Updates

BELLA

Bella has been holdin' out on me! She acts like she doesn't talk, but she's got all kinds of words up her sleeves!

Two days ago, we picked up her Aunt Savanna, and Bella bursted out, "Nah Na! Nah Na!" We couldn't believe our ears!

She said "Dog" and "Bella" yesterday, and this morning said "Choo Choo" and "Noo-Doh" (noodle). "Bee Opp" means Clean up, and usually we sing this during the diaper changing. Very exciting. Thank you Barney for that song.

She still does sign language for the essentials (Please, Help, Eat, Drink, All done), but she's started to use her words and it's so exciting!

HUSBAND

Ty made it to Utah in 4 days with all of our belongings! Whew! He's so happy to be done with that trip, and happy to be in our new home!

Also, last week he went to Texas for the Game Developers Conference (GDC) where he showcased his game at a booth, and received "Staff Pick" for the IndiePub Competition! Read what they wrote about it Here.

He had a great time networking, making new friends and getting live feedback for his game. He was really impressed with the IndiePub staff and had a great time getting to know them.

Ty is back in Utah now and we are missing him a lot! Bella misses her Daa-DEE!!!

Ty explaining his game.

Giving pointers.

ME ME ME

The 3.5 hour flight yesterday from Orlando to Denver was long, but we survived. The DVD player was awesome in THEORY, but unfortunately it only lasted about 10 minutes. BUST.

Last moments in the Orlando Airport with Grandma Judy.

Luckily we sat next to a really sweet and tolerant lady (because she has a granddaughter Bella's age). She let her tug on her earphones, climb all over her, and lie on her comfy jacket in the middle seat. Thank you dear Nice Lady!

A sucker and a movie - only lasts 10 minutes for Bella.

The second flight to the Springs was only 18 minutes and a very bumpy 18 minutes! She made a sweet little friend named Grace who is 2yrs. They tried playing with a ball I brought, but it was more like launch-it-at-passing-strangers. I loved watching the lack of coordination between the two of them!

We arrived safely in Colorado Springs and have a full 9 days ahead of us! Bella has warmed up to her Grandpa Randy really quickly (who she hasn't seen in a year) and she loves playing peek-a-boo and retrieving randomly thrown items for him. It's hysterical.

Bella hangin with Grandpa Randy.

My sister Madi took off work today, so we'll spend some time together, along with my cousin Amber and her kids. Sunday we drive out to Nebraska to see my grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins...the who shebang. I can't wait to see everyone!



Crunchy leaves, crisp air. I've missed you.

Change

Change can be kinda hard.

Coming here to Florida was a huge change. Leaving the comforts of my Utah life and the wonderful people I had grown to love there, wasn't exactly easy.

But it didn't take me long to realize how wonderful that change was. My family and new friends have made this past year my most memorable, without a doubt.

Now leaving Florida to go back to Utah will be another huge change for our family, but I'm convinced that there is nothing equal in value to that change.

Change brings challenge, but challenge brings change. Inner change.

With the natural challenges of living in a new state, making new friends, and of course, living with your parents again, it's hard not to do some soul searching. At times I found myself going, "I don't like who I am!" I guess I'm saying I've learned to love myself, even with imperfections. This year has allowed me to step out of my comfort zone and explore. And for that I am grateful!

My family has been so wonderful and I am so grateful for this year I got to spend getting to know them all over again. I love you!

I will miss all of my dear friends and my Longwood ward! You are truly wonderful individuals and I love you all!

I feel an overwhelming gratitude and just want to say thanks to everyone who has made this year so special!!!

Moving Details

For those wondering, we are moving to North Ogden, Utah. Ty will arrive Oct. 1st, and I will arrive Oct. 17th-ish. I'm stopping in Colorado to visit my family!!! Weee!!!!

And now for a little shout out to Florida.

A sincere thank you to all the people who have made me feel so loved and welcomed! I have truly had a wonderful experience living here, and I'm forever grateful for the memories we've made!

If you're lucky, I'll come back and visit you! :0)

Enjoy the sunshine while I freeze my butt off!

My man...

...rocks.



Let me explain...

For the past year, we have been living with my parents here in Florida (in case the palm trees and beach pics weren't evidence enough), and during this time, my man, Tyrone, has been working on getting his gaming career jump started.

And then, Catapult for Hire was born. The premise: A medieval knight who lost his job in the slumping economy finds work by renting out his catapult to those in the kingdom who could use his services.

He finished a prototype of his game last month and entered it into a competition online, in hopes of being acknowledge by the "indie" community that he was legit - he could make games. Like for reals.

So there were 147 entries to the IndiePub Games Contest this year. Lots of talented people working hard to "prove" themselves, just like Ty.

Well, guess what? That hard work is paying off! He is one of the top six finalists!!!!! SOO COOL!!!

He will fly to Austin, TX for the Game Developers Conference held Oct. 6-8, where they will display his game for all to play, and at the end will announce the winner of the contest! My mom and I were freaking out yesterday when Ty told us. We all shed a few tears of joy!

So now we wait with anticipation!

You're the best E.V.E.R. I love your guts, Tyomeo!

Here is the link:
http://www.indiepubgames.com/news/3rd-contest-community-favorite-and-finalists

Scroll down and you'll see the list of finalists. Click "Catapult for Hire" to demo his game! Happy gaming!

16 Months and Utah Bound

Bella has really been trying to talk, and it's so cute! Ty and I laugh so hard when she jabbers on and on.

She is also using new signs to communicate. For example, in the grocery store today, she did the sign for "cracker" and "please". Sweet, right?!?! I tossed some crackers in the cart, and apparently she wanted one! So there you go!



For some words, she prefers using sign language, and other words she just says! I love her sweet little high pitched voice! Bella will grab the phone, press it against her mouth and just start hollering into it. It's absolutely hysterical. I could listen to her jabber away all day.

Bella is quite a little swimmer lately. She'll jump in the pool on my command and will go completely under water for a few seconds, then come up with this incredibly surprised look on her face. She cracks me up!



She was rockin' the goggle look!!! What a cheeser! Man, I love this kid!



Bella loves shoes. If you can't find your other shoe, Bella probably lost it for you. We went to Target to get her some new shoes, and she was in heaven! She tried on every pair of shoes she could get her hands on and loved it. She does fairly well in the shopping cart, but when she's done, she let's you know!!!!

PS. We're moving back to Utah! We have had a wonderful time here in Florida with my family, and we are now excited to be near Ty's family! Fun! We look forward to our many adventures together!