A New Day

I love the light of a new day.  This morning we snuggled together as a family and talked.  I enjoy Saturday mornings so much more when Paul isn't busy.  After breakfast Audrey was running around with her stroller and I had to take some pictures.  Thank you Melissa!  She loads it up with all of her stuff every morning and runs around the house.  

 Audrey loves Mr. Sheep.  She cuddles him and kisses him.  Lately I have come to know Mr. Sheep a little better.  He likes to jump.  I suppose he's preparing for an evening of counting sheep. He can get a little crazy.  Sometimes he likes to bounce in my face and on my head.  I usually end up with crazy hair and Audrey ends up giggling.  She thinks Mr. Sheep is funny.  

 When I pulled up this image it reminded me of a picture of myself.  I'm not the same age as she is here but I think there might be some similarities.

An Evening at the Park

Friday was such a good day.  Our car was in the shop because of two recalls.  Lucky Merian let us spend the morning and afternoon at her house.  She made us the best breakfast I have had in a long time, and the most delicious chocolate cookies.  Aunt Melissa came while we were there and brought Audrey a stroller and some books.  She was spoiled!  We ate lunch together, talked, and Audrey got to play with one of her best friends M.  I walked away feeling so blessed to have these people in my life who have accepted me as their family. They are the only reason that I can live in Texas.  

When Paul got home we went out on a much needed date with Audrey.  We went to dinner and then to the park.  I don't think I have ever seen this girl so happy.  She found out what it feels like to go down a big slide.  After sliding down, she would throw her hands in the air and scream, "Yay, Red Slide!" (pictured below). It was another moment I wish I could have painted in my mind forever.  Friday's are the best!

 It was really dark.  I'm surprised how well these pictures turned out.  

New Baby

My friend asked me if I would take pictures of her baby in the hospital. I love photography and I'm not amazing at it so I love anyone that will allow me the experience.  I especially love taking pictures of babies.    Isn't she beautiful?

I'm Happy Momma!

I had to make myself laugh this morning because there was nothing else I could do.  Audrey peed her pants three times within three hours.  This has been happening a lot, whereas before this week it was every once and a while.  I think we're taking a few steps back.  After having a long conversation with her I didn't know what to do.  My brother recommended starting treats again.   So we did.  Then I had the thought that we should watch Daniel Tigers Neighborhood going potty episode (something we had watched before).  Afterward, she was running to the potty every few minutes telling me that she was doing it all by herself.   I think it's working!

Here she it sporting her first real set of piggy tails. I think she's beautiful.

Later in the day I was re payed by lots of hugs and laughs.  How could I ever stay mad for long.  I gave her these crackers that were in the shape of bunnies.  I don't know why she likes them.  I think they're gross.  I bought them to get us through our flight at Christmas and they are still in my pantry.  I thought it was funny because as she was eating them she picked one up and said, "the bunnies sad".  Then she put it in her mouth, bit off the head and said, " OH NO!".  Then she stuck the rest of it in her mouth and said, "All better". 

I love this stage.  I love that we have conversations.  I love that she's always telling me that she's happy (it makes me stop and think about what happiness really is and where it comes from).  I love that she makes me laugh all the time.  And despite my complaints about the peeing in hard to clean up places I do love that she keeps me on my toes. It's never boring.  I love being a Mom.  

The New DO

Grant let me cut and style his hair while he was here for a few days.  It was a pretty big deal considering I don't think he has ever put any gel in his hair.  Don't you think he looks a little like Paul?  I was proud.  I think the ladies are liking it too.  

More Pictures

It was my Mom's birthday.  My sister wanted updated photos of each family for my Mom's walls.  I didn't like the one we took in December.  Audrey wasn't looking at the camera.  Paul's parents were in town so we snapped a few more pictures.  Paul's Dad has always been really good with a camera.  I'm glad they were here.  If it wasn't for Grant I never would have been able to get smiles.  You can easily tell that Grant is behind the camera trying to make Audrey laugh in one of these pictures and not in the other.  

Yesterday was a beautiful day.  I was asked to speak in church.  I can't tell you how many prayers were answered in the process.  It went really well and I know it wasn't because of me.  I spoke about the Book of Mormon.  

One quote that touched me was by President Ezra Taft Benson.  He said:

“I feel certain that if, in our homes, parents will read from the Book of Mormon prayerfully and regularly, both by themselves and with their children, the spirit of that great book will come to permeate our homes and all who dwell therein. The spirit of reverence will increase; mutual respect and consideration for each other will grow. The spirit of contention will depart. Parents will counsel their children in greater love and wisdom. Children will be more responsive and submissive to that counsel. Righteousness will increase. Faith, hope, and charity—the pure love of Christ—will abound in our homes and lives, bringing in their wake peace, joy, and happiness”.

I want these promises to be fulfilled in my life.  I love the Book of Mormon and I know it's true.  

I hope all of you out in blog world had a good Sabbath too!

Bouncing and Cupcakes

Paul got a ball for his Physical therapy workouts.  He lets us bounce on it.   Audrey loves it.  After the first day of bouncing with her I was sore for days, she kept saying, "more......bounce high".

 On Valentines Day I was sick.  I found myself wandering through Walmart to find something for Paul with a fever.  That's love.  

Because I was sick I pushed back plans of making cupcakes with Audrey.  We did them a couple weeks later. It was really fun to make them with her even though they weren't very awesome. Utter failure. If you have an amazing homemade yellow or white cupcake recipe please share.  My husband will thank you.   

I think the pictures pretty much say it all.