GRAMMY

Beverlee Jean Evans "Best Dancer on the Floor" Beverlee Jean Evans, age 75, peacefully passed away, June 22, 2009, at home with her loving family by her side. Born Aug. 17, 1933, in Logan, UT, to Bryan and Nadia Johnson (step father, LeGrande Park). Married Norman "Non" Richard Evans, Sept. 1952. Together they had three children. Beverlee liked to dance and listen to music. She enjoyed camping, boating, and fishing. She loved spending time with family, especially the birthday parties she would host. Beverlee was a great cook. Grandma, we will miss your Christmas candy. Survived by her husband, Non; children, Scott (Teresa), and Mickeleen (Joe) Thomas; grandchildren, Charice, Daniel, Michelle, Ashley, Tyler, Lennon, Matt, and Julia; great-grandchildren, Tyler, Zak, Markaylee, Evan, Antonio, Ava, and Stella; sister, Gayle. Preceded in death by daughter, Nonalee. Funeral services will be held Thursday, June 25, 2009, 11:00 a.m. at Redwood Memorial Mortuary, 6500 South Redwood Road, West Jordan. A viewing will be held from 6-8:00 p.m. Wednesday, and one hour prior to services. Interment to follow. My grandma has been sick and close to death so many times in the past 5 years that I almost thought I would never see the day that I would actually see her obituary notice. It is definitely making it more real to me, and making me miss her terribly. I have been pleasantly surprised how peaceful I have felt even though I am still heart broken. I guess sometimes you get a chance to realize that you have a stronger testimony than you might think. I know where she is, and I know that she is not gone forever. I am just so happy that she isn't in pain anymore, and that she can dance again.

MY GRANDMA

My sweet, loving grandmother, who never once did anything for herself without thinking of others first, passed away today. She is at peace, and even though I imagine I am going to miss her desperately, I know she is with the many people she has lost in her life. She had so much faith, and knew that her Heavenly Father had a plan for her life. Without her love and example, I would be in a very different place in my life. I am so grateful that I had the chance to tell her how much I loved her so many times before this day.

I'M ONE!

The much anticipated, much talked about Stella Is Turning One celebration is now over. It was seriously so much fun and the best part about it was that Stella seemed to be having the best birthday party of her life! I decided on a cupcake theme a while ago, and it was seen throughout the house. I bought cupcake birthday hats, and was surprised at how many people were actually willing to wear them without complaint. They really added to the festivities. I wanted over-the-top decor, so there were streamers and paper lanterns everywhere. The best decoration was the 4-foot inflatable cupcake that greeted the guests...hilarious! On top of that, you can't look at these pictures without admiring Stella's birthday hat. It was super cute, and she kept it on most of the night. (Side note: both the inflatable "First Birthday" cupcake and the "1" hat were not recommended for children under three, which I couldn't help but find a little bit silly.)

We had a small dinner (all recipes courtesy of my friend Bree, that I stole from all of her kids' birthday parties) including pulled pork sandwiches, a pasta/green salad, and some fruit (brought by Ashley). We then watched a video we had made featuring pictures from the first year of Stella's life. (You can watch the video by clicking HERE.) After the video it was time for the big Happy Birthday song, cupcakes, and then finally presents. We forgot to videotape us singing Happy Birthday and Stella having her first cupcake so I thought I had better share some details here so I don't forget them. It was so cute as everyone sang--Stella looked around at everyone in the room and wore a sly grin. When it was time to check out the cupcake she was hesitant since she wasn't hungry, and she starting offering pieces to me, Ashley, her dad, and then anyone that would take some. Finally, I gave her a bite and she was hooked on cupcakes from then on. It was all simply adorable and I have to say I found myself surprised at how emotional I got as we sang to her. I was so happy, and couldn't believe my tiny baby was turning one.

It was really a fun night for us, and I was so thankful for all the people that came to show their love for our little sweetie. My thoughts for the night were that if I had to let her turn one, we might as well have some fun (as seen on the invites) and I think we succeeded. Many thanks to Krisi for taking some of the pictures so I could actually be in a few.

ONE YEAR AGO

My baby is one. It is surprising how much I keep thinking about what we were doing a year ago today. We have been busy all day getting ready for the "Stella Turns One Super Gala Celebration," but I still wanted to make a post about the crazy day a whole year ago when our lives changed forever.

My thoughts have been constantly on my grandma lately as she has been in and out of the hospital with health problems. I remember fondly a year ago when my grandparents and aunts (including my late aunt) came in to visit Stella in the hospital. It was a flurry of happiness and my grandma was just thrilled to see her new great-granddaughter. It just showed me, yet again, how much she loves her family. Even though I was deliriously exhausted when I saw Grandma get a peek at the new baby, I just had to pick up my camera and take these pictures. I knew I didn't want to forget it.

A CHOCOLATE CAKE AFFAIR

Two weeks ago we went to a surprise party for our friend Jenni. Also attending the party was the most delicious homemade chocolate cake I had ever had in my life. Thankfully, Jenni had the recipe and she sent it my way. I was so excited to make it for Ashley's birthday that for days it was all I talked about, thought about, dreamed about (well, it wasn't THAT bad, but still, I was mildly obsessed). The cake turned out great and I made everyone tell me several times how good it was. We opened presents, had dinner and cake, and then watched Stella perform some new tricks. It was a fun night. Ashley got some great gifts including a Givenchy necklace from little Stella. I am already teaching my daughter to appreciate overpriced designer goods.

Stella experienced a few milestones at the party. The first being climbing the stairs. In fact, she climbed the Bookers' stairs from their sunken living room so fast that NO ONE saw her do it. She was suddenly just in the kitchen (picture not available). Then, after Ava went to bed, Stella started playing with Ava's walker. If we coaxed her into clapping, she would let go and clap, we would kick the walker out from under her, she would realize she was standing, and then topple to the ground. She did it several times, and I am am sure that it was a sign of her starting to walk around any day now. Oh, and I almost forgot that after each standing attempt she would crawl over to me to look at the pictures I had just taken on the camera--SO CUTE!

TRICKED:

STANDING:

REALITY CHECK:

DOWN:

NEVER TOO OLD FOR SLEEPOVERS

Friday night I was able to attend a girl sleepover with my high school crew. Unfortunately, Stacy got the flu and couldn't make it, but we tried to press on and still managed to have a really great time. We started the night in Park City and had a lovely dinner which was followed up by a mandatory photo shoot. Then we spent the night at Jenni's in-laws' house in Midway. We stayed up way too late talking, but it was fun. Our accommodations were so luxurious that we all got our own room and bed. The next morning we (mostly Jenni) whipped up a 5-star breakfast to go along with our 5-star sleeping arrangements. The little getaway was followed up with a short nature walk and then we headed home only to find ourselves unloading the car in a total downpour! The only thing missing from our girly weekend was a pillow fight. It was a great time!