Mia has asked for Misty a few times since we've been here in Utah. She came every week to help Miss Mia get caught up developmentally. We love her! She came for Mia's benefit, but she ended up chatting with me the entire time.. Shhhhh! Not really, she actually did both, but she became a built in friend and I looked forward to her visits. We miss her soo much! For at least a month when the door bell would ring Mia would gasp and yell, "Mitty!!!" Poor thing. It was never Mitty... just some neighbor kids :-)
Misty- I am happy to report that Mia is doing GREAT! She is just a talking/running/self help improving little ray of sunshine. You were thrilled with every little accomplishment she made, and it was so great to have someone in her life with so much joy and enthusiasm. We miss your laughing at every little thing that went on in our household... heaven knows you witnessed a lot of funny things over the years! Thanks so much for being part of our family... We think the world of you!
9 years ago I was the happiest 18 year old... HA! 21 year old alive.
I did meet him when I was 18 though... fresh out of high school. We were goofy then too. We made up some dance routines in the family room of my apartment... it was big so we could work on our "stunts."
9 years ago we lived in a "spider cave" in Provo.
9 years LATER....Here we are with four beautiful children and even more love than we began with. Not much has changed (other than the children) between us. Rebecca took this pic of us. I think a good caption for this pic would be... "SHHH don't tell mom, but we're all looking at the camera!" Sammy is such a handsome little devil!
After meeting JB for dessert tonight we raced home in separate cars and we both tried to play it off like we weren't racing until we reached the middle of the drive way when we both hit a dead sprint to the door. He won this time... cause I let him ;-) We played a friendly game of badminton- cause it's the BOMB and you are extra cool if you play badminton on your anniversary. Jense really wanted to play with us so I teamed up with J and daddy didn't stand a chance.
We topped off our night with SYTYCD... it was a bonus to have Allison
AND Niel in one night. It doesn't get any better than THAT!
Happy Anniversary John Boy! It seems like we just barely celebrated out 8th anniversary.
Jense has made some good little friends here, or so I thought.
After
he fell asleep I went out into the hall and found him sleeping in the
hallway.
He also made a little message with our united states blanket.
Washington +"all my friends are there and I miss them" + strange action figure I know nothing about
Utah + "ME" transformer + star wars guy
I don't know if this was a message for me or if he was just labeling the states before bedtime, but it makes my heart a little sad that his friends are there and he misses them. I know how he feels.
A transformer was a wise choice to depict himself. He is such a sweet kid. He is convinced he can earn enough money to fly back to Washington for the family campout. He really really really wants to go. I think the family campout was/is the highlight of his year. We need a pilot in the family! OR someone that works for an airline.
Nat, you're my last hope. Could you pretty please marry a pilot? ;-)
Welcome to my 30th birthday surprise party post. There is a lot to cover. This post took me a million hours. Ok, not a million, but I it took me FOREVER to get the pictures on here. I have the best people in my life.... ok... you can go now... and read it.
My
friend Jaime buddy make this awesomely delicious cake. I am no stranger
to her chocolate frosting and often have dreams of her Texas sheet
cake. I ate 1/2 of this in the car on the ride home and the other 1/2
the next morning for breakfast. That's the level of addiction were
dealing with. Thanks Jaime- You are the dessert queen!
On
top of the cake Jaime buddy along with Annalisa, Jen, and Crystal made an
entire table full of delicious treats! It couldn't believe it! It was a
cupcake and chocolate covered strawberry explosion! Don't they look
delicious? mmmm. TASTY!
That is a lot of candles... I think they miscounted.
My
friend Rachel was in charge of all of the decorations. My face was on
the decorations... and they were edible too... not my face... that's
weird... a peppermint patty my face was glued to. I am still so
embarrassed about all of this. Keep reading to hear the scoop on how
they fooled me.
Being
the fantastic photographer that she is my girl Rebecca set up a photo
booth for people to take pictures. What a cute and creative idea...
totally stealing it! The props were awesome as well.
Is this not the cutest idea or what? She set up a studio... at the party!! I can't get over it.
Everyone
was waiting down in the sports court below and I was clueless what was
going on. I thought we were in Lakewood... at a restaurant... just me
and JB.
"Beeps"
was in charge of making all the food. From what I was told it was a
combined effort with the sisters, my mother in law and JB. They were
soooo sneaky.
My Father in Law- good good man.
I have no idea what I was saying but I look crazy enough.
This
is my girl Rache... she was in charge of all the super fancy
decorations. She is the fanciest decorator I know. Hire her if you need
home decor help! She is the BOMB! She picked out the curtains I had in
my house and when we were moving I had quite a few people want them.
My Aunt Lani and Uncle Rick. I love these two!
They were the only my side of the family present until.... (read on)
The
biggest surprise of all was when my two sisters showed up. Remember me
saying that I told John I wanted him to fly in some sisters? I didn't
think it was going to happen because we were moving there... but they
came! They showed up a little after the surprise so my reaction was
caught on camera.
If
anything could have possible made this birthday better- it was having
these girls there. It was so fun to see their faces! I am a sister
lover!
I was shocked- and excited- and couldn't stop smiling all night!
The Colvins. Carol, aka "coach" is starting a life coaching career...
she is really good at what she does. The goal I set during her class has been achieved.
Yeah, she's that good! :-) It may be the only goal I get to.
Bethie- the one who deceived me the most :-) She used to be so innocent... ;-) Story below.
Grandma - Grandpa Conway- fabulous grandparents! Love them!
My sister in laws. Love these two!
I
wish i could beam myself and the kids up to visit them. I miss them
and my kids miss their kids. They are planning the big family camp-out
right now... sniff sniff.
JD and Analisa. Fanciest couple alive
The
Carvers. Jenn is by far the fanciest party planner on the planet. She
is responsible for the fancy mustaches in the photo. She should be in
business shortly! Her parties put everyone's to shame. No lie.
The Seesters- well four of us.
The
ladies- These are most of my sis-in laws and mother in law. I don't
know where Carol was during this picture, (Carol where were you!!! ;-)
but she was there too. I am pointing to a pretty bracelet they gave
me. Since I was moving away (the next day) they presented me with a
"sisterhood of the traveling bracelet." I am supposed to do something
cool while I'm wearing it and document it and send it on. Hmmmm
something cool. I might need some suggestions.
This is supposed to be funny. Just in case you think I wrote that... I did not
These
are two of my home girls. Jaime Buddy and Analisa. What more can I
say other than they are fantastic. They know me well and still like me. I think. :-) It's difficult knowing I moved away from such wonderful friends. I heart them big time!
Rebecca,
along with JB was the mastermind of it all. She fooled me... the un
fool-able. I still don't know how I didn't know jack squat. Ok, wait I
do know. She purposefully sent people to "throw me off." She had
significant people in my life call/text etc asking what we should do for
my birthday." I truly truly thought nothing was going on because
people were offering to do something, and already bringing me gifts, and
saying goodbye, that I had no idea. She knows me well and knows I
would have known something was up UNLESS she sent in messengers. She was
also in cahoots with John and the two of them together really made me
believe that I was just going out to eat with John. One night after I
was out with Beth I was convinced that nothing was happening because she
said she knew nothing... and this girl DOESN'T LIE. or at least I
thought. :-) She was a good little actress and I am still shocked by
the deception. Moral of the story is Rebecca knows me well, and knew I
needed a little extra deception. She got a good laugh night after night at comments I would make or telling her about someone offering to throw a party. I thought I threw a good surprise party... but she takes the cake. Thanks again so much, I can't say it enough. Thank you thank you. It was the perfect party.
She is the greatest friend a girl could have.
I
miss her so! She thought of everything... she even made a video.
Somehow they gathered clips from family members right behind my back to
make the video. I should have suspected something when my sister in law Shila had Rebecca's video camera... but no, I just commented, "Oh Rebecca has that exact video camera!" She told me that she liked it...I feel so foolish now. I loved listening to all the messages to me. It is a
treasure to have! Thank you so much for this and everyone who
participated/ helped. Steph I know you spent time getting it all
together and fancy- Thank you! Did I mention I love it? Cause I do. It
is priceless to me. Oh, and she is responsible for all the pictures... and she even uploaded some to blogger for me. Now that is going above and beyond! She is the photog queen!
We
love cheesy poses! ;-) and we love finding cheesy poses online! Her
husband used to tease us that we shared a brain. I think he might of
been insulting us, but the jokes on him because it was a compliment!
:-) More on this chica soon.
Since we share a brain and all I must expound on how smart she is ;-)
More
Party People! After uploading one by one... and it taking mucho
tiempo... I just put them all together. So many people I love and am
tickled pink that they came to my 30th birthday party. Most of these
photos are of family and a few of friends. My bishop and his wife even
came. Angela was my angel during our hospital stay with Mia. While my
mom was finishing school she took my kids every day and even home
schooled them for me. I love her and her kids! Ashley and Jake, our
good friends hosted the party at their castle. Yes... a castle. Read
more below.
I felt so special and loved... very very loved!! Thank you Family and Friends.
Now
this is the spirit!! I love these girls. I wish I had pictures of
everyone who came acting... um crazy! I love having all of these
pictures!
These
are a lot of the party people that didn't want to take part in the
photo booth fun. Soooo... he he (evil voice) I will post pictures of
them... eating!! So mean! Ry and Shanna were the fancy drink makers.
The drinks offered were Mojitos and Shirley Temples my two favorites!!
Seriously no detail went overlooked! They served Fish tacos and regular
tacos. Ya know... cinco de mayo food. It was delicious... all of it.
Blowing
out my ridiculous amounts of candles....one step closer to that cake!!
Thank you everyone for all of the wonderful gifts! I am still
embarrassed thinking about this party... and the gifts. I am not much
of a blusher, but I think I was in constant blush mode! I was soooo thrown
off. This doesn't happen to me! I am senorita detective... but I knew
nothing!
JB
definitely out did himself and definitely kept a good secret! I love
this boy! I know I say this in every other post but.... "am i lucky or
what!?"
Smoochy Smoochy!
This is the John and Mimi pose.
We
have a wedding photo like this and it drives me NUTS! So, what do I
do? I reenact it... and often. It's the hand placement and fingers tight
together that bothers me.
CP
is Rebecca's husband and he be crackin' me up. John and Chris had a
lot of fun making fun of me and Rebecca over the years. They've got
jokes... and they know it. The best thing about John boy and CP is that
they are their own biggest fans. We tried not to encourage them but we
usually gave in and laughed along with them. CP was such a great friend
to JB- we miss you guys already! Oh and he was also the DJ for most of
the night. He picked some great songs!
John
made me sit inside this "tent" inside of the truck. It was a pretty
creative tent although it was resting on my hair. I wasn't worried
about my hair... maybe I should have been- but again I thought I wasn't
going to see anyone. I definitely would have tried harder on my hair
:-)
Ashley my sweet friend and her husband Jake
operated the castle for weddings, and I guess my party could have easily
qualified as a reception. :-) It was soooo fancy! They are so
gracious and wonderful. I was thrilled that my party was at a castle! I
truly felt like a princess. This event was definitely right up there
with my wedding reception. I was blown away... I can't say it enough.
Thanks so much Jake and Ashley!! We miss you guys!
My
two cutest nephews were there the whole time valleting everyones cars.
I couldn't believe it. The funny thing is when we drove up (I was
blind folded) I thought we were at a restaurant because someone took our
truck. Nope, it was the vallet boys. They really are the cutest most
mature for their age boys. More pictures to come of BJ... I took some
senior pics of his handsome face. Do I really look almost double their
age?
If
you haven't had enough of this birthday post yet... BUCKLE UP, because
my favorite thing about the party was the FLASH MOB!!! Who gets a flash
mob for their birthday?!!? Me, that would be me ;-) It was so fun. I
loved it. I wish I had been part of it. My girl Jenn was the flash mob
coordinator and had people come to her house to practice it.... I still
can't believe you guys did this. The gal in front is my sister in law
Bethie... yes the liar ;-) She is a fabulous dancer. Between the two
of them I was completely surprised and was on cloud nine watching all my
peeps dance to dancin' in the street. Oh and if you watch the video watch for JB... he is so hot doing the flash mob.
Here is a video of the flash mob... and some other party moments.
I'm 30! I have great people in my life! I had the the best party ever!
Thanks again to everyone who planned this party!
Now I'm off to learn the flash mob... I definitely see a flash mob in my future!
Mia's birthday was delicious. I have wanted to serve party drinks in these glass jars for awhile now. Mia's b-day was the perfect occasion. The paper straws didn't show up in time, but I'm still in love with this idea. It saw it on Martha. My mom made these yummy winter strawberries. When it comes to winter strawberries you either love em' or you hate em'. I love them! My sisters love them too. You couldn't pay John to eat one. Ellie helped me make the party favors. It is just a 1 inch cellophane wrapper with berry Mike 'n' Ikes in it.... with a sticker on top. I have a lot of molding chocolate so this was a perfect opportunity to use some, and I made some strawberry shaped suckers that tasted like coconut oil...YUM! And last, remember those retro fruit shaped candies with powder inside? I couldn't resist...they are strawberry shaped. We had plenty of goodies for everyone! I am still enjoying the favors a few days later.
My two loverly sisters made Mia's cake. Isn't it fabulous? I love it! She did too! Thanks so much Rae and Nat for your mad skillz. I wanted to come help but everything fell apart that day. Seriously...crawl space was flooded (my kids) dishwasher stopped working, and ice machine had a bag stuck in it. Basically my dad can't keep up with the repairs. The cake made it all better.
The party was perfect for Mia. We covered her favoite things slides, bubbles, balloons, candles, chips, and "dog dogs." Everything she could possible need to be happy ;-) This was just a cute picture of Elvis and her cute little friends.
We also had a strawberry patch full of yummy treats that the kids had to search for their goodies. After all of the candy was discovered I think it was quickly forgotten (at least by Mia and Sam) and playing in the "patch" was more of a treat. Mia and Swide thought it was a real pool. So cute!
This little face brings such joy to my soul. Look at her. so stinkin' sweet! She is just so happy and full of life. She was a big fan of her cake and was able to blow out one of her candles. The wind took care of the rest. I hope she wished for something great!
My mom and dad were big contributors to Mia's party. My mom pretty much helped with everything, and my dad packed it all up, made his "fair share" of trips to the store, and packed it all home. Thanks you two. One of Mia's favorite toys was a play horse she got from the Bowns. She hasn't figured out the button yet, but squeals with delight once the galloping noises begin. Mia is so fun to give gifts to because she gasps over and over. Every time she was opening a gift she would gasp in anticipation and once it was revealed she would yell, "TADA!" She is just so fun. To top of the party we had strawberry shortcake. We should have just eaten the cake, but how can you pass up serving Strawberry Shortcake at a Strawberry Shortcake birthday party?
Mia, your family loves you to pieces! I hope you enjoyed your "Shubu cake" party!
