Yeah for Jeffrey!

I brag a lot about my kid (as you may have noticed by the last post), but I thought I would take a little break to brag about my husband.  Normally, I would say what a wonderful husband and Dad he is and go on about how much I love him, but I won’t do that this time (or something!).  Today Jeff received a Certificate of Recognition from Chevron for the work he spearheaded (AKA managed) on some massive project… with brand conversion and Texaco… so cool!  I am so proud of him (in a good, not being struck down sort of way) and am so happy that the hard work he does didn’t go unnoticed (and am happy there was a bonus included!).  Congratulations Jeffrey, we love you!

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Sophie at 19 months

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Oops, totally missed 18 months, it happened during the “Jeff turning 30 extravaganza”.  Anyways, for me (and the grandmas) here is what my little Booger is up to at a year and a half:

*At her last appointment (last month) she weighed 25 whopping pounds and was 33 inches (2 feet 9 inches for all of you who care).

*She is running, climbing and basically into EVERYTHING… I swear, I thought that I had baby proofed this house, but it is NOT Sophie proofed (and really, you don’t want to know what Carter does to my kitchen!).  She is also getting tall enough to get into the drawers I swore she would never be able to get into.

*She STILL will not talk, except to say “dog” “Mom” and “Dad.”  But will say “mmmm” when we near the bakery (and free cookies) at the grocery store, and says many an animal sound.  One day I am hoping to be shocked by the many words coming out of her, and then I will wish for the days of silence (she’s a McKissick, once she starts, she will never stop!).

*She is my sweet baby girl still.  I love when she cuddles with me and I can’t get enough of her kisses and hugs.  She hasn’t ever been a snuggly girl, but she is learning the joy of a good cuddle with a bottle (don’t tell the doctor) and a book before bedtime.  PS: I also love that she folds her arms when we start prayers (although she hasn’t mastered staying in that position, or learned that silence is also part of the deal).

Seriously, love that girl, and have to get over the fact that she isn’t my baby any more, she is getting SO big.

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A Quote from Neil A. Maxwell

“Make no mistake about it, brothers and sisters, in the months and years ahead, events are likely to require each member to decide whether or not he will follow the First Presidency. Members will find it more difficult to halt longer between two opinions. President Marion G. Romney said, many years ago, that he had ‘never hesitated to follow the counsel of the Authorities of the Church even though it crossed my social, professional or political life.

‘This is hard doctrine, but it is particularly vital doctrine in a society which is becoming more wicked. In short, brothers and sisters, not being ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ includes not being ashamed of the prophets of Jesus Christ. . . . Your discipleship may see the time when such religious convictions are discounted. . . . This new irreligious imperialism seeks to disallow certain opinions simply because those opinions grow out of religious convictions.

Resistance to abortion will be seen as primitive. Concern over the institution of the family will be viewed as untrendy and unenlightened….Before the ultimate victory of the forces of righteousness, some skirmishes will be lost. Even in these, however, let us leave a record so that the choices are clear, letting others do as they will in the face of prophetic counsel. There will also be times, happily, when a minor defeat seems probable, but others will step forward, having been rallied to rightness by what we do. We will know the joy, on occasion, of having awakened a slumbering majority of the decent people of all races and creeds which was, till then, unconscious of itself. Jesus said that when the fig trees put forth their leaves, ’summer is nigh.’ Thus warned that summer is upon us, let us not then complain of the heat.”

- Elder Neal A. Maxwell
“Meeting the Challenges of Today” (given at Brigham Young University on October 10, 1978)

Thanks to Liz and the Bishop for sharing this.  

A Phillips through and through…

So, though our sports world is crumbling (I believe that if Sophie were to decide to ACTUALLY talk anytime soon, the words she would say would include the phrase “Stupid defense” or “Not again…” when, really, we had hoped she would say something more like “Go Eagles”), Sophie has found a new hobby in true Phillips tradition.  Sophie has developed a fondness for golf (or so we’ll pretend).  We went to the driving range late Friday, when it wasn’t busy at all, and Sophie had a great time, in fact, she cried as we left the golf course.  I hadn’t counted a need for the camera, so you will have to accept my phone pics… still cute, just not as good quality.  Oh well.  So here, for OGO and Manny Andy, are pictures of Sophie’s first time at the driving range!

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Another Sophie Creation

Max… another outfit for you!  Sophie received these cute Halloween socks and a Halloween shirt.  Instead of trying it on the next morning, she insisted on putting them on OVER her fleece-y pjs!  She makes me laugh, a LOT.

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Cool project…

So, I am not a loyal follower of NaBloPoMo, but I honestly consider it every year… I thought I would try to post a little more this month to try and support the cause!

Anyways, I just read about an interesting blog, Mama to Mama.  She is trying to use the crafting that many of us do to create a difference.  Her first project is making little newborn hats for Safe Baby kits being sent to Northern Haiti.  They look easy, and I think, if I can convince Jeff to donate some of his old shirts, I will try to make a few to send in.  Anyways, if nothing else, take a look at this site every so often to see the new projects that she is hosting, sounds like a great way to use up your crafty energy (or a good mutual service project!).

Fun with OGO

My parents came out for Halloween and to get their Sophie-fix.  My Dad spent a bit of time teaching Sophie her colors and sorting through sizes of rings.  It was cute, she would check with him everytime she picked up a ring, to make sure it was the right one (look at the third picture).  It was cute, she is really remembering her grandparents, and she loves spending time with them.

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Trick or Treat

Halloween turned out pretty well.  We started our night at our friends annual Halloween party, it was a lot of fun.  There were balloons, other kids, pinatas and lots of good food.

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Little Ethan had a car (he was a race car driver, complete with pit crew) and Sophie spent several long minutes waiting for someone, anyone, to push her around.  Her buddy Caden was willing to appease her a little bit.

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Brittany and I tried to get Zani and Sophie together for a picture (they are, so I hear, becoming quite good friends), this was the first attempt…

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We had a few better shots later…

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The we went to the Clayton firehouse, they had games and treats and fun things to do… and then Trick or Treating around the neighborhood.  Sophie seemed to do pretty well, but she kept a grandma close by (good thing that there were 2 available).

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She couldn’t even wait to start eating her candy:

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All in all it was a successful first trick or treating experience!

Happy Halloween!

For playgroup this last week we went to the Pumpkin Farm.  Sophie was much more comfortable with the bean pot this time and, except for pushing her friend Ethan over 2 times (sorry Tara), was decently nice to the other kids!  I forgot my camera in the rush from work, so my friend Janelle was nice enough to send me a few.  So for your Halloween viewing pleasure (costume pictures to come later after trick or treating)…

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Best Buddies

Sophie has a tricky time playing with other kids (I keep telling myself that other 18 month olds have that problem also… right?  Tell me I am right…please!).  But, there is one person that she seems to be more content playing with and that is her buddy Carter.  True, they fight and push, but more often than not they seem to have a good time together.  A sure fire way to make Sophie happy is to ask her if she wants to play with Carter.  She perks right up and nods “yes” enthusiastically.  I have also heard rumor that Carter has answered the question “What do you want to do?” with “Sop-ie’s house,” which is super adorable to me… check in with his mom to see if she agrees!

Today at the park Carter kept telling Sophie to follow him, and checking to see that she was coming.  He also took her by the hand and led her up the stairs to the slide.  I also love that Carter will go sit by Sophie in the train when she asks, as I am too big to fit on the little bench.  Anyways, when they play well together it makes me think that maybe my daughter will play and share with other kids… I’m keeping my fingers crossed!

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