Birthday celebrations

We spent the day at work with dad since all his employees were out for the day... It was such an enjoyable day for us.

Abi played in her "sand box"... changing her diaper was a riot afterwards!

Abi scored a Grover, bottles for her baby doll, books, and a dress... OH! and latches for the kitchen cupboards (from mom)!

The birthday girl herself. She wore her crown around and got so much attention!

And Abi eating her cake... because we have been packing for our move (tomorrow) I wasn't able to have a party party for family but I loved it this way! We finished off our night with the Rollins eating dinner and more cake! Happy Birthday Abi! We love you!

Abigail Claire

Today has been a day of remembrance for me. A year ago today (almost at the exact time I am writing this) I was screaming for Dan to take me to the hospital while he sat on the couch and cut his toenails!!! And of course, he took my picture (during a contraction even), made us pray, and then proceeded to stop and fill the empty gas tank! I am sure the two guys in the car next to us was wondering what was going on as this woman was screaming in the car next to them. The hourdrive to the hospital was filled with blaring Anberlin on my iPod, jokes about cows, and contractions filled with screams.
I won't go into details for the audience, but I remember everything about that night. Even after laboring all day (from 5 am), I have quite the clear memories. But Abi came at 1 am (one hour into her due date). Right on time... that's my girl. What cherished moments were to come. This whole year has been filled with wonder for us! Abi is SO her own personality, she is smart and so beautiful. I am grateful for her. She has already taught me so much and is my good friend.
When I was watching Abi today I felt humbled by the gift that the Lord has given us to be parents. I take it for granted so many times. At times I tend to see parenting as such a chore. I wouldn't be surprised if the Lord felt that way about me too... "No Clarissa, you need to pray EVERY night. How many times do I need to remind you?" But I realized today that the times when I do see her as a chore is when I am paying too much attention to the demands of the world... places to go, shopping to do, people to see (and impress). When I take it easy and spend my day "being" mom, not just doing mom, then I am happy and feel so fulfilled. That doesn't mean that I don't like to go shopping, or participate in outside activities... I REALLY do, but it does mean that when I put the ping pong balls in the jar first, then all the rice will fit (that one's for you mom).
My mom summed it up perfectly in her card to Abigail... "the world has been a better place with you in it." So here's to you Abigail Claire --- I love you and am blessed by your being in our family. I can't wait to celebrate your birthday tomorrow! You are perfect for me... thank you for choosing me to be your mom.

Twenty Three Years Later...

Abi (one year) wore the CUTEST outfit yesterday...

But I wore it before her! (Check out those THIGHS!!!)

Clarissa at one year in Nauvoo, IL 1987 (My cousin Tiffany is in the photo too)

Picking out names...

Now don't get any ideas from that title :) I just want people to know that I have the most WONDERFUL husband ever!!! He has purchased me my new car...

Isn't it gorgeous!!! It drives like a dream (manual) and is totally supercharged and has a great sound system.

BUT I need a name for it! Our Durango was dubbed Geraldine by my brother a while back and we don't want this baby to feel left out. Please help us name our new car!


And of course, an Abi shot in her big girl car seat!

She is going to be one next week!!! Can you believe that?

The Wilkins with the Thompsons

We were able to sneak away to a cabin near Park City with some of our Best Friends the Wilkins... I mean the Wilkinsons! :) We hadn't seen them since Dec 2007 and before that it was when we met them in Hawaii right after we got married! They live in Texas now and have 1.5 kids!

Us in the Grocery store buying our feast! We ate like kings! (and I am sporting my new glasses and Dan is sporting his new ride).

We went ATVing and it was SO cold! Each family of three was on an ATV and it was such a blast! Abi was so good too... and Issac slept.

Abi sporting her new monk attire... we have the best memories at that cabin and can't wait to get together again (in another 2 years)...

Yesterday, we went up to Park City to have dinner with Dan's family. They just put in a new trampoline and ABI loves it! Here is her new do too.

Moving on...

As some of you know... we are moving again! As much as we love where we are, we have felt the need to make some more economically pleasing decisions. Since Dan works in Lehi and I am about to start back at BYU on a daily basis, we are moving to where we can save money and time.
We found a great apartment in Orem and will move in three weeks. The task of packing is daunting (like usual), but I know that somehow it will all get done.
We are asking family and friends to help us if you can... either to load up in Murray or unload in Orem. Thank you so much for your support here! We will miss our new friends and hope those friendships can continue as we move on!

Pizza Face

Just getting Abi into the pizza business early for you dad! That bath was fun!

Dan celebrated his birthday yesterday! He got two cakes and a pie (spoiled)! He says he had the best birthday ever because he went paintballing in the morning, had a picnic with family and friends in the afternoon, and then topped it off with the Nickelcade... so my husband to be satisfied with the arcade!

Blowing out the candles in Abi's face... He realized how much smoke he just blew into her face AFTER he did it... of course :)

Dan thought I had boxed up rocks to give to him (it was terribly heavy)... but I am not that bad of wife :) He got a Fire/waterproof safe to store his most precious items.

Abi on the rides at the arcade...