It's Summer

Yesterday I was at my parents house letting the girls play on their new swing set and basting in the not-so-hot sun. My dad got back from a bike ride and said "well, lets go to the lake". An hour later I was water skiing and enjoying the most beautiful day. Scarlett loved spending time on the boat even though she did not want to get in the water. Nothing brings a smile to my fast quicker than a boat ride. The hot wind blowing in my face is magic and just like that it is summer!

Breakfast of Champions

Breakfast is a big deal in our house. Both girls wake up and immediately beg to EAT! Here's our morning...

Always has to watch cartoons. These days it's Tinkerbell, Wonderpets or Cinderella. 

Mother's Day 2013

"Young women need mothers and mentors who exemplify virtuous womanhood. Mothers, your relationship with your daughter is of paramount importance, and so is your example" Elaine S. Dalton 

I have been thinking about my role as a mother a lot these past months. Mainly, how best to raise righteous and loving daughters. Emily and I were talking a couple months ago about our grandma LaRue and her role as a mother. She has always been faithful, service oriented, and kind. Since I was young I have caught my grandma kneeling beside her bed saying her morning prayers. I would run to her wanting breakfast or a toy and she would sweetly shoo me away. It was her time to communicate with her Savior. Her prayers were heard and brought about miracles for her family, especially her children. " I have come to know that faith is a real power, not just an expression or belief. There are few things more powerful than the faithful prayers of a righteous mother."  During conference I felt an urgency within me to sit and listen to Elder Boyd K. Packer's talk. I was doing house work and "listening" when he began speaking. I felt I needed to listen with my whole heart to his message. As I listened I felt the love of my Savior pour over me and peace fill my heart. Through my faithfulness I can, like my grandma, bring about miracles for my family.

The greatest joy I have found in motherhood has been my personal growth. To be a better mother I must be a better  person. Motherhood has strengthened my testimony more than any experience could. To my children, thank you for bringing me closer to my Savior. 

She has been in love with these wings. They are on her all day and even took a journey to the grocery store. All day I hear " I want to go up in the sky and fly like a butterfly." Her favorite book is "Fancy Nancy" and wants to where her sparkly shoes and dresses. Each day is a delight with this sweet girl. She has a tender heart and loves her family!

"Hold me"

"Alice, where's your eye?"

"Where's your ear?"

What I Want

So many of my high school memories are already starting to fade. It makes me sad to think back to those years and have it feel like a dream. But there was one, very short moment I will never forget. I was on the bus going home from my last regional track meet as a senior and by some crazy fluke missed qualifying for state by only .02 of a second. The 300 meter hurdles were my baby and I had failed! Devastation took over as I thought about all the blood, sweat and tears put into training. I bawled when I realized that I had just ran my very last hurdle race after 4 years of nothing but running hurdles! My sweet teammate took that moment to tell me words I think about very often "Jill, you have great things ahead and I know you will get everything you want" In that moment all I wanted was to rerun that race and get my chance back but under all the pain I knew she was talking about so much more than running. I stayed up that night and pondered about what my life had in store for me. What would I major in? Would I get married and if so to who? What would my kids look like? Where would I live? All those questions raced through my mind and I thought about how wonderful it would be have a glimpse of my future.
     Last night we took the girls out to the park and let them run through the grass. The girls found a bouncy ball and for an hour we played fetch. We would throw it and then two little girls would run after it, squealing with delight. It was a perfect evening, one that makes you feel so blessed. What my teammate said crossed my mind and I realized that it had come true. I have everything I want!

Notice her baby curl in the back

We were driving to the park when Scarlett yelled "mom where are my shoes?" Nick got a sheepish look on his face. He put Scarlett in the car with out shoes on. It has happened before and I told Nick that forgetting shoes is like forgetting to put on pants. He must remember to put shoes on the girls! 5 seconds later I realized I forgot to put my shoes on and would be going to the park barefoot. It was one of those moments that could not have been better. 

Fear not, I am with thee

Every day I see her "babyness" fade. She sat in her car seat today and picked goldfish out of the bag all by herself. She used to demand I put them in her mouth one-by-one. I am not a mom that likes my kids to get messy. Well, their clothes anyway. When Alice wandered out the front door last night I quietly followed. I knew she would get in the gutter, street, and rocks. I would bring her home covered in filth and I was okay with it. Seeing the joy in her eyes as she looked at the world around her was worth it!

As I listened to Sister Elaine Dalton's talk in conference on Saturday I thought about my girls. They have a strength in them, I feel it. I know that they will be a shinning light in an ever darkening world. These past months I have lost many hours of sleep wondering how to raise my girls in a world filled with so much evil. It scared me to think of them leaving my presence and having to choose for themselves. Why? I know they are strong and confident. I know I am those things as well. Then why do I fear?  Because this world is spiraling down so fast it is staggering! We live in confusing times where wrong seems right and right seems wrong. The right choice is not clear and many, stronger and more righteous than myself, have lost their way. While listening to Sister Dalton's talk I realized the error of my ways... I fear!  

Thomas S. Monson "Fear not. Be of good cheer. The future is as bright as your faith"

 If I have faith there is simply no room for fear. I must be a women of faith and teach my daughters to be the same. They must know that all the evil in the world can be overcome with faith in the Lord and his gospel.  I firmly believe that what Sister Dalton said is true, "we will make a difference because we are different". My sweet girls will one day leave my side and venture out into this world but they will not be alone and they will be different! 

Bonnie Springs

Last weekend Nick had Friday off from work. It was a surprise so we decided to do something as a family last minute. We took the kiddos to Bonnie Springs out by Red Rock and let them play to their hearts content. They loved the petting zoo, riding the train, checking out old/creepy homes, and chasing chickens.

She loved feeding the animals. Can you tell by her face?

City Slicker Nick

Easter 2013

I love Easter, it always comes at my favorite time of year. The weather is warm and pleasant and everything is coming to life again. We are always to eager to spend time outside and enjoy fresh air. I love watching Scarlett chase after the eggs and put them in her basket with such enthusiasm. Seeing Alice toddle after her makes me realize how far we have come since last year. Alice was only a month old and I was in that post baby blur phase of life. Things are much more simple and I love simple. We had dinner with my family this year and enjoyed a traditional egg hunt. It was a blissful evening spent outside chatting to people I love.  All day I have been blessed with a feeling of peace and happiness, knowing that my sweet family is mine forever. I cherish these precious days I spend with my babies. Soon they will be big, the sweet baby face grown up. So tonight I hold them tight and thank my Heavenly Father that he sent his Son to redeem mankind. Because of His sacrifice I can cherish my family always.

Dancing with her beloved egg

Stuffing candy in as fast as she could

This past week my mom helped me make these adorable dress. They turned out better than I ever thought!

My favorite pic of the day!

Count down to the hunt!

Jordan pondering the cosmos. My parents lovely backyard

Chase after those eggs! All night she would yell to me, even after the eggs were all found "oh mom, I see another one!" She loved hunting for all the eggs and of course eating the goodies inside