Christmas Day

This year we enjoyed a white Christmas, and it was wonderful.

Here are our stockings, hung with care. It is with slight sadness that I officially move from those-who-receive-a-surprise-in-their-stocking to those-who-stuff-the-stockings. I suppose Reid had a few surprises for me, which was nice. I'm sure it will be more fun to play Santa as Genna gets older and has more anticipation/excitement.

Christmas pajamas!

Genna diving into her stocking (I think I'll sew some new ones for us this year).

Don't you love Genna's face? She is so over those spoons...don't worry - she enjoyed everything else!

"So, when do we get to open these ones?"

Isn't this purse and headband adorable?

Just a few of her spoils. She officially has more cute clothes than I do. Is that what happens when you have kids?

Thanks for a great Christmas, Grandma & Grandpa Cluff!

Happy Birthday, Genevieve!

Today my daughter turned one year old.

Wow.

Thanks to Grandma Cluff, we had a fabulous & pretty butterfly party. We started at 2 pm, which was about when Genevieve was born. Today she wore her new butterfly outfit, and looked adorable, as usual. After her birthday song, she put out her own candle - with her fingers. Surprisingly, she didn't burn herself, but we were all worried for a moment. She thoroughly enjoyed her birthday brownie (cut in a butterfly shape), and ate the whole thing, even licking the plate. It was a fun afternoon.

I had intended on creating a special post for her birthday, with beautiful photos and thoughtful words. However, I am borrowing this computer, and it is late, and I realized that Genna may never read this blog, so I'm just going to tell her how I feel about her in person.

We have also enjoyed a wonderful Christmas, but that story will come later. With pictures.

I promised my sister we would be on time for church tomorrow, so this is farewell. I hope your holidays were equally joyful.

We are here!!!

Everything is wonderful.

DESPITE
Genna having the worst night ever on Saturday night at the hotel, and
Reid and I getting only 3-4 hours of sleep, and
us forgetting our stroller, and
our flight being delayed,

we are here in Utah!

We have seen our loving families, and Genna has already charmed them all. She really knows how to work a crowd, I tell you what... We have eaten yummy food, and slept well. There is a hot frittata and bacon waiting for me right now. It is snowing, and will be for the entire day. Maybe I won't get dressed or leave the house. :)


Life is good.

I'll Be Home for Christmas...in 2 Days

Our Utah vacation is almost here! Only a few more people to highlight in my countdown, and today it's my parents. I love them both so much! They both had a special birthday in November, and I made them each a memory book, filled with words and images of loved ones. It made me love them more to hear how others felt about them.

I do have more pictures of them, but it is very late, and my to do list is still here, staring me in the face, so I will just leave it at this: see you soon!!!

I'll Be Home for Christmas...in 4 Days

Today's special family member is my beloved sister, Holly. We talk on the phone just about every day - thank goodness for free mobile-to-mobile minutes! It will be so wonderful to talk to her in person. I can't wait to see her and she can't wait to see Genna (yes, I am second to my daughter.) So, just for you Holly - here are some pictures of your niece!


Thanks for inspiring Genevieve to be musically inclined. So glad she doesn't have to wear a bib 24-7 anymore; it's totally not stylish.


I wish she was smiling, but what can you do? She is showing off her new outfit, including bow.


Genna participating in her FAVORITE activity: "Empty the Diaper Bag." Observe the look of absolute glee on her face. How could I be mad?


Crawling through the wreckage, laughing with delight...


Genna is already striving to become a fashion diva like you, Holly. We dressed her in this beautiful gown for Reid's work Christmas party, and then set her down while we got ready. She proceeded to crawl over to where my jewelry is, picked up this white beaded necklace, and put it on herself. Wow! What an outfit! Of course, we had to let her wear it to the party. :)

(Those of you with Photoshop, don't judge my efforts with iPhoto editing. One day...)

Lastly, Genevieve walked 5 steps today!!! I tried to post a video, but to no avail. Maybe tomorrow.

I'll Be Home for Christmas...in 5 Days

Today, I am thinking about my older brother, Ryan, and his wife Stacy. They are moving into my parents basement, so they will be close at hand during our trip!


This is their son, Avery, who is obviously very cute...for a boy. :) Hey, this blog is all about me and my cute daughter. Anyway, I can't wait for them to get together - I hope they will play!

I'll Be Home for Christmas...in 6 Days

Today's special family member is my brother, Chad. I can't wait to feel really short...not. It's always great to talk and laugh with Chad - he is so witty! He needs a blog. Seriously.


This is him in a ballroom dancing competition in England. I'm just barely missing his dance concert (again), but hopefully I can get him to show Genna how a Real Man dances. :)


I love you, Chad, and can't wait to see you!

I'll Be Home for Christmas...in 7 Days

In seven days, we will be in Utah with our families - the Cluff family and the Nelson family. I am very excited about this...just ask Reid. I've decided to do a count down until we leave by sharing with you some of the people I can't wait to see!

First up is my brother, Jordan, who just turned 16. Whohoo! Jordan - I heard that you were delaying homework last night by reading my blog. All I have to say is, it's not my fault you haven't been keeping up. :) Love you, and finish your homework!

BBQ in the Canyon...my favorite!!!

This is always one of my favorite things to do when we go home to Utah - spend time up in the canyon. It is so beautiful, and so accessible. True, we have mountains here in Colorado, but I have yet to find an easily accessible canyon that is 15 away from my house. This picture shows what it is all about - smores! More pictures can by found on our Picasa web album: picasaweb.google.com/reidcluff.