Our Sweet New Ride!

So, on Christmas Eve, we were driving home after spending the evening at my parents house when we noticed that the heater in our car, a 2008 Honda Accord, wasn't blowing hot air. Aaron made an appointment with the dealership to get it in and have them look it over this past Monday. Well, Monday afternoon we got a call saying that the "heater box" wasn't working properly and it would have to be replaced (under warranty). They said they ordered the part and that it would arrive on Tuesday and we should get the car back on Wednesday.

When Wednesday afternoon rolled around, they called us and said that they had mistakenly ordered the wrong part and the correct one would arrive on Thursday morning and the car would be done by Thursday evening.

Well, on Thursday afternoon, Aaron called and found out that due to bad weather, the part had not arrived yet and we likely would not get the car back until Monday at the earliest! :( This didn't make Aaron very happy and he demanded that they give us a loaner vehicle to drive until our car is fixed. Well, here is what they hooked us up with...not exactly a luxury vehicle, but it's better than driving the Jeep around, burning through a tank of gas everything three days...

When we went to pick up this beauty, Aaron had to get the car seat out of the Accord, and this is the sight that awaited him...

Christmas with the Dollahites

Our final Christmas was with my family. My brother and his family came in from Idaho and my sister, Melinda, finally came in from Ohio...after having her flight canceled multiple times, she finally made it in 3 days late. It was so much fun having the whole family in town for Christmas. We haven't all been together for Christmas for about 4 years.

We put off having Christmas until Melinda got there, which meant we had Christmas on the 27th. After church, we all went to my mom's house, had dinner, opened presents and played the present game.

With all her newfound experience, Chloe didn't even need to be told to open presents...she just went to town. Her favorite present was the toy pizza that "cut" into pieces and had cheese and red peppers that you could shake on. My parents got Aaron some jeep stuff (what a surprise, huh?) and I got some scrapbook stuff and a beautiful cream-colored coat (that I will hardly get to wear because I am a mom, but hey, I love coats).

It was a wonderful way to end the Christmas season and, of course, it has been a wonderful time to reflect on our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and his birth.

Christmas with the Searles

This year, it was our turn to spend Christmas day with the Searle family. We spent the morning at Aaon's sister's house and then had dinner at his parents. Aaron's sister Paula and her family came down from Idaho this year which was so much fun and made Christmas morning even bigger. We had four different families opening presents, which made for five hours of opening gifts, five huge bags of garbage, lots of treats and a few jealous cries (mainly from Chloe, who didn't like anyone else playing with her toys).

Santa brought Chloe a big red Radio Flier wagon and she loved it. She spent most of the morning climbing in and out of it and the rest of the morning playing in the tent and tunnel that she also got from Santa. We weren't sure if she would like the tunnel, but she loved it. We have had it up in our bedroom ever since Christmas. Chloe also loves her new baby with a stroller, high chair and crib that she got from Grandma and Grandpa.

Aaron got some more stuff for the Jeep and I got a memory foam topper for our mattress. I have been sleeping like a baby ever since. I also got a new tripod for my camera and some new clothes. I surprised Aaron with a BYU car flag and a year subscription to JP Magazine.

Chloe was so excited to open presents and she was constantly telling us that "ho ho" (Santa) was bringing her toys. Her favorite Christmas song has been "Santa Clause is coming to Town". I would sing the part "Santa Clause is coming..." then Chloe would finish in a high falsetto voice "to town."

Chloe has just loved this whole Christmas season. She points out all the reindeer, Santas, snowmen, lights and trees that she sees. She will be sad to see it all go, but I think all her new toys will ease the pain. I hope you all had a Merry Christmas!

Christmas with the Fowlers

This year we had a lot of family in town so we had to spread the Christmas celebrations out. We started off by having Christmas with my Dad and Kelly at their house on the 23rd. I was really excited for this Christmas because my dad had made something special for Chloe. I have been trying to find an easel for Chloe that has a magnetic white board on one side and cork board on the other. I didn't want chalkboard because chalk is too messy. So, after searching without any success, I turned to my handy dad and asked him to make one for Chloe. He did and it turned out beautiful. Thanks Dad!

Happy Birthday Aaron

Yesterday was Aaron's 28th birthday and we had a fun party with his family. His mom made us dinner and then we had the rest of the family come over for pie. Aaron got stuff for the Jeep--which of course he picked out--and some fun new tools and movies.


One of Aaron's sisters was in town with her family and it was fun to watch Chloe play with the kids. As soon as we walked in Camryn (who is only 4 months older than Chloe) came in, took Chloe's hand and they walked off. It was too cute!


Aaron, I hope you had a great birthday...I love you!

(Sorry for the fuzziness...camera battery was dying)

Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Fowler

Today, my Dad married his sweetheart, Kelly, and I couldn't be more happy for them. It was a beautiful wedding and the Bishop gave some wonderful advice; some of it being not to use so much sarcasm...hmm...he must know my dad :). After the ceremony, we had a nice lunch at Kelly's house and then they were off on their honeymoon. I hope they find continued happiness together and we are so glad to welcome Kelly into the family!

Little Moments

Yesterday morning, Chloe woke up early and wanted to come in bed with mommy and daddy. So, I brought her in and tried to go back to sleep for a short while. After laying there for a minute, Chloe leaned over, put her arms around my neck and gave me a kiss. Then she said, "Love you." I, of course, said that I loved her, too. Not to be out done, however, she said, "Love you more!" How sweet was that? I love it when she tells me she loves me or gives me a kiss with out me asking her first! She is just the sweetest thing!
This was her on Sunday in a dress that Heather gave her as an early Christmas present. Thanks, Heather...super cute!

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

It's finally starting to feel like Christmas to Aaron and I. Up until yesterday, we were listening to Christmas music, had the house decorated, lights up, watching Christmas movies, etc, but it still didn't feel like Christmas. We were missing one thing...SNOW! Well, we got some and more! On Saturday, there wasn't a lick of snow, but when we woke up on yesterday morning we had 6 inches on the ground. It stopped snowing yesterday, but started again last night and it hasn't stopped yet. Now we can finally say "It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas."

Here's a picture of our Christmas tree with Chloe in her favorite piggy pajamas.

BYU vs. Utah

For those of you who don't know, the BYU vs. Utah football game is the biggest game of the season for both teams. We have a huge rivalry and it is always a close game. This year both teams were ranked in the top 25 and so we knew it was going to be a good one.

We originally weren't planning on going since the high temperature was only supposed to be around 40 degrees and Chloe hates wearing her big winter coat, but we just couldn't resist so we found some tickets last minute and joined the sellout crowd at LaVell Edwards Stadium.

BYU was up most of the game, but with 29 seconds left, Utah kicked a field goal and tied the game. We went into overtime and won 26 to 23...it was intense. GO BYU! The crowd of course went wild and rushed the field. We didn't go down right away, but after all the chaos, we joined some of my family down on the field.

Chloe did good during the game, but of course refused to wear her big coat. We were smart, though, and layered her clothes and brought a hooded pink sweater that she loves and we knew should would be OK keeping on.

The Lights at Temple Square

We went up to see the lights at Temple Square on Friday night and as always it was beautiful. I got to meet up with my best friend from high school, Aimee, for a short time and it was good to see her and her little family. My parents and grandparents came with us and we had a great time. Chloe loved seeing the lights and lucky for us, the night wasn't too cold. I forgot my camera, but we had our phones so here are a couple of pictures (cell phone quality...sorry!).

Happy Thanksgiving!

Since Aaron's family went on a cruise this year, we had Thanksgiving at my parents house. My grandparents were in town and some of my extended family as well. It was a relatively small number compared to previous years, so cooking everything was so easy and stress free.

After dinner was done, some of us said what we were thankful for. I am so thankful for my wonderful husband, adorable child and amazing family. I feel so blessed to have such a wonderful family, extended family and in-laws. You always hear horror stories about people's in-laws , but not from me. I love my in-laws and feel so welcome in their family.

I also feel so blessed to have the gospel in my life. It brings me such happiness and joy. I love knowing that I will be with my family for all eternity and knowing that I have a loving Heavenly Father who watches over me.


After dinner was all cleaned up, we broke out the Black Friday ads and scoped out the best deals. Yep, I'm one of those crazy people who wake up at 5 a.m. to get good deals...and I did! At most of the stores I went to, I saved more than I spent and I got all my Christmas shopping done! Yep, read it and weep...OK, I have a few stocking stuffers left to get, but that's all.

Overall, it was a wonderful Thanksgiving and I hope everyone else had a great one, too! Here is a little video of Chloe wishing you all a Happy Thanksgiving...

Happy Birthday Daddy!

Yesterday was my Dad's birthday, so Aaron and I had him over for dinner. We all enjoyed the meal together and for once Chloe actually ate well. For those of you who don't know, we have the hardest time getting Chloe to eat. So when she does eat, I tell her, "It makes mommy so happy when you eat good." So last night as she was eating, I looked over at her and told her that she was eating good. She then looked at me and said "mommy happy." It was so stinkin' cute!

Since Amber couldn't get off work, we decided to bring dessert to her. She had a table set up for us with balloons, presents and sparkling cider. I brought the cake. We got a few strange looks at first because we were at Taco Bell, but we didn't mind. It was a fun night and I hope my dad enjoyed himself. Happy Birthday Daddy/Papa Ron (that's what Chloe calls him)! Love you!

My Daily Commute

I may only work part time, but it is everyday and I have quite the commute. Here is a sample of my daily grind.

On Tuesdays and Wednesdays it looks something like this:

Springville to Salem: 15.1 miles
Salem to Lindon: 28.2 miles
Lindon To Salem: 28.2 miles
Salem to Springville: 10.8 miles ( I go a different way home)
Round Trip: 74.5 miles

On Thursdays and Fridays it looks like this:

Springville to Lehi: 25.5 miles
Lehi to Lindon: 13 miles
Lindon to Lehi: 13 miles
Lehi to Springville: 25 miles
Round Trip: 77 miles`

Why one might ask would I do this? One reason alone: Wonderful Grandparents! Aaron's parents and mine take turns watching Chloe for us while I'm at work for a couple hours each day. It is such a blessing to have them so "close" so they are able to do it. Chloe has such a great relationship with her grandparents and she just loves them so much. I also don't have to worry at all about Chloe because I know that she is in good hands with people that love her almost as much as I do.

So, as Thanksgiving comes around and people ask me what I am grateful for, I am going to say having wonderful parents and grandparents. Thanks Moms and Dads, we couldn't do it without you!!!

Just 'Cause

I asked Chloe a few weeks ago how come she was so cute. Guess what her response was? "Cause." I don't know where she got it from, but it was pretty dang cute. So here are some pictures of her being cute just 'cause.

Happy Halloween

Tawna came home this weekend and so we had a marathon Halloween weekend. On Friday, we met at my mom's house for dinner and pumpkin carving. We didn't have any pumpkins to carve, so Tawna, Keith, Chloe and I ran to the store to get some. However, after trying two stores with no luck, we went down to Thanksgiving Point.

Since it was the day before Halloween, they were trying to get rid of their pumpkins. They were selling all of their pumpkins for only one dollar! We got six huge pumpkins for only six bucks...it was awesome. We had a good time carving them and Chloe even helped out.

The finished products...our's is on the right.

Everyone carving pumpkins.

Chloe and Daddy carving the pumpkin.

On Saturday, we stopped off at the Searle's for a little while and then headed to my parents house for trick-or-treating. Chloe figured out the whole process by the second house. She had a great time and loved putting treats in her pumpkin candy basket.

Our little ladybug.

Mommy and Chloe.

For dinner, we made some spooky foods: mummy dogs, witch fingers, eyeball tacos, monster brains, etc. It was kind of crazy trying to cook and get everything else done at the same time, but it was fun. We were all pooped out by the end of the evening.

Keith, Chloe, Tawna, Dad, Koby, Kelly, Amber and Kadence.

Kadence and Chloe trick-or-treating.

It was so fun to have Tawna here this weekend and we are all looking forward to her coming home for Christmas.

Sticker Face

Chloe LOVES stickers and she loves to put them all over herself or whoever is closest to her. She will also tell you where she is going to put them. For example, she will say "Mommy, cheek," or "Daddy, neck." Then she puts the sticker there. It's pretty cute. Stickers are such a lifesaver for church, football games or just about anytime. I love 'em. Here is Chloe's latest victim...

The Best Way To Wake Up

When you think about getting woken up by a baby in the morning what do you picture? Probably a crying baby, right? Well, I get to be woken up every morning by Chloe sweetly saying "Mommy," or sometimes "Daddy." It is such a pleasant way to wake up every morning. Then, when I go in to get her, she is just standing there quietly waiting for me to pick her up. After I do, she asks for her baby, blanket and pacifier--however, the other morning all she wanted was her "mumpkin." That girl just loves pumpkins.

This other picture is from Chloe the other night. She wanted to sleep in Mom and Dad's bed and since she wasn't feeling well, she got to...something we try to make a rare occurrence. It was just too sweet of a picture with her snuggling her baby not to post. She is getting so big, it is hard to believe.

Pumpkinland

Ever since pumpkins have started showing up in stores, Chloe has been in love with them. She points them out everywhere we go and has wanted one of her own. So this weekend we took Chloe to a little pumpkin patch called Pumpkinland. It is a smaller pumpkin patch, but it has a corn maze, bouncy blow-up toy, animals, a playground, and of course... pumpkins.

Chloe found a mini pumpkin when we first arrived and carried it around with her the entire time. Needless to say, we bought her that pumpkin. We had a great time there and then afterwards went to my grandparents house to watch a BYU football game. We have been to a couple of games this season and have watched the rest of them. So now whenever Chloe sees a football player or a cougar she chants "Rah, rah, rah- cougars". Yep, we're teacing her all the important stuff while she is young.