The School Year Begins

We had such a great summer in Utah and Hawaii that the kids were a little reluctant to start school this year....well, everyone except Caroline. This is her first year of preschool and she couldn't wait to go to school with her big brother Scotty.

Hayes' is in fourth grade and he has a few friends in his class. Tyler is in first grade and he has the same teacher as last year. They moved her up to teach first grade and she told us that she could request three kids from her class the previous year and she chose Ty as one of them. That's something a parent LOVES to hear. :) He was so excited!

Scott and Caroline are at the same preschool, but in different classes. Scott goes three days a week and Caroline two days. It was so funny when we were walking into class the first day, Caroline wasn't one bit sad and said "Good-by mom, it's time for me to go to school". Scott doesn't love school, but he loves his teacher Miss Caroline, so he put on his brave face and went into his classroom.

My 5k that was a 10k

Okay...so I don't really know if I ran a 10k, but I'll get to that in a minute. My very first race was at Disneyland and I can't think of a better place to have this experience. Also, where else could you feel comfortable enough to run with mouse ears?!? I have to give the credit to Rachel because it was her idea and it wasn't only a race, but it was a girl's night away at the most magical place on earth!

Rachel, Erika and I drove up the night before the race and got our packets and numbers. Of course, we had to enjoy our time away from our kids and we had so much fun riding the rides and “carbing up” at Rainforest Cafe, but we turned in pretty early that night because the race was early the next morning.

We got up, got dressed, put on our mouse ears and we were out the door. Unfortunately for me, as we were just about to the starting line, I realized I'd left my number back in our hotel room. I said good-bye to my friends not knowing if I'd be able to find them again because of the thousands of people there and I started running back to the hotel room to retrieve my number. I swear it was about three miles round trip, but I hurried so fast that I was able to find them and we were able to start the race together. Needless to say, I felt like I'd already ran my 5k and now I had to start another. Oh well, I made it, we ran the race and we had so much fun running through the streets of Disneyland and California Adventure.   

Scotty's 4th Birthday

We went to Disneyland and celebrated Scott's fourth birthday. He was treated like a little prince! We went on his favorite rides, ate giant cupcakes, went to Rainforest Cafe where Scotty got his very own volcano lava cake (that he eventually, but regrettfully decided to share with us because he couldn't eat it all) and we had such a great time. Scotty always keeps us laughing with his funny thoughts and huge imagination. There is something about this little boy that makes you want to grab him and give him a great big squishy hug.

Our friend Kaitlyn was home from college and Scotty was so excited she could join us. We had a great time celebrating with Scott! 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SCOTT TUCKER SHOFF! 

Hawaii Trip 2009

In August of 2009 we took a much needed family vacation to visit Uncle Mark and Aunt Debbie on the island of Oahu. We've been to Utah countless times and gone to many family reunions, but this was a first big family vacation for us. We left Caroline home with Grandma Mary Ann, Aunt Emily and Uncle Jake, Aunt Michelle and Grandma Duck and even though she didn't get to go to Hawaii, she had so much fun with all of those who were so kind to watch over her while we were away.

While in Hawaii we saw some amazing things! We went on the submarine Atlantis that took us 145 ft. under water. We saw turtles, beautiful tropical fish, sting ray, eels and even a shark. The shark swam directly towards the sub...FREAKY, but Ty was in shark heaven!

We went to beautiful Waimea State Park, visited every beach we could on the North Shore, the kids caught a crab and wanted to bring him home as a pet, we ate shaved ice (Scotty's favorite thing!), we stuffed ourselves with dole whip at the Dole pineabpple plantation, went to the PCC (our kids LOVED Samoa!), we went to the Cheesecake Factory in Waikiki...twice, went to the temple, LOVED going to church with Mark and Debbie and just overall had an incredible time!

One highlight was when Uncle Mark took Hayes and I snorkeling at shark's cove. I was so proud of Hayes because we were in some pretty deep water and Hayes was scared, but so excited that he swam right with us. He came within a foot of a sea turtle and seeing the look on his face was priceless....he was in awe and his eyes were as big as his goggles. VERY COOL!

We really loved staying with Uncle Mark and Aunt Debbie. They were gracious hosts and our boys fell head over heals in love with them and their sweet dog Buddy. Their home is AMAZING and we can't wait to go back and visit...we made memories that we will cherish forever!

Sweet Caroline

I'm finally paying tribute to my darling Caroline. Her birthday is July 1st and I'm sticking to my list of important things to blog from 2009. I WILL conquer!

It has taken me so long to get through my blog list because we just moved into our new home. This event will have it's own post as well as pics...someday. :) We are so happy to be in our own home and in our wonderful new neighborhood. It's near where we lived before and thankfully we're still in the same ward and schools.

PLEASE NOTE. The reason I decided to blog is for my kids. I hope one day they can read what their mom (me) considered important enough to blog. Believe me, I must feel it's important because I DON'T ENJOY BLOGGING...hey, at least I'm trying. So, just to warn you this is a mushy recollection of my daughter's first few years. Just thought I'd warn you so you have a chance to opt out now.

My Sweet Caroline! She is such a sweet, feisty, smart, friendly, fearless and some would call her a completely crazy two year old. Our nicknames for her are many...Gorgeous (because Scotty used to say HELLOOOO GORGEOUS to her when she was born), Peanut, Sweat Pea and of course Sweet Caroline. There are so many fun stories about her and I thought I'd share a few (remember, this is for my posterity's purpose!):

The other day we were in the grocery store and there was a man behind us in line who was having a conversation with Caroline as we were waiting to check out. She introduced herself and told him that she's two years old and the guys (that's what she calls her brothers) were at school. When it was time to leave she held out her hand and said, "Nice to meet you."

Another story. Last Sunday, Chris sang with the ward choir. The primary had been invited to go up on the stand and sing a song with the choir and Caroline wanted to go up with the guys (her brothers)and she had a little meltdown as they left. I took her to the back of the chapel so I could still see all of my guys singing. I was holding Caroline in my arms and we were standing directly in front of the light switches and in retaliation, Caroline decided to turn off the lights leaving the lights above the choir and primary on, and the lights over the congregation off. I created quite the light show as I frantically tried to find which switches turned the lights back on. Thankfully, we have a very forgiving ward and most people are used to Caroline's antics. Whew!

I was pregnant with Caroline during the final months of my dad's life. It was a hard time for me because I was helping take care of him and I was fighting morning sickness. I was completely humbled by the events of the previous months...my mom's battle with leukemia (she's in remission), my brother-in-law passed away from lung cancer, losing my beloved aunt to cancer and my grandma passed away because of complications from a stroke--she was 102 (coincidentally my and aunt and grandma died on the same day). I felt like the Lord carried me through this time and that he blessed my family in so many ways I can't even express or talk about...it was all so humbling and I don't know if I've ever felt closer to my Savior.

During this time I really longed for a little girl. I really wanted to name her after my aunt and grandma in honor of all that they had done for me. I had lived with both of them periodically throughout my life. My grandma loved me unconditionally and my aunt was so patient, loving and kind to me. She reintroduced me to the gospel and she helped me change my life.

You can imagine my joy when the ultrasound said it was a little girl. I didn't dare believe it, but I knew in my heart that it was true and I knew exactly what we'd name her...Caroline Fern.

Caroline was such a peaceful, loving baby. I swear she had a gift of making me feel calm. I loved to hold her and absorb her sweet, peaceful spirit that had such a calming affect on me. She was sent to me exactly when she was supposed to and she has been such a blessing in my life.

Caroline, I'm so grateful for you and the happiness you've brought to our family. At the end of the day, you cannot rest until you've kissed and hugged each member of our family good-night. You're are an angel and I thank Heavenly Father everyday for the gift He gave us...our Sweet Caroline.


 

David and Rebecca's Wedding

 

This really was an amazing day. We felt so blessed that we were able to go to the sealing in Manti and the reception in Midway.

The day of the wedding was perfect. Becca and David looked so happy and deliriously in love...exactly how it should be. It was really special for me because I love the Manti Temple. I have so many fond memories of growing up in the beautiful Sanpete Valley. It's a sacred, special place and I can't think of a better temple to get married in...except for Bountiful (where Chris and I got married:).

Also, something else that was very special was that one of my favorite seminary teachers, Brother Dennis Slack sealed them. The sealing was funny, spiritual and incredible in every way. Definitely one of the most spiritual sealings I've ever been to.

There is a picture of Becca sitting in the car waiting for Dave. We laughed hysterically at this...she was quite anxious to get the honeymoon started. :)

The reception was amazing, of course. Carl and Mary Ann's yard looked gorgeous and it was the perfect place for a beautiful garden reception.

I'm so happy for Dave and Becca...we love each one of them dearly. They are wonderful, amazing people and one day (hopefully soon:) they will have many beautiful little Shiddles (Shoff-Criddles). :)

Please Don't Die!

Dear Blog,

I was a little nervous about logging on...I didn't want to shock you into sudden death by causing a heart attack, stroke or other life threatening, death causing, phenomenon. Can you imagine if that happened??? I probably wouldn't even give you the time of day to write your obituary and then...well, I would feel completely terrible about the pain and suffering I caused you in mortal life AND in the hereafter.

All I can say is....I'm sorry and I regret not being better about blogging. I know you have serious issues with Facebook. Please do not be jealous of FB anymore. I have found that FB gives me instant gratification and you, well....you are kind of high maintenance and I don't always have the time or energy to give you the attention you need or deserve!

I have made some new goals and I will take it one blog post at a time. To show my commitment to you, I'm going to create a list of events that have happened since my last post in May of 2009.

NOTE: My plan is to make each item on the list into their own post. Some of the items don't require pictures, a long explanation or more details. Thanks for understanding...too much blogging too fast may push me over the edge.

1. May: Chris thankfully was admitted into the California Bar Association. Thanks honey for your brilliance and all of the hard work that went into your preparation and study for the bar exam. I knew that you would pass--didn't even doubt it once!


2. June: Rebecca Shoff and David Criddle were married for all time and eternity in the Manti Temple. This was such an amazing experience and I'm so grateful we were able to attend. We're so happy for both of you and I'm especially happy I get to have another Criddle-in-law!!!

3. July: My sweet little Caroline Fern turned two years old on July 1st. This for sure will have it's own post with details and pictures included!

4. July: The kids and I drove to Utah to celebrate the 24th of July in Fairview and spend time with our family there four-wheeling, rodeoing and we attended the Cook Family Reunion in Fountain Green. Chris later flew out and joined us for the Shoff Reunion. All my boys and I flew to Hawaii and stayed with Uncle Mark and Aunt Debbie. It was our first official family vacation--except for Caroline who had a vacation of her own getting to stay with Grandmas, cousins, and aunts and uncles. Believe me, she had the time of her life and so did we. Pictures soon to come!

5. August: Scotty-Wotty-Scooter-Tucker-Shoff turned four years old on August 25th. We had an amazing time celebrating at Disneyland...a birthday he'll never forget! Pictures soon to come!

6. September: School started. Hayes is in 3rd grade, Ty in 1st grade, Scott in preschool and Caroline started preschool. Pictures soon to come!

7. October: I had an amazing birthday that we spent at Disneyland with our good friends Damon and Rachel Afualo and we met up later with Heather and Bart Sadleir. NO KIDS! Words cannot express how much fun I had. I felt like a little kid. Don't get me wrong I love seeing Disneyland through my children's eyes, but I didn't get to go as a kid so I really enjoyed doing the things I wanted to do! Pictures soon to come!

8. October: Halloween was so much fun! All four of my little ghouls were all about trick-or-treating this year. Caroline was a trick-or-treating fiend! She loved it!!! Video footage and pictures soon to come!!!

The last six months have been amazing! I'm excited to finally be able to share it with you, my dear blog. Now that I've taken the first step...maybe it won't be as hard to do a better job at keeping you updated.

Love always (even though I may disappear for months at a time),

Dianne