Happy Birthday Lover Boy!

Happy 33 Danny Boy!

Erg...I mean 27...again.

We love you!!

Hope you loved your hugemongous carrot cake, dinner at the Mandarin and your new grill!

Report Card

Staying home being a full time mom- Love it! Love it! Love it!

Our house full of sickness- we're getting there. Cel's up and going. Me and Dan are a little behind. Stuffy and coughy. Breathing is so overrated.

The mess that I affectionately call my house- also, getting there. I tackled laundry yesterday. Today, the living room will livable.

My grandparents- Things are good. Thank you for all the prayers and concern. Grandpa is home and on the mend. Albeit a little slower than I'm sure he'd prefer. Grandma is in a wonderful nursing home in a Alzheimer's unit. Mom says it's perfect. We'd love to have her home, but that can't happen. So, now she's in a safe, secure and happy place. As soon as I can stop coughing, Cel and I definitely going out and about for some much needed visits.


And finally. My New Years Resolutions...

1) Read the Book of Mormon again. And this time, really study it.
2) Go to the temple at least twice a month with my hubby.
3) Learn to do my family history.
4) Do the temple work for Dan's grandparents.
5) Expand our food storage.
6) Teach Celia to read before she starts Kindergarten.
7) Get off my lazy rump and exercise more.

Happy Wednesday all!

Making Money

This is what Celia instructed Dan to do after morning prayer today...

Dan- "I love you Celia."

Celia- "I love you too. Go make real money. Not fake money. Ok?"

Last night she successfully faked sleep for a good ten minutes. Just enough time for me to carry her in from the car, help her potty and declare that since she was so sound asleep she didn't have to brush her teeth.

It surprised both Dan and I when she burst from her room triumphantly a few minutes latter and announced,

"Got ya!"

That's when I laughed and said, "Now you do get to brush your teeth!"

Later we asked her if she really had been faking the whole time.

"Yep! Fakin not stirred!"

I think she meant "Shaken not stirred" as in James Bond, or her favorite way to make chocolate milk.

Still, it was very funny.

Where does she get her ideas??

Dan and I are very happy to have our sweet Celia home again.

Without her little spark our house just isn't our home.

Love Your Hubby?

Yeah. Me too!

Have you ever read Segullah?
Great stuff!

I read the most beautiful article on their blog yesterday.
Check it out here.

What's with the emotions?

No, I'm not pregnant.

But, thanks for asking.

I would like to be though. The body just isn't cooperating according to plans.

Which is weird.

Getting pregnant with Celia took all of about 5 minutes being off birth control.

I know, I know. It's only been two months.

Since when have I ever been a patient person?

More than the whole non baby thing, my body is starting to worry me. I just haven't felt right the past few months.

Weird stuff.

I'll spare you the details.

So today, I'm a bit emotional. Hopefully a dinner date and chick flick with my hubby will help.

He bought me tickets to New Moon and he lets me eat all the popcorn.

What a saint!

Poor guy.

How'd he ever get stuck with me??

My Great News!

I'm going to be a stay at home mom after the first of the year!!!

Thank you to my amazing husband!

We haven't quite gotten our finances all the way figured out just yet. But, we're taking this on faith. We both feel that being a full time mom is crucial to the family life we want. We're on a tight budget and we've cut out everything that's not essential.

The rest we're putting in the Lord's hands.

It's a huge leap of faith.

But, it's going to be well worth it!

Punkin Guts! Oh My!

Celia is now an expert 'Punkin Gutter'.

I'm so proud!

She was covered in pumpkin innards up to her armpits and loving every gooey, slimy minute of it. I really just shouldn't be surprised by her anymore!

Our annual Pumpkin Carving Night is just about my favorite time of year.

Bummer though... My camera decided to abruptly quit on me. So I just have the one fuzzy picture from my phone.

Oh well! Great memories anyway!!

Weaver family- It was so much fun to see you all again! Celia's talked about Wyatt non stop since Sunday. Too funny!

Best Buddies

I'm happy to report that Celia is quite the little Dodger fan!

This is their buddy time and she just loves watching the games snuggled in Dan's arms.

(Good thing it's her, or I would be a little bit jealous!)

He's got his Dodger shirt on and she's wearing her 'Pink Dodger'.

(That's the hat he bought for her at the game.)

They swung their towels, cheered at the top of their lungs and chanted for their favorite players. She was delighted that after chanting, "Manny, Manny, Manny!", he scored a home run just for her. How nice of Manny Ramirez to remember his biggest fan all the way in Utah!

I just warms my heart that he spends so much time with her. It's not just during baseball games either. He takes her every Thursday night while I'm at my meeting and that's their special time. They usually end up getting ice cream or some other fun treat.

But, even more than that, he'll tuck her in, play Pollies, and build forts. All the great dad stuff. He is a great dad! And believe you me, it's not always easy.

He's been thrown into this pretty quickly. But, he's so patient with her. With us. Even when I loose my temper and am frustrated. Dan is calm and always willing to do whatever it takes to make both his ladies happy.

We are so blessed to have our Daniel!

(I have to share him for real now.)

We are so blessed that Celia has him as such a strong example.

He honors his priesthood and brings a very special spirit in to our home.

We are two very lucky girls that's for sure!

Could I Get About 10 More Hours In the Day Please??

Welcome Friday.

I could have sworn it was still Wednesday. Busy week!

Our new little townhouse is still a maze of boxes. I'm pretty much living out of my suitcase since I can't quite find any of my cold weather clothes. Oh well.

I have my kitchen and bathroom unpacked and useable. Yay me! This weekend's task... find the other three rooms. That, and finish decorating for Halloween. It's all about priorities. I mean, we only have our door and windows decorated. It's October 9th people and I haven't put up my Halloween trees! I know what you're thinking. Cut me some slack alright? I've had a few things on my plate lately.

Here are a few fun highlights from the week...

Baby Chace is finally here!

She is gorgeous! I can't wait to snuggle her. I just need to get over this sicky thing and loose the cough.

Court again yesterday.

The Juvenile case is closed. Which means beastly Laina, the guardian ad litem, and annoying Chris, the caseworker, are out of our lives. Joy!! Celia's dad has actually been pretty decent about things lately. I chalk it up to nothing short of a miracle. He's still pressing for more time with Celia and wants it formalized when we enter our agreement into district court. As it is, he's not taking her the full amount as it is. I'm not worried. Things actually are settling quite nicely. Now, I may be jinxing things by writing that. But, I can still hope, right?

I supervised my first Enrichment Night last night.

Randee was obviously a little indisposed, so I filled in. It went well. But, Randee was missed. She is so much better at these things than me! I called my brother in a panic about 20 minutes before it started because I realized I couldn't set up all the tables and chairs alone. Thank you Chace! You are a lifesaver.

Celia is sleeping quite contentedly in her own bed!

It's been a little bit of a struggle. I've spoiled her the past few years and out of pure laziness let her sleep with me. Heck, it's been just her and I for so long it was always much easier just to plop her in with me and snooze. Things are a bit different now. She's given us a little resistance, but not much. And aside from sneaking in with us in the wee hours of the morning after a bad dream, she's pretty much sleeping in her own bed all night.

And last but not least... married life in WONDERFUL!!!

Dan takes care of Celia and I in the most tender of ways. Take Wednesday night. We had my little nephew over while the baby was being born and he and Celia were running a muck. Then my neighbors came over for a visit with their three kids and I'm running around trying to coordinate last minute enrichment details. Plus the phone is ringing off the hook. Dan's worked a long day, but comes home and instantly pitches in without me having to ask. Thursday night too. While I was at the church he finished my grocery shopping and cleaned up my mess in the kitchen. Then he joined me at the church latter to help me clean up, even though the playoffs were on. I could go on. And on. And on. My husband is a saint!! He is always thinking of our needs first. I love that man!

Mrs Soliz

p.s. I'm posting pictures and our little travel log soon. Promise!

Blessed Day

Last night Dan and I took out our Endowments.

I will never forget that night. I feel so at peace and so blessed. It's been a long journey to bring me to this opportunity. Many, many years of mistakes and sadness.

Now, I am so fortunate that Dan could be there to share this new and exciting experience with me. I was so nervous as I entered the temple, but that feeling soon left me. I was surrounded by loving attendants and so many family and friends.

I now have a better testimony of temple work and look forward to my next visit. Dan and I have committed to regular visits to the temple. We're even looking forward to doing the work for his grandparents. I can't wait for that day to share the blessings for those that could never do the work for themselves.

Last night I also received the permission letter from Celia's father to allow her to be sealed to Dan and I. Until the letter was physically in my hands I was still nervous that it wouldn't happen.

While we were at the temple, her father took the time to explain to Celia his decision and what to expect when she goes to the temple. He even wrote her a very touching letter for her to keep and read. She calls it her 'ticket'. In a way it is. He urged her to marry in the temple and confirmed his believe that families are forever.

I pray that this is a new start for not only Dan and I, but for our relationship with Celia's father. For Celia's sake, she deserves peace with the people she loves the most. I can do that.

For her, I will do anything.

My Miracle

Celia's dad has given his consent

for her to be sealed to Dan and I!

Despite all the past, I am so grateful that he carefully thought this decision through and has selflessly agreed. I am so grateful to my Heavenly Father for this miracle!

I'm so full of emotions that it's hard for me to write this.

My prayers are answered!

30!

Ok, so it's come and gone... I'm officially 30!

And I'll have to say, It's not quite as bad as I thought. Then again, I've been a little preoccupied with a few other things lately.

30 is different than I exptected. It's not at all what my expectations were. I'm definately not where I thought I'd be at 30. But, maybe that's a good thing! I'm a very different person than I was five years ago and I'm very content with where my life is right now. I've settled a lot these past few years.

30 seems a right age to be getting married. It's funny, Dan met me when I was 18 years old. He's known (and loved!) me in my teens, twenties and now in my thirties I know I will be spending eternity with him. It just seems fitting. This past weekend his great aunt said to me that we looked like we were made for eachother. I happen to agree! He is my soul mate. My best friend. He's patiently waited almost 12 years for me.

So, happy birthday me!

This year I have a lot to celebrate!!

LA for the Weekend...

Dan and I flew to LA this past weekend for Nana's funeral. It was a sad, solemn occasion, but also a time to celebrate Nana's life and the family and friends she so loved. I was so touched by the numerous stories about her.

Over and over I kept hearing similar stories- Families that were her neighbors decades ago and still were close friends, even down three generations.

I loved hearing about how she loved to dance and how she and Tata were always the first on the dance floor.

And how she was always worrying about everyone else. "Have you eaten yet?", she would always ask. Even if the answer was yes, she'd still make sure you had something to eat.

When I would stay with her she would ask me the same thing. Even though she was so frail and in so much pain, she worried about my comfort more than her own. I always had fresh towels and linens on my bed and she always wanted to know how I had slept.

One of my most treasured memories was her teaching me how to make rice on her old stove in her tiny kitchen. I may not make it with exactly the same touch, but when I make rice, I think of her.

I was so honored that Aunt Linda asked me to read a short poem after the funeral mass. I may not have know Nana the decades that others had, but it didn't matter to her. She welcomed me whole heartedly into her family as one of her own. And what touches me even more, is her love for Celia. In the short time they knew each other, they developed a very special bond. Celia's name was read as one of her great grandchildren at the mass. I was so touched that they included her. But, after this weekend I understood even more, that's just the way Nana was. It didn't matter if you were a true relation or not. Her love extended far outside the reaches of her immediate family. I hope to follow in her example!

We are blessed to have her as our beloved Nana! She will be missed, but I am so grateful I was able to be there for her funeral. I am so grateful to know that we will be with her someday and I know she'll be with Dan and I as we are sealed this next weekend.

Also this weekend I got to meet more of Dan's family and their family friends.

Good times!!

In Nana's example, they too welcomed me whole heartedly into the family. I don't think I've been kissed, hugged and congratulated so much in my entire life!

And the food! Plates and plates of scrumptious, homemade Mexican food!

I was in heaven!

I am so grateful to be marrying into the Soliz family!

Five days and counting...

9 Days and Counting...

Wow... could we pack any more into the next few weeks??

I'm swamped and that's an understatement!!

I just want to tell my mom and sisters thank you!! They are working so hard to put all the finishing touched on the wedding preparations. I'm going to have to be gone this weekend for the funeral and they have completely taken over. And if doing all my wedding preparations and watching Celia wasn't enough, they even planned a surprise girls night out a few nights ago. I got completely spoiled and was so surprised they had made time just so I felt special.

I really have the best support system ever!!

Mom, Randee and Tawny, thank you so very much!!

I love you!!

Dan and I got our temple recommends last night. We had our bishop's interview Tuesday and met with the Stake President last night. I can't describe what a joyous experience it was. President Jensen gave us the most inspired and beautiful advice and his testimony only added to my excitement to go to the temple.

It's been a long road in coming. But, now that I'm ready, I'm celebrating!

My Heavy Heart

Eleven days and counting. Eleven days until I marry my soul mate. Eleven days until I marry my very best friend.

I have nothing but the highest expectations for the perfect day! My family and closest friends will be there to witness our sealing. Everyone I love.

Everyone, with one little exception.

My sweet Celia.

Celia's father and I were never sealed in the temple. As a consequence, my daughter is sealed to neither of us. I have tried to obtain his permission to allow Celia to be sealed to Dan and I. He, out of spite, has refused. I really would like to trash him and his selfish choice right now. But, I am choosing not to. Instead, I am choosing instead to forgive him and his selfish decision.

In my struggles to understand, I've had the thought. "This is it. This is my issue." What I mean is that this could be my reason for doubting the gospel and leaving my faith. People have left the church over lesser issues than this.

After all, why should I have to seek Celia's father's permission to be sealed to my daughter? Why should he have to right to have her sealed without my permission? These are the thoughts that have been placed in my head while I lay awake at night and these are the thoughts that plague me throughout my day.

Because my heart is heavy, I have prayed for peace and strength. I may not understand the reasons why. It may be that on this earth I will never have the opportunity to be sealed to my daughter.

In my moments of despair I have received a solemn peace. It may not happen here.

But it will happen!

Elder Holland has a beautiful quote. I'd like to share it. "Some blessings come soon, some come late, and some don't come until heaven; but for those who embrace the gospel of Jesus Christ, they come."

As long as I raise Celia in righteousness and honor my sacred covenants, she will be mine in the eternities. I believe that our Heavenly Father is just. I believe that he will never allow us to be separated if we live righteous lives.

I believe this to my soul.

And this belief gives me hope.

Proud Momma!

I picked up Celia midday today for a little lunch date. While there, her teacher shared with me a super cute story.

Apparently yesterday Celia's class was given salad as part of their lunch. It was the bagged kind with shredded carrots and red cabbage. The teacher watched as Celia picked up a piece of the red cabbage and examined it. Her little friend sitting next to her exclaimed, "Don't eat it! It's nasty!"

Celia just stared more at the little purple piece of cabbage for a bit longer while her friend kept insisting she shouldn't eat it. After a few minutes Celia finally announced "I'm going to do it. I'm going to be brave. I'm going to eat it! My mom will be so proud of me!" Then she popped it in her mouth and exaggeratedly chewed it.

By this time her whole table was enthralled. After she had completely chewed it she exclaimed "It's yummy! I'm so brave! My mommy will be so proud of me!" Then apparently, the other kids promptly ate their cabbage too.

You know, she was right. I am very proud of her. Her teacher explained that the girl that told Celia the cabbage was nasty, is quite the little ring leader of the class. Most of the kids usually do what she says. I'm very proud of Celia for thinking independently and making her own choice.

Before I had her, I prayed that she'd have a strong personality. I prayed that she'd be self assured and confident. Anyone that's spend about 10 minutes with that little one knows she's definitely not lacking in self assurance and confidence. I love that! I hope she doesn't loose it. I hope that she's strong enough to fight the onslaught of peer pressure that she's already beginning to encounter.

On a side note. It also pleases me that she was thinking about me during the day. It sometimes feels like everything I say goes right through her little head without sticking. Apparently some of it does though. Even when I'm not there she's remembering the things I encourage her to do.

I hope too that Celia remembers how much I love her. I wish my love could surround and protect her wherever she goes. She often surprises me by saying completely out of the blue, "Mommy! Guess what? I love you!" Or we'll flash the I love you sign to each other in the rear view mirror. And not encouraged by me, she'll do it to Dan too. She likes to climb up super close to his ear and whisper, "Dan, I love you!", and then just giggle. And heaven forbid he not tell her a special goodnight before he leaves to go home!

Oh that little girl!

Celebrating!!

After three months and an exhaustive, very emotional search... Dan has found a job! He officially accepts today! It's a company called Dometag. They manufacture and sell polyurethane labels. As Dan puts it, "It's a niche market." But, we're both so excited!

He met last week with one of the vice presidents and they immediately hit it off. He's an ordinance worker at the Draper temple and a convert from the 70's. So they had a lot to talk about and really liked each other.

On Dan's way out he noticed a sign with some scientologist jargon hanging in the office. Dan previously worked for a scientology company in California. As part of working there, Dan has been certified in a number of the scientology management courses. It's really interesting stuff and Dan loves the management structure. It's not super common where we live in Utah though. So after seeing the sign he struck up a conversation on scientology. Turns out, the owner is a scientologist.

Dan met the owner Friday and the guy loved him. He flat out told Dan he was exactly what he was looking for. Background, personality and the experience in the scientologist management structure. They talked over salary details and Dan was told they would get back to him by this coming Wednesday.

Well, turns out they couldn't wait. They called him a few hours later and made him an offer. It was better than what they had talked originally and it's what we need as a family so that someday soon I'll be able to be a stay at home mom!
Long story short. Prayers are answered!

We had prayed for Dan to get several different positions over the last few months. Several that we just knew we wanted and we've been sorely disappointed many times. After meeting with the guys at Dometag though, this is the position that's right for our family.

The salary is what we need. There's no pressure to move to Salt Lake. Dan will be the director of sales. The potential for growth is huge. They would like to see him as vice resident in a few years and a part of their executive committee.

This is a position Dan can truly make his own. They are poised for huge growth and just waiting for someone to lead it. I have so much confidence in Dan. He is driven and really knows how to guide sales. And he's excited about this position! He'll be able to love the job he does instead of just taking a job to fill a need.

Oh, and did I mention the week long company sponsored trips to Jamaica every year? Can't wait!!

Spoiled, Spoiled, Spoiled

Ok, so my Daniel is the greatest guy! Have I mentioned that before??

I gave away my old washer and dryer a few months ago. They worked ok. But, were big loud clunkers and Dan said he'd like to buy me new ones anyway.

I'm in love with my mom's washer and dryer set. They're the super deluxe, all the bells and whistles LG models, and they're red. Love them. I've probably hinted about a million times that's what I would like. Knowing though, that there's no way we could afford the ones my mom has.

Well, my sweet Daniel spend all day Saturday researching and running around town. He is now an expert on front load washer and dryers. And even better, my new ones arrive this weekend. Yep! He bought me a very nice set and found an amazing deal! Love that man!!
I know it's a little prideful. It's not so much the actual washer and dryer. It's that he knew it was something I wanted. He know it mattered to me and wanted to make me happy. He also knew that the money thing stresses me. So he was both frugal and thoughtful.

Again, I love that man!!

Ring

I just ordered Dan's ring today...

What do you think?

It's a good thing he browsed around. I would have picked something totally different.

I just have to say though... I got spoiled.

Mine's a lot more fun than his!

It Must Be Love...

This is what I came home to yesterday...

Homemade guacamole.
(Which apparently is pronounced walk-a-mol-e not gwaa-ca-mol-ee. Hum. Who knew?)

Plus carne asada, Spanish rice and beans.
Does he know the way to my heart or what?
I love you Daniel!