Our Father's Day

*Play song, "For My Dad" with this post

 As mentioned already, we celebrated Father's Day a bit early since we suspected Emarie to still be in the hospital on the real Father's Day. 

Actually, our first plan was, since Em has been getting the later check-in times lately, we were going to have a bit of fun in Salt Lake before we had to be at the hospital.... that is until I got the call from the surgery line the day before telling me that we'd have to be at the hospital at 6:30 am..... uh, what?! That's like the earliest we've ever had to be there.... so that put an end to those plans. So we settled on dinner that evening (Thursday night), the night before the surgery. 

So first, when Steve came home from work, this is what was waiting for him

I got him something that unfortunately is taking FOREVER to get here :S!! So for now I got him these   divine cupcakes from The Sweet Toothfairy (Raspberry Cheesecake and Rootbeer Float) The gift in the bag is from Em

Opening his gift from Emarie

 Em did a lot to help with this gift, for one thing, she picked out the card :)

 So excited!!

She also picked out the paint for this, helped paint it, picked out the stickers to go on it, and of course that's her very own hand print! Way to go Em! 

So I told Steve he could pick out where we went, and being Steve he decided to pick from the Value Pages for places that had a coupon. But he picked Fudruckers, which is a good burger joint, so I'm sure he was happy :)

Pictures from dinner

Yeah, Em didn't really cooperate for any of these pictures :P

After dinner, we went to get Steve's gift at Costco, which was a new keyboard and mouse since his are really out of date! While we were there, we saw something else that was pretty cool

This is a portable speaker for an iPod that sounds amazing, has a 40 hour rechargeable lithium battery and was only around $25! *score!

We wore poor Em out though, and this is how she spent the ride home ;)

Yeah, she pulled the hood over her face herself (she can do this with all of her hoods because her head is so tiny.... even the 12-18 month one still!) and fell fast asleep! She didn't even wake up when we got her out of the car and changed her clothes :)

Hope you had a great Father's Day Steve!! You deserve it!! We sure love you in this family!

Belonging

Play song, "Be Mine" with this post


I thought long and hard about how I would word this post. I didn’t want to make anyone feel bad, so please know that before reading.

Growing up, I didn’t always feel a sense of belonging anywhere. I think it comes with the territory of split families… new husbands, new wives, new kids. Its no one’s fault, or anyone’s specific doing, just couldn’t help feeling out of place a lot, or simply that I didn’t really belong. Relationships play a big role in this as well, and it’s sad to admit that I didn’t always have the best relationships with people in my family. I’m happy to say that I do now, and I am so grateful for that. But probably the person I had the best relationship with in my childhood is the one person I spent the least amount

of time with unfortunately. That would be my sister. She and I had an interesting bond that I can’t really describe, just was there and real. No one got me like she did, and I think that’s why I had such a hard time when she died. My small sense of belonging completely went away for a long time.

I am confident in where I belong now. That is with Steve, and of course Emarie. But, the feeling has definitely intensified in the last little while. Sometimes I feel the bond between Steve and I so strong that I’m amazed that anything could ever waiver it. The times that I can remember are so clear in my mind, like they were only moments ago. There are some personal moments, like waking up after a DNC and the first thing I saw were his eyes bearing into mine. I can’t even describe what I felt in that moment, but I remember before I fell asleep and thinking that I could never be happy again because of what was happening; and then waking up and seeing what was written on his face. He knew… he understood, it was like there was no one else but him, and somehow I knew it was going to be alright…. That he and I would get through this, because we had each other.

 Picture from when we were dating, the day before I moved to Germany

Engagement pics

Our wedding day

December 12, 2003

When I watch Steve and Emarie together, it’s magical. There’s really no better way to put that. No one puts a smile on her face like her dad. No matter what, there is no one suited better to be Emarie’s father. They say that when a woman becomes a mother, she just knows what to do without anyone telling her. Not this mom. But her dad, well let’s just say that he knew what to do, and everything I do well is because of him. I wish I could do more justice to everything that he is, but I don’t think I can. I just hope he knows how amazing he is in my eyes. I appreciate how hard he works for his family. For all the love he shows in his own way. Mostly for keeping it all together, even when I let it all fall apart. Something has to be said for a guy that will listen to the same track over and over again for his little girl…. And did I mention that track is from an N’Sync CD?

Taken after Em's most recent surgery. Seriously no one calms her better than her dad

He has stuck by me when a lot of people wouldn’t have. He puts up with a lot from me too….. did I mention I like to listen to the same songs too (hmmm, wonder where Em gets it?)? Though, I like to think that Maroon 5, Train and David Gray are a lot better than N’Sync!

 I owe a lot to him, and some I will never be able to pay back. Wherever he is, that’s where I belong. 

My belonging

Wonderful Father's

Play song, "Kind and Generous" with this post

Just thought I'd do a quick little post to honor all the father's that have blessed mine and my family's life.

We'll start with my father, Dwight Christie- What I love and appreciate about my dad, is his respectful nature and easy-going attitude. Thanks for being part of my existence and finally coming to the conclusion that I was your perfect child ;) Helps that I'm your only girl!

Now, my step-father, Mitchell Wilde- What I love and appreciate about my other dad, is his sense of humor, really his ability to make a joke out of almost any situation. Also, he treated me as his own even though he didn't have to, and now does the same for my daughter, his granddaughter. 

My grandpa Andrews (my mom's dad), Donald Andrews- I have some very fond childhood memories that include you. Thank you for being such a fun grandpa, reading the "Slug Book", being the cameraman for us to make up stories and silly antics. Also, for inspiring me to live a little healthier because I'm a little afraid that my grandpa may outlive me with his fit physique and disciplined diet ;)

My grandpa Christie (my dad's dad)- I didn't know you the best, though I really wish I had known you better. But from what I hear, and what I know of the man you raised as my dad, I know you must have been pretty incredible. See you someday on the other side :)

My grandpa Wilde (my step-father's dad), Robert Wilde- You've taught me that "true blue" is really the only way to be. That camping and fishing are standard ways of life, as well as golf (but not really my cup of tea). You also excepted me into your family without a second thought, and I am proud to be a part of the family that you raised. 

To my father-in-law, Stan Peters- Obviously the thing I am most grateful for from you, is your son. You may have been tough on him, but I know it was good. It taught him patience, respect and responsibility. Thank you. You are a good father and grandfather.

Steve's grandfather (his mom's dad), Richard Hunt- I did a tribute to this most amazing man on my last post.

Steve's other grandfather (his dad's dad), Leroy Peters, or "Grandpa Pete"- I've only met you a few times (he owns a trucking company based in Mexico), but you're always fun and generous around your family. Thanks for your posterity!

Happy Father's day to you all! Thank you for what you've done, continue to do and for what you mean to us! We love you!!

Steve, Alisha and Emarie

P.S. I know you all think I left someone out, but the most important father to me will be receiving his very own post just for him tomorrow :)

Saying goodbye to Macy :'(

Play song, "It's so Hard to Say Goodbye" with this post

This past weekend we drove the short 3 hour trip to Preston, Idaho (yes the home of Napoleon Dynamite), to say goodbye to our sweet dog for the past four years, Macy.

We hated to do it, but with the fate of where we're going to live hanging in the balance, and doubtfulness that we'll be able to find a place for rent that will allow pets.... let alone 55+ pound pets, it was for the best. And really, she is going to a good home.

It was a few weeks ago that I posted on Facebook that we needed to find a place for her, and I did get responses, just they were either too far away, or not serious enough. We really wanted her to go to someone we knew.... someone we knew would take care of her. But it wasn't happening, and we really needed to get her taken care of before Em's pending surgery (Friday) and our trip to the Chromosome 18 conference in a few weeks. So, we were going to post her on KSL (Utah's free online classified site), which we really didn't want to do, which is why it had been procrastinated. And I'm sure glad it was, because it wasn't a mere few days later that Steve's cousin's wife asked if we still had her. They wanted her. 

 Leah and her mom Sam came to get Macy

 These two will really miss each other. Em already does, and has been looking for Macy when we leave through the garage (we use to always say goodbye to Macy when we did this). We are making a vow to go visit her a lot!

 Leah checking out Macy's crate (she was really excited)

 Leah doesn't look too sure here, but I'm told she's rather enjoying her new dog

You have been a good dog Macy (really the best we've had, and we've had 3!), and we will really miss you. But we know you're going to enjoy life much more chasing around five kids, 2 other dogs, countless goats and horses on a farm. We love you!

*It has been decided, that even though we try (well really me), and we really want to be (again more me), we just aren't "dog people" (Steve's with me here though)*

After that, we just enjoyed the company of Steve's grandparents (his mom's parents). And really, this is where I'm leading into the first of my Father's Day posts this year.

Steve's grandfather is one of the most patient, kind, and selfless men I have ever met. You see, Steve's grandmother has been having a hard time remembering things lately and sometimes asks the same questions a lot. Not once during our stay did he ever seem annoyed, aggravated, or inpatient. In fact, each time she would ask that same question, he would answer her as if it was the first time. And even though he didn't feel very well during our stay, he was always the first to help his wife with getting a meal on the table, or anything at all really. I reflected this all back to Steve on our way home, and he just shrugged and said, "That's just how he is.... it's how he's always been". I know that Steve sees it as special though as well. You can just see and know how much that man loves his wife. It is powerful, and I am so honored that I have gotten to know him. And I know that Steve has inherited a lot of those qualities, and I am honored to be part of his family.

I am also grateful that Em is getting to spend time with her great-grandparents

 Great-grandpa Hunt

 Great-grandma Hunt

We're also glad Em gets to know their chickens ;)

 Em and I checking out the new baby chickens

Isn't this picture just worth a thousand words?!

And on a side note, I am really trying to get whatever it is I screwed up fixed, so that people may post comments on my blog posts! More than a few have expressed that they've been having problems, but I'm really trying to get it working, because I really miss the comments! But I may have found my key... random posts, rants and now historical site pictures are what's peaking the most comments, so there may be more of that to come.... haha, just kidding!

A fully loaded Father's Day weekend!!

We did a lot this past weekend..........

After about two weeks of relentless searching, and sweltering hot, lot hopping........we bought a car on Saturday! Just for ME!!

And isn't it just the cutest?? I absolutely love it!! BTW so does Emarie! And good thing it's such a girlie color, so I won't have to worry about anyone else driving it ;)

That night (Saturday) is when I made Steve's Father's day dinner, since we would be going to about 3 different dinners on the actual day.

In the process of slicing some potatoes with our wonderful slicer for my Potato, bacon and cheese torte, I managed to slice off a portion of my middle finger on my right hand. Now, if Steve tells you this story, he will say that I was not using the guard and that is why this happened. Well, I'm not going to lie, this is true. However, the potatoes were too big to fit in the guard at first, so what I was doing, was cutting them down a little bit, and then putting them safely in the guard. This system worked perfectly, that is, until the third potato. What I failed to think about, was that if I just cut the potatoes in half in the first place, then this whole fiasco could have been avoided! *Sigh* ah well, live and learn, right??!! Anyway, those of you that know me, know that I don't like blood, so it's better not to look. But, I took comfort in knowing that it didn't really hurt, so it probably wasn't that bad as I was running it under cold water, and I told Steve that I had mostly just cut my fingernail, no worries! Steve however, DID look, and DID think it required medical attention. I still thought I was fine, and just bandaged it up so that I could finish dinner. However, the dang thing wouldn't quit bleeding, so I had to go to the IC to get it taken care of.

I will spare you on the real pictures of the actual wound, I still don't like looking at it!

But, here's what it looked like after they bandaged it all up

And even though I was supposed to keep this bandage on for at least 48 hours, that thing didn't last more than a day, because it was hella annoying! As you could probably figure from the size!

Anyway, I got home late, and we enjoyed my perfect dinner after that! And to answer, I'm sure, all of your questions: NO, I do not believe we ate that piece of my finger! In fact, I'm pretty sure it was washed down the sink!

"D" for "Dad" you know?

And I gave Steve his other present that night (after midnight, of course!)

I know what you're thinking, "What kind of a gift is a garbage can??" Well, I'll tell you that this guy has wanted a can like this for a while now! And I got great deal, two for the price of one! Can't beat that! And that little one will look oh so cute in one of the bathrooms, right??!

Ok, now onto the honoring of the father's in our life! That's what this whole day is about right??

What can I say? This girl and her dad are like two peas in a pod! Steve is an excellent dad. There is really no one better suited to be sweet little Emarie's dad than him. I thought moms already had it in them to know exactly what to do for their children. Well, not this mom, it was completely the dad in our situation! Steve has unknowingly taught me so much of what I needed to know to be Emarie's mom. I can't even begin to describe. He's taught me patience, and acceptance. As well as, the ability to deal with things that life is always throwing our way. None of it has been easy, especially for me. But, I've learned from him, that I can handle it, because he does, and so well. This guy will probably never know all that he has taught me. Except for maybe the obvious things like, how to make Em's bag, and how to give Em her shot correctly, as well as a plethora of other things that I probably could take all night in telling you! But, I won't, I will just end here, and say that this guy is the BEST dad I've ever had the pleasure to watch! Thank you so much for doing the best job possible with our little girl! Emarie and I love you, and hope you had a great Father's Day, because you deserve the BEST!!

Happy Father's Day as well to Emarie's 3 grandfathers! You each are amazing with her! As well, as Emarie's 4 great-grandfather's, you don't know how lucky I feel that Emarie gets to know the wonderful grandfathers that Steve and I grew up with! You all are so wonderful, and we feel so blessed to have you a part of our sweet little girl's life!!

Happy Father's Day!! Love the Peters'!