Happy Birthday Papa Couch!

My dad just turned 57! He's such a fun and great guy. I remember as a little girl always being in love with my daddy. In fact, I recall saying that I wanted to marry him. Funny thing, Shem and my dad are so alike it's freaky...so in a way, I got my wish! I mean don't a lot of girls marry men that are like their fathers? Hmmm, just my opinion I suppose. Anyway, he's a wonderful father and friend. I love you, daddy!

Through out my life, with each birthday celebration for him, I didn't go to great lengths to make it special. But this birthday, now that I'm a parent as well, I wanted to show him that I really do appreciate him. This is what I did...

A few weeks ago we celebrated Grandma Wanlass' birthday. We had a nice brunch at Crackers and made our way back to their house to have a delectable cake made by Shanna. I loved it so much, I decided to make the same cake for my dad. It's an angel food cake embellished with lime-flavored whipped cream frosting and tons of berries. And boy is it good! Considering that over the last 6 months my dad has had to go on a doctor supervised diet to save his heart, this dessert was a great choice. (Let's just ignore the fact that I made my own whipped cream instead of using cool whip...yes, I couldn't resist). Making a few modifications was definitely worth it. Everyone loved it...especially dad. Of course, I hoped he would like it; it was a bit different than his traditional yellow cake with chocolate frosting (note: this is also Shem's favorite cake. Scary, I know).


All in all the cake was great and the company even better. Family birthdays are the best! Its always nice to have the opportunity to spend time with the family. Although, I'm sure my dad would have loved having ALL his grandkids there. We miss Randy and Debbie's kids, Brayden, Connor, and Nathan. But it's so amazing to see my parents make the most of the time they do get to spend with their Arizona grandkids. I love talking to my mom only to find out that her and my dad were just visiting Colin or Emmalee and Cayleb. The way my mom sees it is that since they can't always come visit them, why not go see them? It's hard having both Jason and Chris doing rotations. It is a definite change compared to the way things used to be. I miss those days, but the times we do get to see my brothers and their families it's always a treat.





Here's some shots of the grandkids. Aren't they all so cute?

Colin: Finally eating something...it had to be cake

Cayleb and Emmalee: Pretending to be mice after Emmalee sampled part of her upcoming dance recital

Maycee: Discovering that daddy's thumb can function as a substitute pacifier

Shem and me: Yes, we're in love

I wish I got shots of the other couples! Honestly, I felt a little bit like a zealot with the camera...I didn't want to be too overbearing. Next gathering I will get more pictures of the rest of the family.

Funny story: I was in such a hurry to get to my parents before the celebration to decorate the cake that when I left the house I grabbed a different shoe for each foot. Even funnier, I went to multiple stores on the way over! I'm a true mom. Wow.

Here's to you, dad! We love you and appreciate you. Happy Birthday!

That's My Man!

This last semester has been full of surprises, both good and bad. Shem decided to be a full time student all in the midst of waiting for Maycee's arrival, losing our truck, and having financial hardship. He's been the best at trying to make ends meet...selling things on craigslist and finding side jobs here and there to upkeep his business. All while doing this, he managed to get outstanding grades. In fact, in one of his classes, his grade was already at 100% by the final exam date that his teacher excused him from taking the final! Might I add, he was the only one in the class with this priviledge.



Maycee decided to tutor daddy! As you can see, she's very into what she was teaching. So adorable.


School is coming along nicely for him. This semester marks the final chapter in attaining an Associate in Arts. But that's not good enough for him. He's determined to get an Associate in Science for his transfer to ASU to be in the engineering program. Only 2 semesters left! Hooray! I'm so proud of him and his determination. When he puts his mind to something, he gets it done (I mean he did win me!). So schools our for summer! Just kidding, it only out for 2 and a half weeks. He's back in school for Summer I and II. I'm so happy he's determined to get an education. He's doing the right thing for his family and himself. I love you, Shem!

Shem's so wonderful. For Mother's Day, he spoiled me. He was sure to make my first Mother's Day extra special and he surpassed that. I wasn't expecting much, to be honest. I knew he'd do something nice, maybe flowers and a nice card, but nothing like what he actually did. The night before (Saturday) he took me to Cheesecake Factory and it was delectable. The next morning, he woke up extra early to make my favorite breakfast...pull apart butterscotch rolls and cheese strata with sausage. He woke me up at 7 so I could enjoy it all with him and Maycee. When I came out to the kitchen, our tiny chalk board had a sweet message on it, "Shem loves his wife and Maycee loves her mommy, Happy Mother's Day." Next to it was a vase of beautiful flowers, a card with a gift certificate to a nail spa, and a wood carving of a husband and wife hugging; this carving is called "Promise" (part of the Willow Tree Collection). Our measley little card table was nicely set with breakfast, as well. He is too sweet. I feel like I don't deserve it. He treats me like a princess! Mother's Day was wonderful. He held Maycee throughout church so I that I wasn't distracted. I love our happy little life. :)

Mother's Day Breakfast



And the last thing...
The week before Mother's Day, we saw a man riding a Vespa scooter. That minute, we thought that would be a good form of transportation for Shem (since we so desperately need something). So immediately, we rolled our window down at the stop light to ask the man how much they are and other info. We pulled over and talked to him further. From then on, Shem began researching scooters and what would be wise for us. While doing so, he was also considering our budget. So within these two weeks, he shopped, he read, he researched, and he conquered! Sold! He found an electric blue Yamaha Vino. Perfect for him. With 80-90mpg, it's just what he needs. Of course, I forbid him to ever ride on the freeway. Surface streets only. He loves it. We've only had it a few days and the when he went to fill it up, it cost a little over $3.00! And that's my man!!!



Maycee wasn't too sure about the scooter. She's definitely a girl.

I'm Going There Someday

Maycee and I had an opportunity to go to the Gila Valley Temple Open House. I was so thankful to be able to go. It was such a wonderful experience. I had some of the best moments walking through the temple with Maycee. I look forward to the day that I can go and be able to feel closer to my Heavenly Father. For now, I'm doing what I can to feel his love in my life. Having a child has definitely added to that feeling.

As for the trip, it was so much fun. Maycee was an angel and slept the whole way. While she was busy sleeping, I enjoyed conversing with Alaina (my sister-in-law), and my mom. That's definitely one thing that I have missed since getting married. I spend most days with Shem and it's different talking with a man all the time. It was nice having a few hours to spend with some other moms. When we go to Pima, we got lunch at a little burger joint. It was apparent the some folks of the town were bothered by the rush of Mormons coming to see the new temple. I'm sure not everyone feels that way, but some made it clear we were a nuisance. The temple will only bring good things. Of course, there has to be opposition in all things.

The open house was held in a chapel conveniently placed right next to the temple. The tour was orderly and not too long (perfect for having children come along). After going through the temple, we were led back to the chapel to have refreshments. Such a neat experience!

I failed to mention the wind was horrendous! But the pictures still turned out.



Three generations: Grandma, Mom, and Daughter

Her first cold and first laugh!

Last Thursday, Maycee started sniffling. By Friday morning, her nose was running. By Sunday, she was coughing. Poor girl! On Friday night I ran to Walgreens and went into the infant/child pharmaceutical isle. I discovered absolutely NO cold medicine. I kept scanning the shelves just to make sure I wasn't missing anything. Lo and behold, nothing. Hmmm...I thought. So I walked over to the pharmacy to talk to the pharmacist. I asked him about cold medicine for infants and he seemed surprised that I was unaware there is no such thing. (I should have looked it up in "What to Expect".) He suggested some saline drops, the blue bulb sucker, and a humidifier. Thank goodness there was something! They've helped, but her misery hasn't ended.





For the last few days, she's been sleeping next to mommy in our bed for most naps. Toward the end of the day she'll break down and cry and cry and cry. Crying like that, you know there's something wrong. It's times like these I wish I could take away her pain. She's endured it well. In fact, she laughed for the first time! What a surprise! Last night, my mom came over to take Maycee and me shopping. While I was finishing dinner, my mom held her. To keep her entertained, she took Maycee to look at herself in the mirror. And she WAS entertained...she was giggling at herself! I'm sure it was because she noticed how utterly adorable she is. I overheard and ran in to watch. In spite of feeling crummy, she still finds room to laugh. What a happy, sick baby!