Great to be 8!

The statement holds true... It really is great to be 8! My precious Tess Abigail Butikofer was baptized this past Saturday. She had been anticipating this day for quite some time. July seemed to come and go in a complete flash and before I knew it she was turning eight and getting baptized all in the same week. Since Tess is quiet by nature, she normally doesn't get overly excited about things BUT she had the countdown going from the time we got back from Bear Lake and was completely going crazy by the time Friday got here and her "Grandma by the Temple" and Idaho cousins and Aunt showed up.

It was such a wonderful experience to see her all in white with her glowing skin and charming smile. There were two other kids from our ward who were getting baptized as well. When we went back to the font and Brother Spencer told the order which they would go, Tess was the first. Her little hands started to tremble and she told me she needed to use the bathroom. Once we got that over with a she proceeded through the doors into the font, a peaceful calm took over as her daddy reached for her hand. Once she came out of the water, the smile on her face spoke volumes about what she was feeling. With so many loving Uncles, her Grandpa Earl, Brother Spencer, and Tim placing their hands on her head to give her the gift of the Holy Ghost my heart was pounding out of my chest knowing how lucky she is to have that much love and priesthood support.

There are times in your life that you can reflect on and see the "bigger" picture. I know this was one of those days; surrounded by family... witnessing the beginning of a young and beautiful girl's future!

Short Sassy Six

Little Miss Mia Louise turned six years old this week. She has been such a blessing in our lives and was the baby for almost six years. From the get go this kid has done things her own way.

I was scheduled to be induced with Mia on June 2nd. After supervising an all night graduation party and a long week of festivities back in 2005, I came home to "rest." My body was so uncomfortable and really resting was out of the question. We went down to my mom's for a memorial day bbq. After eating lunch I carried my plate into the kitchen to wash it and put it in the dishwasher. As I bent over I felt an excruciating pain and couldn't stand back up. Tim immediately told me to get in the car so we could go to the hospital. His biggest fear has always been that I would have a baby in the car. So, we headed to SL. We got as far as Mt. Dell Golf course and I told him to turn around that I was embarrassed to call the doctor in on a holiday. He ignored me and continued down the canyon to the hospital.

When I checked in I told them "my husband thinks I am in labor." Once I was checked by the nurse she confirmed that I was indeed in labor and needed to get the epidural before it was too late. We left Ellie and Tess with everyone back home. When we called to tell them what was going on they were all halfway to the hospital. Good thing everyone was ready to meet Mia because she arrived one hour after we got to the hospital.

She hasn't stopped surprising me since that day. This year of kindergarten proved to be no different. Between the shoe incident and the love notes from her "boy" that is a friend she has kept me on my toes.


I was worried how she would react to the baby since she had been our "baby" for so long, but again she has surprised me. She loves Evie and wants to help all the time. She loves reading, playing the violin, and is quite the ballroom diva. We love our Mia Lousie and know she will go far in her life! I am so proud to be her mother.

Sunrise Sunset

CLICK ON THE PICTURES, Obviously I am not technologically savvy!

Is this the littel girl I carried?... When did she get to be a beauty? ...Wasn't it yesterday when they were small?... (I have been in song mode for over a week) I also have been dieing in anticipation of these pictures. We had them taken while in St. George. I think it was way worth the wait. What do you think? Then there are the rest of my girls, we couldn't stop with just Evie! Hard for me to believe this was my baby once upon a time. I am so amazed and impressed with her. I will say that her outer beauty is stunning BUT her inner beauty will take your breath away! When she was my baby, the world seemed just right. She was an adorable baby, her older sister loved her, and I was in a good place. Now she is preparing for baptism and entering that next phase of life. Her gorgeous looks are paired with her scholastic abilities and endless talents. It is a blessing to be her mother. There are many words I could use to describe my world when Mia was my baby. We were building a house, Tess was only 20 months old, I had three kids in day care. It was a nightmare! But everytime I would hold my sweet little baby, she would snuggle up in my arms and everything seemed right. Her looks will steal your heart; along with the 15 kindergarten boys who write her love notes and bring her flowers from their moms yard! She was my sweet baby for almost six years and I loved every minute of it. And then when you think your heart can't possibly love anything more..... this happens. > I couldn't love my life and my babies anymore. Since this IS my baby for life, my cup runneth over with love! Thank you Tim for giving me four beautiful babies! You complete me! (I know cliche but true) Sunrise, sunset quickly fly the years..one season following another, laden with happiness and tears.

Click here if you want to see more amazing pictures of the session, Valerie was amazing.

Evie's Pictures

About 1 minute after entering the big bright world!

BTW: Evie had the pinkest skin from the time she came out.

Her score was 9.9= OVER ACHIEVER!!!!!

The three sisters waiting to see the result. Nothing but cheers and smiles.


Official weigh in 6lbs 130z


Ready to be big sisters!


I thought she looked chubby but she is my typical little bird!

Thanks to all who came to see us and who have made wonderful meals. We are so blessed to have you all close and part of our family.

Love, Tim & Billie Jo and the 4 girls!!!!

It's A...........

GIRL! Evie Fae Butikofer made her arrival on Wednesday, February 23, 2011 at 2:06 pm. We could not be more excited and pleased that we are now parents to FOUR beautiful daughters.

With all the anticipation and anxiety that I have been going through the last little while I was beyond ready to meet our baby. I had been saying the entire time that I truly hoped we had a girl. Most people tried to tell me that it was a boy and he had been waiting for 12 years to join our family. While I would have been happy to welcome a baby boy, I am OVERJOYED to be the mother of 4 girls. I know many people who have four girls and my grandmother Louise started out with four girls. There is something about girls that I just love! So yes more pink, more hormones, more dancing, and more joy at the Butikofer home!
In case you are wondering about her name, I will offer some explanation. I am very into names that have meaning to both Tim and I. This name evolved from both of our grandmothers'. Eva is Tim's grandmother Burtenshaw's name and also his mom's middle name. Fae is my grandmother McNeil's name. We feel like Evie has spent time with both wonderful woman while waiting to join our family. By giving her a part of these legendary women, it will define who she is and how strong she will be. Her potential is limitless!
Thanks to everyone who called, text, and came to support us. We love you all and can't wait to be back home with all of our daughter's living the good life on Country Lane.
Picture will come soon!!!