love.

Valentine’s is one of my favorite holidays.  There is nothing like having a day or two to reflect reflect on how full your heart is.  And mine is SO full.  I adore my friends.  And family.  And this year, especially my kids.  To say the least, things have been a bit crazy around here lately.  So I decided that the way I could show my kids I loved them the most was to spend some good, quality, girl time with them.  So last Friday, (since I worked today), I made them pink heart shaped crepes and pink smoothies for breakfast.  Then we went for girls day out (plus Dad needed some time to tile without three little helpers).  First, they got their toenails painted at the nail salon (and I’m so mad – I brought my camera but left the memory card in the computer).  That was priceless.  They were SO giddy.  And the cute little oriental man was super cute with them.  Here are Addie’s nails – the other two were playing outside in this nice weather and didn’t want to come in.

Next, I offered to take them anywhere they wanted to go for lunch.  Applebee's? Pizza Hut? Arby’s? Subway? Cafe RIo? No way José. Try as I might, I just couldn’t talk them out of McDonald’s.  But this day was about them, so I gave in.

Next we had an impromptu play date with some good friends, and then did some shopping.  We ended at the Purple Cow, this great children’s bookstore in town, and I let them each choose a book (and I may have chosen a couple too.  Why are children’s books so dang irresistible?).

We came home and had a snack, then headed with Dad to do one of their favorite things ever – go swimming. 

(this picture just cracks me up – a swim suit and snow boots?? That’s Addie for you :))

Do you think they had fun? :)

It was such a great day.  Saturday, we made cupcakes (Mace was taking a nap).

And we got the girls’ Valentine’s ready for school -

We printed their pictures out wallet size, punched a hole in the corner, and tied it to a sucker with pink ribbon and curled the ends.

We sure had fun.  I adore my girls (and the Grantster).  But most of all, I adore my own, original Valentine. I'll just say that he fulfills my every need, he's the one behind everything good that happens in our family, and he's my very best friend in the whole world.

Love you, Babe (even if you are dressed cheesy to cheer for your team, you’re still super hot). :)

Happy Valentine’s Day!

little miracles.

Before I go any further, thank you soooooo much to everyone for all of your sweet comments and words of encouragement! It's been an overwhelming month to say the least, so it was nice to read through all of your congratulations. Thank you! Some days it feels totally normal that I'm pregnant, and then other days I still have those moments of, "What?!!?? Is this really happening??" It has been a crazy time. Pregnancy is not my favorite thing – but I could definitely have it much worse than I do . Now, when I say that, it doesn't mean I'm not grateful...I know there are many out there who would give anything to be pregnant. My back’s been ‘out’ for almost three weeks and I’ve had more nausea this time than ever before (maybe it’s a boy? :))   And I've especially felt the weight of that this time around while trying to take care of 3 little ones as well as myself. Let's just say that my husband is a lifesaver and the most patient guy ever!! He does way more than his fair share around here, so we are very very lucky girls!! We've had many a laugh about our situation right now...sometimes it's just easier to laugh about it all!

I've been so focused on getting through feeling so blah and just asking myself the constant question, "Can I really take care of 4 children?" that I needed to be reminded of the absolute miracle that having a baby is. I loved all of my hospital experiences and remember the birth of each of my daughters perfectly. It is hard to believe that we'll be having another baby in August, but looking at these pictures of my precious little newborns is giving me something to look forward to.

 

 

Ellie Ashlyn – June 29, 2005

Adelyn Cate – May 25, 2007

Macie Abigail – August 31, 2008

And one of my favorite things ever – when they meet their new sister for the first time (look how stinkin’ little and cute they were back then!).

one little word 2011.

 

Last year I started doing “one little word” for the year (you can read about it here). It was great. Although I didn’t achieve all of my goals 100%, I made some definite progress, and am glad that I did it. This year, my one little word is smaller, and a bit more focused. With life getting even crazier this year, I needed something simple but important. My one little word is 

PRAYER.

According to the Gospel Library:

‘The Lord Jesus Christ commanded, "Ye must always pray unto the Father in my name" As we make a habit of approaching God in prayer, we will come to know Him and draw ever nearer to Him. Our desires will become more like His. We will be able to secure for ourselves and for others blessings that He is ready to give if we will but in faith.’

I can’t think of anything more helpful in my life, my relationship with my husband, and in raising my kids than the blessings from sincere prayer promised here.

I also want to be super consistent with family prayer, and truly teach my kids how important prayer is.

Gordon B. Hinckley said:

‘I feel satisfied that there is no adequate substitute for the morning and evening practice of kneeling together—father, mother, and children. This, more than soft carpets, more than lovely draperies, more than cleverly balanced color schemes, is the thing that will make for better and more beautiful homes.’

I am so excited for the new year and all of the adventures and experiences it will bring. And I know it will be even better with consistent, meaningful prayer. 

Do you have one little word for 2011? 

sometimes….

 

sometimes, when you think you've got it all figured out...things change.

 

 

...life throws you a curve ball, just to make things a little more interesting.

 

 

...an "accident" or a "surprise" if you will.

 

 

...'cause, you know. life isn't crazy enough already, so let's just make things a little bit crazier.

 

 

 

 

 

ya. oops.

 

 

this was the little "surprise" that L.J. and I received on Christmas Eve.

 

 

wish us luck. 4 (and sometimes 5!) seems like a really big number to me right now!

christmas magic.

 

Our Christmas was magical. Visiting with Santa. Stewart family Christmas party. Christmas Eve dinner out then Temple Square.  Getting new fleece jammies to sleep in on Christmas Eve. Seeing what Santa brought and unwrapping presents. Playing. Homemade doughnuts Christmas morning. Family. Remembering Baby Jesus, and why that baby is so important. It was perfect. Hope yours was too. :)

Merry Christmas!

some pages.

There hasn’t been anything too exciting going on around here, just work, cleaning , laundry, and getting ready for Christmas. But due to some complaints that I haven’t been posting very much lately (guilty!), I thought I would post some scrapbook pages I’ve done recently. I’ve had a few friends come over lately that want to get started in digital scrapbooking so I could show them how to get started and show them my favorite sites. If anyone out there is interested, I would love to show you too (not that I am a guru or anything, but I sure love it). Let me know. :)