Merry Christmas to all!!!

A very Merry Christmas to everyone and a Happy New Year from our family to yours!

Festival of Trees

These pictures are actually already a couple of weeks old, but we went down to the Festival of Trees downtown...it's a charity event where they sell all these awesome trees and donate the money for Christmas. Caden was obsessed with this "fishing tree" so we had to take a picture of him and grandma edwards by it. The other picture is the first "smiling" picture of Skylar with her auntie Moriah...too cute not to post!

Christmas time!!!

I love Christmas time!!! But I must say that here in the land of enchantment, it isn't feeling too "christmas-y"...it's still warm! I haven't even had to break out my winter coat! Oh well. It's not like we're known for our white Christmas here, right? (c:

AND...please everyone email me your addresses so I can do christmas cards (I don't care if you don't want one, you're getting it anyway!!!)...edwards3@live.com, thanks!!!

Turkey weekend

We had such a great weekend with everyone here and got our holiday pictures taken...what a good lookin' bunch! (c:

El Tour de Tucson

We had such a fun weekend...we went on our first long road trip with the two little ones and it actually went surprisingly well!!! They were little angels and finally got to meet all their Tucson relatives, including Great-Grandma Ruth, my mom's mom, who had never met Caden or Skylar! We all went because my dad was riding in a bike race, El Tour de Tucson, a 109 mile bike ride with around 8,000 participants! We were so proud of him and he finished in exactly 6 hours!!! Yeah Daddy! We also got to visit Kara in Sierra Vista (finally!) and see her cute house. I have soooo missed my Kara!!! She took us to see the midnight showing of Twilight on Thursday and I really loved it! I definitely had some little issues with the movie, but really only because I've read the book and you just can't compete with my imagination! This week is going to be so fun because everyone is coming here for Thanksgiving...gotta love the holidays!!!

Attention Twilight fans...

I thought that this was fun, although I don't think the results are quite accurate...do you all really think I'm an Esme??? I dunno...


Take the Quiz and Share Your Results!

Baby Skylar

This is just a little picture I took of Skylar today, just to keep everyone updated on how she is growing...she had a doctor's appointment today and when they weighed her a week and a half ago, she was 6lbs. 4oz and today she was 7lbs. 4oz! I guess she's eating okay, right??? (c;

A very belated Halloween...

So I've been a total slacker this last couple weeks...I guess it has something to do with having a baby or something...(c: Anyways, this is all the fun we had for Halloween: carving pumpkins, dressing up, and trick or treating. Caden had so much fun and thought it was awesome that everyone was giving him candy. We had the cutest little skeleton and bumble bee ever!

Little Angel is Here Safe and Sound!!!

Skylar Olivia Edwards
Born October 27, 2008 at 7:44 pm, 6 lbs. 11 oz., 19 inches long!

This is our little princess, she had quite a ride to get here! Monday afternoon, I started having little contractions, but they weren't that strong so I wasn't that concerned. We started timing them and they were 3-4 minutes apart and I decided to sit in the tub for a while...no change, so we figured we'd better get to the hospital since it's 40 minutes away now. So I'm in the closet in out room, I just got dressed, when I get a contraction and feel this little *pop* and a freakin' tidal wave. Yeah, you guessed it, my water broke! So after some rearranging and cleaning up (this was about 5:45pm), we left for the hospital. By the time we got there, my contractions were about 2-3 minutes apart and they got me into a triage room, took my blood and checked me and I was dialated to a six. Of course I told them they better get on top of getting me an epidural because I was NOT going to go through any more pain than I had to! So they move me to a labor and delivery room at 7:22pm and my contractions were coming fast and hard and I was squeezing the snot out of Josh's arm and hand. I think the nurse was concerned so she asked to check me again and said "No epidural for you, sweetheart! You're having a baby!" to which I answered a tearfilled "NO!!!" (c: And about that very second I got a contraction with a HUGE urge to push and the nurse said "no, not yet, let the doctor get his gloves on!" and that was about the longest 10 seconds of my life...but in about 30 more seconds came another contraction and pushing...head...another contraction...shoulders and BABY SKYLAR at 7:44pm! For you folks that are keeping time here, that was about two hours from water breaking to birth and everyone was completely shocked, especially me! Everyone thought we were kidding when we called to say that Skylar was here! But she was perfect, healthy, and the most beautiful little girl and has been an angel...even her older brother loves her (thank goodness!). (c:

You have got to be kidding...

So Josh and I finally got released from our calling in the nursery right before we moved and we were so excited because we thought that meant we could go to class again. Boy were we wrong! We stupidly assumed that because Caden had been in nursery for over a year already that it would be no big deal for him to go. Yeah. I have never seen such a HUGE FIT from a kid being left in nursery, one of us HAS to stay RIGHT next to him or he freaks out. I have no idea what to do with him and I feel terrible because Josh is the one staying the whole time with him because he feels bad that I'm huge and pregnant. We have seriously contemplated leaving him at home on Sundays to fend for himself, but I'm pretty sure that won't work...(c: So if anyone has some helpful advice of something you or someone you know that is a genius...it would be greatly appreciated. I mean, c'mon, what kid doesn't like playing???? Don't tell me my kid is going to be one of those that never goes to nursery...)c:

What a Weirdo!

Grandma Edwards taught Caden to do the "villian laugh", y'know, the "mwha hahahaha"...and this is the face that comes with it. The other picture doesn't really have a story, it's just really cute.

Balloon Fiesta Time!!!

Not only do I just love this time of year, but I LOVE Balloon Fiesta! This year all the balloons came right out to us (on the mornings they actually went up) and we had a TON of them land just a few blocks from our house because there is a big empty lot where they are getting ready to build! Caden was absolutely in love with the balloons and got up every morning wanting to go outside and look at them.

This is where the balloons were landing just a block or two from our house


Caden waving at the balloonists...

The view from the back porch...

I LOVE BALLOONS!!!

The trouble with moving....

So I know I haven't done a post in forever now and it really isn't because I haven't had time...I can't find the little plug in to download my pictures! I've had great pictures of the Balloons and everything! Apparently that was one of the things I should have kept better track of. But just so everyone knows, everything is FANTASTIC and we are just waiting on baby to get here, I'm full term on Monday! Anytime now kiddo!

The Moving Blues

So you might think this looks like a big pile of junk, but you would be mistaken...it's a big pile of all OUR junk because tomorrow is moving day. Yep, after four years at Lexington Apartments (or Mormon Manor as it is affectionately called) we are moving out. )c: It's a bitter-sweet time...I must admit a little less sweet by the fact that I am doing all the packing and cleaning 8 months pregnant! But we know that it's all for the best, right? Thanks to everyone for all the sweet offers to help, it's nice to know that we're loved! Wish us luck, all of you that have gone through a move, you know that we desperately need it!!! Moving kinda makes you just want to throw everything in a dumpster and just start over...*sigh* if only that were really an option!!! (c:

So Grown Up!

No, not Caden, Josh. It's his BIRTHDAY today!!! He's still just as hansome as ever and still just as much of a kid! I love you baby!

Only 8 weeks to go!

When I was preggers with Caden, I really didn't want anyone documenting the belly...or should I say the swelling of my ENTIRE body! But for those of you that don't have the "privilege" of seeing me grow, well, here it is and isn't it exciting??? No, really, I am getting so excited for our little girl to get here! But I must say, I am having really strange worries...not like the "I hope the labor goes well" or "I hope she is healthy", no, those would be normal. Instead, I'm thinking "what if she's not really a girl???" or "I hope I'm not in labor over-night again..." or "I really hopes she comes before her due date"! Women out there that are or have been in my shoes, is that just strange or are all pregnant women just weird???

To my gals!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM AND CARLEIGH!!! Yesterday was mom's 50th! I can't believe it, she is still as beautiful as ever and today is Carleigh's 18th! Whoa, she is now an adult, I can't believe that either (cuz it's simply not true!). I love you guys!

Bittersweet...

Yeah, this isn't the cutest picture of Caden, but it does show his new haircut while he's helping daddy install his new exhaust system on his bike...we have decided that as cute as we think the new haircut is, we miss his long hair! )c:

Fashion 101 by Caden

So what the heck is this picture, you might ask??? Just a taste of my son's wonderful fashion sense: A motorcycle helmet, motorcycle glove, and one of MY shirts that looks like a dress on him. And no, I did not set up this picture! He is obsessed with strange things, like all of Josh's motorcycle gear (understandable) and just this particular maternity shirt of mine (just strange). But I find that the more pregnant and tired I get (only 2 1/2 months left! only...hahaha), the less I care what entertains this kid...as long as he's happy!

God Bless America

So I don't usually like to forward things, but I just loved what Paul Harvey had to say about prayer in this one. I know I get sick of hearing about all the places where Heavenly Father has been banned and I was so grateful to hear that at least one person in our media still has some morals!!! It's a long one...

Paul Harvey says:
>
> I don't believe in Santa Claus, but I'm not going to sue somebody for
> singing a Ho-Ho-Ho song in December. I don't agree with Darwin , but I
> didn't go out and hire a lawyer when my high school teacher taught his
> Theory of Evolution.
>
> Life, liberty or your pursuit of happiness will not be endangered because
> someone says a 30-second prayer before a football game. So what's the big
> deal? It's not like somebody is up there reading the entire Book of Acts.
> They're just talking to a God they believe in and asking him to grant safety
> to the players on the field and the fans going home from the game.
>
> But it's a Christian prayer, some will argue. Yes, and this is the United
> States of America , a country founded on Christian principles. According to
> our very own phone book, Christian churches outnumber all others better than
> 200-to-1. So wh at would you expect--somebody chanting Hare Krishna? If I
> went to a football game Jerusalem , I would expect to hear a Jewish prayer.
>
> If I went to a soccer game in Baghdad , I would expect to hear a Muslim
> prayer If I went to a ping pong match in China , I would expect to hear
> someone pray to Buddha.< SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: black;
> FONT-FAMILY: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'">
>
> And I wouldn't be offended. It wouldn't bother me one bit.
>
> When in Rome .......
>
But what about the atheists? Is another argument.
>
> What about them? Nobody is asking them to be baptized. We're not going to
> pass the collection plate. Just humor us for 30 seconds. If that's asking
> too much, bring a Walkman or a pair of ear plugs. Go to the bathroom.
> Visit the concession stand. Call your lawyer!
>
> Unfortunately, one or two will make that call. One or two will tell
> thousands what they can and cannot do. I don't think a short prayer at a
> football game is going to shake the world's foundations.
>
> Christians are just sick and tired of turning the other cheek while our
> courts strip us of all our rights. Our parents and grandparents taught us
> to pray before eating, to pray before we go to sleep. Our Bible tells us
> to pray without ceasing. Now a handful of people and their lawyers are
> telling us to cease praying.
>
> God, help us. And if that last sentence offends you, well, just sue me.
>
> The silent majority has been silent too long. It's time we tell that one or
> two who scream loud enough to be heard that the vast majority doesn't care
> what they want. It is time that the majority
> Rules! It's time we tell them, You don't have to pray; you don't have to
> say the Pledge of Allegiance; you don't have to believe in God or attend
> services that honor Him. That is your right, and we will honor your right;
> but by golly, you are no longer going to take our rights away. We are
> fighting back, and we WILL WIN!
>
> God bless us one and all...especially those who denounce Him. God bless
> America, despite all her faults. She is still the greatest nation of all.
> God bless our service men who are fighting to protect our right to pray and
> worship God.
>
> Let's make 2008 the year the silent majority is heard and we put God back as
> the foundation of our families and institutions .. And our military forces
> come home from all the wars.
>
> Keep looking up.

My Hero!

We went to Elephant Butte this weekend and instead of posting MORE pics of us camping/fishing, I decided to post the pics of "Josh the Rattle Snake Slayer". That's right, we walked out one morning and there the little sucker was, just chilling right in front of one of the tents. So, Josh, being the manly man that he is (c:, grabbed the fishing net and an ax and chopped it's head right off. Crisis averted. But man those things are scary!!!

Future Business Man

So I know that this picture isn't very clear (had to capture the moment on the cell phone), but it was too cute not to post! I took Caden to Daddy's office to drop off his school books and we were talking when we heard a Tap-tap-tap-click-click from the other office...and this was the scene we came upon! (c: I guess it's never too early to start????

Farewell to AZ, purple underwear girl!

So, I've been putting off doing this post because I know I'm going to cry doing it, but seeing as Kara is moving in about 48 hours, I figured it's now or never. So I asked Kara for a picture together and you can see how many time it took her to get in a GOOD one...yeah. But as crazy as that girl is, she is not only my sister, but my best friend. We are almost exactly 2 years apart in age and though we've always gotten along reasonably well...probably ever since sometime in high school we've been very close. She is one of the most fun, creative, loving, silly, beautiful, giving, and WONDERFUL people I have ever had the priveledge of knowing. And I say that knowing pretty much EVERYTHING about her! She has been and continues to be such a wonderful example to her big sister, I am always learning from her kind and patient demeanor. I am so grateful to have such a great sis and will REALLY miss our morning walks together and being able to come drop in on her any time. I know AZ isn't that far away, but it doesn't matter how far away she goes, she'll always be my little sis! Good Luck in Sierra Vista, Love you Karesey!

Durango, CO...

Since we all had this weekend free, Grandma, Grandpa, Kara, Garrick, Rylee, Jadyn, Carleigh, Hannah, Josh & me & Caden all decided to run up to Durango. We got to eat out (which now-a-days seems like a big treat (c: ), visit Silverton, and just enjoy the outdoors. We had so much fun and it was just a couple degrees cooler up there, which made such a nice difference! We were laughing because the highlight of the trip to Durango was their Recreation Center there which turned out to be awesome! They have this huge indoor swim area with all these water slides and toys and fountains for the little one and they had a BLAST. I guess the adults had a little fun there, too! (c: Durango is just so beautiful...it's just naturally relaxing. The Silverton Train that goes through was definitely a highlight for Caden!

Four Years!

I can't believe it's already been four years and at the same time, I can't believe it's only four! Today is Josh and I's anniversary and for those of you who know us and "our story"...know it's been a long road (in a good way!). The very condensed, Reader's Digest version is our parents knew each other before we were even born, they were in the same ward. So we grew up together...as bitter enemies...until we were about 11: same sunday school class, our sisters were best friends, and my mom was his cub scout leader. But around 11, both of our families moved and I didn't see him again until I was a senior in high school, we met again at a church dance. What can I say, he was hot! (c: Unfortunately, after one disasterous date, I decided I would rather endure horrific torture than talk to him ever again! So how did we end up married you might ask??? Well, after a year at UNM, I was at Dion's with a friend discussing the end of my latest boyfriend, when I saw that same hot guy...I figured it would be a nice confidence boost to talk to him. I couldn't have ever dreamed I would ever so much as go out with him again, but I did. We dated for TWO YEARS and then both went on missions where we wrote each other faithfully, Josh to the Ogden, UT mission and I to Sao Paulo, Brazil. No one believed we would be able to still like each other, let alone LOVE each other after that, but two months after Josh arrived home, we were married in the Albuquerque temple on our 4 year anniversary of getting together (the second time!)...and they lived happily ever after! (c:

Hot Summer Days

I have to admit, I have not been feeling inspired lately...maybe it's how hot it's been outside. But I figured I better post something new before I start getting the comments on my last blog about how I need to update it! (c: So Caden is now obsessed with anything he deems a "car" (cars, buses, motorcycles, fourwheelers...). He always carries around his little red motorcycle, I think it might have something to do with the fact that it looks just like the one his daddy rides. )c: This is him and his uncle zach...uncle zach obviously being a bad influence...and just a shot of his cute little face!

What a cute Daddy...

So I still feel kinda guily that I never posted a "I love my husband and think he's a great dad" post for Father's Day (he never reads my blog, so it's not like he would see it!). But I came across these cute pictures of my wonderful hubby and figured I should say something about it. He really is such an amazing guy and such a great Daddy, Caden and I just adore him! He is definitely not without flaws, but somehow, they just make me want to love him more. I always thank Heavenly Father for such a wonderful companion and I am so glad he's stuck with me for eternity! Shhh...he doesn't know that yet! Ha ha (c: