"It's a Jolly Holiday with you..."

I love everything about this season.  December is just magical and even more so when you get to experience it through your kids' eyes.  I smiled every time Jacob asked me to play "Christmas" with him as he put on his santa hat and filled our stockings with his own toys as I "slept".  I'll never forget sneaky Landon unwrapping all our christmas countdown books one afternoon and his enormous grin when I caught him.  I'm thankful for all the new memories we made together as a family this month- including tasting our first Colorado snow, camping out for the Festival of Lights parade, seeing my boys be so skeptical of Santa Claus, and making the trek back to Utah for a super fun family Christmas.

I'm grateful for a season where we ponder on the birth of our Savior and remember all the beautiful gifts and blessings we've been given in this life.  What an amazing year it's been!

Stressed and Blessed

It's about time I get a new post up here.  As one can tell- my consistent blogging days are over.  Unfortunately most of my blogger friends have dropped off the face of the virtual planet so there is much less motivation to post anything at all.  However, I really rely on these posts as a sort of journaling for the most part and for a shout out to my families in Utah.  I'm not calling it quits just yet.

I've been stressed out lately. I know it's normal to feel this way with a new job, new house, new town, new ward calling, new sicknesses, the holiday season, inlaws visiting, and two very rambunctious boys on top of it all.  I was thinking about it though, and each of these things that have "stressed me out" recently are actually such great blessings in my life.  How fortunate we are that Stephen has this amazing new job.  How lucky we are to be closer to family. It's a blessing I've been given a big calling in church because I am already meeting so many new people and making friends faster.  The holiday season brings family together which means it's my very favorite time of the year.  See?  Stressed... but blessed.

I wanted to write quickly because my heart is feeling very full today.  Jacob turned 4 years old.  He's handsome, smart, and so funny.  I am trying to figure out why it feels time has flown by so crazy quick.  I don't have babies anymore.  I have a toddler and a KID- a full grown KID.  He's been getting more acquainted with the big bad world out there and there's so much I still need to teach him.... so much I'm still trying desperately to protect him from. I hope he's ready. I hope I'm ready.

Today was fun.  I wanted a few photos of Jacob for his birthday, but after our first location didn't work out, I decided, "what the hay, let's go play in the dirt!"  And so we did.  I felt such a joy watching my boys play out there together.  They are my greatest treasures.

Here are a few of my faves of the day...

 

Colorado My Home, Sweet Home

We have ARRIVED!  And it's time to sing...

(I couldn't resist.  This song makes me laugh and I've had it in my head all week.)

***

The last month and a half has been a whirlwind.  I would have loved to post about how much fun we had in Utah when my little bro returned home from his mission.  And how adorable Jacob looked walking into his first preschool class with his huge backpack.  Or how Landon is finally starting to grow some hair on his head.  

Instead, I spent every free moment organizing and packing boxes, working on editing 11 different photo sessions, and taking my family out to complete our Oregon Bucket List.  

I'm currently sitting on a couch- trying to catch my breath in this mile-high altitude and waiting for Stephen to arrive.  I'm so proud of him and excited for his amazing new job.  Colorado is going to be a great adventure and I look forward to planting some roots in this here town.  

Yehaw!

Gone Campin'

Camping is a huge deal in Oregon.  We were beginning to feel like we didn't really belong since we hadn't used our tent in the last two years.  And because we chose the Crater Lake image on our Oregon license plates, we figured we should actually go see it before we move yet again.

We went on our first family camping trip the weekend of Landon's Birthday.
Camped at Diamond Lake and then trekked over to Crater Lake for some hikes and drives the next day.

This pic is random, but just made me laugh.  

Honestly, the kids were so great on this trip.  True camp champs!

Crater Lake took my breath away.  Learning the history of the enormous volcano that once stood in it's place made it all the more fascinating.  No rivers or streams lead into or out of it- the water is solely from rain and snow- making it extremely clear and blue.  Water as deep as 2,000 feet. Of course there was no way to give it justice in amateur photos, so you'll just have to trust me that it was huge and amazing!

Birthday Boy!

This boy.  He's kinda AMAZING.

Officially 1 Year Old.

For Landon's birthday we had a mini-party the night before we took off for our camping trip at Crater Lake.  I sometimes like to pretend I'm creative, artistic, and a great party-thrower. But there is something to be said for the store-bought cupcake with blue frosting and sprinkles and some circus party plates.  I'm learning and enjoying the beauty of simplifying!  And I'm pretty sure Landon didn't mind...

He is learning and growing so fast it's hard to keep up, but it just warms my heart every time he discovers something new.  He is in the first phases of "running" (which results in a lot of face plants), climbing the stairs at full speed, saying Mamma and Dadda and actually meaning it, waving and blowing kisses goodbye.  He scrunches his face when he laughs and has started this funny Darth Vador talk/whisper when he hands us things.  It cracks me up.  He has a few hairs on his head finally and is growing teeth #7 and 8.

He loves putting things away... even if it isn't in the right place. (Example: my point and shoot camera in the toilet. Don't worry, I saved it with a bowl of rice and good disinfectant.)  Yesterday he did help me put all the clean socks back into the hamper one by one by one.  On another note, he has started getting quite an opinion.  He does NOT want his diaper changed.  EVER.  The other day Jacob said, "Good job putting on his diaper, Mom!"... in other words, "Congratulations on winning the wrestling match, Mom!"

He loved every one of his simple birthday presents, 

but I think his new toothbrush from Dad may be his favorite.

Landon, my jolly bud.  I sure love you!

Joys in July

Can't believe July is over.  Whew.  Where have we been?  

Just a lot of berry picking, county fairs, country road drives, park outings, children's museums, homemade ice-cream making, swimming lessons, barbecues, and the like.  

There's just something about Summer that makes life so... sunny.

And despite a few setbacks the last month, we're happy. So happy.

{A few July Instagrams}

My One Post for June

The blog is being neglected.  And for good reason.  Our computer is dying a slow and painful death in its old age. The "You must shut down your computer now because of a problem" message comes on daily. And it is slower than... I don't know what.  I have many photos, videos and funny stories, but fearing the computer may explode at any moment I just wanted to brave it fast enough to record a few random things...

Landon. Sweetest kid in the world. 10 and 1/2 months old. He's walking 5-7 steps at a time, dances on with the beat when music comes on, and is starting to babble more "Mammama" and "dadddddaaah" type words.  He also says "vummmmm" when playing with cars and it's.totally.adorable. He just can't wait to be big like his brother.  He is always trying to squeeze into whatever Jacob is doing.

He LOVES his binkies and enjoys going to bed with one in his mouth and one in his hand just in case.  Hey, I love those binkies too- they've provided great sleep for all.  

He still has a drippy eye and after too many eye infections the doc finally referred us to a pediatric ophthalmologist in Portland for tear duct surgery.  Hoping it happens soon! I tire of people asking what's wrong because he has a tear rolling down his cheek.  Seriously, he's one of the happiest kids I've ever known.  In fact, I feel like I can cheer Landon up most times he's upset just by singing "If You're Happy and You Know It".  He forgets all his troubles and starts beaming and trying to clap his hands.  

A special talent? He can blow a crazy spit bubble- probably because he has the biggest mouth on a baby I think I've ever seen (If you're on facebook you can check out the golfball photo to prove it.) His favorite escape is to the bathroom. So funny how these kids, as soon as they can stand, just can't get enough of the toilet paper roll! 

Jacob. 3 1/2. Such a crack-up. Now that he can hear/speak he has really come out of his shell. I find myself chuckling quite often because of the funny things he says or does.  He's a really sharp kid and brings up totally random things from what feels like ages ago. He LOVES swimming lessons (which is a relief considering last summer he wouldn't let go of me in the pool) and anything that gets him oustide these days. He is so athletic and can kick a soccer ball like a champ and hit a golf ball more accurately than any kid I've seen.  

He's really using his imagination inside more on those rainy days.  After seeing Doc McStuffins he often pulls out his doctor kit to give his toys and stuffed animals "check ups".  Speaking of his stuffed animals, we found out recently that his blue blankie bear that he sleeps with at night is a "She". "Why is Bear a SHE?" asked Stephen.  "Because she is sooo soft." Jacob replied so matter-of-factly.  Whenever we accidently refer to Bear as a HE we are promptly corrected. 

He just seems so much happier and there is a lot less drama in our house lately. With that said, he's still a stubborn little dude and I'm still reading The Explosive Child just in case. He's a perfectionist of sorts and is extremely particular about his artwork, how I cut his sandwich, or how we build the train tracks together.  He sports the bed-head most days and refuses to let me pick out clothes for him to wear. (We're lucky if we get anywhere on time!)  Oh well, I still think he's handsome with crazy hair and pj pants!  He is a fantastic big brother and plays so well with Landon.  It kinda melts my heart, actually.

Life is fun.  We just got back from an awesome UT trip full of family joy.  And we're finally enjoying the beginning of summer around here, with still a lot of rain and cooler temps.  Soon I can get moving on my Oregon Summer Bucket List.  Good times ahead (hopefully) including camping on the coast,  trip to crater lake, berry picking, and perhaps a certain move...?

Anyone still reading this?  Ok, over and out.

My Boys and Me

In March I won a photo contest with a local photographer, Emylyn, and my prize was a mini-session!  Stephen had to be out of town when it was scheduled for, so it was just me and my babies.  I loved working with Emily, observing her techniques, and bless her heart- she invited me to shoot a wedding with her this summer!  There is just so much I want to learn.  And someday I will. But for now I am LOVING just being a mom.  A few favorites that made me smile...

I {Heart} NY

Girls Retreat 2012!

In April I went to New York City with my Mom, sister Rachel, my aunts, and some of my girl cousins. I have to admit it was crazy taking a break from real life- not having my boys with me- but it allowed me to really soak up the city life and enjoy the sights. It was so nice being able to relax knowing they were back home with Aunt Kimmie who flew up to take care of them for the week. It was a party for everyone!

We came home with loads of photos and fun stories but in the interest of saving everyone some time... here are just a few favorites.

Newsies on Broadway...

LOVED IT!!  I want to go see it again- right now.  I was kindof obsessed with this movie when I was young but seeing it on Broadway inspired a greater love for it all.  Three of my So You Think You Can Dance favorites (Evan, Alex, and Jess) were part of the cast which made it all the more awesome.

We rode bikes through Central Park.  Took the longest route around possible- beautiful and hilly and a very good workout.  First we had to ride our bikes a few blocks through the busy city- I may have almost gotten run over by a bus or two.

We ate a lot of yummy food from the very fancy brunch to the very street-cart-hotdog. We did lots of exploring, riding subways, and walking.

We visited Ground Zero and walked around the new September 11th Memorial Fountains. Those tiny colored dots are people.... that's the enormity of these fountains. There was a very special spirit here that I'll never forget.

(The museum behind the fountains is still being completed, so we'll have to come back to see it someday.)

One of the nights, instead of going up to the top of the Empire State building, we rode the elevator up to the Top of the Rock and got to see this...

Other great moments... took the ferry to Ellis Island, spent time at FAO Schwartz Toy Store, the Rockefeller Center and Grand Central Station (I was hoping for a flash mob... but no.) Walked through St. Patricks Cathedral, got lost in the Museum of Natural History, visited Little Italy, waited in line at the Shake Shack, and had great talks in the hotel.

Some people say New York is great to visit once in your life, but truthfully I wouldn't mind going back again... and maybe again after that.

Beautiful Life

Ever have one of those days?  The kind where you wake up on the RIGHT side of the bed... and realize life is really pretty amazing? I've just been overwhelmed with happiness today. Maybe it's because the sun came out from behind the dreary rain this week.  Maybe it's because of all the tulips and daffodils lining the sidewalks of my neighborhood.  Or maybe it's the simple fact we have a houseful of healthy, happy people who have now been getting full nights' rests.


Tonight I had one of those moments. I was holding Landon in my rocking chair right before putting him in his crib.  He was so sleepy and laid his head on my chest but kept his tiny hands holding tight onto my shoulders. I just hugged him for several magic moments- in awe of how big my 8 month old is now.  I stopped singing just in time to hear Jacob rolling with laughter downstairs because of something Stephen was doing.  I couldn't help but tear up because of the pure love and joy that filled my heart. Things just felt so right.


We've had a lot going on lately. Life has't been as simple as sometimes I might wish, but tonight I thought about how lucky I am to know that wherever this life takes me and my family, we're going together.

* * * *

Easter brought new thoughts and emotions for me this year.  Two of my very favorite people recently left this Earth to return to our Heavenly Father.  When I think of my Savior, his atonement, and the resurrection, I feel so much gratitude and peace knowing that there is life after death.  I am so thankful for a testimony that Heavenly Father has a beautiful plan in which our families can be reunited for eternity.


I wanted to share a special poem that was written years ago by my Grandma who passed away this last month. I've always admired her in many ways, but now that I am a mom, too, her tender words and loving example mean so much more than I can say. 


My Aunt Jimae (who lost her son, my cousin David, in December) read this at her funeral and I'll never forget it.


You and I
As surely as I live I feel
That life can be so good
For those who know the blessings
And joys of motherhood.


When first I held you in my arms
And felt your baby skin,
I loved the way your fuzzy head
Fit underneath my chin.


I knew there must be more to this
Than just the toil and strife
When I tucked my finger in your fist
And you held on for life!


Your first time in the big bathtub
You looked so round and fat!
You kicked and splashed and swam away.
I couldn’t have missed that!


All during that first year with you
I really passed a test.
Of all the people in the world
You seemed to like me best.


You tried to walk, your hand in mine.
Your eyes with glory shone.
Then one day you let go of me
And tottered off alone.


Much later, when we took our walks,
You had so much to say.
You asked me all about the things
We saw along the way.


I still remember those bouquets
Of dandelions you brought.
“Which hand?” you’d ask, then hold them out,
(A proud and precious tot.)


One Sunday you stood up in church
To say a poem aloud.
I sat there in the audience,
And my, but I was proud!


Remember when you ran away?
I couldn’t reprimand!
You looked so small and helpless
With your suitcase in your hand,


As just inside the door you stood,
A haughty little elf;
So stubborn, and so willful, too,
And, oh, so like myself!


And when I tucked you in each night
And touched your tousled head,
I always was surprised to find
An angel in your bed!


That first day you went off to school
As if you hadn’t cared.
But that same day you sneaked right back.
“I’m homesick,” you declared.


How many things you seemed to learn!
How very fast you grew!
And just as surely as you did
Your world grew bigger, too.


It will be just as well
If you never know
How very, very hard it was
For me to let you go.


I haven’t been an opera star,
But memories I keep
Of times I sang you lullabies
Until you fell asleep.


If I said I was an artist,
The truth would be quite tainted,
But think of all the lovely pictures
You and I have painted.


I’ve made no contribution here
That man will eulogize.
I haven’t written any book;
But you’re my Nobel prize!


Inside me, ‘til the end of time
A special wish there’ll be:
That I can give you back the joy
That you have given me.

March Madness

No, I'm not talking about basketball. I'm just recording that this has been one CRAZY month. I don't remember having an entire month that was just so plain off.  To put it simply, the month started with teething, ear aches, fever, the flu and bronchitis in our house- which lasted way too long- followed by Jacob's surgery (tonsils and adenoids out, and tubes put in his ears.)  While attempting to recover from that, Stephen had to leave on a business trip to Denver for a week.  Then it snowed... for three days... in a town where it NEVER snows.  On top of that (this same week in which Stephen was gone and my son was laying moaning on the couch) I found out I needed to make it to Utah for my sweet grandmother's funeral.  Poor Jacob couldn't travel so soon after surgery so he was left here with a couple mom-substitutes for four days. To say he had a traumatic week is putting it gently.

But-we've survived just fine.

And even though I've experienced a new level of sleep deprivation and emotional/physical exhaustion, this month did have its share of moments to celebrate:

Landon is crawling all over the place and enjoying pulling himself up and cruising with his little steps.   Jacob built his first snowman ever, even though his throat was on fire.  Stephen's trip to Denver was an awesome success- more to report on that in a future post.  And I got to spend time with my family which is always a welcome blessing.

And so, without further ado,

My two favorite photos of the month...

So thankful April is right around the corner!

Valentines Outtakes

I attempted a little photo session with my boys for Valentines Day cards.

And even though these didn't come out as planned, at the end of the day this was my favorite.

I had a few comments like "Wow, your boys are so good to cooperate with all your photos!"

HAH.  

If only they knew what happens behind the scenes...

These balloons were the best thing that ever happened Jacob.
But when we stepped out to start some pics he begged and pleaded for us to leave the balloons inside so they wouldn't blow away!

It took major convincing that they were magic balloons and they wouldn't blow away as long as he was happy.
He held onto those babies for dear life and would hardly budge.

Even Landon (as calm and happy as always) tried loosening him up.

Let's just say... the February wind didn't help.  

That's right.  Don't get in the way of a 3 year old and his balloons!

Hope your February has been filled with love and happiness!