we had a great day.

Girls trip, with just my girl!

Me and this cute girl took our first trip with just the two of us! She talked the whole way up!

We drove up the beautiful coast to Santa Barbara...
To hang out at Carly's houseTo shop on this cute street

To eat Pinkberry with Carly, Char and Cameron
And most of all: To celebrate Char and Cam's baby on the way!

This little girl was a total lady the whole shower.
She sat at my feet and played quietly during the whole shower.

But did not want her picture taken (only unlady like moment).
Kate loves Aunt Carly! (me too!)

It was so much fun to see my good friends. I miss them! Char lives in China, but hopefully will be moving back soon! And Carly just moved back here from North Carolina! Hopefully we will be seeing much more of her and Chad!
I didn't think it was possible, but I fell even harder for my little bug on this trip. She was the perfect baby. We seriously had so much fun together! Can't wait to take her on more trips.

Happy Birthday to me!

All my wishes came true...
I opted out of the breakfast-in-bed for some extra precious moments of sleep. Sleep is so much better than food at 7am.
Had a yummy lunch at the Spectrum with my mom, dad, sister, niece, nephews, cousin, and grandma.
I got enough dinero from my generous family to get my coveted CS4.
We looked at Beach Cruisers last weekend. And I found the one I want. Can't wait to see Kate in her helmet on the back of my new bike!
After Kate was down for a nap, and Matt was off to work, the best present of all was found in between the Salsa and Heavy Whipping Cream. A cup full of Chocolate Milk made by my sweet buns. Love him.

Then he scored major points with these. But then lost a few when I went to smell them and a creepy yellow spider crawled out of a rose.He redeemed himself when he arranged babysitting for this munchy.
And a romantic dinner for me in Laguna Beach.
Never too old for this pose... Matt's always blows mine out of the water.

Thanks for all the birthday wishes! It was a great day.

Bye Bye!

Kate and I are on a little trip in Santa Barbara visiting a few of my best friends! Before we left yesterday we were outside saying goodbye to Matt and Kate waved for the first time to Matt! It was so stinkin' cute. We started laughing and telling her good job, and then she started clapping! She was so proud of herself. I love that little bug.

True Love: Just the Beginning- Matt's version

A month later I planned another trip to Utah, and I realized there that I wanted to seal the deal. Before I left Hawaii I started doing my homework about buying rings, and tried to figure out what style Ani wanted. Then I put my “Ring Fund” to good use.
(My last few days in Hawaii.)
I made preparations to move, sold my stuff, and packed up, and made the move to be with Ani. It was the best decision that I had made in my life. I was excited and nervous!

In December, before Christmas, I wanted to purpose. I was ready. A couple days before Christmas, I thought it was appropiate to get Craigs approval to marry his daughter. One day he was in the garage, by himself, and I knew it was a good time. I approached him, and told him I needed to talk to him about a few things. He said, "Sure, yeah, I knew we would come to this point, let me sit down." He grabbed two Costco packages of Toilet Paper to sit on without really thinking if it would support him or not. He sat down and BAM, hit the floor! I thought, "Oh man, not a good way to start!" After I helped him up and got him something to sturdy to sit on (his little blue stool) I asked him if it would be Ok if I married his daughter. I said, "I know she is the one, we make a really good team, and it feels so right." He then went on to worn me about Ani's strong personality. I told him I was aware of that, and it is part of the reason I love her. Then Ani opened the door, there was an awkward pause, then she closed the door real quick. He asked me when I was thinking we would get married. And I told him I wanted her to finish school, I needed to get a job, but, we wanted to get married sooner than later. Then Craig gave me the approval look. Not really a yes, and not really a no. Just the look. I was going for it!

(I had a time line. I had to purpose before Ani got her wisdom teeth pulled!)

A few days later was the day I had planned. We helped family move, the whole day I was nervous. I wanted to day to be perfect and I was worried that it wasn’t going to go as planned. I wanted to purpose at sunset, and it was starting to get later in the afternoon. I finally came up with an excuse to get Ani to leave with me.

We got down to the pier just as the sun went down, and I asked her if she wanted to go on a walk. We walked along the beach, looking for shells, and I “found” a big shell on the sand. I showed it to her, and she said, “You didn’t find this shell here!” I told her to look at it, and inside she found a little note that said, “Ani will you marry me?” I was down on my knee at this point. She got really excited and tired to hug me and was saying, “Yes!” She didn’t give me a chance to even ask her! So I asked her and she said, “Yes! Yes! Yes!”
(Me and my girl in Vegas.We almost eloped!)

We had dinner at Fisherman’s that night. It was surreal. We were so happy. We couldn’t stop laughing.
(Me and Ani in San Fransisco)
We spent 8 months apart. It was the toughest time in my life! I didn’t have a new job yet, nowhere to live yet, and the only thing I did have, Ani, was hundreds of miles away.
We got married on August 25, 2006, and it was the most amazing day of my life. I married the most beautiful woman.

It just keeps getting better and better.

True Love: Happily Ever After- Ani's version

He found a job in California, and I would be finished with school in August. And so the long winter began. We were separated for 8 long, dreadful, tear-filled months. I used any and all excuses to come home, and he to Utah. I cried, and begged, manipulated and promised countless backrubs to my dad just for a plane ticket home to see Matt. I am still in debt. He drove to see me after work on Friday nights, arriving Saturday morning, and leaving Sunday morning.
Everytime I pass the Jonn Wayne Airport I still get a sad, homesick feeling. I hated being dropped off at the airport and leaving Matt during those 8 months. But the day finally arrived that we no longer had to say goodbye to each other. The night we got married we promised that we would not spent one night away from each other for a solid year. A year worth of sunsets, and sunrises. And we kept that promise.

Matt is still a dream. He is too good to be true. He still pulls me in his arms to dance.

I am going to dance with my cute surfer boy (with dimples) for eternity.

I am..

From Kindergarden to 5th grade I was dead set that I would be an artist when I grew up. I drew, and painted, and sketched, and colored my little heart out; all in preparation of my future career.

So I sold lemonade and cookies on the corner.

Then I found out about the value of money. Found out that Dad wasn't always going to be there to pay for my "stuff". I really liked helping people, and I was fascinated with all things medical. I was now set on being a doctor. At the tender age of 10, I put my 6 year old brother on the kitchen island, turned on the overhead lights, and removed stitches in his head. It was my calling. And I could make big bucks.

I sold more lemonade, and cookies on the corner, and realized I could charge more. So I did.

Then I started middle school and realized that Math and Science were not my thing, I began to worry. Then I found out how much time being a doctor required! How could I be a mother and a doctor if I have to be gone all day and sometimes at night. I began to re-access.

Too embarrassed to sell lemonade I did chores around the house. And yard work, my favorite!

In elementary school I often volunteered in the Special Education class. I loved to work with my peers in that class. I felt so good after. 9 years ago, on my birthday, a boy approached me by my locker at Capo High and said "Happy Birthday Ani." I was in total shock as I wondered who this guy was, and how he knew it was my birthday. It was a boy I had worked with in elementary school. He suffered from Autism, and had an amazing memory for dates, and apparently faces. When I realized who it was, I was deeply touched. We became friends again and always said hello as we passed, and had simple conversations in the hall.

Still in love with the medical field, I got a job working for a Dentist. After too much tooth dust inhaled, and sucking spit out of mouths, it was not for me.

When I got to college I was very unsure of what I wanted to do. Every major I looked at just seemed lifeless to me. One day as I was looking through all of the majors that BYU offered, I saw "Counseling Psychology and Special Education". I know it sounds cheesy, but I started to cry and got the most overwhelming feeling that this is what I was suppose to do. It just made sense. I applied.

I was a substitute teacher in Provo. And worked in a medical office in the summer. Gotta pay the bills.

And so my journey began in my chosen field. Turns out it was a little more involved than being a good friend, cleaning up messes, and then feeling good about yourself after. After lots of sweat and tears, late nights, long projects, punches to a pregnant tummy, scratches, and pulled out hair, I had arrived. I earned it. I was a Special Education Teacher. It was the right choice for me. All the disappointments, sorrows, and pain felt, was quickly erased when a student read a new word, or even said a word for that matter. I watched children learn to swim, learn to communicate, how to be a better friend, to use a utensil, to give a hug. On especially bad days, I have had students that I did not enough think even knew I existed or even knew my name, come up and hug me, and give me a kiss on my cheek. In those moments, I realized I had chosen right. I am a changed person from my time spent with these "special" children.

With time to spare before the baby, but not wanting to put her in more danger. I became a nanny.

And, this all prepared me for my greatest calling. My true calling as a mother. I loved the kids I worked with, but nothing compares to the joy and happiness that Kate brings to me. I love being a mother. It is the best thing. After a day of laundry, and cleaning, and diaper changing, it was 5pm, and I caught my reflection in the mirror. I saw a tired mother with a smiling baby on her hip vacuuming away and singing to her child. Happy. Content. Joyful. It is what I have always wanted.

I am a mother.

Thursday Nights...

Every Thursday morning I wake up instantly thankful that this day of the week has finally arrived. It means: Grey's Anatomy. It means: Private Practice. It means: No basketball. Love, love, love it.

Last Thursday, after a very draining and tiring, 4 days, I was living for my Thursday night. Grey's started, and about 10 minutes later Kate started crying, and did not stop until 4 hours later when E.R. doctor came into our room and she smiled and laughed at his goofy faces. We went to bed at 12:30am. Not as I had planned. (After 3 hours of crying straight, nurse told us to take her in, turns out her ear was "a little red". That "little red" is gunna cost us a pretty penny!)

So, tonight, I am in my PJs, my birthday truffles within reach, and Matt trying to get in some last minute sports before ESPN turns to ABC in 10 short minutes.

It is going to be a good night.

We have this conversation everyday.

Kate: Daaddaaaaaaaa
Me: Yes, we love Dada.
Kate: Dadadadadaaa
Me: I know, you miss your Dada.
Kate: Daaadaaaadaaa
Me: Kate Bug, why don't you try to say Mama. Maaaaaaaaaamaaaaaaa. Maaamaaaaa!
Kate: Daadaaaa.

Someday...

Dearest Matt,

I know you don't read my blog, but I know Aaron does, so...

Dearest brother-in-law Aaron,

 It is your responsibility Aaron W. Edmonds to pass this info along. For my birthday on Wedneday.....

I would love tickets to this:

Have to have this:

Would really like this:

To go on the back of this:

Thank your attention,
The soon to be Birthday girl.

ps. I think he knows by now, but also make sure he will be serving me breakfast in bed. AND, as a father of 4 children, let him know that moms get to sleep in on their birthday. 

Thanks for making all my wishes come true.

True Love: Deal Sealed- Ani's version

    We had been talking marriage for a while now. I had the sneaking suspicion that he was going to propose soon!

    I came home from school for the holidays, and he flew down from Sacramento to spend time with me and my family. We were in the middle of a remodel, and my mom did not want to get out all the Christmas decorations in the huge mess. But, Matt and I decided we would take on the task and decorate anyway! While I was wrapping the stairs with garland I realized I had not seen Matt for about 10 minutes. I thought he might be getting more Christmas stuff down in the garage, so I went out to find him. I opened the door, and I saw Matt and my Dad in a serious talk. I immediately knew what was going down and shut the door! My heart was pounding so hard, and I was jumping up and down and found my mom and told her what was up! We went into the guest room, and opened the closet, and pressed our ears against the wall that was shared with the garage! We could totally hear!!!! I was right. I heard Matt say, “I want to marry her sooner than later!” I was freaking!

    A few days later, December 17 to be exact, my sister’s family was moving into their new house. We all went out to help them move. Matt was acting nervous the whole day, so I knew this could really be it! As the afternoon wore on, I could tell he was antsy to get on the road to head back home (45 min. drive). Finally, he asked if we could leave. We rushed home, and changed for a date he had planned. I could tell he had something in his pocket, totally NOT sneaky.

   We got to the Pier just as the sun set. He said he wanted to go on a walk before we ate dinner. So we walked south of the Pier for a bit. It was low tide, and gorgeous. We were looking for shells, and he reached down and then showed me this huge, perfect, POLISHED shell. “Look what I found!” I informed him that we do not have shells like that here! “Just look at it!” He forced that shell in my hand and I saw a little piece of paper sticking out. I pulled it out, and unrolled it, and read the small red words written in his handwriting, “Ani, will you marry me?”
My heart was about to burst out of my heart! Of course I wanted to marry this boy. Be this cute surfer boy's wife for eternity? Yes!!! So, that is what I said and kissed and hugged him while he was still kneeling down. Matt thought it was funny that I said yes before he got to verbally ask me. So he asked again, and again I said yes! Then he slipped the perfect ring on my finger, sealing the deal. We hugged and kissed and laughed. It felt like a dream. We walked down the Pier and then had dinner at Fisherman’s. Everyone knows the corner table it the best table, but it is also the hardest table to get. That night, all the tables were filled, but the corner table was waiting for us. It was a perfect night!

To be continued...

It has come to my attention over the past few weeks that there are some people, whom I love, that misunderstand my beliefs. Whenever I have had questions about anything in my life, I have gone to the source, and sought out answers to my questions. So, I thought I would give the opportunity to anyone who has questions, or simply does not know anything about my religion, to know more! Here is a link to a good website that explains some basic beliefs.

http://www.mormon.org/mormonorg/eng/basic-beliefs/the-restoration-of-truth/the-restoration-of-truth

I love the gospel of Jesus Christ with all of my heart. I know it is true. And I hope and pray that if you do not know, or do not understand my beliefs that you will research from this website and find some answers to your questions. Especially if you love me, it would mean a lot to me, that you at least know what I really believe in.

And, I am always willing to talk about my faith. Please just ask me!

{Miss Kashia}

This cute girl made my job very easy! Wonder why? We had so much fun; she got me up-to-date with the latest gossip, posed like a pro, and is excited to turn her papers in for a mission in two weeks. Any guesses where they might send her?!

8 months

This little girl (still under 15 pounds) is 8 months old today! I can't believe how fast time is flying! Her personality is so funny! We laugh all day long at the things she does. She is super smiley, even in the midst of teething, fevers all weekend, and a bad cold.
I am so thankful for my little friend that I get to be with everyday!

Kate Bug and Carter Man

These two crack me up! They are 5 weeks apart...and Carter Man probably has a good 10 pounds on her.

May 08
January 09

summer in the winter...

I love it more than breakfast for dinner, and I really like breakfast for dinner! I took this amazing weather and used it as a learning opportunity to teach Kate that Winter really can be fun (when it is 80 degrees!) We have been living it up at the beach and park everyday. I love every second of it. So sorry all your Winter Lovers, (Meg and Danielle).