Shelby is 2!

(I know I'm a little behind in posting this, but as you all know December is a VERY busy month--so you'll have to forgive me.)

Where did the last year go? My little baby girl isn't so little anymore...she's now the big 2 as of December 1st! It's insane how fast the last year has passed and how much Shelby has bloomed into the wonderful girl that she is now.

Some highlights of Shelby are, she...

• recognizes most all colors and doesn't hesitate to let you know when you've picked the wrong color shirt, pants, or hair clip-etc.

• knows her ABC's (although she'll skip a few every now and then) and loves to sing the song-- especially in the tub (just like her daddy--hehe ;)

• counts to 10, and counts down from 10

• loves to laugh to herself at random moments or laughs along with us while saying "that's funny", even though most times she has no idea what's so funny.

• she's working on her manners--anytime she burps or toots or if anyone else does for that matter, she'll say "excuse me, I burped" or "scooze you daddy". She'll also excuse anything in her way, i.e. "scooze me chair" or "scooze me shoes"

• anytime she sees anything that reminds her of football, no matter the team she'll say "B--Y--U...B--Y--U...Cougars!" (Scott began the indoctrination early,can you tell? ;)

• gives really big hugs & kisses, as she pats you on the back--especially when she thinks momma or daddy is sad

• She'll repeat pretty much anything you say--needless to say we've learned this quickly the hard way. Her current favorite word to say repeatedly is "BOOBS!" (sorry Grandma Wells) or "NO BOOBS, chest" as she pats me or her own after I try and correct her. (Oh well,it could be worse I suppose-lol )

• She loves "reading" books and adores anything that has to do with Dora the Explorer.

I just love Shelby to pieces and thank God everyday for allowing me to be her mother, especially when I am so undeserving. She is our world and brings so much love & joy into our lives!

For Shelby's birthday this year I decided to have a big shindig with all our friends, since it's likely next year we'll be on the other side of the world in S. Korea on her 3rd birthday. We invited 15 friends from around the neighborhood and church. We held it in the activity room of the commons-block which is shared by all of family housing here on UBC campus. The kiddos had a blast jumping around in the bouncy castle, creating with playdough, coloring, bubble popping and of course decorating and eating cupcakes. Shelby loved all her gifts and still talks about it. It took a lot of planning but in the end it was definitely worth it. It wouldn't have been possible without such wonderful friends! We feel so blessed to be surrounded by so many great people. We only wish we could've had all our loved ones here to celebrate with us.

Enjoy these pics from what you may have missed! (Click any pic to see in full size & video)

Our Last Supper in Alabama

Mid-November Shelby and I made our way down to Birmingham to go visit my mom,brother and sister and their families for Thanksgiving. It was our last chance for Shelby to fly for free before she turned 2 and a good time to get away from Vancouver since the weather is now cold,dark and wet most of Nov/Dec. Unfortunately, Scott couldn't come with us because of school. Thanksgiving in Canada is October 13th(Columbus Day)so life goes on as usual the last Thursday in November here. Even so, Scott somehow managed to have 9 people over for a good 'ole American Thanksgiving dinner celebration so he didn't feel left out. From what I heard,I think it went over well for the most part :)

In anticipation of our big trip, I had alot of anxiety about our flight, as Shelby was going to be in my lap. She ain't no tiny-tot at almost 32lbs and decided to join the exclusive terrible two's club a few weeks early, just in time for our trip. I could just see myself ending up on the evening news as one of those parents who gets thrown off a plane b/c their kid was too much of a "disturbance". I hardly slept the night before our flight!

Thankfully, she was a super-star on both flights and didn't cry one bit--not even one tantrum, hallelujah! It definitely helped to be prepared. Thank goodness for portable DVD players,sticker books, and let's not forget left over halloween candy! I also was extremely blessed to sit next to some decent people who traded seats with me in order to open up an extra seat for Shelby. It really helped for her to have her own space. Especially when she needed to get her wiggles out. If it weren't for that I'm sure you would've seen us on the evening news--lol.

Once we were safe and sound in Alabama, we spent most of our time low-key, just hanging out with my mom and family. It was important to me to just enjoy the time we had together with my mom and not worry about all the craziness going on in her life at the time. Without going into too much detail, due to unfortunate circumstances my mom will soon be moving out of the house that I grew up in. I moved into that house when I was 10yrs old and have a lot of memories there, especially of my dad who passed away in 2005. It's also the spot where Scott proposed to me in my living room over 6 yrs ago. I didn't realize how attached I was to that house until this last visit. I was quite overwhelmed the first night there as I was staying in MY old bedroom. I was caught by surprise at the mourning I suddenly felt for my mom and her loss, my own loss, and really our entire family's loss. It's a very strange feeling, but it's just a part of life I suppose. After all is said and done it's probably what is best for my mom and hopefully she'll be able to move on with her life. I know Heavenly Father is watching over her and it will all work out for the best.

Anyhoo--Sorry to get all mushy and emotional on ya....
We really did have a wonderful time in Alabama. I'm extremely grateful that Shelby and I were able to visit my mom and family. It was really a blessing see everyone and show her where I grew up. Thanksgiving dinner (or "the last supper" as my mom half-jokingly called it) was held at the house of course and was a huge success. Nothing makes ya feel better than eating, eating and more eating :)

Being at my old house made me especially aware of all the blessings I've been given throughout my life. I have so much to be thankful for--all the LOVE in my life, my forgiving husband and sweet daughter, our health, our families, our dear friends and neighbors, plenty of food, shelter,clothing...the list could go on and on but I think you get the point. :)

I hope that everyone had a very HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

Now for some pics!Check out the photo album from our trip in Sweet Home Alabama
**Click on any pic to view pics in full and watch the video clips**