee is so darn cute!! Love Love Love her.

Just two girls hangin out at home.

Karlee's Adoption is Finalized

Karlee Renee Weston!!!

Today we went to the 5th Judicial District Court to make Karlee's adoption final. It was a wonderful experience, it didn't last too long, probably 20-25 minutes at most. We were there with our case worker Ben Erwin, and our lawyer Jeffrey C. Wilcox. Our judge was Judge Eric A. Ludlow, and he was really great. He told us that doing court adoption cases make his job worth all the tough days. He told us that he spends 95% of his time in the court room breaking families apart. So to be able to be part of our adoption today was a highlight of his job duties. I thought that I wouldn't get emotional but while the judge was speaking, my eyes began to tear up. We have been so excited for this day to come. And to have had so many trials along the way to has made them all worth it. Karlee is finally and legally ours. We are so blessed to have her in our home.

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My friend Natalie Evans said this on her blog when they adopted their little daughter... You go to the courthouse to make a family legal and then you get to go to the temple to make a family for eternity. We already have our temple sealing date scheduled for August 23rd in the Salt Lake City Temple. We can't wait and are so excited to make Karlee ours for time and all eternity!

Just after the adoption was finalized with the judge.

Here we stand infront of the Courthouse with Ben our case worker.

8 years and counting

Today is Rob and my 8th wedding anniversary. Hooray us! August 11, 2000, I married my best friend, in the Salt Lake City Temple. Rob is someone that knows me and still loves me. That in itself is a hard thing to do. Rob is such a wonderful person, and tries so hard at all he does. We have been through so much and I think that we are much closer because of the experiences that we have had. We have been able to live in 3 wonderful states and have been able to meet so many wonderful people who have helped to shape us into the people that we are. Rob is such a great guy. Rob works so hard for our family. He works hard to take care of our little family. Thanks for making the last 8 years so worth the present.

Our Long Weekend, Long Post

Sit back and relax this is a really long post...

We took a long weekend last week, and had a great time. We headed up north to visit family. We were really looking forward to this weekend. We were going to head up to Bear Lake for Raspberry days. On Thursday we went and did a few errands that needed to get done, including getting Karlee a Temple dress for her sealing *hooray!!!*. We went with Laurel (Rob's mom) to her classroom. She is in a new school, so she gets to have all new supplies, and equipment. We used Rob's muscles to move the heavy equipment. They even have a big carpet of the United States. So we thought this would be a cute photo opt.

Karlee and me just above Kentucky and Tennessee* (*where Karlee was born)

Karlee checking Utah out. Home Sweet Home!

Hanging out at Grandma Laurel's house

On Friday, David (Rob's brother) had knee surgery and so we hung around town. We went over to visit with my sister Monica and her family. Rob and Matt went golfing, and I am sure they had a ball. Paige was out riding her bike and came back with her hands full. She had been picking up Rollie Pollies (aka Potato Bugs) and thought they were the greatest. This sure brought back memories.

Paige with her Rollie Pollie Friends.

Friday night we headed out for Bear Lake. We made a dinner stop at Maddux's up near Logan. Robs family loves this place, and whenever they can they make a meal stop. It was very good. Rob had their buffalo burger, while I had their chicken fingers. We both had their homemade Rootbeer which was delicious.

Karlee just woke up from the car ride. It takes a few minutes...

Bear Lake 2008

View from the upper deck looking out at North Beach

Oh how beautiful the lake looks

While up at Bear Lake we went to the famous Raspberry Days, which was a fun day. We had a good time. We walked around the vendors and looked at all the fun stuff that they have there being sold. I got lots of ideas of things that I want to make and decorate with. I know I know I probably should have purchased them, instead of stealing the idea. But oh well, Rob was happy - more $$ in his checkbook for now. Grandma Laurel bought Karlee a cute crochet headband with a pretty pink flower to go on top.

Such a Cutie!!!

We went and visited Rob's grandma Weston. She is 85 years old and looks great. Rob was really excited to show his little Karlee off.

Great Grandma Weston and Karlee.

This weekend was a lot of fun. We can't wait until next year. It was so fun to get up to Bear Lake, spend time relaxing and enjoy time with family. Here are some pic's of Karlee's cousins. Bo Daniel and Cody (Holly's kids)

Bo Daniel -10 months

Cody - 2 years old

Rob and Karlee out on Dan's new lawn mower.

Again thanks for letting us come up to Bear Lake. It was so much fun. Can't wait until next time

Let the Games Begin!!!

Let the games begin. I am pretty excited to have the Summer Olympics to watch. I think that the summer games are my favorite. There are just so many sports that I enjoy playing as well as watching. I think the Olympic games are so inspirational. Where do you find so many athletes that have worked their whole lives, have sacrificed so many things to get to the point that they are able to go and compete for their country. This is just so exciting. We are headed up to Bear Lake with Robs family this weekend so we are taping the Opening Ceremony. So we'll have some fun to watch when we get home.

The Olympic 2008 Mascots have alot more symbolism than I had thought they would. So thought I would document them for future reference. Hope you find this just as interesting.

Like the Five Olympic Rings from which they draw their color and inspiration, Fuwa will serve as the Official Mascots of Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, carrying a message of friendship and peace -- and good wishes from China -- to children all over the world. When you put their names together -- Bei Jing Huan Ying Ni -- they say "Welcome to Beijing," offering a warm invitation that reflects the mission of Fuwa as young ambassadors for the Olympic Games.

Beibei is the Fish - In China's traditional culture and art, the fish and water designs are symbols of prosperity and harvest. A fish is also a symbol of surplus in Chinese culture, another measure of a good year and a good life. Strong in water sports, she reflects the blue Olympic ring.

Jingjing is the Panda - Jingjing makes children smile -- and that's why he brings the blessing of happiness wherever he goes. The lotus designs in Jingjing's headdress symbolize the lush forest and the harmonious relationship between man and nature. Jingjing is charmingly naïve and optimistic. He is an athlete noted for strength who represents the black Olympic ring.

Huanhuan is the Olympic Flame - He is a child of fire, symbolizing the Olympic Flame and the passion of sport -- and passion is the blessing he bestows. And while he inspires all with the passion to run faster, jump higher and be stronger, he is also open and inviting. Huanhuan is outgoing and enthusiastic. He excels at all the ball games and represents the red Olympic ring.

Yingying is the Tibetan antelope - A symbol of the vastness of China's landscape, the antelope carries the blessing of health, the strength of body that comes from harmony with nature. The selection of the Tibetan Antelope reflects Beijing's commitment to a Green Olympics. Strong in track and field events, Yingying is a quick-witted and agile boy who represents the yellow Olympic ring.

Nini is the Swallow - Every spring and summer, the children of Beijing have flown beautiful kites on the currents of wind that blow through the capital. Her golden wings symbolize the infinite sky and spread good-luck as a blessing wherever she flies. Among Fuwa, Nini is as innocent and joyful as a swallow. She is strong in gymnastics and represents the green Olympic ring.

Milestone: 6 months old

Just Look at her! I can't believe that our little Karlee is already 6 months old. WOW the time really does fly by fast. It literally feels like we just got back from Tennessee. We are having so much fun watching Karlee grow up. She has such a sweet personality. We are pretty excited that it is August already. This month we will be able to make Karlee's adoption legal and at the end of the monthe we will have her sealed to us.

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Things she can do:
- growl (almost on queue)
- spit (not spit up, actually spit)
- suck down a bottle like nobody's business
- take 2 naps a day (approx 2-3 hours each)
- Smile
- Laugh
- roll over
- sleep through the night
- entertain herself in her Baby Einstein Activity Center
- pull herself up on her tummy
- and it looks like we are at the beginning stages of crawling. :o

Can you Hear me Now?

A couple weeks ago I got a phone call from Rob using by brother Troy's phone. He said, "Heather, ...well my phone is dead." I thought, well his phone had been going out on him, and so it finally died. I told him that I knew that it was only time and that he probably should have gone in an gotten his free upgrade (that he had been eligible for...oh almost 5 months). He said, "No actually, there was an accident..."

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Rob then told me the story: He had been out in our garage working out "pumping iron", and he had taken his phone with him, because he was expecting a phone call. I guess when the phone call came, the weight that Rob was holding jumped out of his hand. not exactly. The 35lb weight fell straight to the ground, okay so that is where his phone was. It pretty much smashed it to pieces. He said that he had taken the phone into the store the very next day to see if any information was retrievable, and unfortunately he lost everything on it, all his phone numbers, pictures. Too bad. He does have a new phone, and so life is back to some normality. I took pictures of the accident scene (staged, of course)

(here is the aftermath)

(How many pieces can a phone break into... guess it depends on what falls onto it)

On the Market 9 Months...NO KIDDING!

Our House in Kentucky Still For Sale!

Hate to be a complete downer. But I have to just vent my frustrations. Can you believe it! Our house been on the Real Estate Market for 9 months now. We have had some issues with dealing with real estate agents through this process that have been both good and bad. You can fast forward to the end or continue to read...

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We are convinced that our choice to go with our first agent Dave Munier was completely worthless. Not to mention all the stories that we were told and high hopes given. We feel like we lost some serious months with working with him. (fun little fact: while we had Dave Munier as our agent he went into a scheduled knee/leg surgery that put him out of work for 3 weeks, of which our house was not shown. nice huh) Our awesome friends Brian and Natalie took over as our Sell by Owner agents - working their magic. After only a couple of days and countless hours (I'm sure) they had a buyer for our house. We were so excited and thought that our prayers were answered. Bad news shortly followed with the guy not being able to qualify for his home loan. So now we are working with yet another real estate agent, Chad Johnson (who actually sold us our home). Chad is a much better agent to work with and he has been very honest and forth coming with information and leads.

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However we are looking to go into our 9 month on the market. We are completely overwhelmed and could never imagine that a house, let alone our house could sit on the market for so long. We are trying to be strong and steadfast. Thanks for patiently reading this outburst. I just had to unload. And yes I know tomorrow will be a much better day. whew!!!