Happy Birthday, Angelic Karlee!

Dear Sweet Karlee....

Happy Birthday! I sure miss you.  I can't wait to see you again someday. 

Love, Shaila

One of my greatest regrets in life was not savoring Halloween night of 2003.  My mother gave me the responsibility to get my seven year old sister, Karlee, dressed in her beloved full body Scooby Doo costume and take her trick-o-treating near my aunt's house in Springville, UT.  (We were living in Alpine, UT at the time.)  It had been snowing that evening and needless to say, I was less than thrilled to walk through the wet snow while the adults stayed in the nice cozy house eating all sorts of delightful treats....remember I like food.  Grudgingly, I did it. Up and down the streets we went filling pillow cases full of candy.  Being the not so good sister trying to be a semi good sister, I remember being a sidewalk Nazi and making Karlee walk next to me through the crowds so I wouldn't lose her.  Little did I know, as I buckled her in my mom's mini van after our long night of trick-o-treating, I would never see her silly facial expressions and hear her sweet voice again.  Despite my effort to keep her safe, I did lose her. 

My younger brother and I rode with my mom's boyfriend (at the time) in his car with his kids while Karlee and my mom's boyfriend's daughter rode with my mom.  (phew.....that was a complicated sentence!) I remember reaching down to take off my drenched shoes and immediately looked up aftering hearing a loud crash & watching my mom's mini van spin while a large old truck came inches from slamming into us.  Before we even came to a complete stop, my younger brother, Creed, had jumped out of our car.  I saw him run to my mom to see if she was okay (she was fine) & then he made his way to the other side of the van and I heard him yell in unison with my mother's scream.  Karlee, still in her Scooby Doo costume, was lifeless. 

A young man who was high on drugs had run a red light and hit right where she sat.  She had experienced a severe impact to her head.  (She was buckled in.) The sweet down syndrome girl sitting across from Karlee was not harmed at all, luckily.  Miraculously, my entire family was able to get to Primary Children's hospital within 24 hours to be there as Karlee passed on.  It was truly the most beautiful thing I have ever witnessed.  I won't even try to describe it. 

I am so blessed to have known Karlee for those 7 years here on earth & look forward for our family reunion in heaven. Grayson will love her!

MISSING + BLOCKBUSTER videos of Grayson

MISSING: my energy

Last seen: too tired to even remember

Please contact me if any information is available on what the heck is happening to my body.
Thank you.

This week has had some turbulence mixed with sunny side up kodak moments.  Monday morning, Grayson and I accompanied Scott's family to the Phoenix zoo (which was INSANELY busy).  Grayson was definitely more interested in the birds hopping on the ground than any lion, tiger, or bear. It was great to be with with family and spend time outdoors.  The day ended with a not so good experience making what was supposed to be dinner for a family in my ward.  I didn't have time to go to the store so I decided to improvise....no bueno, mis amigos.  After two hours of chaos and havoc in the Pew kitchen, I resorted to Domino's pizza.  Thank you giant pizza corporations for putting a 'band-aid' on my anxiety drenched evening.  My pulse thanks you, enormously.

As for Tuesday, it was delightful most of all because it was Scott's birthday! Of course, we went around town eating at all the 'Joe's' restaurants stuffing our stomachs full of food that doesn't come from my kitchen (THANK OUR LUCKY STARS) which burst with flavor, particularly the breakfast from Joe's Farmgrill.

ME GUSTA!

Gulp. Here is where I start looking down at my toes.
After we put Grayson to bed, Scott decided that although we had maxed out our daily caloric intake at lunch, he did want to get his free birthday dozen of krispy kreme donuts.  I decided to sit down in bed and start watching a movie while I waited for him to return.....well....that's the last thing I remember that night.
I fell asleep on my husband's birthday at 8 PM.  He watched a movie alone. He enjoyed his donuts alone.  Sorry, Scott.

Today, I had to resort to Dr. Pepper so that I didn't pass out while watching Grayson (who has decided that he doesn't like taking naps.)  Anyways.....you get my point.
Sorry, for venting. I promise that my intention is to simply ask why my body is so exhausted?

REWARD: I will cook your family dinner!  (joking. joking. I about gave you a heart attack didn't I?)



Now for your viewing pleasure......

 Grayson likes to get up close and personal with himself with this mirror. It is so funny to watch!

Grayson has started walking a little with this new train toy! My little peanut is growing up.

He loves to play with the sunlight on the walls. Who needs toys?

This is no ordinary child. He reads cookbooks in hopes of teaching his mother how to cook someday. (sigh.)

Once again.....who needs toys!?

Thank you for giving us Pews a moment of your time.

Have a peachy day!

Lemony Fresh!

A few days before Christmas, Scott rented a rug doctor & we officially declared WAR on our filthy carpets. There were a few casualties such as the ancient baby food stain nearby the kitchen table, however, none will be missed.  Sure, it wasn't as glamorous as an official carpet cleaning company, but I think for a little engine....it could....and it did.  (reference to the "Little Engine That Could" pg. 5) totally kidding about the page #.

Humbling Moment #1: Watching in awe as Scott dumped the almost black water down the drain. 

Pew.....I mean Ewwww.

Humbling Moment #2: We had an 'after' photoshoot during which I had a reality check that my husband is a natural model and I am....not.....but that is okay.....because I can burp while he can't. 

Yup. You read that right, folks. I am not always dainty. Sorry.

Glamour Photoshoot: January 2011

"Lights....camera.....action!"

Look at that plush, peachy carpet! It looks mighty fine.

**Results may vary. Terms and conditions may apply. Good looking man not included.