She Loves Me!

On Saturday after we went to Cornbelly's, we stopped by Walmart for a few things. We were in the produce department and I had a little accident. I slipped on some fruit that someone had dropped on the floor. I twisted my ankle and literally fell flat on my back. Aside from the complete embarrassment and humiliation, I was ok. But what makes this story worth sharing and recording for my own memories, was how upset my little Reese was. As soon as I went down, she started screaming. As Arnold was helping me up, little Reese was sitting in the cart crying, with her arms outreached to me. Through her tears she kept saying, "Mama, mama, mama." When I got my balance I picked her up and she hugged me so tight, buried her head into my neck, and just kept saying "mama, mama, mama". I had to keep assuring her that I was ok. It took her a little while to calm down and realize everything was fine. Poor little monkey, she was more upset than I was. She loves me, she really loves me.

Just a fun little picture of the little girl that loves me.

This is how Reese and I watch TV together some times.

Cornbelly's Pumpkin Fest

We had some free tickets to Cornbelly's so we decided this Saturday would be a good day to use them. I kind of wish we hadn't. It was so hot, it didn't feel like a Halloween/Fall activity at all. We had fun though. Reese really loved all the fun activities they had. I was actually impressed. Arnold and I had gone a couple years ago and didn't really care for it. But it has changed quite a bit. They have added several more things for kids of all ages. I was impressed.

Reese Got her very own free wagon to stroll around it. Not to keep of course :)

Reese loved, loved, loved the big jumping pillows. As you can see in the next few shots, we had some fun! Reese would have liked me to let go of her, but I knew a little better.

Reese found the new chair she wants for her bedroom.

She even found a few new friends

If you can't tell, she did not want to do this. But look at that cute little sad face.

Daddy was happy to participate.

Daddy and Reese...so cute.

This one's really for me...

when Reese wakes up from her afternoon nap, she always has a little snack and watches a few minutes of cartoons before we head outside to play. I'm realizing more every day, just how grown up and independent my baby is. This particular day, she had her milk and box of raisins just chillin on the couch. She would hardly acknowledge me while taking pictures. I had one of those "mom,wow" moments. I just love this little girl!

All the Witches are out!!

Today was Columbus Day! Does anyone celebrate this holiday anymore?? The University Mall still does. Cindy had the day off so we decided to go play. We went up to Gardner Village to see the Witches! It was a fun day and Reese really liked the Witches but not as much as she liked the water. We wanted a water loving child and we got it! Had I not stopped her, she would have jumped right in.

I'll warn you, the majority of these pictures are the back side of Reese. When she has her freedom she rarely looks my way, or lets me take her picture. She's an independent little monkey.

Reese was lovin her lolly pop! She got to pick it out at the candy shop.

She was such a little grown up, walking around all by herself.

We tried to get her to sit still for a picture with this fun witch, but she was having none of it!

Cindy and Reese. You can't tell, but Reese is looking longingly at the water.

Now she's upset because we won't let her go to the water! "Come on people!! Just let me at that water!"

So we gave in!

She desperately wanted to get in.

And she was happy, as long as she could touch it.

Reese also had fun shopping with us. There were a lot of little things right at her level.

Again, looking longingly at the water.

Just as we were about to leave...Reese found a little friend. A sad little pony, all tied up.

She tried talking to him to cheer him up, but he didn't respond.

So she did all the talking.

It was a fun day at Gardner Village!

Never drum with your bum!

She tried to have a seat...but she ended up stuck! At first she thought it was funny. But while mom was taking pictures, her patience ran out! Then it wasn't so funny! But it was still pretty cute...and a little funny for mom and dad.

Watch out world...

Here she comes! Reese loves sitting at my desk. She looks pretty good there. Future business women?? Only time will tell. She'll be amazing what ever the future holds...

although...this is a little more her size for now! She came up with this all by herself.

She's got skills...

Seriously...what happened to my baby?? She used to be so tiny that I could bathe her in the sink. Now she brushes her teeth all by herself...

...and Reese loves brushing her teeth before bed. I think it's more about playing in the water than the teeth brushing, but the job gets done.

Cranberry Orange Cheesecake!

I've decided on a recipe for my Utah Valley Magazine photo shoot! Cranberry Orange Cheesecake with Orange Syrup. I did a test run today and we had some friends over for a taste test! Everyone seemed to love it, so that's what I'm going with. Wish me luck this week as I make the final photo perfect dessert! I'll breathe a little easier after Wednesday.

A girl after my own heart!

I was thinking the other day...I really like Reese! Aside from the fact that she's my daughter and I love her unconditionally and perfectly, I really like her. She just cracks me up and makes me smile...even when she's doing something she shouldn't.

She's definitely a girl after my own heart...and feet! She is a shoe girl. She loves her shoes, my shoes and well...any one's shoes. Before I even get her dressed for the day, she goes to the shoe bin and brings me her shoes.

Come on Mom!! Just help me put my shoes on. It's ok that it's only 8 a.m. and I'm half dressed in my pj's.

I couldn't resist posting this picture. I'm in love with this look; pj top, diaper and her chucks! Uncle Kit will see this and say..."that's my Reese...stylin her Chucks!"

And I definitely can't resist any picture of my two favorite people together!

A new path...

What a week!!! I can't believe I haven't posted since Monday. That feels like a life time ago...that's how long this week has been. I have to start by saying that I love Conference weekend. It's so relaxing, uplifting and just rejuvenating. We have had a great weekend around here. It's been a good ending to an other wise crazy week.

If you haven't heard, I was laid off this week. But before you gasp and hurry to pick up the phone and ask me how I'm doing...I have to reassure you...it's all good. Arnold and I have known and felt this was coming for some time. Knowing what we knew about my agency and sensing some of the things going down...it wasn't a big surprise. To make a very long story short, the agency hasn't been doing well for some time and last week we lost two more major clients (like million dollar clients). Well, changes had to be made and as one of the last two people still working from home, part time; it was me to go (as well as 4 others). It makes sense and I don't blame them. I was working my way down the totum pole, not up, and Kim and Judy were both aware of that. Right now, with the agency in trouble they need full time, workaholic, 200% dedicated employee's...and well that's just not me right now.

What has surprised me is how good I feel about it. I have yet to shed a single tear or feel an ounce of anxiety or stress. In fact when Kim and Judy delivered the big news, they were both sobbing...I was smiling. They said, "Why are you smiling Mindi, this is the hardest thing we've had to do and your smiling." I can't explain it...I had the most comforting, overwhelming reassurance of peace as I was driving to my meeting and it just got stronger as they delivered the news to me. I feel strongly that this is a good thing that will lead or maybe push Arnold and I in the direction we need to be. I have always said, and definitely believe, that the greatest blessings come when we allow our faith to lead us into the darkness, down an unknown path.

We are truly blessed. Blessed that I've been able to work as long as I have, especially from home. Blessed that we have no debt and a very healthy savings. Blessed that we are both talented, smart and capable people. Blessed that we have the gospel, the spirit, and each other. Blessed to have family and friends surrounding us for love and support. Blessed for a list of reasons I could spend all night naming.

Anyway...the bottom line...I will now spend my time enjoying full time wife and mommy hood, expanding my many talents to discover other forms of supplementary income, catching up on all my unfinished projects around the house, and looking for my husband a better job (If you know of any leads...send them our way).

I'm actually kind of excited!!