St. George

About 2 months ago... I know I am that slow getting this posted... my mom and I loaded up my 3 kids and braved the drive to St. George. My grandma has a place down there and we decided we should go and visit. Although grandma was extremely nice and invited us to stay with her and Gerald, we knew it would be a better idea to get a room at a nearby hotel so they would continue to love us after we were gone.

I was having major winter blues and needed to get out of my house and somewhere new... if only for a short while... and preferably somewhere warm. It was just what I needed. We had a great time just relaxing, playing and visiting. So glad we went!

My grandma's place is right across the street from the St. George Temple. We visited the Temple grounds every day we were there. The kids LOVED it! I still can't get over gram's prime location!

I even got my kids to pose for a few SECONDS to take some pics...

Ahhhh... we got one!

I love all of the different landscapes at this temple. So beautiful, so perfect for the climate.

 

I couldn't get over how WHITE this temple is. So clean and fresh! So beautiful! It was an overcast day and it seemed like the temple would blend in with the white clouds. So pretty.

We took some pictures on the big staircase. My kids are each a goose. A silly goose.

"I love to see the Temple, I'll go inside someday..."

Watch out world, here she comes

They seemed so small standing in front of and on this grand staircase in front of this grand building. It's a time I would love to freeze forever. A truly special moment.

Goose, I tell ya

This is my sweet grandma. She watched Cache while we ventured over to the temple. Isn't she wonderful? I couldn't ask for a better and more loving grandma.

One of the mornings we went for a walk on a pathway in St. George. It was so beautiful and so fun. The kids had a blast!

Reagan didn't want to ride in the stroller. She insisted on walking with grandma and Gerald.

My mom and aunt Trish are very fast and left us in the dust...

One of the days we went to the coolest water park in town. My kids had the best time and so did I! I wish we had something like this down the street! We could pack a lunch and our swimsuits and spend the afternoon. I didn't have to worry about it being too deep, as it was only a few inches deep, and the kids could do their own thing while I watched. It was VERY hard to leave!

My bathing beauty

It was hard to get them to slow down for the pictures. Mostly this is what I got...

We had the best time in St. George. Although we never did meet him. Reagan was convinced that we were going to go and see St. George, the person. I kept trying to explain that it was a place and not a person, but she couldn't quite grasp that. So every time we left the hotel she would ask if we were going to see St. George. Unfortunately we never did. Or did we every day? I'm not sure.

It was a great trip and I would love to do it again! Thanks mom for helping me and braving the craziness of our family! We all had a great time and were so happy to do it with you! And thanks grandma and Gerald for letting us come and visit you! I can see why you love it so much!

MB Sprout Burpie Winner

And the winner (according to Random.org) is...

Josie Peterson!

"Count me in! I see it, I love it, I want it."

It's your lucky day! Contact Ashlee at mbsprout@gmail.com to select your colors. Congratulations on winning your own set of 3 chenille & flannel burpies!

Giveaway!!!

It's that time again! Are you as excited as I am?

Today I have a great little goodie to give to one of you fine readers.

A set of 3 burp cloths in your choice of colors from MB Sprout!

These burpies are the BEST! I have them and LOVE them.

Here is is what Ashlee (creator of MB Sprout) has to say about them...

"Our burpies are made from soft flanel with an extra soft white chenille to clean up all of baby's spills. The Chenille back makes these burpies extremely absorbant. Chenille is very soft for your baby's face and gets softer with each wash."

I can attest to that!

Ok, here's how to win...

Just leave a comment here and I will randomly pick a winner on Saturday at noon. Winner will be announced later Saturday afternoon.

Spread the word so everyone can participate in the giveaway! And don't forget to check out Ashlee's new Store at mbsprout.blogspot.com for all of the other cute things she has to offer!

My Mothers

My Mothers.

I wanted to take a moment and say thank you to my mothers.

Let me tell you why I am so lucky.

I have the greatest mom. It is true. She does more for me than anyone in the world. And that is a lot. My mom is always babysitting for me so I can get things done, and taking on three kids is no small feet. She does it with a smile on her face and excitement in her voice. Not something I would ever expect, but am so grateful for.

My mom walks with me almost every day so that I can get some needed exercise. She calls me every day to check in and make sure things are going alright.

My mom is extremely thoughtful and is always pulling out something she saw at a store that she thought I or my kids might need or like. She is constantly concerned that the the kids and Steve and I are well and healthy.

My mom always supports my decisions whether she agrees with them or not and tries to help me be as successful as I can in whatever I am doing. She is encouraging and optimistic.

As I was growing up I think my mom completely set her own wants and needs aside to make sure that Sky and could always call on her for whatever reason. I can't think of one time that she hasn't been there for me in all that I am doing or going through.

She is a listening ear and a smile at the door.

I feel so lucky to get to call her mom.
Thanks, Mom, for being you.

And let's not forget...

I also have a wonderful Mother-in-law.

I don't know how I got so lucky as to marry into this wonderful family, but I am thankful that I did. From the day I met her, Anina has embraced me as her own and helped me feel like one of her own daughters. She is helpful and happy.

Anina raised Steve to be a wonderful husband and father and to her I am grateful for that. She is caring and thoughtful.

Anina has sent me many thoughtful cards and notes letting me know she is thinking of me and cares. She has always included me in all she is doing and her love has not gone unnoticed.

Anina loves my children and has always sought the best for them. She allows Steve and I to do our best at raising them and follows our lead. I can't tell you what a reassurance that is.

Thank you, Anina, for treating me like your very own.

I couldn't be luckier to be your daughter-in-law.

I would like to introduce...

Our new puppy!

Isn't he the sweetest thing you have ever seen?

He is seriously just a large puff ball. I just want to pet him all the time, he is so incredibly soft. Just LOVE him!

We got him last night and I am already in love.

He has the sweetest little personality. He wants to be loved all the time. All day long I keep finding him in the funniest spots around the house. He likes to crawl under chairs or try and snuggle up to blankets. I think he misses his family. I don't blame him. I hope he starts to feel like a part of our family. There is something special about having a puppy in the house. The kids are in heaven. Love that there is something that will chase them and something that they can cuddle. I love watching them with him. Can't wait to watch him grow!

Oh! I almost forgot! He is half Newfoundland and half St. Bernard. So this little guy is going to be BIG! We met the dad (the Newf) and the mom (St. Bernard) last night when we picked him up and they are large. They are also the most mellow dogs I have ever seen. They had about 4 little kids that were climbing all over them and they didn't even flinch. Super sweet. Super friendly. Love their demeanor. I didn't want to have to worry about the kids with a snappy or aggressive dog and I think we found the perfect one!

He doesn't have a name yet so any suggestions or recommendations will be gladly accepted!

Cache ~ 3 months

Can you believe it has been 3 months since I had my little toad?

The time truly has flown by. I feel like I was just in the hospital telling Steve he needed to go get the nurse because it was "time". His delivery was a breeze. So wonderful and special. No pain. (Thank you anesthesiologist). And exceptional doctor and nurses there to make the experience incredible.

If his delivery could have told me anything it would be that our experience with Cache at home as a baby would be very similar to my delivery of him. It's been a breeze. So wonderful and special. He really is such a good baby. Sleeps all day, still, and is all smiles when he is awake. As long as I stay on top of meal time, he is a happy baby. How did I get so lucky? I ask myself that about a lot of things. I really do feel lucky in my life. So lucky to have 3 beautiful, healthy little children who completely make my life worth while.

Happy 3 month birthday Cache! Keep those chubbs coming, I can't get enough!

Where did all the time go?

Is your life as crazy as mine? I feel like time keeps spinning faster and faster and I don't know how I can fit everything I need to for others and for myself into my life. Things are getting left at the wayside and I am feeling really bad about it. I know I am not the only one trying to do a lot. I know a lot of poeple who take on so much more than I could dream of doing and they do it with ease. How do they do it? There are days when I can barely keep my head above water. But then the day ends and I am so happy I was able to get it all done.

A friend of mine has been posting some tips on time management and becoming the "CEO" of your home. I loved all of her tips and tricks for taking charge of your schedule. You can check her out here. Thanks, Britt. Sometimes with all of the things that I try and cram into my day I wonder if I'm not being the best me. Am I being torn in so many directions that I can't fully do the best at all of them? Am I just an ok mom because they don't always get 100% of my attention? Am I just an ok wife because I only make dinner 2 or 3 times a week and leave him with the kids some nights of the week because of other commitments I have? Am I putting everything I can into my photography to develop this talent that I have come to love so that I can be the best that I can be? Let's not forget my church calling... Am I really giving the Lord everything I can in serving the members of my ward in the way he would like me to?

I don't know.

How do we ever know? I have been struggling with this question for awhile now and I haven't come up with an answer. I know I feel frustrated at times trying to juggle everything. I know I feel guilty when I can't sit and play with my kids all day or have to run out the door right when my husband gets home. I don't know if those feelings will ever go away.

I have made a few changes and I am already feeling a little bit better about things. For one thing, I try not to even turn on my computer until my kids go down for their naps. My computer calls my name on a regular basis and I can fall into the endless blogs and websites that are a huge interest to me, not to mention the mounting editing that I need to get done. But I have decided that the mornings - until nap time -  are for my kids, not for me, and I am really enjoying the time I am spending with them. Another thing is dinners. I have decided that I will try at least one new recipe a week and so far that has been really fun for me and I think for Steve. I have never been big into cooking, Steve can attest to this, but I have found that trying new things makes it a lot more fun. Of course it isn't always a success, but every now and then I find something that is a hit with the family and I add it to my regular list. Steve and I have had a lot of talks about teaching our children and how we can help them become good people who are respectful, thoughtful, caring. You know, everything you really hope and want for your children. I am sure there are a million things that we could be doing, we are far from perfect, but we decided one thing we can do better is spending more time together. We are trying to hold family home evening regularly together as a little family. We have a lesson, an activity and a treat. Our kids are loving it, and to be honest so am I. I really do look forward to Monday nights with my family.

I know this isn't much, but it is a start. Do you have anything that helps you stay on track? Do you have tips or tricks to make it through a busy week? I would love to hear about it!

And the winner is...

Rach!

"Um yes please that fabric is so yummy!!! My little Missy would love to hide under there I just know it!!!!:)"

I am so happy that your little one will get to enjoy this cover! I hope you enjoy it too. I sure love mine!

Email me at sarahd28@gmail.com to get your prize!

Cache's Blessing Day

We blessed Cache the beginning of April.

It was such a special day. I can't tell you how perfect it was.
The first reason it was perfect is that we didn't have to have people over to our house after the big event. Thank you Anina for being so gracious and letting us invade your home. And thanks mom for offering, you need to move closer! The other reasons it was perfect were 1- Cache was an angel the whole day! It's true, I'm not even exagerating. He didn't cry during his blessing or any of sacrament meeting for that matter. He was just happy and content. But that is how he usually is so I guess I shouldn't be surprised. 2- He kept his sweet little blessing outfit totally clean! No spit-ups, no blow-outs. I think that was a complete miracle. One I will take any day of the week. 3- We were surrounded by so many people that we love and care about. I am always amazed by our great family and just as great friends. It is these people that make me so happy every day and feel so completely blessed. Thank you all for coming and supporting us. I took a gazillion pictures.

Here are some for you to enjoy...

Our other little ones...

Cute family and friends that came, sorry I didn't get pictures of everyone... there were soooo many! I do love you all!

And of course, let's not forget all the yummy food that was provided!