Bench Warners

Some Lucy Love

2011-08-20T10:42:00.000-07:00

Being as how I haven't posted any photos of the babe for many moons, here is a little Lucy love.

I have every intention of getting caught up on the last few months! You know how it is... summer is just nuts!

We've had some fun adventures in Utah, Yellowstone, Canada, Seattle, and here at home, so stay tuned! :)

Lucy is almost 7 months! How did that happen? Here she is in all of her cuteness.

Yesterday we were at a birthday party and my dear friend, Marci, practiced with her new camera. These are the first shots of Lucy that have been taken with a nice camera. All the rest I have of her are just from my basic digital camera. I can't wait to have her do a photo session of the girls and our family! HIRED.

Lucy is such a smiley, happy baby. She has developed such a fun little personality this summer.

I just love this baby! She is such a delight to have around!

Lilac Paisley Minky Baby Blanket

2011-06-13T21:06:00.000-07:00

Babies, babies babies! It seems like everyone I know has been having babies! I have been busy making blankets and all kinds of fun baby things. I made up a few extra to sell in my my Etsy shop...

This super lush Minky Baby Blanket in Lilac Paisley & Chocolate Brown

A close up on the paisley pattern

These blankets are people's FAVORITES. My girls both have a minky blanket this size and they are so great! Ruby is still super attached to hers. In fact, she's rubbed the corners so much there is a hole in the fabric, which she refers to as "baby blankie's face." She feeds him, he talks, everything. And she hates sleeping without him. Lucy's blanket was the ninja weapon during her fussy weeks as a newborn. I'd wrap her up with it all around her face, stick the binky in and she'd sleep while I held her. They are so great. Perfect size, and super duper snuggly!

Baby Headbands

2011-06-13T08:55:00.000-07:00

Here are a few headbands I've made lately...

Turquoise Fabric Flower Headband

Elegant Beige Fabric Flower Headband

I really need to get Lucy to model them! However, here is my sweet niece,

Charlotte wearing the turquoise one. Isn't she precious?

Gotta love all these sweet babies!

Lucy vs Ruby

2011-05-06T17:36:00.000-07:00

So I thought I would pull out some photos of Ruby when she was about 3-4 months old, what Lucy is now. I definitely see some resemblance, but I think Lucy has her own look.

Lucy

Ruby

Lucy is so smiley!

Lucy

Ruby

Lucy 3 months

Ruby at 4 months with Nick's darling brother, Matthias...

who happens to come home from his mission next Friday! We can't wait to see him.

Me with Ruby & Lucy in our Easter outfits on Easter Sunday.

So, it will be interesting to see who Lucy looks like as she gets older. Apparently Ruby is Nick's clone, but it wasn't until she was about 18 months old that her eyes turned brown and her skin was more olive. I think Lucy looks a little more like the Giles side, but I also have people tell me that Lucy looks just like Ruby. So I don't know. What do you all think?

Regardless, as my mom would say, "All my kids are cute."

"Look, Mom!"

2011-04-18T17:48:00.000-07:00

Yesterday while I was getting ready, Ruby was hanging around the bathroom (as usual). She brought this into me and said, "Look, Mom! I made you a birthday cake!" Creativity at its finest.

Lucy's Blessing Day

2011-04-01T17:22:00.000-07:00

Lucy got blessed last Sunday. The day couldn't have been more perfect. Nick gave Lucy such a special blessing. I'm so thankful and lucky to have such a great husband who holds and honors his priesthood.

Our new family of four!

Ruby still trying to get the hang of holding her sister

That's better...

Lucy's not so sure about this...

Grandma Giles & Lucy! Happy baby!

Of course we can't get a picture with everyone looking normal. Love Ruby's face.

Ruby, Lucy & Mommy

Our family

Bill, Mom, Lucy & Ruby

Mommy & Lucy. She was ready for pictures and the dress to be done!

Isn't she so cute in that dress?

Ruby's Princess Party

2011-04-01T17:05:00.000-07:00

Ruby with her Princess Ariel cake

We started off the weekend by celebrating Ruby's 3rd birthday (late). My mom was already coming up for Lucy's blessing, so we decided to have her official birthday party while she was here.

Of course Ruby wanted a princess party. She had been talking about it since Christmas!

The Ariel cake. Turned out better than I ever would have imagined. Ruby loved getting to keep her when we pulled her out of the cake. I'm not quite ready for naked barbies around the house so I'm glad that Ariel has permanent clothes on her!

The girls decorated paddles (paper plates & painter sticks) and then hit a bunch of balloons all around the house. It was a hit! (Thanks Melinda!)

Princess Ruby and her very original crown

What's a princess without a crown? Thank goodness for these foam crowns at our local craft store that were only $1. I was so glad we didn't have to make them ourselves. The girls decorated them with jewels, stickers and glitter glue.

Princess Sienna- just entering the fascinating world of princessdom

Princess Hannah- look at all those jewels!

Ruby opening presents. The first, a darling parasol umbrella. We played some more games, colored, sang, danced, ate cake and had a wonderful time. Ruby loved every second!

Miss Lucy & Daddy

Enjoying the party!

The Princess Turns 3!

2011-03-17T15:38:00.000-07:00

Ruby turned 3 and I can't believe how big she is! To think that it's been 3 years since we met her for the first time blows my mind. She is such a fun delightful little girl. Sometimes she's a little too smart, but she keeps us on our toes! We are so lucky to have her.

The much awaited box... what could be inside???

For her birthday she asked for an Ariel dress. She's been wanting this for months. It was her motivation for obeying. She is such a cute little mermaid princess!

Opening presents

Happy Birthday sweet Ruby! We love you so much!

...and a few of Lucy.

Such a good baby!

Lucy with Ruby complete with her princess jammies and Ariel dress.

The Ball

2011-03-15T15:30:00.000-07:00

Nick was asked to DJ a stake dance for youth conference. Knowing that Ruby loves to dance with "her prince," he told her that he would be taking her to the ball. She was so excited and talked about it all week. She wore a fancy church dress, fancy perfume and fancy lip gloss. Ruby wanted her hair in pigtails so she could twirl and make them bounce. They had the greatest time. What a fun daddy-daughter date!

Introducing Lucy!

2011-03-05T15:15:00.000-08:00

Lucy Josephine Warner

born on January 22, 2011 at 12:54 AM

Weight: 6 lbs

Height: 20 inches

Well, as most of you know, she is here! Lucy made her debut on my mom's 60th birthday! I should have known that was the day she would be born... I just figured that even though she was due Jan 23, she'd be fashionably late like her sister! But to my surprise, she was a day early. Labor and delivery went well. I was able to labor mostly at home, and then when I got to the hospital I was at a 5. Once they got the epidural in, things went super fast and with a couple of pushes, she was out! Course, she was just an itty bitty thing, so that definitely helped! She is so beautiful and so calm. We are so thankful she is here safe and healthy!

Mommy and her girls!

Proud Daddy

Our little bundle

Big sister!

Lucy barely fitting in her newborn size clothes

Grandma Giles, Ruby, Lucy

Our little bundle of Valentine love! (3 weeks old)

Ruby and her little sister

Getting bigger... look at those cheeks and belly! (5 weeks)

A little smile

Bath time! Which Lucy LOVES.

She definitely has some similarities of Ruby as a baby, but she is definitely her own little person. We think she is looking more like my side of the family, but we will have to see. Ruby had lighter skin and blue eyes until she was about 18 months and then she turned olive skinned and brown eyes! So who knows...

Christmas & Suffocation

2010-12-30T21:16:00.000-08:00

It seems like suffocation sets in a lot lately... before December even started, I had the suffocated feeling that Christmas was almost here and I had a million things to do to get ready. Ruby and I had to tell myself to relax. And then about December 15th rolled around I lost all desire to finish any Christmas projects because I figured why spend the time when Christmas was pretty much here? Lower expectations. Then Christmas flew by and now it's not quite January (but pretty darn close!) and I again the suffocation of knowing that my house is in disarray, I need to take all my Christmas down, and the baby is coming, I'm not ready and I really really really really want my house to be neat and organized before I become a sleep deprived crazy person for 3 months. Someone should just take me out of my (and your) misery by really stuffing a bag over my head! :)

But enough about that... here's a Warner Christmas 2010 review:

Ruby carefully decorating her very own Christmas tree! She is very precise about making everything as fancy as possible.

She has loved laying next to it to snuggle. She also plugs or unplugs her lights about 5 times a day.

Ruby getting all of Grandma Warner's holiday stuffed animals ready for Christmas by dressing them up with reindeer antlers.

Reading stories with Grandma Warner and her posse

Behold, the ornament wreath in all her glory!

My favorite Christmas project (that I actually completed)

It was time consuming, super glittery mess, I burned my fingers on the glue gun so many times (what, am I twelve?) but it was all worth it in the end. Nothing like some Christmas bedazzle to hang on the door.

Ruby in her Christmas dress (not a very good shot...)

Christmas dish towel collection:

Christmas dish towels green polka dot

Christmas dish towels red polka dot

Christmas dish towels trees

Ruby's first snowman! Christmas Eve 2010

Ruby giving Snowman hugs and "marrying him"

So cute

Nick took the architecture route and built a snow archway. Don't worry, the ladder and blankets still there. Frozen to the archway. Looks real classy. :)

More Snowman hugs

Holding Snowman's hands

Cute little Snowman

Ruby in her snuggly Christmas Eve Pajamas and Elmo slippers with Aunt Mattie, who has the grown up footie jammies too! :)

So silly

Ruby playing with the Disney Princess Tea Set Aunt Lexie gave her. As she was opening it, she kept yelling progressively louder, "yes...Yes...YEs...YES!!!"

Busy making sure everyone's hot chocolate is poured just right

Christmas morning when Ruby woke up, she immediately asked, "Is Santa here? I want him to hold me." She was super disappointed to hear that he came while she was sleeping and that he wouldn't be able to hold her this year.

Ruby's vacuum from Santa

Santa's ultimate gift (that she had specifically asked him for): a Cinderella dress! (Please excuse me in the picture. This is the only semi-good shot I got of her and the dress! :) ) Notice the copious amounts of chapstick on Ruby's face. She has to be fancy at all times.

Christmas night we went to dinner at some friends' house and she found their Santa apron and hat. She was in heaven.

Being Santa can be a very serious thing, you know.

Christmas may be over, but Ruby is still obsessed with the Christmas story and loves being Mary and wrapping her baby (Jesus) up in swaddling clothes and lying him in the manger (our shower). Then she proceeds to go throughout the house to gather gifts that the wise men can bring to Baby Jesus.

Leavenworth & Sledding

2010-12-20T21:17:00.000-08:00

My dearest cousin, Martha, moved to Seattle this fall (hallelujah!) and so we've been able to spend some time together! She and her husband Adam and her cute 18-month-old little girl, Sienna, came to visit us this weekend. The night they arrived we we went to Leavenworth to see the lights and the next day we took the girls sledding. It was classic. So much fun. Here are some of my favorite moments:

Martha, Sienna, Adam

Pregnant woman with her leg propped up, Nick and Ruby

Some of the Leavenworth shop lights

Gazebo lights

Let the sledding fun begin!

I love how Ruby looks all bundled up in her snow clothes!

Adam & Sienna going down the hill

Matching girls!

Ruby & Sienna going down on the sled together

Ruby & Sienna holding on to eachother

Ruby found two huge snowballs that were her "friends" and she insisted that Daddy put them on her sled to go down the hill with her. Cracked us up!

Made it to the bottom of the hill

Now snowball friend #1 and snowball friend #2 aren't lonely. They have each other at the bottom of the hill.

Ruby Loves Snow.

2010-11-22T22:34:00.000-08:00

Here are a few photos of Ruby's adventures in the snow so far this year.

The first time it snowed, all she wanted to do was put on her coat and boots and walk around in it. We walked around the yard for probably 30 minutes and she was in absolute heaven.

Happy snow girl

The next time it snowed was much more substantial and we pulled the sled around in it. It took her a few times of falling down forward on her face to figure out how to get up in the snow. It was pretty funny.

We have since gotten some much better mittens for this little snow bunny!

Fall Wrap Up

2010-11-15T21:42:00.000-08:00

So here are a few things we did this fall.

1. Ruby became ULTRA obsessed with Disney Princesses. We got her this Belle dress to wear for Halloween, but she insisted on wearing it all day, every day, the month prior.

This shows just how happy she is to be a princess

2. We went on some hikes


Ruby and Daddy overlooking Wenatchee

Ruby and Mommy overlooking more of the Columbia

3. Nick & I celebrated (late) our 5th wedding anniversary in Victoria, B.C.

The front of one of the sweet castles we saw in Victoria, the Craigdarroch Castle

The back of the Craigdarroch Castle

The Hatley Castle on the grounds of Hatley Park

Kissy Kissy

Some of the gardens in the back of Hatley Castle

Back of Hatley Castle

4. Visited my mom & Bill when they came up to a time share at Birch Bay, WA

Bill, Ruby, my Mom

We went to a cute little craft fair/antique show, visited some marinas and toured a few yachts (Nick's favorite) and Ruby got some Grandma Giles time in. Not enough, but some. :) Grandma read her story after story, took her potty (she wouldn't let me. Only Grandma), and made cards.

5. Then Nick flew to IL for some work training and I talked my cousin, Martha, into coming to stay with me for a few days. Bless her. She really helped the time go by!

We took the girls to Smallwoods, near Leavenworth, where they had a cute little pumpkin patch and all kinds of kid Halloween activities. Ruby obviously loved this huge tub of balls.

Ruby checking out the pumpkins

She really liked the ones with "warts" because they looked like "a mean witch."

Posing with the pumpkins

Not wanting to take a picture with Mommy

Martha & Sienna

Run like the wind with a wagon

6. Then came Halloween. Ruby wore her prize possession- the Belle Dress. Complete with high heels. Luckily with Halloween on a Sunday this year, we didn't have to go trick-or-treating. Instead, our ward had an awesome trunk-or-treat.

Ruby's friend Bailey (Minnie Mouse) and Princess Belle at the Halloween party

Ruby's attempt at smiling for a picture with me

Daddy ("The Pwince") and Ruby trunk-or-treating next to a huge blow up "mean witch."

We're not dead.

2010-09-17T15:42:00.000-07:00

Hello friends! I realize it's been almost a year (gasp!) since I last posted. After two computer crash episodes, I'm back. And boy, is my blog jacked. I have got to do some major fixing, and of course upload some new photos of us. Please be patient with me as I try and fix everything and get it updated. We have lots to catch up on, so stay tuned!

P.S. anyone know how to get this super annoying photo bucket box (where it says "this image has been deleted") off my page? Ugh!

Little Ladybug

2009-11-01T19:46:00.000-08:00

Ruby's first real Halloween as a Ladybug!

I made her this red tutu with black pom poms for polka dots.
(It will fit her until she's about 15.)
I made the wings & hair clips too.

Back view of the cute little bug
Trying to catch up to the kids!

The awesome glow necklace...

Daddy has a cute bum

After we got home, Daddy was nice and gave her a few pieces of "his candy."

Loving some Peanut M&M's

Next year I'll have to teach her how to be a little more aggressive. By the time she got up to one lady's door, all she had left were quarters. :)

Let's play catch. Up.

2009-10-17T15:24:00.000-07:00

Ruby's latest obsession is Jesus. She sees a picture of him and starts yelling "Jesuuuuh" or "Jeejeee". We have the gospel art kit and she likes to carry the pictures around. In this picure Nick is showing her one of her favorites--Jesus and the fishermen. She loves to point to Jesus and especially the boat. She yells "Boat! Boat! Boat!" It's pretty dang cute.

Looking out the window, probably trying to see Daddy outside.

the "Blue House" is finished! Nick has been working on this house for about a year now. He did a great job! 2,800 sq ft, 4 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, granite counter tops and nice finishes.

Nick & I went to see Wicked in Seattle with his mom & brother.
FABULOUS. I have been loving the music for quite a while, so it was great to finally see how the whole story played out. Such a good time.

I ran the Leavenworth 1/2 Marathon two weeks ago. This was my third 1/2 I've done and this was probably the best experience yet! I've been training since July and I've done all my running alone this time. I always enjoy having an event to train for to give me a little extra motivation in my diet/workouts. And with the help of Van Halen and Miley Cyrus (just to name a few), I got 'er done. You can ask me about my killer playlist later. Pretty sweet, I must admit.
New this time were my sexy spandex shorts. Oh wait. Not by any means flattering, but super comfy and they got rid of a lot of wedgy picking/inner-thigh adjusting. Definitely a case of function instead of fashion.

Ruby & I before the race

Ruby likes to help me in the kitchen. She helped me make Snickerdoodles for Uncle Jer's birthday. Isn't she the cutest little helper?

My dear friend Jennifer Vance & I before she moved back to Utah. What a dish, that Jennifer. (I call her Vance.) We met in my first advertising class at BYU in '03, but our friendship didn't really bloom until the fall of '04. We had pretty much every class together and laughed ourselves silly. Love her. She's from the Seattle area and moved back up here about 6 months ago. It was so nice having her close (well, 2.5 hrs away is close enough)! She just moved back to Utah a month ago, so before she left, we had one final shopping trip/girl's day together. And I finally got to meet Holls after all this time! Vance-- love you, miss you.

it's pretty common to find Ruby walking around the house with some kind of comb, pick or brush in her hand/hair
One of Ruby's favorite pasttimes--sitting in the laundry basket.

All summer long Ruby was obsessed with her swimming suits. Toward the end of the summer she would see them and say "Shim?" then she'd carry it around all day. Or in this case, insist that we put it on her. She would walk around so pleased with herself and excitedly say, "Shim! Shim! Shim!"

Another swimsuit/pajama occurrence (looks like a singlet)

Side/back view

One of our last boat rides of the summer

The day Ruby and I went to the County Fair in Cashmere, WA. It was the first official pig tail day for her and she looked SO cute. The Fair was a total flashback, as I used to enter various cookies, pajama pants, items from the garden, etc. in our county fair. They had all sorts of animals. Ruby was terrified of the pigs (they're not as small as they are in her books!) but loved the horses and bunnies, chickens and goats.

A cute picture I found of Ruby, holding still for the camera AND actually smiling!

Zucchini Bread

2009-09-18T12:18:00.000-07:00

INGREDIENTS:
3 eggs
3/4 cup oil (I use applesauce)
1 2/3 cups packed brown sugar
2 cups grated zucchini (I increase to 3 cups)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt

DIRECTIONS:
1. In a large bowl, beat eggs well. Add oil, brown sugar, zucchini, and vanilla; stir well. Blend in flour, cinnamon, baking powder, soda, and salt. Stir in raisins and nuts. Pour batter into two greased and floured 9 x 5 inch loaf pans.
2. Bake at 325 degrees F (165 degrees C) for 1 hour. Cool.

I have made this a few times and it is a HIT! Nick keeps asking for more. It's a delicious moist bread with lots of flavor and pretty nutritious, too!

Enjoy!

Family Photos

2009-09-10T15:04:00.001-07:00

While in Fillmore for July 4th, our good friend's wife, Kirstin Roper, took our family photos. She did an amazing job! Here are some of my favorites of the whole clan...

Giles Grandkids

Ruby will pass on this experience...

Layni & Lincoln

Ben, David & Nathan

Some of the girl cousins: Anna, Layni, Evelyn, Maren & Brooke

Grandma Giles and the granddaughters

My brother, Brian's family
Brian, Christine, Nathan, Caroline, Maren

My sister, Melinda's family
starting L to R with Jake (the redhead), Ben, Scott, David, Melinda, Evelyn.

My brother, Bart's kids
L to R: Brooke & Anna

My brother, Greg's family
Baby Lincoln & Layni, Greg & Kristen (making out in the background)

Our family photo shoot (mostly of Ruby, thankfully)

July 4th in Utah

2009-08-19T09:54:00.000-07:00

Giles Family Reunion 2009

So after Ruby's and my trip to Broomfield, CO (to see and help Bart & KayLyn with their girls while KayLyn was on bedrest), we flew to Utah (July 1st) to see the rest of the Giles clan. It's a rare and exciting occasion to get all of us together, being that we are spread out all over the United States. I braved the plane trip alone from Denver to Salt Lake with Ruby, Brooke & Anna in tow. They did great. Brooke & Anna had their own special backpacks stuffed to the brim with coloring books, treats, barbies... you name it! They did well with the chain of command ("here's how it's going to work: if Ruby needs something, I need to help her FIRST, then it's Brooke's turn SECOND, and Anna--you're turn is THIRD."). Brooke just got annoyed when Ruby tried stealing all her treats :). We landed in Salt Lake where Ruby's daddy met up with us! It was so good to see him after a week as a pseudo mom of three. We drove down to Filly (Fillmore, for those of you who are new to the lingo), to Grandma Giles' house (my mom).

By the next day everyone had finally made it there and the fun began! I took it upon myself to plan the first organized Giles Family Reunion. Now, it was pretty low key-- I just tried to make sure we had plenty of fun things planned for the adults, kids, meals assigned, etc. Just to take the pressure off my mom and to help everyone feel busy. (It's not like there's that much going on in a town with no stoplights, one grocery store, and streets as wide as the Columbia River.)

The kids made bug houses, played water games, went swimming, decorated festive 4th of July frames, won prizes in Grandma's fish pond and Nathan even caught a couple toads! We ladies made birthday calendars, hair clips and had a great time in the kitchen.

(Birthday Calendars we made)

However, we all know that the highlight of our summer is always Fillmore's famous 4th of July celebration! It's an event that we start thinking about pretty much the day after it's over. And Melinda & I are scheming our outfits for it starting in oh... mid February. Afterall, it's the event of the year where you see everyone you went to high school with and everyone that ever lived in Fillmore :) Gotta feel a little foxy.

Filly's 4th of July Celebration

Three of my darling nieces posing in their red, white and blue before the parade.
Brooke, Anna & Layni.

Ruby in her 4th fabulousness sitting with Daddy

(Phil Robison reminding everyone to remove their hats as common courtesy)

THE Parade of Parades.

Fillmore's parade is always lovely. And it's only complete with Fillmore legend Phil Robison on his horse and his Millard High royal blue polyester pants.

For those of you that don't do small town parades-- you're missing out. Every ward in the stake has a float, most of the businesses, the high school drill team, cheerleaders, football team, etc. And almost everyone throws candy. A LOT of candy. I think it took about a week for all the kids to come down off their sugar high. And Evelyn learned how to be more aggressive in getting candy. Once Parade Coach Mel stepped in, she got her own bag full. Evelyn is still on the team for next year. It was a close one though... Mel you're awesome. :)

After the parade, President Christensen, a ward/family friend took a bunch of the kids for a ride in his horse-drawn wagon. Clydesdale horses I believe. They are beautiful!

After the parade, there are food booths and games for the kids. And don't forget the entertainment-- usually consisting of young girls trying to launch their singing careers with some super nasally karaoke. This year we heard just about every Mylie Cyrus and Taylor Swift song. Painful, but necessary for the complete Filly 4th experience.

(yummy flag cake I made for the BBQ)

One of my FAVORITE 4th traditions is the Giles 4th of July BBQ. We get to see family friends like the Ropers, Nielsens, Coopers and others. It's great food and wonderful to catch up with everyone!

After the BBQ, we all head down to the baseball fields for the fireworks. They are launched RIGHT above your head. It's amazing. Bag the Stadium of Fire... come to Fillmore! It's an experience unlike any you've had.

Origami for Kirb

The Sunday following the 4th of July we all took a trip to Fillmore City Cemetery to visit Dad's grave. The grandkids (and adults) made origami paper cranes, turtles, crabs, whales, etc. earlier in the week. We attached them to straws and arranged them in vases for origami bouquets on Dad's grave. For those of you that don't know, Dad served his mission in Japan. He loved origami and taught the 6th graders each year how to make paper cranes. After he passed away some of the teachers had the kids make paper cranes and hung them in the hallway in the middle school where he taught. It looked magical.

Just carrying on the Origami tradition.

Our happy little fam remembering Ruby's Grandpa Giles

My brother, Greg's, little family: Layni, Greg, Lincoln & Kristen

The Giles Grandkidlets (minus a couple)

I know Kirb was smiling down at this very moment.

The rest of June...

2009-07-24T21:35:00.000-07:00

...consisted of:

1. Ruby standing, complete with Jazz Hands.
2. Ruby drinking from the pool

Dipping her hand in

Licking her hand

So proud and pleased with herself

3. Ruby discovering the hose

4. Leading the 1st-year hike at girls camp

matching BYU shirts. Tender

5. Splashing in Lake Chelan

6. Taking care of these delicious little girls

my nieces, Anna (5) and Brooke (3)

7. Hiking with Bart, his girls & Ruby

My brother, Bart; Anna & Brooke; Ruby (in backpack)

Yes, that is a mini CamelBak Anna is wearing. She has some serious wilder cred.

Ruby didn't like the backpack too much, but it was a great hike! Isn't the scenery amazing?

8. Playdough Creations

L to R: Butterfly, Catterpillar (KayLyn), Dragon (Anna), Elephant (Me), Worm
Anna's Dragon definitely won. It was fierce!

Rewind

2009-07-24T19:33:00.000-07:00

So let's rewind back to the beginning of June, when the summer fun began! Things were getting a little too crazy around here, so I surprised Nick with a trip to San Diego. We even left Ruby at Grandma Mer's house (gasp!) for 4 days! I hadn't ever been away from her overnight, so I thought I was going to die. But that's another reason I decided to go somewhere that wasn't within driving distance--so I couldn't turn around and come back! Being without Ruby took some getting used to, but Nick & I had a blast together. No strollers. No car seats. Going through security at the airport was bliss. I even brought a magazine to read! As my mom would say, "I didn't know how to act!"

(Ruby minutes before we left for our trip. She was OBSESSED with that hat.)

We flew into John Wayne Airport near Irvine and so we stopped to see cousin Martha & Adam and their new little bundle, Sienna. I had forgotten how tiny newborns really are. And it felt really weird to be without Ruby. I'm pretty sure she's all we talked about.

(me holding Baby Sienna)

(Martha rocking the burp hold)

"Bird" is what they call her. She has so much hair and is darling! A great Martha/Adam mix.

The beauty of the trip was that I didn't really plan anything concrete--I just let Nick decide what sounded fun to him. And the fact that it was about 68 F made our beach decision easy... So we hit up a few other places instead.

FIRST STOP: SeaWorld

We almost found ourselves getting teary at the Shamu "Believe" show. It's amazing what you can do if you just believe... heheheh
I left my brains at the hotel and forgot the sunscreen. We were sitting there and Nick looks down at my knees. "You're going to get REALLY sunburned..." And I did. I still have the sexy knee-short tan line to prove it.

The shows at Sea World were fabulous. Our favorite was called "Cirque de la Mer" where these acrobats in alien-type costumes plunged into the ocean, balanced on eachother's heads did other crazy tricks.

I match the flamingos! I was SO SUNBURNED.
I also forgot how hideous my short hairstyle gets when I go under waterfalls (Shipwreck Rapids ride) and journey to Atlantis. I was a sunburned fro head.

Ride that Manatee!

Our hotel was located in the Gaslamp District, full of restaurants, art galleries and shops. We admired some fabulous art here and almost bought a Steven Quartly original. It was beautiful, but we decided we're not quite ready to start collecting art just yet. It was a fun experience, nonetheless. And to finish off the evening-- Ghirardelli double chocolate brownie sundae. Mmm.

NEXT STOP: Universal Studios

Universal Studios was fun to do once. I don't know that we'll go back. Highlights: Jurassic Park ride, Water World show, and the few Einstein Bagels that were still in our backpack.

Oh wait...
How could I forget this gem?

LAST STOP: San Diego Temple

Isn't this one of the most beautiful temples you've ever seen?
It looks like a fairy tale ice castle or something. It's magnificent!
We were able to do a session and the inside was equally beautiful.
What a great way to end our trip!

We were so excited to get home to see Ruby, but the next morning when I went in her room to get her, she looked at me as if she had no idea who I was. It took her about an hour to warm up to Nick & I (I bet you can guess how much I liked that...) Then she wouldn't let me out of her sight for the next several days. I think she was afraid I was going to leave again!

Goodbye beautiful San Diego. I'm so delighted we chose you to visit. Until next time.

Birthday Boy

2009-07-18T09:46:00.000-07:00

Nick & I at the Coldplay concert (7/11/09) at the Gorge Ampitheater

Nick

Uncle Nick
Dada
Nizzy
Nicco
Nick Lachey
Nickey Boy.

Today is my man's birthday. He's the big 27. I have to say I'm pretty much the luckiest girl ever. And I swear he just gets better and better looking all the time! Bring on the years, baby!
I LOVE him! Here are just a few reasons why...

He will eat anything.
Not many things scare him.
He is amazing with kids.
He's really handy.
He's my best friend.
He can get along with anyone.
He loves anything with dragons.
He's ridiculously smart.
He levels me out.
He makes me laugh really hard.
He's humble.
He has vision.
He isn't afraid to take risks.
Ruby is crazy about him.
His awesome dance moves.
His ability to tan (and pass those genes to our offspring).
He'll do just about anything for anyone.
He knows how to have fun.
He's one of the hardest workers I know.
He laughs at my jokes.
He is strong.
He is a tease.
He is just so GOOD.
He makes some mean breakfast goulash.
He rocks the "Smedium" like nobody else.
He has a very unique laugh.
My family loves his face off.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY NICK!
Love you!

Heap

2009-05-21T15:43:00.000-07:00

This seems to be Ruby's favorite sleeping position lately...

Bum totally in the air.
Looks super uncomfortable to me, but hey.

I guess whatever works.

Happy 60th Dad!

2009-04-26T19:44:00.000-07:00

This is my Dad. Kirby Lee Giles. Many of you have probably never met him. (What a shame.)
This may even be the first picture you have seen of him. (Aren't his glasses SWEET?)

Dad was born April 26, 1949, which would make him the big 60 today!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Wish we could throw a huge embarrassing party for you.

Dad passed away 9 1/2 years ago after a six-month battle with cancer. Boy, do I miss him.
Let me tell you a few things about him:

He loved music.
He taught piano lessons for 25+ years.
He played the piano beautifully.
He made a mean Christmas morning breakfast.
He always had a Little Debbie's stash hidden somewhere (we always found it).
He could have been mistaken for a member of the FBI or bodyguard when he was outside because his glasses turned into sunglasses.
He loved learning.
He taught 6th grade.
He didn't get his wisdom teeth removed until he was 40-something.
He served his mission in Japan and was passionate about the people and culture.
He wrote great letters.
He would be the GREATEST grandpa in the world.
He had an amazing testimony of Jesus Christ.
He was such an example of good.
He led in his own quiet way.

He loved leftovers--sometimes to the point of:
"Dad. That looks disgusting. We ate that like 2 weeks ago."
"Oh hush. It's fine. " hehe

He drove slow.
He loved my mom dearly.
He worked hard and never gave up.
He had a flat bum and his pants had a hard time staying up. Especially in the summer when he worked outside in the yard a lot.
He told corny jokes.
He was frugal.
He had really white legs.
He was thoughtful.
He expected us kids to always do our best.
He snored.
He loved traveling new places.
He loved the arts. He was always taking our families to plays, etc.
He was the best dad I could've asked for.

He would've LOVED playing with all the grand kids. I know before he passed away, when asked if he had any regrets, he only replied, "That I won't live to be a Grandpa." He has soon-to-be 13 grandchildren, and it will be up to 14 this summer. I'm glad that Dad & Sarah can keep each other company until the rest of us can join the party.

The other night I dreamed that Dad was alive again (I dream that on a regular basis) and that we got to catch up on life. I couldn't wait to have him meet Ruby and have him see how she's grown and have them play together. But then he had to go again. It was horrible.
It kills me that he doesn't get to play with Ruby and see all the cute things she does.

I hope I can always keep his memory alive. I have the responsibility to teach my kids about Grandpa Giles. If Dad were still here, ah the things we would talk about. His growing up on a farm. His parents. Parenting. Life. Everything that I wasn't super interested in as a 17 year old.
I can't wait to catch up on life. And to give him the biggest hug in the world.

Happy Birthday Dad. Hope it was great. We miss you.

New Hair New Hair New Hair

2009-04-25T21:05:00.000-07:00

Alright fine. I'll show you pictures of my new hair. After almost two weeks, I'm getting used to it. It's still long enough for a ponytail at the gym, it doesn't take forever to do most days, and I'm feeling sassy. I had 10 inches cut off, I got side bangs, and even got some blond highlights (color, not bleach). Love it. And yes, I'm donating it.

Before (front view)

Before (back view)

After (not immediately...)

Here's the back.

With the sibs (minus Greg) at Grandpa Campbell's funeral

Ruby's first boat ride last week

So all in all, I think I came away victorious. Thanks all for your input and moral support. It was a big day. I keep telling Nick, "uhh... it's okay for you to tell me every day that you really like my hair." Because let's face it-- guys give a compliment once and then figure that it still stands, unless they tell you otherwise. A little friendly hint to the husband never hurt nobody.

Easter & Petting Zoo

2009-04-15T21:30:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter!

Ruby outside in her Easter dress.

A little scared of the grass and dandelion

For us, Easter consisted of great church meetings, Easter baskets, a delicious dinner at the Whites' for Colton's farewell, Ruby taking a long nap, Nick being knee deep in mud, wind, rain, and Merilyn's scripture scavenger hunt. The ending prize was her delicious fruit pizza. She's so naughty like that. It was a good day.

Petting Zoo

Last Friday Ruby & I were spontaneous (hooray! For this is NOT my strongest suit) and went with Stacia & her girls over to the little petting zoo outside of Leavenworth. It was so much fun. We met up with another friend, Alicia, who I've known since Nick & I were dating. She and her new hubby, James, came with his boys and we all had a great time.

Llamas look like people.

I wish my back side looked this pretty...

Whoa. Look at that spread.

The Easter Egg tree

Ruby & the wood pony. What a crusty look she's giving me!

Stacia, Alicia, me

What a fun day! Thanks girls!

Happy Birthday Ruby!

2009-03-20T15:51:00.000-07:00

Ruby turned 1 on March 16! I really can't believe I have a one-year-old. But I must say--I'm glad I'm on this end instead of the newborn phase. As sweet as she was, I try and forget many things that happened those first couple of months. :)

The Birthday Girl and her balloons

We threw a flower theme party for Ruby complete with a daisy cake, pom pom flower decorations and some tulips and mini calla lilies. Grandma Warner, Aunt Mattie and Uncle Jeremy came, along with cousins Stacia, Brielle, Sicily, Monique, Byron and Bentley. We ate cake, opened presents, ate pizza and played games.

And of course the Birthday Girl had
to have a birthday outfit to go along with the party theme.

Me and The Rubes. My favorite Birthday Girl!

Ruby's flower birthday cake with jelly beans in the middle.
(Don't look too closely now... it didn't exactly turn out how I wanted,
but luckily there were no Wilton cake nazis at the party.)

Flowers, daisy cake, sweet tart jelly beans and robin's eggs. Mmmm

Ruby's most original gift-- a Red Bull. Jared gave it to her in a paper sack that read something like, "Ruby, may you always have the energy to have fun." We all got a good laugh. And Mom--before you have a heart attack, NO we did not let Ruby drink it.

Darling Cousin Jared with Sicily (his sister Stacia's little girl who is Ruby's age). He's single, ladies. Isn't he cute?

Ruby on her new set of wheels from Grandma Warner.
It's a Dora princess castle car that plays all kinds of songs
and has things that move and light up. Ruby LOVES it.
She only knows how to go backwards, but she's pretty fast.

Cousin Brielle pushing Ruby around in her new car
(Brielle also belongs to Stacia)

Ruby opening her present from Grandma Giles-- a cute stuffed bunny, book an adorable pink polka dot dress and lady bug outfit. Thanks Mom! She loved it!

Family Birthday-ness.

Dug her hands right in.

Quite the mouth full

Having fun in the frosting

"I'm one, Mom. And this cake is making me thirsty. "

Let's talk hair.

2009-03-18T12:52:00.000-07:00

So. The idea of cutting my hair has been on my mind for a year now, and I think I'm ready. Hair choppage is a big step for me. Not only would I be cutting a the length of Ruby's arm off my hair, but am I ready for the commitment? I'm talking $$, hair product, hair tools, actually styling it every day (instead of having the luxury of putting it in a ponytail on day 3 between washings).

Spring is almost here. It's starting to get warm, I'm breaking out the capris (which are fitting much better this year than last, thankfully...) and could use some sass in the hair department, as my hair is the same as it was when I was 18. I enjoyed short hair for a few years, but I don't just want to go back to that same style. And it's probably not in style anymore. This is where all you hair savvy divas come in. What are some cute hair styles that would look good on me? I would love any and all input you have.

I do have some rules: not a ton of layers--esp ones that are super short. I need to at least pull part of it up for sweat time at the gym. Preferrably styles no shorter than the middle of my neck.

What about something like this?

I'm loving the sweep bangage.

or possibly this...

This is pretty short though, I don't know If I could pull it off. Maybe a slightly longer version?

Ahhh Gwyneth. She always has great hair. I like the length, but kinda want bangs. Otherwise I tuck.

Pretty sure Nicole's hair is round brushed, which I refuse to do. Takes too much coordination and time. I'm a straightener type of girl. But I like her bangs a lot.

This is pretty basic bob.

Or should I go the safe route and just get some side bangs?

Oh and while I'm at it, I need your advice on can't-live-without hair products (yummy smelling is always a plus). Root lifters, pommade, wax, etc. PLUS flat irons-- which are the best? And is it better to have a 1" or 2"? Where are good places to buy them for less than $100?

Can't wait for your feedback. If you come across any other images of cute hair, please send them my way. Meanwhile I'll be obsessing about new hair. I hope I can get something productive done, like say painting my toe nails.

Zap me some Zappos.

2009-03-10T15:46:00.000-07:00

Can I just tell you how much I LOVE Zappos? If you have never ordered shoes from them, you must. Their prices are great and they offer FREE shipping both ways. But the best part is that you seriously get your order so fast--I'm talking within a day or two, instead of a week or two like many other companies. Their customer service is awesome. So refreshing. I just ordered these little wonders for my Ruby. I can't wait to put them on her piggies. They are going to be smashing.

Barbie Phone Reincarnated

2009-03-05T14:58:00.001-08:00

Pink Barbie Phone should be happy with herself. She died and came back looking better than ever! How happy she must be in her new skin-- shiny, thin, sleek, and no bulges. Far better ring tones, an internal antenna and more chic all around. Here's to many upcoming adventures, Pink Barbie Phone. I hope that you are strong enough mentally to withstand Ruby's grip--because once she finds out the "old you" doesn't work anymore, she's going to want you. Really bad.

Now this says love.

2009-02-15T11:34:00.000-08:00

This Chocolate Strawberry Shortcake was my present to Nick for Valentine's Day.

He was in heaven.

Just in case you were wondering...

2009-02-13T22:00:00.000-08:00

What have I been up to lately?

Take a look.

A little bit of this...
(Apron for Mom's birthday present)

and this...
(Apron for my sis-in-law Christine's Birthday present)

The beautiful Birthday Girl herself modeling her sassy birthday apron.
Doesn't she look smashing?!

some of this...
(A little Valentine's Day Decor lovin' of tissue pom pom flowers...)

...some more Valentine's Day decor seen here

a splash of this...
(Mini heart flower bouquet)

(another view)

And I'm only getting started. So many more projects.

Yes, I WILL craft myself into a coma.

A comfy coma.
And I will love it.

My Almost One-Year-Old

2009-02-11T15:14:00.000-08:00

This is my favorite picture of Ruby lately. It makes me giggle every time I look at it. I found her cute little green jacket at Target the other day for $4.98. Doesn't get any better than that. I put it on her every chance I get.

I can't believe Ruby is going to be one in a little over a month! I am mind blown at how fast this first year of her life has flown. She will be 11 months old on February 16th.

Finally. I caught it on camera! This is the face she pulls constantly-- the underbite with her two bottom teeth. It makes her look like a troll or something. Hilarious.

Couldn't resist this rear view.

Playing with a new toy Nick's Aunt Brenda gave us. She can't get enough of this thing. And NO. She's not standing up by herself... she's just lucky she can push her belly against the table for a few minutes to brace herself. She isn't even officially crawling yet, which I'm fine with. Postponing of the baby proofing. She scoots around everywhere, so she'll figure it out soon.

Happy Birthday Grandma Giles!

2009-01-22T07:00:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Mom!

Here is a little birthday love from Ruby. We love you and hope you have the best day ever!

Love, Carrie, Nick & Ruby

Desert Island

2009-01-21T11:58:00.001-08:00

Alright. Let's play Desert Island (any Office fans out there?). One item you couldn't live an hour without.

BURT'S BEES CHAPSTICK.

This stuff is magical. A real necessity. I MUST have at least 3 sticks at all times. One in my purse, diaper bag, and a back up if for some reason Nick has used one and I can't locate it. I seriously start having anxiety when I can't find it or run out. I have been known to apply it for probably 30 seconds straight. It tingles. It's smooth. Your lips will never be the same.

What is YOUR item?

The NEW Rules...

2009-01-19T13:56:00.001-08:00

I'm reading a Marketing/PR book called "The New Rules of Marketing & PR" by David Meerman Scott and it is fascinating thus far. I highly recommend it. Having graduated in Marketing & Advertising going on 4 years ago, I realized I'm a little rusty as to new technology and positioning. Since I've been dubbed the Marketing Director for Full Throttle Recreation Club (by The Boss himself), I thought I should get cracking.

This book has been extremely insightful to me since the used-to-be-mainstream forms of advertising just don't work for a lot of businesses, like us. I'm talking about TV, radio, magazines, newspaper, billboards... even online ads. The web has changed everything. I just never realized how powerful it really is to reach your target. Already I've come up with a lot of new ideas on how to more effectively market Full Throttle without spending any $ at all-- and I'm still in the first half of the book! The book focuses on using news releases, blogs, web content, etc. to reach your buyer directly. I highly recommend it!

(Check out Full Throttle's Blog here and Full Throttle's website here. We would LOVE any feedback you have for us, so check it out!)

Fancy & Funk

2009-01-08T15:06:00.000-08:00

Here is Ruby in her Christmas dress that Grandma Giles sent her (thanks again, Mom!). She looked absolutely beautiful! I couldn't take my eyes off her. She wore it to church a week late, since the Sunday before I was sick. Nothing says "Merry Christmas" quite like puking your guts out all night after a ward potluck dinner. Never again. I don't care who's offended. Either I'll eat beforehand or I'll bring my own sack lunch.
Can I get a witness on this one?

Merry Christmas a few days late...

2008-12-27T09:34:00.000-08:00

Yay! Christmas is finally over! Don't get me wrong-- I LOOOVVVEEE me some Christmas. But I am so relieved that it's over so I can semi relax. December has been one crazy month--especially the last two weeks. First was Sarah's passing (this is a whole other post) and a 15+ hour drive to Utah for the family memorial service and burial, 15+ hour drive back, friends coming to stay, Christmas shopping (that really didn't begin or finish until about December 23), vomiting all night, and trying to finish projects, projects, projects!

My BIG project this year was Christmas stockings. You're saying, "Big project???" Yes. They were extremely time consuming, but all worth it. I wanted to make three, but only finished two. Good thing Ruby doesn't know better so she wasn't disappointed. These puppies got finished just minutes before Christmas Eve dinner. It was a close one.

(Notice the fabulous velvet Ric Rac ribbon on the top)

My Mom told me I should make some more and sell them next year for Christmas. NOT gonna happen for a few reasons. (1) They take wayyyy too much time, so to make it worth my while they would end up selling for at least $50 each. I wouldn't pay $50 for a stocking, would you ? (2) By the time I finish them I'm so giddy and want to just stare at them all day. I think they are Carrie originals and sticking in the fam. If you like them, maybe you can bribe my kids some day to hand them over. But good luck. This may be the only thing they get when I die.

Then there were the Christmas jammies! It's a Christmas Eve tradition in the Giles fam to open new jammies (usually sewn by Rita herself...sometimes complete with slippers!) so I made pj pants for myself and Nick. Too bad the "ho ho ho" on the front was upside down. Oops... Grandma Giles sent Ruby her Christmas jammies.

Christmas Eve at Nick's Uncle Greg & Aunt Cheryl's house for dinner

Ruby with Daddy flashing her "Merry Christmas" smile
(Notice her top 3 teeth? That makes 5 total!)

Then there were the projects like a table runner, an apron for a friend, a wreath that didn't even get started, and just general holiday decor like these chair wreaths and bows. My color scheme was red & gold this year.

This year Christmas was a blast with Ruby. We saved all the wrapping paper from our gifts and put it in a big pile in the middle of the floor. She went to town. So cute.

She also learned how to clap on Christmas! I still can't get enough.

We bought Rockband 2 for Nick's family for Christmas. We figured this would be hilarious for everyone to rock out. And we women in the Warner family don't hate the Xbox anymore. But only because we are amazing at this game. My personal favorite is the drums, but I also had a blast doing vocals for Bon Jovi's "Living on a Prayer" and Survivor's "Eye of the Tiger." You will have to imagine this because thankfully, I have no photo documentation.

Hope you all had a VERY Merry Christmas!

Sarah's Passing

2008-12-12T09:47:00.001-08:00

Sarah Adleen Giles, our little princess and beloved daughter, granddaughter, niece and friend, passed away in the arms of her father and mother on December 9, 2008 after a short battle with brain cancer. Sarah was born on January 16, 2006 in Austin, Texas to Brian and Christine Butler Giles. Sarah’s cheerful and affectionate disposition, her friendly, outgoing and playful spirit, her kind, sensitive and patient soul have brightened our lives. Sarah enjoyed baking cookies, singing, picking flowers, feeding the ducks, swinging, coloring pictures, playing dress-up, swimming, reading books and taking walks. Sarah especially enjoyed playing with her older sister and brother and kissing her baby sister. It has been our privilege to have her in our family, even if for such a short time. We have been greatly blessed to live with such a noble spirit. Sarah is survived by her parents, her brother Nathan, her sisters Maren and Caroline, her grandparents Don and Renee Butler of Provo, Utah, Rita and Bill Tanner and the late Kirby Giles of Fillmore, Utah, five aunts, three uncles and many cousins and friends.

A Viewing will be held in Provo, Utah on Monday, December 15, at the Edgemont 21st Ward Building (2900 North Timpview Drive, Provo, Utah 84604) from 6:00p.m. to 8:00p.m. Interment will be at the Provo City Cemetery.

Winterized

2008-12-04T20:17:00.001-08:00

Houston Highlights

2008-11-18T23:27:00.000-08:00

In the Seattle Airport waiting for our flight to leave to Houston. Ruby had just eaten and Nick was playing with her over his head. This was the result. I laughed so hard and immediately got out the camera. It was about time she puked on someone besides me.

"What? Did I do something?"

One of the days all of the guys went to the Texas Longhorns football game in Austin while we girls stayed and played with Caroline, Sarah and Maren.

Sweet Caroline (bah bah bah) in her blessing dress and headband made by yours truly. Isn't she beautiful? And I can't even describe what an angelic baby Caroline is. I think I heard her cry once the entire time we were there. And that was for about .5 seconds. She is so sweet! She just hangs out and falls asleep without making a peep. What a blessing she is! And her siblings ADORE her. Especially Sarah.

Maren, Sarah and Nathan cruising around in their new motorized truck Grandpa Butler gave them. Sarah has a hard time getting around, so this allows her to have some adventure. Look at the neighbor kid. He totally wants a ride. About this time this kid's sister began to ask me a series of questions about Ruby.

"What his name?"
"HER name is Ruby."
"He like Hannah Montana?"
"No... SHE is still too young to know Hanna Montana."
"He like High School Musical 3 and stuff?"
"Not quite yet. SHE'S just a baby."
"Oh. Cool. Can I ride in Nathan's car?"

An exciting moment! This is the first time Ruby really sat up by herself without falling backwards. She's so proud of herself.

Me and the wee one.

Ruby and Uncle Greg. Tell me that this isn't the CUTEST picture you've ever seen. I dare you. Ruby had been a little clingy on the trip due to the fact that she hadn't seen any of my family in a while. But the minute she saw Bart & Greg sitting in the row behind us at church she was ALL smiles. She was giggling and smiling and just LOVING them. She even let them hold her. Here Greg is reading her stories and she couldn't get enough.

Grandma Giles & Ruby right before Mom flew back home to UT. Too bad Mom's eyes are closed, but no surprise. That's just how it works. It was so cute--when she (my mom) was about to leave, she waved bye-bye to Ruby and she waved back! I'm glad that she got to see one of Ruby's first, since we don't get to see her very often! Ruby has been waving at everyone ever since. We'll go to Costco or somewhere and she just waves and waves and waves!

Sarah holding her baby sister Caroline. Such a proud big sis!

From the minute Sarah first saw Ruby up until we left, she wanted to do everything with Ruby. She loved handing her toys, tickling her belly, swinging, and most of all--holding her. She'd look up at me so sweetly and ask, "I hold her?" "I hold Baby Ruby?" It was the most precious thing in the world. Sarah always wanted Ruby to be by her. During Sacrament Meeting on Caroline's blessing day, Sarah traveled back and forth between rows so she could come and "sit by Ruby" "hold Ruby" and hand Ruby toys.

Sarah kissing Ruby's little hand.

This picture is definitely my favorite. Ruby and Sarah both are just so happy. I promised Sarah I would send her some pictures of her with Ruby. This one is going in a frame.

Ruby chillin with the remote in our hotel room.

Sarah holding Ruby one last time before we left to come home.

Before we flew out, we stopped by Brian & Christine's house to say goodbye. Sarah wanted to swing with Baby Ruby, so we went outside and strapped the girls in. It was a beautiful day-- sun shining, a little breeze in the air. I looked over at Sarah. The sun was hitting her beautiful little face just perfectly. Her hair was blowing a little in the breeze as she went higher and higher. She was laughing and having the best time. At that moment my eyes filled with tears. I really felt the love of our Savior. And especially the love He has for little Sarah. How He really does have a plan for her-- which, sadly for us, does not mean a long earth experience. How she will be missed. She adds so much silliness, love, joy and light to the world.

When we told Sarah we had to leave, she didn't want us to go. I say us, but really Baby Ruby. She said, "No...watch Chip N' Dales with me." I about lost it. I had to leave the room. The lump in my throat was getting exponentially larger by the second.

I cried the entire way to the airport. I didn't want to leave her. Our fun had just begun! I didn't want to accept that it would most likely be the last time we would spend time with her here on earth. However, I felt so incredibly blessed to have the opportunity to be in her presence for a few days.

Life Lessons I learned from Sarah :

Find joy of the simple things in life.
Stay cheerful through adversity.
Keep trying, even if my body doesn't do what I want it to do.
Pure Christlike love for everyone.
How much the "little things" mean to people.

A couple more memorable moments:
I loved pulling her in the wagon to go pick flowers for her mom. When she saw THE ONES, I'd stop the wagon, lift her out and then we'd pick as many as she could fit in her hand. She got so excited to give them to her mom--she'd immediately start walking as fast as she could with her flower-filled-hand outstretched.

I can't even explain how tender it was to see how much Sarah loved Ruby. Her face lit up when she saw her. Christine said she talked about her nonstop when we weren't there. Ruby loved being with Sarah too. They had a special connection.

Occasionally Sarah would get tired and a little upset. Remedy: her daddy. She is Daddy's little girl. It was so sweet to watch him with her. He would sit her on his lap and tell her stories and make her giggle. She was totally fine after that!

Thanks again, Brian & Christine for such a wonderful time. We will never forget the sweet memories! Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with you! You all are amazing.

Love Aunt Carrie #2

...And we're back

2008-11-01T18:59:00.000-07:00

Holy blog neglect, Batman. I have an explanation, I do. It rhymes with cash (which is quite fitting because it cost A LOT to get fixed). CRASH. Yep. Our computer crashed. It was a sad day. Luckily they were able to recover all of our precious photos of Ruby and now I have a brain to NOT save them all to my computer. Anywho... then we headed to Houston, Texas, to visit Brian & Christine for a few days. So that's where we have been.

I've got lots of pictures to post from our trip, but I'll just post a few until I get some more time. It was a great trip! The boys got some Man-cation time with lots of meat and Texas football, and I got time with my sweet nieces and Mom and sister-in-law Christine!

Ruby enjoying her first swing experience

Maren, Ruby and Sarah swinging. Ruby loved being with her cousins!

Sweet Sarah picking flowers for her Mama. There is even a little spot in her wagon to put them until they can officially be put in water. Sarah is the most precious thoughtful little girl.

Smelly Bum

2008-10-11T20:55:00.000-07:00

I have NEVER heard Ruby laugh this hard. It was so funny. I guess the face I pulled when I told her that her diaper was SMELLLLLLY was the funniest thing ever. She had been laughing like this or even harder for 5 minutes or so BEFORE I even got the camera out. At times I thought she was in pain or crying, but nope--just laughing her pants off.

Blowing Bubbles

2008-10-11T20:35:00.000-07:00

Here is Ruby eating her shoes and discovering that she can blow bubbles! It's really cute and it makes me laugh until she starts doing it with food in her mouth...what a mess! (Sorry about the shakiness... I don't know what my deal was. Oops!)

Conference Deliciousness

2008-10-05T20:24:00.000-07:00

For as long as I can remember, my mom made pumpkin pie every October General Conference. Since we now live outside of Utah, I decided that it was my turn to carry on the tradition. It was my very first time making homemade pie crust and the pumpkin pie filling! I don't know that it tasted as good as my mom's pumpkin pie, but it was pretty tasty. My next goal: make the pie crust look pretty! That's going to take some practice, I'm afraid.

And now to the tastiest item on the conference menu... little Miss Ruby! Today she sported some of her fall clothes complete with my new favorite baby item: Baby Legs. They are fabulous! Baby leg warmers that act as tights but make diaper changing a breeze. And for some reason they look so much cuter than regular tights. All of you out there with baby girls must purchase a pair.

As much as I LOVE pumpkin pie, I must say that this little girl is dessert enough for me! (Notice tooth #2?)

DWTS Two Bits

2008-09-30T19:04:00.000-07:00

Could someone please trip Samantha Harris on Dancing With the Stars? Was ABC REALLY that hard up for a Dancing With the Stars host? I mean c'mon. Her dresses are pretty. There. I said something nice. But, I can't stand her. She's anything BUT charming and is so awkward. I vote her off. Join me anyone?

Thank heavens Kim Kardashian got the axe! She was like concrete. Poor Mark danced his heart out and she looked like a wilted mess. Don't get me wrong-- she's beautiful. BUT she was a joke. Let's hope Cloris is next. A little too much old woman cleavage for my taste.

One person I'm rooting for is Misty May-Treanor. Everyone knows she is an amazing volleyball player, but how many of you have MET her? (Carrie inserts raised hand here) The summer after my freshman year in high school, our volleyball team traveled down to Long Beach, CA for volleyball camp. Misty May was there (she had just been named as the national player of the year as a setter) and I mustered up the courage to ask her if my friend/teammate, Kristen Child, could get our picture taken with her. And we did! She was really nice and of course amazing to watch in demos. As for dancing, I think she's holding her own thus far. She could beat anyone down with that bicep of hers.

Ruby Ruby Ruby Ruby

2008-09-27T10:06:00.000-07:00

Ruby's pretty pink paisley (whoa alliteration) dress from Aunt Lexie. Pre-church photo shoot before her dress got slobbered on, spit up on, peed or pooped on.

This is one of Ruby's new fall outfits. Holy spandex.

Holla at your girl

2008-09-20T20:30:00.000-07:00

This is my beautiful big sister, Melinda. We shared a bedroom when I was little. She was a good sport to put up with my kicking the covers off. When she was in high school I loved watching her play basketball and volleyball. She is 6'1" and I always wanted to be tall like her. Basically I wanted to be just like her in every way. I love how we are great friends and age doesn't matter anymore. And I especially owe her my life lately for being my on-call Mommy Mentor. She knows everything about kids and being a mom.

Full Name: Melinda Giles Higbee
Nicknames: Mel, Lewinda, Doc, Rinda, 'Linda
Inseam: 36"
Obsessions: Twilight Series, Harry Potter, Project Runway, sewing, power tools, girly movies

33 Reasons why I love you:

1. You are hilarious
2. Your laugh
3. Your ability to adapt to change and crazy circumstances
4. You are strong
5. You are confident
6. Your very specific digital watch
7. You have beautiful naturally blond hair
8. You are so stinkin' smart
9. You are an amazing mom
10. You are wise
11. We can talk on the phone for 2 hours like nothing
12. After talking on the phone for 2 hours we still say "bye" like 5 times because we end up talking about something else
13. You were the first person I told I was getting married
14. You flew out to UT by yourself for a weekend to help me plan my wedding
15. You introduced me to H&M
16. You have awesome long legs
17. You stick up for yourself
18. Your piano skills
19. You play a mean game of racquetball
20. You are even more obsessed with Project Runway than I am
21. You still answer your phone even when it's the 4th time I've called you that week.
22. You are on my side
23. You have the most embarrassing stories ever known to mankind
24. You are an amazing seamstress
25. You flew out to UT all by yourself from NY for a weekend just to attend my baby shower and have some girl time
26. You let me come and stay at your house and even have a "Carrie" bathroom
27. We can talk about anything and everything
28. We brainstorm our 4th of July outfits every year starting in early spring
29. You have all the answers to all my new mommy questions
30. You always have awesome shoes
31. You don't think you're crafty but you are
32. You are able to completely focus on something and tune everything else out around you
33.You are a blast

Happy Birthday Mel! I love you so much! You are the world's best sister.

6 Months Old!

2008-09-18T12:38:00.000-07:00

Ruby turned 6 months on Tuesday! I can't believe how fast she has grown. Poor girl has had a cold this week so we've just been taking it easy. I walked in her room to get her up from her nap. "Happy 6 month birthday!" I chimed. I could tell she was starting to feel a little better when she flashed some smiles (notice her first tooth?).

Then back to consuming large amounts of flannel blankie.

...oh--looks like one more smile.

Ruby is in a ridiculously fun stage right now. She smiles, giggles, screams (happy ones), rolls over, etc. She LOVES LOVES LOVES going for walks. Here is a classic shot of her just soaking in the outdoors homey style.

I seriously can't believe that 6 months ago we were blessed with such a fun, happy, beautiful baby. Time has definitely flown by! We are so happy to have her in our family.

Ruby vs Rice Cereal

2008-09-15T15:25:00.001-07:00

Ruby meets rice cereal. She nearly choked. It was hilarious.

Not so bad this time...

Gagging.

Feeling more in control of the gagging reflex.

She made it. Rice cereal all gone.

Introducing #12

2008-09-08T17:00:00.000-07:00

Introducing Giles grandchild #12.

Baby Caroline.

Daughter of the eldest Giles, Brian, and his lovely wife Christine.

Born Sunday, September 7, 2008

7 lbs
18 inches

Proud Big Sister Sarah. She has been so excited for her baby sister.
You can see the love and adoration in her face. Priceless.

"SHHHH...," Sarah says.

CONGRATULATIONS! She is beautiful. We hope she brings much happiness into your home!

Labor Day Picnic

2008-09-02T13:33:00.000-07:00

For Labor Day we decided to do a little picnic at a park nearby. I wish I could say that I whipped up some mean sandwiches and goodies and put them in a cute little hamper like in "Oklahoma," but we just went to Subway and then took it to the park, spread out a blanket and ate. You can see the fun Ruby had with the chip bag when we were done. Ruby loved just laying there and feeling the breeze on her face and looking up at the tree leaves blowing.

Ruby and Mama had fun in the swing.
Me apparently saying "Oooooooo"
(and look at my blue shoes. aren't they cute?)

Ruby loving the leaves...

...and loving her some Daddy!

So Blessed

2008-08-27T19:41:00.000-07:00

It seems like everywhere I turn bad things are happening to such good people. Heartache. Much, much heartache. Tragedy. Sorrow. My heart breaks for you. I feel so helpless. I wish there were more I could do to take the pain away. It's then that I have to realize God's hand in it all. I'm not saying that it's always God that makes it happen. I know that's not the case. Things happen that we do not understand. Accidents happen. But, God knows each of us and is there. His love is incomprehensible. He will never never leave us alone. That is many times, the only way to get through the many challenges of life. Only He can really take the pain away.
These things have really made me stop and appreciate my many blessings. It has reminded me how precious relationships really are. How we just never know how long we have or the people we love have on the earth. Shame on me for forgetting these things. But I am thankful to have the chance to tell others I love them. To squeeze them a little tighter. To say nice things. To serve with a smile. Because you just never know what life throws at you. And I never want to be in a position again where someone that meant a lot to me didn't know how I felt and it was too late.

I feel so incredibly blessed to be a mother. Before I had Ruby, all I seemed to focus on was how hard it was going to be or all the freedoms I would lose. Bad Carrie. Yes, it has its hard moments, but man. I would not trade those moments for anything. I cannot imagine my life without Ruby. She has brought so much sheer JOY into my life that I never really expected.

Things that have happened the last week or so have really made me stop and enjoy her. Play with her. Look at her. Kiss her. Not just look forward to her naps so I have time to get things done. Those things don't matter. It's those moments with your kids, your friends, your family that really matter.

I am so thankful for a loving husband who is so supportive and who loves his little girl so much. I couldn't do it without him. I hope you know how much I love you, Nick.

I am so thankful for an amazing family of parents, brothers and sisters, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law... you are so strong. I look up to each of you and wish I could give you a big squeeze. And I especially love all my darling nieces and nephews. Kisses! It kills me we are all so far apart. We can't wait for Baby Caroline's arrival! She is sure to be just as beautiful as her mom and sisters!

I love each of you so much. I am so thankful for the knowledge I have that families can be forever.

Our little Sarah--you are such a precious, beautiful angel girl. Know how much we love you! We are praying for you and your family. May God fill your home and hearts with His love.

Suit Got You Down?

2008-08-24T21:43:00.000-07:00

Did anyone else see the Australian women's basketball uniforms? Yep. Spandex unitards. What the shistershire??? Didn't get the memo. I expected them to hop over some hurdles as they dribbled down the court.

Lashes & Legs

2008-08-24T21:21:00.000-07:00

Oh Ruby. If you only knew how many girls are going to hate on you because of your eyelashes. I swear they just keep getting thicker and blacker and longer! Lucky girl! People are always commenting on them, and I have to admit-- I think they're pretty awesome. I'm jealous.

I finally got a picture of Ruby with her ankles crossed. She ALWAYS has them crossed--bath time, eating playing, you name it. She is our proper little lady.

Anchors Away

2008-08-24T20:49:00.000-07:00

Our old bishop, Bishop Infanger, and his wife gave this cute little sailor dress to Ruby right before we moved to Washington. I busted it out for church today, and what a cute little sailor she was! It probably would've looked cuter without the onesie underneath, but little miss has such sensitive skin that she would have had a massive rash without it. Can you believe it? Ruby actually smiled for the camera! Usually she is so enthralled with it that she just gives a blank stare.

Night Night from Ruby

2008-08-20T20:39:00.001-07:00

What the Equestrian?

2008-08-14T19:30:00.001-07:00

Is it just me or does anyone else think that Equestrian is the most RANDOM Olympic sport? I turned on the Olympics the other day to find a woman (who looked like a man) sitting on her horse in one of these funny little outfits and the horse was just walking. No jumping, no tricks... just walking in a half-circle. Oh, but then it got exciting--the CANTER. I think that Jerry Seinfeld's "swimming and strangle-a-guy" fits in the Summer Olympics much more than Equestrian. Plus, maybe then we'd get to see Michael Phelps win another gold medal.

Our little Ruby

2008-08-14T00:14:00.000-07:00

Introducing the newest member of the Warner clan--little Miss Ruby Warner. There are many of you who haven't even met her yet. She was born March 16, 2008. This is Ruby when she was just a day or two old.

Ruby at about 6 weeks old.

Ruby on her blessing day. She wore the beautiful pink eyelet and lace dress that I wore when I was blessed! My mom even made it! She looked so gorgeous! What a perfect day.

Ruby at about 2 months old at Greg & Kristen's wedding in May.

Ruby at 4 months old on our trip to Fillmore for the 4th of July.
Isn't she just delicious?

Miss Lake Chelan

2008-08-13T23:34:00.000-07:00

Last week we went up to the cabin at Lake Chelan. It's definitely one of the most beautiful places on earth. After Ruby's nap, I strapped on her pineapple swimsuit and fabulous shades. She was a complete bathing beauty. We had to at least dip her toes in the water...

Yep. She screamed. But man, it was cute.

Happy Anniversary!

2008-08-13T21:50:00.000-07:00

It's true, everybody. Nick & I have now been happily married for 3 big ones! We were married August 12, 2005 in the Salt Lake Temple. I love this picture of our wedding day. We are both grinning from ear to ear. Pretty sure I was laughing a good portion of this pose with the photographer because I expected Nick to drop me any second. This picture also describes our life now. I can honestly say that we are even happier today than we were on our wedding day. So much has happened in just three short years that has strengthened our relationship and added so much joy. And one thing is for sure--being married to Nicholas M Warner is definitely an adventure!

I often underestimated Nick because of the 2-inch height difference between us. However, Nick is such a giant of a man with his goodness, determination, love of adventure, handyman skills, strength, work ethic . . . the list goes on. I am so thankful to be married to such a great man! He is such a good fit for me. He believes in me and supports me. He really is my best friend and I couldn't be happier! I am so glad that I get to experience all of life's crazy adventures with him!

Here are the flowers that Nick gave me for our Anniversary. Nick NEVER gives me flowers, so it was a big deal when he showed up to our house with them! I had fun arranging them in this vase.