We're not together anymore

Well - I don't really know where to begin on this one. Ethan has never - ever gone through a period in his young life when he hasn't liked girls. I mean liked girls in the sense that he is attracted to them!

When he was in nursery, he used to try and kiss a little red head named Lauren. Why? Because he thought she was Mary Jane, from Spiderman! I would get so embarrased when I would go in to pick him up and they would tell me he was trying to kiss her again! What? An 18 month old?

Fast-forward 5 years and Ethan is now in Kindergarten at Woods Cross Elementary. He came home on the first day of school and said he liked a girl - Allie. Since then, he has continually given me updates on the Allie situation. He has kissed her on the cheek in "stations". He said the teacher didn't see it, so it was OK.

He told me that he has held her hand at recess. Aparently, some of the other girls are "jealous" and want him to like them. He has fluctuated between Allie and Lauren. He came home from his first day back after Christmas break and when I asked him how school was, he said, "me and Allie aren't together anymore!" I told him that he doesn't even know what "together" means...but I am starting to worry he actually does!

When I'm a grown-up

The other night, Joey walked into the family room to find Max sitting by himself. He asked him what he was thinking about and Max replied "I'm thinking about what it would be like to be a grown up." "What would that be like?" Joey asked. "I could be the boss of myself and stay up late," said Max "and I would eat all of my food - even my carrots!"

Good things, indeed!

Ethan and Max had a fun opportunity in early December. Sharon Smith (now Miles) is a woman in our ward with her own line of dress-up clothes. She designed a Nativity set and asked Ethan and Max to model them for her on Good Things Utah. This was especially fun, because the other "models" were a few kids in our neighborhood that they are good friends with.

They were so excited when they found out they were going to be on TV! On the morning of, I got everyone ready and we headed to the studio (Owen stayed with his favorite girl...Amber Ressel!) Joey met us there (he works 1/2mile away!) They went into the green room and started getting ready. It was so much fun - especially to be with our friends and neighbors.

They sat us in the audience (we were a little nervous, because Audrey was asleep in her carrier and we didn't know how long that would last!) The "warm up" guy let us know everything we could and couldn't do. The most important thing was just to clap really loud (since there were only about 15 of us there!)

Our segment was at the very beginning...which was perfect. The kids hammed it up (especially Ethan) who made sure he was smiling the whole time and evey waving. Max was definitely smiling, too. Another exciting thing was that for some reason, people dressed up as Star Wars characters were there. I was feeding Audrey during their segment, so I still don't know why they were there. Anyway - the boys thought that was great!

The hosts were super nice...much nicer than I thought they would be in person. Regan wasn't there and she's myh favorite. Nicea, Angi and Marni were, however. It was so much fun and something I hope they'll remember for a long time! It was fun to see the "behind the scenes" of a show like that. Ethan's picture is also on the cover of the nativity package - and it was sold in Deseret Book! He's kind of embarassed, but deep down, he loves it!

Audrey

Audrey is 4 months old and of course...our little princess. She is adored by her brothers and NEVER lacks for attention. She is such a sweet, calm baby. She is very smiley now and is drooling like crazy!

She has already dealt with more noise, chaos and bouncing in her four months than most babies do in their firs year. She is used to it and I think...she likes it!

She was such a blessing and has been a calming presence in our home. I am looking forward to her friendship in years to come.

I love Justin Timberlake

Joey and I met while attending College. I was working at the Glenwood Apartment Complex in Provo, Utah. Joey lived in the complex and we met one week when his mailbox was broken. He "had" to come into the office every day to pick up the mail for his apartment. I thought it was strange that he was the one that came to pick it up every day...but I didn't mind. I had access to the computer system, which contained information I needed to know about him. I looked him up and found out that he was a 22-year-old returned missionary (Dominican Republic), from California and attending BYU. I was currently dating someone, but his last name was Neiderhauser (pronounced Neederhowzer) and I just didn't think I could be Emily Neiderhauser for the rest of my life.

On around the 6th day of his mailbox being broken, Joey called the office with a "maintenance request" for his apartment. Of course, I answered the phone and after he made the request, he asked me on a date. Not wanting to two-time my unfortunately-named boyfriend, Ioved Joey I couldn't because I was going home for the weekend. Aparently, Joey could tell that I was lying and he vowed not to ask me out again! I broke up with Mason a few days later. The next time I saw Joey, he was picking up a sequined suit from the office that his mom had sent him - he was going to wear it to a girl's choice dance. I asked about it and he said I could come up to his apartment and see if if I wanted. It was a Saturday and the office was slow...so I did! He showed me the suit and we talked a little. He asked me out and that was that! Our first date was to Chili's restaraunt...and for that, I will always love Chili's!

My roommates immediatley loved him and 1 of them thought he looked like Justin Timberlake. For some reason, he had bleached his hair and he loved to wear tight sweaters. I didn't know if he was my type at first...but after a few dates, I absolutely loved him!

He proposed in April (6 months later) in the Glenwood office! We were married July 29th, 1999 in the Salt Lake Temple.