Happy 1st Birthday!!!

A cuter, sweeter, more tender, handsome boy never existed. My heart just overflows with love for my nephew Hudson. I love the way he talks and the way he and Easton play together. He wants to be just like his dad in every way which is the cutest thing ever. I have never ever seen him do anything naughty. I am not just saying that. Shelly has told me a couple stories and every once and a while she will repremand him while I am on the phone with her... but I swear she just does it so I don't feel like a total failure as a parent. Honestly though... Husdon is an awsome pair of dimples, crazy-cool hair and the sweetest voice you ever heard. Someday he will melt hearts... what am I saying.. he already does!!! Happy Birthday Leap Year Boy!!! WE LOVE YOU!!!!!

I'm hooked... RU?

I almost voted last night. really, I am that hooked. Two words:


David Archuleta.

signs of spring!

A few weeks ago I was talking on the phone with my mom and she was asking me if Oregon was really green because of all the rain... to which I answered no.

I believe my answer was somthing along the lines that photosythesis was not occuring because the sun was not shining. Well, the past week (since my mom was here...) it has been pure sunshine and it is has been amazing how it changes things. (That plus having a mom to cook and clean and babysit really can lift your spirits.) The great thing about living here is that as soon as you are sick to death of winter and don't think you can stand one more drop of rain... you open your eyes one day and there it is:

s p r i n g.

No waiting for snow to melt or flowers to pop open- it just happens suddenly. I can't wait to see the blossems on our main street- they blew me away last year and I am excited for them again. So... for all you folks who are still burried under snow... spring is just around the corner.

it's not enough, but something...

I have been working on a project for my family and trying to do something productive. Many of you know, and some may not, that my oldest sister Trisha died when I was 14. It has been eleven years today- and each year when February 21st rolls around I feel overwhelming grief and I don't know what to do... I don't want to "celebrate" but I always feel like I need to do something special. Well, this year I decided create a blog in her memory. I have been through hundreds of pictures and letters. I have laughed and cried and seen her life in a way I never had before. There were pictures and stories I hadn't seen in years, and I saw them in a new way now that I am a wife and mother. As I looked at pictures of her as a small child my heart ached with grief for my parents who lost their sweet daughter. New understanding and grief came over me because I know now how much you love your children, and I can't imagine how I would feel if I ever lost Easton. Just trying to understand it as a parent breaks my heart. As I looked at pictures of her with her husband Andy I wondered just how their short time together has affected him in his life. I looked back at all our silly times and realized that the few pictures we have together can never really capture the love that we had.

I think I miss her more now that ever. I know there is no way I could have ever done this before now. There are just so many emotions involved, but I have just wanted to for so long and since my mom was coming I asked her to bring some pictures and things to add. I am really in awe about the life my sister led. I always looked up to her because she was my "cool older sister" and it always seemed like she had it all together. I just can't believe the legacy she left behind with such a short time here. I want to keep her memory alive because she was a stong, motivated, kind, loving, smart, beautiful person and the best example anyone could have. When someone you love dies there is nothing you can ever do to feel complete again. There is just a peice of you that goes with them and you can't ever be the same I guess. I do know however, that God loves us, and that we will see her again. I want to live my life so that she will be as proud of me when I see her again as I am of her...

Anyways... if you want to know more about my beautiful Trisha-... the link is Missing Trisha. It's my work in progress(:

Hey MAMA!!!

Well... my mom rolled into town today. I am blogging right now because she went to sleep at 8:00 with Easton. Yep- she's an animal. Well, I guess I wore her out already! We spent the day driving to Multnomah Falls, and stuck in Presidents Day traffic. Easton is totally stoked for a week with Grammy and I'll soon be posting lots of fun pictures of our adventures. These are the times I love when she can just chill and we get to have fun and bond and well... hopefully stay up late talking. Maybe tomorrow night....

I am so lucky to be married to a wonderful man who is my best friend... we have had great times together and lots of laughs. He is a great person all around and I am just so lucky to have him! I can't believe this is our 6th Valentines Day together- I mean I am not HUGELY into Valentines, but I think it is great to pause and realize how lucky it is to have people around you to love and take the opportunity to be grateful for that. I am not going to go on and on and gross you all out with sappy details abou twhy I love his so much... besides I think Derek would be really embarrassed by that. so... here are a few unconventional -and less sappy-reasons I love you Honey: you always sing... a little out of tune, you say "Well, hello hello!" when you walk in the door, you laugh at me when I am mad (I don't ALWAYS love this one), you are really good at fixing toilets, you never stink, you never worry. There- I am sure I could rattle off some more... but that is my list for now. I sure love this guy- and I am lucky to have him!

I love my mother-in-law!

I heard many stories- in fact I still hear many stories- about how hard it can be to get along with in-laws- but Jana (my mother-in law)is so wonderful! She is such a patient and positive person. No matter what I feel like she can help me solve any problem.We just love to sit and talk and laugh for hours. In fact it seems like whenever we go out to run errands or something we always get stuck in the parking lot or the drivway just talking. She has such strong faith and has been an awsome example for her children. I always ask Derek how she handles things and "what his mom would do" in certain situations because I just want to be patient and loving like her. It is really hard. :) She taught Derek so well, and I am so greatful for both her and my father in law as well. They are amazing and so helpful to us. They are kind enough to take us on trips and they are always asking how they can help us. It is just so nice to know that if we ever needed anything that they are ready and waiting to help us. Jana has her masters degree and has been a teacher for 30 years and she is so smart. She has given so much of her life to help others and I am sure there are countless stories of how she has loved and helped so many people. I am so lucky to have someone like her as an example in my life. I think most people are lucky if they can just get along with their in-laws... I am the luckiest of people because I really love mine.

In honor of my nephew Payton's birthday today... I am posting about how much I LOVE my neices & nephews. Here are some random pictures of my little cuties. They are so full of life and fun! It is always a party when we are together and there are lots of chaiotic times with so many young children. Easton loves his cousins so much... he is so lucky to have so many great friend-cousins to play and grow up with. I have 12 neices and nephew and that number will soon be growing with our newest arrivals from Ethiopia in the spring. I hope they are ready for a lot of love and hugs from their aunt char. Yep- that's me. I am crazy aunt char who lives in Oregon who rolls into town every once and a while for a non-stop party and takes about a thousand pictures to take home with me.

Easton & Taya... these two can play together for hours and never fight. I love this pictures of them...we were waiting for the parade and they wore matching clothes and it was such a fun day.
Me & Kaiden
The whole Davis clan at Lagoon- I am loving the glasses Emma!
Sweet Grace... thay don't come cuter or sweeter that this!
Payt- Happy birthday dude! I hope you get lots of cool new spiderman stuff! You are awsome and so much fun. We loved it when you visited us and we can't wait to see you again. Hope you have a great day...hugs& kisses

Payton, Logan & Easton last October at the coast... good times...
Easton, Taya, Donovan, Hailee, & Bailee last Christmas... these are the Ames cousins and we don't see them quite as often. They are seriousely so good when they get together though...
Easton and Hudson showing off their tummies last January when my sister shelly and her husband Boyd visited with their kiddoes! so funny! I have so many funny pictures of Hudson and Easton- they are always being silly together!
Papa and the Davis gang. Aren't I lucky to have so many great kids to love? I think so... and I'll keep loving them even when they grown up and don't think I am so cool. :)

LOVE

I got this idea from my friend Carrie... seeing how it is Valentines Day and all, I am going to blog everyday about things- well let's say people I LOVE...

today...my Friends.

I have always been lucky in the friend department. Really lucky. I have had so many good friends and in fact I say all the time "My best friend so-and-so..." and most of the time I am referring to different people. I feel like everyone I get close to is my "best friend". I just love having friends to work out with, have girls nights, chat, shop whatever! Friends are so improtant to me and I have had some truly great ones. Here is a list of the best friends I have had (in order of age) and a little of what they have tought me:

Jessica: "best friend growing up..down the street...from elementary school" Jess has taught me that even if you don't stay in touch everyday there is a magical spark between some friends that never goes away. We can (and do) go for months without talking, and when we see each other again... it's like we're five years old again and down at the creek or palying in the snow. Like no time has ever passed. There is a deep emotional connection that goes beyond anything superficial that has grown for more that 20 years- crazy!

Jeff: "best "guy friend" growing up" Jeff taught me a lot about boys. He was a great listening ear and he taught me that you should never EVER under and circumstance let your best guy "friend" kiss you- because it totally ruins everyting. :)

Rindee: "best friend from 5th grade on... " Rind has always been a spiritual ROCK...but at the same time has always been adventurous and sporty. Her family is the perfect example of what I want to be. She has such a loving, caring personality and everyone falls in love with her. She has always been a low-pressure constant friend.

Heather: "best friend in junior high... as a teenager..." Heb has taught me that no matter what happens in life you can always make the very best of things and come out on top. She has been through some rough stuff, and has always managed to have a great attitude and outlook. She also taugh me how to flirt and loved me throuh the "awkward years".

Juline: "best friend from high school who lives in new Jersey..." Jewls taught me that even if the first thing you say to someone (case in point- the first thing I said to her was, "hey, your short") you can laugh it off - and become great friends. She has the best laugh. She has made her way from California to New Jersey and is always up for adventure, and isn't afraid of new things.

Shannon: "best friend in high school" Shan-0 taught me that even if you have a crazy family you can still somehow be normal. She greaved with me and cried many times over our lost siblings and we understood each other when no one else did.

Kelsie: "best friend in college" Kels helped me to fall in love with Derek... I might never have met him if it weren't for her. We cried a lot over first heartbreaks...ad first time away at college. She taught me that girlfriends can be family when family is far away. She also taught me that I am so So SO glad that I never had a missionary. :)

Lindsey: "best friend at utah state... best workout buddy" Lindsey taught me to love the guitar and pilates. She watched me decorate and re-decorate our first apartment and our second, and third. She taught me to never give up on fitness ever if you are supremely frustrated, but also that it's ok to skip your workout and watch American Idol.

Charlyn: "best married-couple-friend" Charlyn taught me that every once and a while you really can find a couple where you love the wife and the husbands get along swimmingly. she taught me that you don't have to go to bed early just because you are married and that you can stay up all night laughing because your husband thinks there is a Peep fairy.

Megan: "best friend in Optometry school... as a mom... shopping buddy" Megan has taught me so much about being a mom, and still maintaining a sense of self. And most important, that that doesn't make you a selfish person and it makes you a better mom and wife. She has taught me that Heavenly Father has impeccable timing and that if we listen he will direct every moment of our lives. She also taught me that not only "rich" people shop at the Gap-and not only poor people shop at Goodwill.

Bekah: "best friend in Optometry school... spiritual upper...girls nighter"Bekah has taught me to never stop dreaming in life. you are never to old for a new hobby. she hastaught me to believe in who you are as woman in the potential that you have. She has taught me that a good attitude changes you and everyone around you. She has taught me to protect my children and not ever be afraind to stand up for what you feel inside.

All of these and many more people I am lucky enough to have as best friends. I am not always the best friend- but all these people have managed to love me despite my flaky, ditsy, scattered brain and I am so glad they stuck with me and I hope that they still know how much their friendships mean to me. I am 100% positive the Heavenly Father has sent me these people in my life exactly when I needed them. I have many more friends than the ones listed-- and the thought occcured to me just now that someone might feel bad that they aren't on my list. If you think you are one of my best friends and have been forgotten, feel free to tell me so and I'll add you to the list :) Love to all!

your invited to my pity party

I am feeling really homesick at the moment. February is just a hard month for me. I missed my dad's birthday and it has just been such crummy rainy weather lately and I am just really missing my family. It is such a bummer when I feel like this, and usually I don't. I felt this way last February as well and I almost killed myself and Easton by driving home and surprizing my family at my nephew Paytons birthday party. Really- my car almost slid of the edge of a snowy cliff. So... I am not going to risk a mid-winter drive through the mountains and I am just going to keep looking at pictures and missing everybody... aren't I an upper tonight? I think the real reason I am feeling down is that I was really sick Monday and when I went to the Doctor Tuesday I found out I had a bladder infection... first one ever. It SUCKS!!! I have not slept well and just felt like crap! My meds are kicking in now and I am feeling better. Derek has been so soo busy trying to take care of all the extra stuff for me as well as school and poor Easton has been so bored so I feel like a bad wife and mom. I need to go read my scriptures and listen to some happy music and snap out of the funk- I know. But I don't want to. Tomorrow I will- tonight I want to just wallow in self pity. it's lovely.

Ode to Papa...

Today my Papa is another year older, wiser, handsomer...he. he. My dad has always been a great support to me and I really miss him. He always knows when I need a hug or a laugh. I really miss his huge hugs... :( He also has the funniest sense of humor and a great perspective on life. Poor guy got sacked with 5 daughters and had to deal with a lot of emotions over the years- but he really calmed us down and helped us be rational when that at times just didn't seem possible. (I have to interject here that I think we calmed him down as well through the years) He is very interesting and smarter than he let on... he always has an different perspective than most people on things and can make you see life from another angle. He is such a hard worker. In fact I don't think he'll ever stop pushing himself- which isn't so good these days now that he's getting OLDER... ;) He also loves to shop- wierd for a guy. I always thought it was so normal until I got married and realized that my husband not only wouldn't enjoy shopping with me, but also wouldn't be doing my shopping for me. hmmmmm. I am not kidding or eggagerating when I say probably 99% of my wardrobe growing up was from him. I remember one Valentines day specifically that I was feeling down about boys and came home to a new outfit and flowers in my room from him. Small things like that always made me feel loved and secure... which are the greatest gifts a father can give to a daughter. as a parent now I realize just how hard he worked for us and how much he sacrificed. I am blessed to had such a wonderful man to call my dad. Happy Birthaday!

Love ya babe!

How long have you guys been together? Dating...6 years 3months. Married...5 years 7 months.

How old is he? 28

Who is taller? Him! YAY!

What is his favorite sport? Any sport is his favorite. Mostly basketball (JAZZ), and baseball (CUBS) probably, but he'll watch anything if he has the time.

Who is smarter? Left brain smart -him, Right brain smart- me.

Who does the laundry? He puts it in and forgets about it. I find it a couple days later- re-rinse (or wash if it's been sitting) take it out and fold it and put it away usually. So...me?

Who does the dishes? I think I usually do. He think he usually does :). I never complain anymore though now that we have a dishwasher. Halleluiah!

Who pays the bills? Both of us.

Who cooks dinner?? We like to cook together.

Who drives when you are together? Him.

Who is more stubborn? Him- for sure!

Who kissed who first? He kissed me...I'd never kiss a boy first. ;)

Who proposed? He did... it's a very romantic story... I'll share it it sometime.

Who has more siblings? I have 4 sisters, one brother. He has 2 brothers, one sister. I win.

Who wears the pants in the family? This is a weird question, I am not sure. It depends on the day I guess- but mostly we share.

** This is a tag, so for all of you reading this....TAG your'e it! Now you have to do it!

and the winner is....

After the suggestions I got about Easton hair I really felt torn about whether or not to chop it off. I was even leaning towards the mullet idea (thanks Boyd)- ok I was never leaning anywhere near the mullet idea. It was fifty-fifty and I was sitting on the fence between long and short. Luckily I don't have to worry anymore because Derek took matters into his own hands and to my surprize this is what I walked in to find after a visit to the store:

It's pretty freakin' short- not to mention I was a little shocked! He still looks cute- but so grown up! I think I liked it better long now.... it'll grown though and he thinks he it's awsome. I think he just liked surprizing me.

I should ad that this is one of the greatest things about Derek. (If you don't want to hear some bragging skip this next part...) He just see's somthing that needs to be done and he does it. It is awsome and it's one of the many things I love that about him. He is such a great help to me and I never have to nag him to do stuff. I am so lucky to have him- he is the best!