'Gift of Tongues'

Today I had the day off of class, so it was time to clean our little home. I really am a neat freak but only if my schedule allows for it :) As I rolled out the vacuum after tidying up Payton walks up to me with the hip harness. At first I started to tell her mommy just cleaned up and she needed to put it back but then realized quickly our usual routine consists of vacuuming at night with her in the harness. She is so smart and knows what she likes. For me it is a times three benefit: one she is in sight, two I get cuddles because she usually ends up falling asleep and three it is 25 extra pounds I am caring around giving me a easy work out. After vacuuming I finished up the laundry by folding it and Payton sat on the poof and read books. I got these cute pictures of her reading to herself. It is so funny to hear because while she understands almost everything you say she doesn't say much that is comprehendable. Not being understood doesn't stop her from rambling on though, she is constantly talking to you, herself and her animal babies in her own special language.

HaHa I got this one after she had a piece of chocolate...notice how there is no chocolate on her hands-how is her face such a mess??

Easter Day and Today

Our Easter was a fun holiday experience. Payton was old enough at Christmas to unwrap some of her gifts, but not old enough to truly be excited about them. This Easter was different; it was like she could tell from the moment I walked into her room to get her that it was a special day. When we got up stairs she was all grins under her mess of a hair do. She walked right over to her basket and admired the bootie the Easter Bunny brought, pointing at the Little Peoples 'Noah's Ark' and picking up her new sweaters. The best part was watching her bust open that first egg, finding that it wasn't empty but filled with fruities she let out a 'oooh' and headed for the next egg. As with most peoples Easter tradition, Payton wore her Easter dress made by Grammie Miller to church. We had ham at Grandma Lauras and enjoyed a back yard egg hunt. The day was filled with fun.
Today was an important day-I took my written exam for my hygiene license. It is a 8 hour exam broken into two parts with a total of 350 questions. It was killer. I feel mentally drained and with the test averaging a 20% curve it is hard to say I walked out of there thinking I nailed it (no worries I am pretty sure I passed :)). Well it is 6 weeks before I know if I did pass and until then it is bye-bye spring break and hello busy life.

Easter Pictures

Today we took Easter pictures...
We go every big Holiday to this photo place called Portrait Innovations, it's great! They take so many pictures (like 100+ and you get to choose from all of them --good and bad, why does Payton have to be so cute?) plus, since the first time we went the same guy takes our pictures so he recognizes us, asks us how school is going and is so sweet with Payton. To top it all off we get to keep a CD with all the pictures they took. So here are a few to view. ENJOY!







A new family one :)













She is so happy, and I can't believe we actually got one of her standing while NOT running away!












Look at those grins













Great Grandma Marilyn got Payton this little chick that peeps, it is so adorable and Payton can't help but give it loves... Muah!


















This picture should surprise no one. Of course miss independent is going to man handle the 3x her size bear.


This week has been terrific being out of school. My birthday on Tuesday was great. Carlee made me a cheesecake and dad topped it off w/ some homemade raspberry topping. Chad got me an iPod which I plan to use quite frequently as Chad and I have been working out almost daily for the last month. Amazingly I actually have noticed a 'feel' better difference in going to the gym as I am not in it to loose weight. My back hasn't been bothering me --the curse of hygiene-- and I really think this is a great new routine we are getting into. Well I am off to watch LOST and Lipstick Jungle, yeah :)

I was tagged :)

A:Attached or single: attached.
B:Best friend(s): cheesy but the truth Chad.
C:Cake or Pie: Cheesecake with raspberry syrup.
D:Day of choice: Saturdays!
E:Essential Item: Mascara.
F:Favorite Color: Blue though black is a close second, but if it is color to wear then brown.
G:Gummi Bears or Worms: Sour worms.
H:Hometown: Highlands Ranch.
I:Indulgence(s): Dr Pepper and Dove chocolate.
J:January or July: July.
K: Kids: One, love you Pattey Pants.
L:Life is incomplete without: Family and Friends.
M:Marriage Date: 06.09.06.
N:Number of siblings: 2, all sisters.
O:Oranges or Apples: Apples.
P:Phobias or fears: As Chad would say I am a dirt-a-phobe.
Q:Quote(s): I don't really do quotes because I hear a good one and remember it until I need to have a favorite quote for something like this and it escapes me (I guess it is a person problem).
R:Reason To Smile: I am a mommy.
S:Season: spring.
T:Tag: Sarah, you never said no tag backs ;).
U:Unknown Fact about Me: Despite what I say I really am looking at your teeth :)
V:Vegetarian or Oppressor of Animal: I like the good stuff, no rabbit food.
W:Worst Habit: Leg Shaking.
X:X-rays or Ultrasounds: Both, ultrasound is better because it is looking at babies not broken things.
Y:Your favorite Food: Fruit.
Z:Zodiac: Pieces.

Play Time

With the wonderful weather we have had the park has become a frequent stop during our day. Payton absolutely loves being outside. For our first 60 degree outing we went to Clement Park and she played on the play set, 'ooohed' at every dog in the park and couldn't help rolling around in the grass a bit. She is full of energy and the park seems to be the best outlet for her. It is a blast to hear her giggle on the swings and witness the point when she mastered the slide and was ready for her next feat.

At home she cant help pulling out her stroller and getting in, saying in her own way "lets go already". While a little interpretation is needed to know what she wants none is needed when she throws a little fit as mommy and daddy are ready to leave the park and she is evidently not. All things said we are glad for the time outside together and are looking forward to many more sunny days.

Our next big thing is no less than the thing known as 'number 2'. While we are no where near close to having a potty trained toddler we are a few poopy diapers away from where we were. Payton is showing success in using the potty most of this week for number 2. At home she has her own potty but that doesn't stop her, as she has used grandma Laura's potty and the potty at Pizza Hut. She is an independent little girl, proven when she pushes you away from holding her on the big potties (not that we argue, it is too cute to watch her holding her knees and pushing :) )

We are excited for her and she seems to be too, clapping for herself after she flushes a job well done!!

I am on my Spring break this week which is very nice. Things have been crazy busy with school and it is hard to believe I will be done in 2 months. It is also scary for me too, I feel like I have SOO much to get done before I can. What makes it even harder is that the things I have to get done are not solely based on my decisions- whether or not my patients show up is a BIG deal! As of right now if they all show up I might just make it :). I would like to say this break is going to be all fun and games but sadly some studying will need to take place because the first day I get back I will be taking my written National Boards exam. I can't believe it is here and everything else will be coming up before I know it. Life is changing and I can't wait!!