1 Year of Ellie-Delight!

Happy birthday, Ellie!!! I know you've heard it time and time again, but seriously, "Where did the time go!?" That was a quick first year, and so full of fun memories. And no doubt, they'll just keep getting better and better.

For Ellie's birthday, we had no major party plans (since this birthday is more exciting for us as parents and she won't remember it anyway, AND because Eric would be in work/school all day) but we did decorate over the weekend and prepare a cake. Unfortunately, she came down with a fever just in time (on Sunday she was super cuddly and mellow and I kept thinking, "Wow, she's being so good! What's wrong?"). We tried to make it as exciting as possible under the circumstances, but she was just not in the mood. After a few days when she was feeling better, I anxiously waited with the video camera for her to cream her face with cake, but once she got the sticky on her fingers...she wasn't too happy. It must be a girl thing. In any case, she at least enjoyed the taste of the cake, and we enjoy the laughter and smiles she brings us every day. She fills our lives with light; I can't imagine how life would be without her! Every day I thank my Heavenly Father for sending us this beautiful little girl and for how she is teaching me to be a better person.

Photos from the wonderful year gone by.

Newborn!

Recently home from the hospital.

Her first ride on a swing.

Being silly.

Ellie in her blessing dress.

Peas! Her favorite.

Our hoppy little bunny for Halloween.

Her silly sniff face in the tub. I LOVE THIS GIRL!

Christmas!

Fell asleep again in the jumper...

This is her practicing "winking."

My little monkey! To her, I think the whole world is a jungle gym. She's so CUTE, and sneaky. She gets in some crazy places...

Daddy and Ellie while listening to Conference. I enjoyed the sweet view =).

Thanks, Grandma and Grandpa Bird, for coming to visit (and fixing EVERYTHING in our house while you were here!). And thanks Grandma and Grandpa Jones for the birthday gifts. =)

Happy Birthday, Eric!

Yay!  September 19, 2008 meant Eric Whitney Jones has officially graced the earth with his presence for 28 years.  And I have been so blessed to know him for only a part of those.  On Friday we both had the day off.  I let him sleep in a bit and then we made a belgian waffle, rasberry danished, and whip creamed sweet breakfast.  Actually, Eric did most of the cooking while I decorated.  We played some racquetball and Eric SKUNKED me.  But mostly the day was pretty casual.  In the evening Eric made his world famous sloppy joes, and then we headed over to his house for cake and icecream.  When we got there..."Surprise!"  Several friends from our branch were there including some of the presidency.  We sang happy birthday and had some awesome banana cream pie Dairy Queen icecream cake.  Then we played a few rounds of Mofia and talked until late.  It was a good day.  Especially with a happy birthday kiss to top it off.  Happy birthday, my sweet boy!  

By the way, we had A LOT of fun with the styrofoam peanuts from the box Eric's dad sent.  Maybe too fun; the floor was quite the sight by the end of the night. ;)

Happy Birthday, Amanda

So, once again the time of year rolled around where I became officially older.  Yikes.  This year was my 25th birthday and for various reasons I was really dreading it.  "Let's just celebrate next year," I said, but no one listened.  We of course had cake (which Heather made, and it was delicious!) and presents.  I slept in late and painted and kept the day very casual.  Mostly I was missing my Eric.  Being the thoughtful one he is and knowing he would not be able to see me in person, he sent me an incredible hand-made card in the mail which arrived right on time and said such sweet romantic things which he has a talent for writing.  Not only that but he sent me a vase of beautiful wildflowers with some of my favorites: lilies and daisies.  It was a day I didn't want, but it turned out to be a very good one.  I was very grateful for so many who took time out to think of me and do something a little extra special.