Heart Update

Tyson and I went in this morning for Penelope's follow up on her heart.  The test results were in and it was time to find out if our sweet girl was going to need heart surgery.  Tyson and I both went in feeling good and calm.  We knew that either way the outcome would be for the best.

The cardiologist came in and began with the good news.  Deep down I knew if he was going to start with the good news, the bad news would soon follow.  He said her esophagus looked good but the CT scan confirmed the need for surgery. 

I pressed my knee up against Tyson's and leaned on him for comfort.  We were told that she will need another test called a Bronchoscopy.  This will help determine the constriction on her airways.  That means she will have to go under General Anesthesia, yet again.  

Once the Bronchoscopy is complete they will schedule her surgery.  They said her LPA Sling was mild and that surgery was not urgent, but necessary.  She will most likely have it within this year.  We aren't sure of the recovery process yet or many other details, until we speak with the surgeon.  

I did ask if they are going to have to go through the front or if they could go through the back.  The cardiologist guessed they would have to go through the front.  I don't like that aspect.  On a positive note while she is so young she won't remember any of this and we live in the day and age where she can have the medical attention that she needs.

I love my sweet little girl and pray continually for her.  My love deepens for her on a daily basis.  I want more than anything to have this surgery for her, but I know that I can't.  I can however pray, fast, and rely on Christ and his infinite Atonement for healing.

(Tyson and GiGi photobomb)

I know everything will be okay in the end and we will all be stronger for this.

Freshly Picked Moccasins

Freshly Picked is having their biggest give away yet and by biggest giveaway yet, I mean I can't sleep and am blogging in the early AM, for a chance to win!

I come from a sentimental family.  I grew up looking through my moms cedar chest that her dad had made her.  Her chest was filled with not only her treasured items from her childhood, but mine and my brother's and sister's clothes.  I was so excited for the moment when my mom passed down those items to me.

Now that I have my own little one, it has been important to me to select sentimental items for her.  These will be the items I hope she holds onto and cherishes for years to come.  So much so, that she hands them down to her children.

This past Christmas I came across the most darling and perfect pair of moccasins I have ever seen.  I being half Navajo have had a huge space in my heart for traditional items.  I lost my dad over seven years ago.  He was born on the indian reservation.  He and his siblings would dance to raise money for their family.  My grandmother would hand weave rugs on her loom and my uncles would make jewlery.  This was their livelihood.  They were the first of hand crafted items in our family.

My dad bought each one of us children one of my grandmothers rugs.  I could't wait for the day to graduate college so that I could pick out my rug.  He also bought me my very own turquoise bracelet that my uncle made me.  I grew up wearing and loving that bracelet.  We went back to the reservation and got Penelope her very own.  I knew that she needed a pair of moccasins to match.  I ordered her a pair for her first Christmas and was giddy with excitement everyday until they came in the mail.  I am still giddy every time I put them on her.

These moccs are not just any ordinary pair of moccasins.  They have the most unique look to them.  They are perfect in every detail, from their look and cut of front fringe, as well as fringe around the collar.  They are so comfortable on those chubby baby feet and fit snug.  They come in an array of ravishing colors that adorn any outfit.  They look adorable on both girls and boys.  They come in the most fantastic and most genuine of leather.  I always have people complimenting Penelope's.  They make the perfect shower gift and brighten so many people's days.

I hope that Penelope will always remember her grandfather and where her strong roots come from.  I hope she will pass down her bracelet, my rug, and her moccs to her children.  Go get your loved ones a pair today!  I promise though, you won't be able to stop with just one pair.  I am hooked for life.

Pretty In Pink

Yesterday was the first Sunday Penelope and I have been back for all three hours of church, since her having RSV.  We kept her home to keep her well for the testing of her heart.  I was so excited to finally be able to take my little doll with me.  I dressed her in one of my mom's dresses from when she was a baby.  I wish they still made dresses like this today. 

I have to get as many pictures of her in as possible, while she will still let me.

We hit up the mothers lounge, in hopes it would be better than the last.  I have to say, it was a success.  

I seriously cannot wait for Easter Sunday.  Tyson will be speaking and I will be making sugar cookies for Tyson's Young Men, the Primary and for the Parker Easter morning brunch.  It will be so much fun to give Penelope's Easter basket to her.  Christmas was kind of a downer for us, seeing as P was sick.  We are hoping to make up for that this Easter.

The Goode's

It is crazy to think of all of the different people that come in and out of your life.  I believe each person comes into your life for a purpose.  

Meet the Goode's....

They moved to Fresno around the same time that we did.  Laura and I got to know each other well by working together at Dr. Powell's office.  Tyson and Scott became good friends while being home teaching companions.

They got us and we got them.  They share the same interest in the outdoors and good food.  I couldn't always count on Laura to understand me and how homesick I was.  We spent many weekends with them going out to eat, camping, going to the movies and laying by the pool.  There were many ugly sweater and Super Bowl parties, girls and boys nights out, birthdays and baby showers.

They are both originally from Utah and decided it was time for them to move back.  Scott missed the river and it is always nice being around family.

We are so excited for them and their new adventures.  They are building a new house and we couldn't be more happy for them.

We are going to miss them like crazy!

All of us threw them a going away party.  The boys grilled the most delicious tri-tip and chicken.  We sat around all night and enjoyed their company.

Jen was the perfect host!

As a going away gift we got them a framed picture of California, with a heart over Fresno, a book compiled with memories and pictures, as well as a road trip home goodie basket.  Many tears were shed as they gave their goodbyes. 

And of course, I had to snap of shot of Scott's Crocs.  He defiantly knows how to rock them.

I hate saying goodbye.  It is really hard for me to even write this.  They are truly like family to us.  I know they are going to bless many others in Utah.  Utah is lucky to have the Goode's back.  There will be a void here but I look forward to couple reunions to come.

We love you guys!!!!

Weekend Fun

This was the first weekend of Spring and boy did we take advantage of that.  My mother in law told me that she had seen a sign for pictures with live bunnies.  Being a first time mom, I jumped on the idea.  I first had to stop by Jo-Anne's to find some flowers to make Penelope a headband, to match her Easter dress.  I luckily found the perfect bundle of yellow flowers.  I came home, got Penelope dolled up and we headed out to get her pictures taken.  The baby bunnies were adorable.  I wanted to take one of them home with me.

On our way home we stopped off to get some lunch.  Tyson and I had seen these food carts lined up for a couple of weekends now and thought it was time to give the food a try.  Let me tell you what, the food was outstanding.  Tyson got a Black and Blue cheeseburger, while I enjoyed the most delicious chicken sandwich ever.  

The weather was so nice.  It felt so good to be outdoors and enjoy great food.  We are defiantly going to make this a Saturday afternoon tradition.  It got me excited for the up and coming Farmer's Market.

As soon as I got home it was time to make my favorite fruit pizza for our friends going away party.  The strawberry stands came out this weekend as well.  It looks like it's going to be fresh strawberries on top of everything around our house.

Fruit Pizza
(from all recipes.com)

1/2 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup white sugar
1 egg
1 1/4 cups flour
1 tsp. cream of tarter
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt

Frosting
1 (8 ounce) pkg. cream cheese
1/2 cup white sugar
2 tsp. vanilla
Preheat oven to 350 degrees

In a large mixing bowl cream together butter and sugar until smooth.  Mix in egg.

In a medium sized bowl combine flour, cream of tarter, baking soda, and salt.

Combine wet and dry ingredients until just blended.

Press dough into an ungreased pizza pan.

(I use a tart pan)

Bake in oven for 8-10 minutes.

While crust is cooking cut up strawberries and wash other berries.  I used strawberries and blueberries, but you can use any kind of fruit.

Let crust cool.  You can put it in the refrigerator to cool faster, if you need.

Combine cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth.

Frost the top of the cooled cookie crust with cream cheese mixture.

Top with fruit and enjoy!

I love the weekends and am already looking forward to Easter weekend!