little peanut

So, if you still don't know then you are REALLY out of the loop...sorry. But, I am pregnant! I am 18 weeks right now...due April 30th. I find out one week from today (next Wednesday) the gender and I'm so excited!!

Do you think it's a boy or a girl?

Emery Says...

I've been slacking on this blog a lot, just like many of my friends. I wanted to share some of the cute things Em has been doing lately, and all the things that she says....

Emery Says....(get it? like Simon Says...)

Hi
Hello
Bye-Bye
Mama
Dada
I love you
I see you (when looking through an object with a hole)
I did it
Please
Thank You
1, 2, 3
A

Vincint (It's her cousin...she attempted it once, but it was very hard to hear!)

I took Emery in today because she hasnt been sleeping well. She weighed 25 pounds, 8 ounces. She is currently 13 months old. We finally got her big girl car seat from FedEx today. She had still been using her infant car seat, because we haven't had money for the upgrade yet. She loves it, and I love being able to see her from the driver seat.

She's kind of weaning herself from her pacifier. Doctor said that is very unusual. But, we are glad that it's going to make that easier on us as parents. She is actually in bed right now, without one at all for the first night since she started using it. And, she hasn't been sleeping well. Doctor said nothing is wrong with her, not even her teeth. I kind of lost count, but I think she has eleven? But, they are all already out so that isn't keeping her up. Dr said maybe too much TV? (ooopps...feel like a bad mom after that one). She said toddlers get nightmares even from cartoons, and to be completely honest...she watches more than just cartoons. So, I am going to limit TV for her, which means also for me (which is good) and start holding off on the CSI's and NCIS's until after she is in bed. Hopefully tonight is a new night, and she starts sleeping great again :)

Does anyone still read my blog? Sometimes I don't know what to write about because I feel like people will be bored with Em's simple milestones. What should I write about?

California Caramel Company Give away

There is this fantastic giveaway for two deluxe caramel apples at the blog Have Joy. There is a picture and they look quite delicious. You should go check out this blog and enter the giveaway! I love give aways!

Check it out here.

Emery's birthday...

was awesome.




Although I am very sad that she does not yet understand that it was her birthday and what it means. We had a wonderful party with friends, family, fun and food. I will post pictures of it later. We also went to my parent's ward Halloween party.

She got some wonderful gifts. Lots of books. My little reader. I love watching her sit and flip through a book and chatter like she is reading. It makes me smile.

Thank you to everyone who made it out to the party!

I don't have any pictures with my Emery on her actual birthday. She was born so close to midnight that I probably didn't even get to hold her until the 18th. Can you believe that 1 year ago today I was holding a 9 1/2 pound baby (yes, not so small...) in my arms, a newborn baby child, my first little one. It was such a blessing. Definately one of the happiest moments of my life.

I love you Emery, Happy Birthday!

Chili's Give Back Night

Come into Chili's tomorrow night from 5-10pm in Elk Grove on Laguna Blvd.

Have a delicious dinner, and 10% of your bill will go towards my Drill Team...Elk Grove High School Drill Team. We really need the help!

You need to present the flyer for us to get the donation.

Here is the flyer!

ABC's of Mrs. Cobabe

A – Advocate For: Giving people a chance before judging them.

B – Best Feature: My neck. Is that weird? I like my collarbone. So weird. I know.

C – Could do without: Messes on the floor. Hate sweeping. Hate mopping. Hate vacuuming.

D – Dreams & Desires: Finishing school. Teaching. Having an awesome and very close family. Going to Europe...and New Zealand....and the Caribbean.

E – Essential items: Cell phone. Laptop. Jeans. Pacifier for crying baby.

F – Favourite pastime: Watching TV, Tetris, Cuddling with family, spending time with friends...

G – Good at: Organizing, Card games, Hugging

H – Have never tried: Octopus. Gross.

I – If I Had a Million Dollars: Pay off house, Pay off cars, Pay off credit cards...and then go on vacation! (I think New Zealand would be the first on the list)

J – Junkie For: French fries. Ohmygosh. So good.

K – Kindred Spirit: When I was younger, definately Abbie. We shared a brain. Now, I would have to say Sammie.

L – Little Known Fact: I am pregnant.

M – Memorable Moment: Giving birth to Emery. One year ago tomorrow. Crazy.

N – Never Again Will I: Move into a house when there is still so much work to do.

O – Occasional Indulgence: New pair of shoes. No way do I need another pair. But need and want are completely different.

P – Profession: Mother. Wife. Drill Team Coach. Hopefully one day, teacher.

Q – Quote: Gosh, I can't even think of one right now.

R – Reason to Smile: Emery.

S – Sorry About: Not saying Sorry in enough time to tell you before you passed.

T – Things That Are Worrying You Right Now: Emery's party tomorrow. The amount of space we will have on tables. And Christopher getting the ceiling done this evening.

U – Uninterested In: I'm slightly interested in almost everything.

V – Very Scared Of: Losing loved ones.

W – Worst Habits: Biting/picking at my nails.

X – X Marks My Ideal Vacation Spot: New Zealand.

Y – Yummiest Desert: Pick one? Yeah right. Brownies. Better than Sex Cake. Strawberry shortcake. Crepes.

Z – Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius.


Got this from P Dawg at Alis Grave Nil.

If you copy and paste on your own blog, leave me a comment and let me know so I can come read it!

Does the Sauce Make the Nugget?

What???

Well, we went grocery shopping tonight...long overdue. We got home at a quarter to 7:00pm and a few hundred dollars poorer. [Don't shop when you're hungry!] I was starving of course, Christopher had to leave, and of course it was time for Em to eat. So I quickly baked some Tyson's breaded chicken tenders. I love Tyson's breaded chicken, nuggets and tenders. They have always been so delicious to me.

So I gave some to Em, and she loves chicken so she did just fine, and I started eating mine smothered in honey bbq sauce. A few tenders in, I realized I didn't care for the sauce. It's not the sauce I usually have. So I ate one tender without sauce.

Disgusting.

So I started thinking..."why are my tastebuds weird?" "Why don't they taste as good as usual," "Maybe I got a bad batch..." And of course, I tried to eat more because a girl needs to eat. I finished them with a little sauce to drown out the dusgustingness, but a little enough amount of sauce that it wasn't overwhelming. What a way to eat dinner, eh?

So then I realized that everytime I have ever eaten Tyson's breaded chicken, I use the sauce that I normally buy. This whole time I thought I loved Tyson's chicken, and tonight I realized I don't really. I just love the brown sugar sauce. Mmmm. I'm actually disappointed.

A similar thing happened to me once before. I used to LOOOOOVE fried eggs, and hate scrambled eggs. I would only eat scrambled eggs in some kind of scramble with meat or veggies, or on occasion I would roll my eyes and eat them with ketchup. When I was pregnant with Emery, I started eating a fried egg. Disgusting. I couldn't figure out how I could even get them down my throat before. And I started loving scrambled eggs.

In the past month, I have tried a fried egg again. My mom made me. And it was okay. But I prefer scrambled. And it is still hard for me to eat the fried egg.


So, to my readers. All one of you. [Let's hope there is more] I have a question? Has there ever been any food that you absolutely loved until one defining moment when you realized it was disgusting? Please share. If you remember the defining moment, share that too.

Thanks,
-J.

My New House

So, Chris and I got our keys this week! We now own a townhouse in Folsom. It is right across the street from the park, library, zoo. Perfect location! Christopher, with the help of Erick started working in it yesterday. Last night, tonight, and Saturday he will be taking down the popcorn ceilings. Next week, he will be adding surround sound, sanding the ceiling, and texturing. The week after that is painting, and then moving in!

If you have free time and enjoy doing work like that, we would love some help!

Also, in our backyard...well, its not really a backyard. It's fairly small...a patio. But, out "there" is room for a garden. I'm so excited!

Emery Standing

So Emery stood by herself yesterday. She is a wonderful crawler. She has also been cruising for a while. And if I hold her up and let go, she will stand for a little while. But yesterday, she was standing and let go and stood by herself. I'm so proud of her. The funny thing is that she did it so she could grab a toy. She was holding a toy in her left hand, and holding on to the bathtub. Then she wanted to grab another so she let go to grab a second. She makes me laugh.

Family Pictures

Last Thursday evening, the Cobabe Family got family pictures done. It was great. We got so many pictures in two hours. The photographer was awesome, great with the kids and really relaxed about the whole thing. Check him out: Ben Fisher at Titan-photo.com.

Here's the whole gang: 2 grandparents, 10 children, 7 children-in-law, 23 grandchildren...grand total of 42 people.

Here is Christopher and I of course, and our lovely 9-month-old daughter Emery.

Here we are at Kalithea Park. (I may have spelt that wrong) It is in El Dorado Hills. The park overlooks the city and I guess you could even see down to Sacramento.

Here is Christopher with his 5 brothers, 4 sisters, and parents. What a large and crazy family, but I love them all!

Here are my in-laws with their grandchildren. 23 in total. Emery is #22. She is on the way left sitting with her cousin Macey.

<3birds.

Our beautiful daughter.

This picture will definately get framed and hung in our new house.

The three of us.

Cobabe family.

Swimming across the lake

Last night, Christopher and I went to the lake with Emery, Sammie, and Pat. We wanted to take out the jetski, but it didn't happen. We had to wait for the boys to get off work, and Greg came over to have Chris and I sign some papers, so we didnt actually leave until about 6:00.

We stopped at subway and took our sandwiches to the lake. I love living so close to the lake. And the river. I really need to take more advantage of it.

I used to be one of those girls that couldn't get in the water quickly. I'd decide to get in, put in one step and stop. 2 minutes later, one more step down. Once i finished all the steps I would begin moving into deeper water on my tip toes. When everyone was ready to leave, I had just got in the water...(ok, thats an exaggeration)

Lately, I've been realizing how much I love swimming. And now I never really get to. When I'm in a pool, I have Emery. This means shallow end on flat feet so I can hold her up. So, when I have been going with my hubby this summer, I would let him hold her for a few minutes so I can actually swim. I love it.

Last night, he didn't really want to get in. It was kind of cold by the time we got there. But we took Emery swimming a bit, and then she was cold so Christopher and her went up to dry off and cuddle. I persuaded my 'easily persuaded' sister to get in and swim. We decided with Pat to swim across the lake.

Not the largest part of the lake of course. But, not the smallest. I have no sense of distance or time, but I will tell you it was much harder than I thought it would be. We swam across, took a minute break and swam, um, more like floated back.

We were exhausted. So we went to blockbuster and rented Knowing. It was scarier than I thought it would be. I'm easily scared. I was also kind of frusturated because I feel like the trailer didn't correctly represent the movie. But, oh well. It was interesting. Kept me on my butt and not laying down. And Chris stayed awake.

WOW.

Haha. Well, that's about it for now. I need to shower. Em's got a doctor's appointment in an hour. I also have errands to run today and Sammi is here visiting me. Will probably post tomorrow some family pictures that I am going to pick up today.

Family Pictures

Before our Cobabe Family Reunion, we had all the family in town so we decided to do family pictures. On Thursday night we gathered in El Dorado Hills and our photographer shot for 2 hours. A huge group photo, grandparents with grandkids, each seperate family together, some kids alone, some couples alone...

I'm excited to see them. Christopher and I have not yet done family pictures with Emery and I'm stoked. I should get a CD with the photos this week. I will share when I get them.

Wakeboarding & Cobabe "Reunion"

On Wednesday, I went to Folsom Lake with Emery, Amelia, Mason, Matt & Amber & Maddox, Alicia, and Dawn & Chuck on Chuck's boat. I tried wakeboarding about 6 times but I couldn't get up. It was my first time ever trying. The board was really uncomfortable. I felt like I was literally breaking bones in my left foot. That's my excuse as to why I couldn't get up. But, no, really...it hurt.

So we had our Cobabe family reunion this weekend in Rio Vista. Although most of the fam is together often anyways. Still so much fun. We only stayed camping one night. It was so windy! I was afraid Emery wasn't going to be able to sleep it was so loud. But it worked out. On Saturday we went to Sandy Beach, which is pretty much right at the campsite. Jeff brought his sailboat and 2 jet skis.

I love jet skiing. I got a little better at driving them, and I managed to keep Chris from flipping when he was driving. It was so fun! I want one. If you have one, and you need someone to go with, call me.

So, Jeff also brought a wakeboard and he pulls it with his jet ski. I decided to try again. And i got up! The board was much more comfortable. The first 2 times I failed. But the 3rd time I got up. It was easy after you get up once. I rode a few times because I can't last long, but it was pretty much awesome. I rock.

I was sad to leave. I could have been out there all day. We took Emery out on the jet ski, but she fell asleep so fast. Haha. I'll post pictures later.

Honest Scrap

I was tagged again by P-Dawg, my former and only Drill Team Coach, and English teacher, although she left me to have a baby.

I got over it.

Well, there are two parts to this Honest Scrap thing, or Honest Scrap Award? I don't really know how the "award" part gets put in there, but oh well. The first part is 10 things that you may not know about me...and the second part is tagging 7 other bloggers to do the same.

Although I don't know how well that will work out...I tagged friends on "Show Me You Heart" and no one ever did it. Or yet. Oh well, I'll be doing my part.

10 Things You May Not Know About Me

1. I googled "honest scrap" to find a different picture to

put in my post, but all I found was tons of this exact picture and a few signs of this building side that said "chew honest scrap." I decided to post it and show you.

2. Christopher and I just got accepted from a bank to buy a short sale condo in Folsom, which we are not as excited about as we should be because we dont have money for a down payment, so don't know if it will work. (looking for someone to gift* it)

*seen as a loan to us

3. When I was 16, my dad gave me the option of getting a car or a motorcycle, and I chose car because I wanted to still be able to drive in the rain.

4. I hate vacuuming. Although I don't mind dishes or laundry. Just vacuuming.

5. I absolutely love zucchini and all squash. My favorite way to eat it just sauteed with butter. Mmmm.

6. I would really like to have a house with a yard so that I can garden. I would grow squash, tomatoes, and herbs...

7. I enjoy doing all crafts such as sewing, scrapbooking, making ornaments, making cards, etc. although I'm not the craftiest person.

8. When I was little my favorite animal was a bunny. And now, I can't even choose a favorite animal, so I still just tell people it's a bunny.

9. I love carnitas soft tacos at chipotle. Or carnitas burritos with no salsa, and added lettuce. Yes, i like lettuce.

10. I think that the most beautiful face I have ever seen is Emery's. Can't imagine a cuter little girl. [I might have to change this thinking when I have another child]

Tagging Friends

1. the cobabes [different cobabes]

2. alise

3. hayley

4. the packs

5. brooke

6. kasey

7. amelia

Have Fun!

Show Me Your Heart [the REAL thing]

OK I just started this 10 minutes ago, and then the computer had to restart for some lame reason. So, here we go again....

I was tagged my P Dawg at a while ago, and I am just now getting around to it. Sorry P Dawg.

The tag: "with as much creativity as you can muster, show your heart in: a picture, a poem, a song (or piece of music), a phrase (or quote), an item of clothing, a place, and (just for fun) a Disney princess. If you want to join in, tag 6 more blogs."

Picture:

Emery and nature. This is her when we went camping [my original reason for putting off this post]

Poem:

Eighteen years of glory
Two years of pain
Eternity and more
To remember the name
A soul so much loved
A heart so much missed
A hug to give forgotten
A wished cheek to kiss
You said youd always be here
You said youd never leave
But where are you now
When I need you here with me?
I know its not your fault
Your in the better place
But nothing can ever stop me
From missing that handsome face.
I try these days to remember
So I can not forget you
The dreams you said you had of me
The songs you sang so true
Such a wonderful face
Such am amazing voice
A genuine person
Sent to heaven with no choice.
Im sorry for what was said
And more for what was not
Im sorry for my stubborn self
And the stupid fight we fought
I wish to go back two years in time
To make this up to you
Atleast so when you passed away
You knew how much I loved you.
I loved you like a brother,
A brother I'd never forget.
One glorious day we'll meet again
A glorious reunion I bet.
Watch down on me from heaven
Be my angel in the sky.
Rest in Peace, Watch in Peace,
True balla forever in style.

-Me, written in March of 2007.

Song:

"Where are you going, my little one, little one?

Where are you going, my baby, my own?
Turn around and you're two. Turn around and you're four.

Turn around and you're a young girl going out of the door.
Turn around. Turn around.

Turn around and you're a young girl going out of the door.
Where are you going, my little one, little one?

Little dirndls and petticoats, where have you gone?
Turn around and you're tiny. Turn around and you're grown.

Turn around and you're a young wife with babes of your own.
Turn around. Turn around.

Turn around and you're a young wife with babes of your own."

-"Turn Around" by many artists

This is the song my mom used to sing to me before bed.

Quote or Phrase:

"Love at first sight is easy to understand; it's when two people have been looking at each other for a lifetime that it becomes a miracle." -Amy Bloom.

Item of Clothing:

If shoes count...

If they don't...

EGHS Drill Team Warm-up Jacket. LOVE.

That's my with my ankles crossed. 2005 competition.

Place:

This house has a name. A name? Yes. Altair.

This is the house in Sea Ranch, CA where my husband and I stayed on our honeymoon. It was beautiful. There is a huge backyard, walking distance to the ocean, we saw lots of wildlife in beautiful nature, and it was a beautiful house. Altair at Sea Ranch.

Disney Princess:

I had a hard time deciding between Ariel and Belle, but here is my decision.

Thanks for reading if you are still here. I am going to tag:

Kasey at I gave in

Amelia at Kuty-pa-tootie

Candie at The Green Life

Brooke at sunshine express

Brandi at The Turners

Heather at The Pack's

but if I didn't tag you, you can still do this and leave me a comment so I can come look at it!

These Boots Were Made for Marchin'

I'm at my mother's house in Elk Grove right now, trying to find a picture of boots that will work as clip art on a custom ink shirt that look like drill team boots. It's frusturating creating this fourth shirt.

But I saved something and didn't realize where I saved it. I searched "boot" in the computer, and found a word document titled "These Boots Were Made for Marchin'." It's an essay my sister wrote this past year. I cried. She is a good writer, I think. And she admires me so much...it feels so great to have someone look up to you so much. Well, I thought I would share it. I realize it's her work, but it means so much to me that I would like to share it with all of you. Some of the writing is weird because its no longer formatted, but you'll get the just of it.


Samantha Clark Clark 1
Ms. Lee
AP English 11
Descriptive essay
September 16 2008
These Boots Were Made for Marching
Just about ready to leave my house, I analyze myself in the mirror, making sure everything is in place. My hair half-up and half down, bangs pulled back and hair sprayed slick, diamond earrings, one in each ear and cherry-colored lipstick packed on, layer after layer. The time has come to add the last touch. My boots.

I slip them on, and run out in a hurry. The click clack of the heels touching the ground in a hurry causes a few strangers to turn in curiosity. My face gets pink, my hands get hot, and I know they are looking at my dirty, worn out boots. What used to be spotless white leather too stiff to fold down has now become too flexible to keep zipped up.

Four years ago, my sister invited me towards her, and we opened the box which kept those boots safe through shipping. Pulled out of their package, the boots shined as if they had just been painted with a white glaze. The zippers ran smoothly in and out of every crevice, connecting pieces of a puzzle. The insides glow as white as the outside, and the smell arises as the smell of a new car would the first month. My sister wore those new boots with such accomplishment. I admired the way she walked in those boots, head up at gun-point, back straight and shoulders back. And then she smiled, showing not only her top and bottom teeth, but also the glimmer in her eyes. I looked at my flip flops, and knew that one day, I wanted to walk with the same posture my sister revealed to me.

I remember sitting on the sofa watching my sister go through her own routine of getting ready. Her frustrations began to build up through getting her bow even with her pony tail, and trying to find new tights without any holes, all the tension seemed to disappear after she donned the exquisite boots. Her outfit then became complete. Friday after Friday as the boots gained dirt stains and smudges, I watched this same routine, and every time it amazed me how that last simple step made her stand up higher, smile a little wider and act a bit nicer.

As my sister grew up, she left the school and boots to me. I strive to fill her footsteps. The boots have lost their shine, and yet, I still feel privileged to wear them. The insides stained brown from the sweat and dirt of many parades in the past, still carry the indentations of her feet, and the smell of a long day of marching. The creases at the bridge and the ankles from pointed toes, and marching passé make them more pliable to my movements. The zipper on the left side gets stuck due to the material from my tights constantly getting in the way in my haste to get ready. The smudge on my right boot left over from my sister fails to be covered no matter all the times I have polished it. These boots finish off my uniform, make me stand tall, smile big and be in the best attitude I can, so that I’m ready to march with the rest of the team.

As I walk to my team, we begin our pre-game. The BOOM BOOM of our heels marching on the track in absolute unison. The cheering fans watch us with pride.

Show Me Your Heart

The tag: "with as much creativity as you can muster, show your heart in: a picture, a poem, a song (or piece of music), a phrase (or quote), an item of clothing, a place, and (just for fun) a Disney princess. If you want to join in, tag 6 more blogs."

I was tagged by P-Dawg.

I really want to do this right now...but I am going to my sister in law's house and I should leave right now...I still have to pack for camping, we are leaving this afternoon, and Emery needs a bath. So this is my "I-O-U." When I get back from camping, I will finish this tag.

OK, P Dawg?

And then I'll tag 6 more bloggers. <3

Strengths Finder 2.0

So, a while back I won a giveaway by P-Dawg. So cool! I won a book Strengths Finder 2.0 by Tom Rath. In the book it gives you an access code to take an assessment online. After the assessment, it gives you your top 5 strengths out of I believe 34. The whole point of the book is so that people will focus on developing theirs talents and making them their strengths...developing who they are. Rather than trying to fix their weaknesses, and achieve for talents that they don't have, and trying to be somebody that they aren't.

I got the book today. Started reading it. Took the assessment. Thought I'd share my top 5 with you. And P-Dawg, you know I'm curious about yours once you figure out what they are.

So, here's mine.
1. Discipline- sets routines. likes timelines and deadlines. wants everything predictible, orderly, and planned.
2. Includer- want to include people and expand groups. instinctively accepting. casts few judgments.
3. Consistency- think balance and clear rules is important with no tipping scales to someone's favor
4. Relator- pulls towards people I already know, pleasure in being around close friends. comfortable with intimacy.
5. Woo- winning others over. likes the challenge of turning strangers into friends.


Yeaup, that's me. Don't you think these strengths would make me an excellent teacher?

Technology-free Week

So, last week my little Sister Sammie was given a challenge from a member of the bishopric in her ward. She was supposed to go one week without technology: cell phone, computer, television, radio, etc... and then give a talk about it on Sunday.

My family and I went to her ward yesterday to hear her speak. She did such a good job! I was really impressed. There were four speakers, and although they all did really well, her's was the best, I think. And that say's a lot because one of the other speakers was my dad!

She talked about spending a few nights with me and staying up talking and looking at scriptures with Christoper and I. She talked about how good of a mom I am and how she aspires to be like me. I cried. Wouldn't you?

...and oh my gosh, I'm feeding Emery right now and she just hit the carrots out of my hand and made such a mess on me and I'm wearing someone else's pants!...

But, her talk was amazing. I wish everyone could have heard it. I felt really good, and the meeting was really spiritual. I'm glad I went to that ward. Plus, there was cupcakes in Relief Society.

The end.

John's is incredible!

Our good friends Willie and Crystal are moving to Hawaii on Wednesday (bummer?)...so we went out last night. Crystal absoutely LOVES John's Incredible Pizza. So, we went to dinner there. If you haven't been there. It's a buffet. Incredible pizza. {thats the perfect word to explain it, wonder how I thought of it}

You can even request specialty pizzas. My favorite was margherita pizza. But, they have more than just pizza. Salads, pastas, potatoes, dessert, etc. And, it's like Chuck E Cheese. Games and arcade stuff, bumper cars, and lots more. It's a lot of fun. Amelia was busy doing hair, but Erick came with us and brought along Mason.
This is Crystal with Mason. He is playing with/eating Emery's zebra. He loves that thing.

My new favorite picture of me and my daughter. <3

She didn't actually ride this. I just put her in it for a picture. Silly mommy with her silly pictures.

Well, enough updating for now...I have to go start dinner and take care of Em and get ready for that silly class tonight [maybe I'll talk about that later].

-Netty

Emery is ready for high school....

Blacklight Rally

Isn't this CREEPY? Well, yes...Elena's face is a bit creepy. However, that is not what I'm addressing at this specific moment. That shirt was black when not by a blacklight. Now, there's a face. It's scary.
Oh, dear. Another scary face. This is what happens when you attend Elk Grove High for too long.

Kidding.

Rachel, Brittany, Elena, and Mary...all in their black! Goodlooking, eh? I should rock that style 24/7.

Them again...but now with me.

Oh, look. My hair is ALL brown again.


Val, Sammie, Elena, and Lauren waiting for the rally to start.

If you don't know what the blacklight rally is. You are MISSING OUT! It's a rally at EG, pretty much the Drill Team's rally. We set up blacklights, turn out the regular lights and perform in the dark! It will rock your socks off. You should come see it next year. It's every year in May. Our last performance of the year....

There are a few routines we do. The first is always the best. It's called 'Hands.' It's the best because only our hands glow. And sometimes we hide them and it's all black again.

Check it out!

Cod-something Trail.

Cod-something Trail. I don't remember what it's called. 2 weeks ago, Christa [Christopher's sister] invited us to go on a hike with her and Pat [family friend who just got home from his 2-year mission last month]. I'm not a big hiker, but I wanted to go for Emery's sake. Well, I enjoy getting out. Although I prefer less tiring hobbies. But, it was really for Emery. I shouldn't turn down anything that she might love.

We went to REI and bought a special backpack to carry a baby in. She was really happy in it for the first half. But not the second half. I think she was just exhausted. Well, I know she was tired. But, I think that's the reason she was upset. That backpack did not make it comfortable, or even possible to sleep for her.

Emery is sitting by herself in this picture. It was a big rock, and I though it would make a cute picture. I was nervous that she would fall. It wasn't the safest environment she's ever been in. But, the picture came out adorable <3

Don't worry. I'm not a horrible mom. Christopher was next to her in case she got a little wobbly. But, she didn't. She understands how mommy likes her pictures.

Spotlight on Excellence

Am I mean for putting this picture up? Haha. I couldn't help myself.

Some of the girls at Spotlight. It was my first event as a coach. It was also the first fundraiser for the new team. We served at Spotlight on Excellence, which is a dinner for high school seniors recieving scholarships from the community.

There was a lot of down time, which is how all these pictures came about. As they announce names, we just wait. And there is a LOT of people, so many names to announce.

Me and my sister Sammie. Do we look alike? I don't know. I suck at seeing resemblances.

Valerie and Sammie. Oh yeah, and Elena sneaked in the picture too.

To pass time, we played games. If you know me, you know I like games. That's an understatement. I love games. I don't even know if that does my adoration justice. But i'll leave it at that anyways.

This is the hand game. But, I don't feel like explaining it. Maybe one day if you'd like to learn it, we can play. It's best with a huge group of people.

It was a lot of fun, and pretty much the first chance Val and I had to bond with the team. I am so excited for this year!

So much to catch up on!

I have a lot to catch up on here. I just put Em down for a nap, which should be a good hour or two or three. Let's start with all the things she has been getting into lately when my head has been turned. OK, so I was in another room. But, not for too long...

1. So, this is actually the most recent. She hates getting put in her carseat but she loves playing in it. Weird girl.
2. Oh, man. She grows so fast. May 5th, this was her first attempt at climbing stairs. Yes, these two dinky stairs are the only ones in our apartment. It makes it easier. She can definately climb then now. Whenever I'm in the kitchen, she comes "upstairs" to visit me.

3. This one is my favorite. She loves the innertube. When I first found her, she was actually sitting in it. But, my camera was dead. So, I had to charge it for a minute, and then she was here. I don't even know how she got it. It was between the wall and the TV entertainment center. She must be a genius.

More, Mommy!

So, Emery has recently learned to clap. She is very good at it. Her palms hit each other right where they should, and her fingers stay in the upright position. She does it over and over again, and it usually makes a sound.

So, I've been trying to teach her to sign more. It's easily confused with clapping. But she knows now. She will imitate me when I do it. Her hands go together slowly where moreso the fingers touch, rather than the palms. She will do it only 1-3 times in a row. There is a difference. I can tell.

So, I'm sitting her on facebook, approximately 5 minutes ago. She is sitting in front of me at her high chair, munching on yogurt bites. I look up, and they are all gone, and she is signing for more! I've never felt so proud in my entire life.

If this is what being a mommy feels like, all the hard work is worth it!

Short Update

Emery claps now. It is so cute! She only has like a 20% success rate, the other 80% she misses. But she's trying. And it is so cute! Maybe I'll get a vid up here later...

What a beach!

On Sunday, Christopher and I had to pickup Christa at the Oakland airport at 8:30 in the morning. We decided to take 2 cars, so she could drive home and we could go to San Fran. We took Christa's car (she had a lesson to teach that day at church) and my parent's suburban. We went with the Kutys. Here is me and Amelia at the beach.

The Cobabes at the beach. Emery's first time at the ocean.

Emery and daddy.
He let her touch the water when a wave came up, but she didn't like it.
I wouldn't either, too cold.


Haha. We cut Emery out. Right before he snapped this, Emery put a fistful of sand in my face. That's why I'm making this face.

Or that's just an excuse.
I'm not sure.



My angel.

She really really liked the sand. But what baby doesn't?

This is our family when we went to see the sea lions.

Em was pretty interested in that too.