Like a Seal in the Water

Sofie is a little awkward on land. While playing, she frequently drills herself in the face with her toys. When she rolls over she gets stuck, like a turtle on her back. She punches and scratches herself regularly as she tries to gain control of her limbs. She runs into walls, chairs, and tables with her walker. But just like a seal, Sofie's awkwardness on land is compensated by her sleekness in the water.

Sofie's greatest pool trick so far this summer is her monkey hold on the side of the pool.

And as we all expected, Sofie floats!!!

She is off to the races.

Drunk off chlorine water.

First Sun

Sofie got her first sun the other day. She started out the morning with Camilla at the neighborhood splash park and ended the day at the city rec/water park. It was quite the day.

She liked the cool water alright, but all the screaming and yelling from the other 2,000 kids at the park got Sofie a little flustered. She'd play in the water until some hooligan would splash her or some obnoxious little squirt would scream.

She found some real, lasting joy in the snow cones.

The day was cut a little short because the sun zapped everyone's strength pretty quickly. Sofie was hit the hardest.

Toros baby!

Jarem and i called it from the start and we couldn't be more pleased! Last month my brother Spencer proposed to Aly Giles who went to the same highschool as Jarem in Mesa, Arizona. Spencer and Aly met at their BYU singles wards' opening social held at the bishop's home in eagle mountain, so naturally that is where he asked Aly to marry him. He cleared his plans with the bishop and then asked the executive secretary to call Aly and set up an appointment for her for 7:15 at the bishop's house, only Spencer was there to greet her at the door. He had prepared a special dessert which they enjoyed while watching the gorgeous Utah mountains glow at sunset. Good job Spence. Aly we love you!

Sofie Sits

About a week and a half ago we were at Mimi's house and i was rummaging through a suitcase so i set Sofie down on her bum and placed her little hands on the suitcase handle and... she sat! It was kindof by accident we i discovered her new trick but now she can't get enough of it! It was 4 days before her 5 month birthday and we are so proud! Now all she has to do is grow into her new headband!

Soulmates?

I know it's allredy March 5th,but I couldn't let the month of love completely pass me by without blogging a little bit about Jarem. I understand that the prophets have said that there's no such thing as soulmates, that there is no one perfect person for everyone, but call me apostate 'cause I wholeheartedly disaggree.
When people find out that we served in the same mission the question always comes up..."So did you ever have a crush on Elder Hallows?" The honest truth is that he was my hero. The person who inspired me the most and often times whose zone conference talks were the answer to my prayers. After one such talk i commented to Sister Turnbull, "Man! He's going to end up with the hottest wife!" One of my favorite things about Jarem is that his missionary fire has never fizzled or wanned after almost 2 years at home. He still goes on visits every week and is currently teaching 2 families who are investigating the church.
Jarem is an amazing father. I love seeing his eyes light up when he looks at Sofie. One sunday after church she went down for a nap so we did too, which never happens! I didn't wake up until 3 hours later perplexed at how sofie hadn't woken me up yet. He had known she would wake up soon so he took her to a meeting with him so i could get some extra rest. Amazing! He also spends time with her every night so i can go to the gym, but i know it's just an excuse for him to get one on one time with her! He allready wants another one!
Jarem makes me laugh everyday...and some days that's a tall order. At these moments his classic line is, "Oh are we not doing jokes today?" Then he gets so silly i can't help but laugh out loud!
Jarem makes sacrifices for our family. The thing that Jarem loves most is to be with his girls. Early this semester he made a goal to get straight A's, but after all of my efforts to dissuade him from going back to the library one night he surprised me and gave in. He said that he had a new goal to spend even more time with us and that a few B's wouldn't kill him.
Jarem is more than everything i dreamed of in a husband and i have never met a more perfect person. My heart still skips a beat when he walks in the door after a long day apart. I treasure every moment we spend together and i ache when he's away. I love him because he makes me so much better and doesn't seem to notice when I fall short. He is my soulmate. I love you forever honey.

Don't Drink and Roll

I guess this is a lesson to all of us...never drink and roll. Don't watch this clip if you are currently drinking a smoothy.

She's All Blessed

Thanks to all the friends and family who battled the blizzard on February 3rd to participate in Sofie's baby blessing. Jarem blessed our beautiful little girl with Grandpa, Clark, Rex, Spencer, Devin, and Cody in the circle. Sofie looked like a little princess in her gown that Lita bought her, her headband, her baby shoes from Mimi, and her fur coat from great grandma Eva. This girl rolls with style.

It's an amazing thing to be a part of the true church of God. We feel absolutely blessed to have the true priesthood authority of God in our home. It's a hard thing having a happy family these days; but it would be a hopeless and a pointless cause without the priesthood. We are grateful to know that if we do our part everyday, we will be together always. Now that is good news.