New Years Resolutions

Well, it's that time of the year again, and our family has set some goals for the new year.
Cam: Give up energy drinks (with a little push from me)
Leisa: 1. Give up drinking soda
2. Wake up early in the morning to get workout in
Abby: Switch from two naps to one(again, with a little push from me)-hence the need for me to wake up early to workout

I'm excited for 2009. I think it could be a good year. I know we have plans that we would like fulfill and with any luck, the economy could start to turn around(even though the experts aren't predicting it to quite yet). So here is to the New Year! Cheers!!!

My Little Helper

Abby discovered that we keep the broom next to the fridge, and loves reaching back, grabbing the broom, and "sweeping" the floor. It also works as a great way to tease Rory, but either way, I enjoy the "help".

Merry Christmas

Here is Abby opening her presents. Once she figured out that it was okay to tear the paper, she really got into it. So much so, that she enjoyed opening EVERYONES presents.


Cam got a bow for Christmas.


Abby really was much more excited than she looks.


Abby is good with Piper. She knows not to touch the baby. Well I'm not sure if she really knows that or is terrified of getting close.


Will, Are, and Piper


Cam, Leisa, Abby and Rory


The day went pretty good. Abby had a few meltdowns, but we reminded her it was Christmas and we were supposed to be happy. Cameron's family came over in the afternoon for dinner. And of course the entertainment, as always, was Abby and Piper. But we managed to divert our attention for a while to play a game. Everybody feared the worst from the weather, and was afraid that they would get stuck out here in Eagle Mountain. But we lucked out and missed most of the snow. It was more rain/sleet than snow. So everyone returned home safely and all had a good time. It was fun to do all the Christmas stuff for Abby, but I think next year will be even better when she has a better understanding of whats going on.

I called home to my family and of course was sad to miss another Christmas at home. We lucked out and Cam got Christmas day off, but that was the only day this week. So, there was no time to travel to Colorado. But we have a trip planned in two weeks, so that will be fun.

Merry Christmas everyone, 364 days to get ready for next Christmas. Best to plan ahead.:)

I think we are buried in here!!!

It snowed all day yesterday. I couldn't believe how quickly the snow piled up. Last week I shoveled the driveway when it snowed, but yesterday, I decided it would have to be a mans job.

Rory is so funny. She loves to be out in the snow, but has made little "paths" to get to where she needs to go. Luckily she has decided that her dog house is good place to go. I was worried she would never learn to go inside for cover, and that heavy, large and ugly thing would never get used. I think in the summer we will try to paint to "beautify" it a little. But I guess I shouldn't complain to much, it was free after all. Since we have been stuck inside so much lately, Abby has really taken to teasing Rory. She loves to chase after her with anything that spooks Rory (which is pretty much everything). This time it was the stick we put in the sliding glass door. Which isn't really a safe toy for either of them to play with, so the game was short lived. That poor dog, hopefully she survives our active little child. But at the same time, that dog probably deserves a little teasing. Rory sure knows how to get on my nerves.

On Friday night my friend Jolynne, Abby and I went to Thanksgiving Point to see the Christmas light show. It has snowed on and off for the last week and so it was a little bit of an adventure to get there. But we had a good time and the lights were pretty. Abby defiantly was interested. I got her out of her car seat and let her sit on my lap as we drove through.

Time to Give Up My Other True Love...Soda

I just finished reading the article in the December Ensign titled "The Energy Drink Epidemic", and now I am seriously considering that it is time to give up my love of diet DR. Pepper. As I sat with my 44oz. soda in one hand, reading the bad health effects of caffeine, I realized that it may not be worth it. I drink the soda more because I like the taste than the "jolt" from the caffeine (do you think I am in denial), and I have given it up before when I was pregnant. So, maybe it is time to part ways permanently. I will certainly be sure to pass the article onto Cameron, seeing as he is an energy drink junky. Even I won't go near those things. Sorry, babe, I guess it's time to clean house.

Let it snow, Let it snow!! (Well sort of)

It finally snowed. We are finding that Eagle Mountain tends to miss out on the snow that the rest of the valley gets. But it made a short appearance here yesterday. It didn't last long and is quickly disappearing. I even braved the cold long enough to shovel the driveway. I guess that is something I will have to get used since my big strong man is always at work. Today I took Abby outside to let her play in the snow or what was left of it, and a neighborhood cat wandered upon us. Abby loved the cat, unless it got too close. She kept saying "cat" and laughing. Needless to say the cat got more attention than the snow.

Firefighter

This week I spent a few days at Are's helping and hanging out with her and Piper, the new baby. Meanwhile, Cameron watched Abby. When I came home one day he was proud to tell me he taught Abby to say "firefighter". Along with her discovery of wearing the helmet, its seems that she might just follow in her daddy's footsteps. Such a daddy's girl. But oh so cute!!!

O Christmas Tree

It's Christmas time. My favorite time of year (now that I don't work in retail). We put up our Christmas decorations and our tree. I was nervous this year that the baby and the dog wouldn't leave the tree alone. It has managed to attract their attention quite a bit. But I think the count so far is one branch broken off due to the dog running under the tree to look out the front window. And one ornament due to the dog eating it (I have no idea what goes on in her head to make her want to eat an ornament). So, I have to say that things have gone better than I thought. However, I haven't really put any presents out, and I don't think they will last once I do.

This week we went to Cameron's work party. It was a lot of fun. There was good food, good people, and lots of laughs. I always enjoy getting to know the guys Cameron works with. Makes me grateful to know that he has a good job AND good friends.

Abby spent the evening at Cam's parents and enjoyed playing and relaxing. She spent a few good hours cuddling with Grandpa watching her favorite movie "Baby Einstein". When we came to pick her up, she was laying on grandpas lap and didn't even get up when we came in the room. I guess she was comfortable, and our return wasn't enough to even rouse a bit of excitement. At least we know she is content to be without us and I'm glad that they are always willing to watch her when we need.

She LOVES Me!!!

Abby just learned how to say "I love you". It is so cute. Although I know that she doesn't actually understand the meaning of the words, it still fills my heart with joy.
I do have to be careful, though, because she is picking up lots of my other frequent phrases and words.

Hot Wheels

We bought a new car! Kind of tired of trying to squeeze into the other. We both spent weeks researching the kind of car that we wanted and would be the best deal, how much our old car was worth, and so on. Then when we went to the dealership, we were totally thrown. Found out our "information" wasn't quite accurate. Managed to walk away with a car anyhow. Hopefully we made wise decisions...time will tell.

I Think We're Doomed!

Abby loves to talk on the phone, unless there is actually someone on the other end of the line. If she loves the cell phone already, what's it going to be like in 10 years? I wonder where she gets it from... couldn't possibly be me???

Welcome new baby!

Last week we got to welcome a new baby to the Monahan family. Our niece Piper was born. Such a cutie with all the black hair. Abby sure seems interested. Just keeps pointing and saying "baby". Now I am trying to teach her to say her name "Piper". Although I think, even if she does learn how to say it, it'll sound just like baby. Oh well.