tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-129821312024-03-13T13:38:24.676-07:00Colin, Mandy, and ElizaThis site is for us to keep you informed of what we feel like sharing.Colinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03623975896483261288noreply@blogger.comBlogger182125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12982131.post-43428670055670784002012-08-05T11:06:00.000-07:002012-08-05T11:06:09.304-07:00Summer Re-cap: Part IIt's Sunday. Colin banished me from church so that I could come home and rest. I have a really unpleasant cold brought on from lack of sleep, no physical exercise and STRESS from finals week last week. I may be sick but at least I aced my finals, phew. <br />
<br />
Another one down (semester) and only 5 more to go. Sort of depressing actually, I have 2 more years left of school. Now that I have the first year out of the way I get to actually start learning about the things that I am really going back to school for, women's health and nurse midwifery. We start clinicals in the fall which I look forward to. Has this year been hard? I would say, yes. I have had some great lessons in time management, which I am still working on. But I think the greatest lesson I have learned this past year has been that even though we are doing the right thing, it still doesn't guarantee that it will be easy. One step at a time...<br />
<br />
Despite being in school, we have had a full and fun summer. We went to trek with our ward, I had a girls reunion in Park City, Spencer (Colin's twin) got married and we made cherry jam, swam a lot, played outside everyday, played with grandma's when mom had to go to lab (so nice both grandma's are off in the summer's so Eliza didn't have to go to "school" she just got to have fun with them) and have eaten lots of popsicles and ice cream (my new favorite: Ben & Jerry's greek yogurt blueberry and graham cracker).<br />
<br />
Trek: Our ward did a family trek. I am not sure I will ever go again ( I despise camping and outdoor toilets) but it was a unique opportunity to go to Wyoming. We got to trek in Martin's Cove and visit Independence Rock and Devil's gate. It wasn't until the drive home though as our daughter slept in her car seat, exhausted, that I really felt the spirit of trek as I read to Colin the pioneer stories we were given. I always used to think that the pioneers had it hard physically but we have it hard spiritually, until I read about a mother who lost her baby, and a husband who lost his wife, and a mother who lost both limbs and on and on. They sacrificed it all for their belief in the restored gospel. Amazing! I think saints in years past and today are all connected in that regardless of our wordly circumstances, we strive to do the right thing and endure to the end. I am grateful for the experience as it gave me a new perspective. BTW Eliza has an extremely nice and talented grandma Thomas who outfitted her whole wardrobe. Isn't she the cutest pioneer you ever saw? She did amazing and so did Colin, they both seemed to love it, I just muddled through.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0PqwJ-UWX_4/UB6tN-UcCkI/AAAAAAAACpM/-fnJDFvClxQ/s1600/DSCN0776.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0PqwJ-UWX_4/UB6tN-UcCkI/AAAAAAAACpM/-fnJDFvClxQ/s400/DSCN0776.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0vuKSEwp_Do/UB6tf1lhpFI/AAAAAAAACpU/jhbEW-t5f3w/s1600/DSCN0783.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0vuKSEwp_Do/UB6tf1lhpFI/AAAAAAAACpU/jhbEW-t5f3w/s400/DSCN0783.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xGAm_NIhSUs/UB6ttDooy0I/AAAAAAAACpc/qfUSn-0wyok/s1600/DSCN0788.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xGAm_NIhSUs/UB6ttDooy0I/AAAAAAAACpc/qfUSn-0wyok/s400/DSCN0788.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4a8nPxBTBKg/UB6t2jVxO7I/AAAAAAAACpo/MzaLe9BeOqg/s1600/DSCN0826.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4a8nPxBTBKg/UB6t2jVxO7I/AAAAAAAACpo/MzaLe9BeOqg/s400/DSCN0826.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oYGnOvucm0g/UB6t-dfSZdI/AAAAAAAACpw/1RdEmZF_TPE/s1600/DSCN0830.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oYGnOvucm0g/UB6t-dfSZdI/AAAAAAAACpw/1RdEmZF_TPE/s400/DSCN0830.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WRRDTIiqCxE/UB6uMydL0uI/AAAAAAAACp4/eZzIh3bqVCw/s1600/DSCN0838.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WRRDTIiqCxE/UB6uMydL0uI/AAAAAAAACp4/eZzIh3bqVCw/s400/DSCN0838.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uha4dc4UqQM/UB6uYcaauRI/AAAAAAAACqA/jTnj8bcHlfQ/s1600/DSCN0839.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uha4dc4UqQM/UB6uYcaauRI/AAAAAAAACqA/jTnj8bcHlfQ/s400/DSCN0839.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s0rejQ8IPOI/UB6uijK4ReI/AAAAAAAACqM/g7nxnR71tsw/s1600/DSCN0845.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s0rejQ8IPOI/UB6uijK4ReI/AAAAAAAACqM/g7nxnR71tsw/s400/DSCN0845.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2eLAsvfnF2I/UB6uqShDxWI/AAAAAAAACqU/Py0FwQoIRiI/s1600/DSCN0848.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2eLAsvfnF2I/UB6uqShDxWI/AAAAAAAACqU/Py0FwQoIRiI/s400/DSCN0848.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SLlUrP-28tw/UB6uyOMYinI/AAAAAAAACqc/Oh5wv-FEUzE/s1600/DSCN0878.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SLlUrP-28tw/UB6uyOMYinI/AAAAAAAACqc/Oh5wv-FEUzE/s400/DSCN0878.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v4ceNKeJFKc/UB6vCDL7KQI/AAAAAAAACqs/4glhe6LXonU/s1600/DSCN0888.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v4ceNKeJFKc/UB6vCDL7KQI/AAAAAAAACqs/4glhe6LXonU/s400/DSCN0888.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3oxIuEnPRNs/UB6sHie3hTI/AAAAAAAACo4/1v1y9NMzzA4/s1600/DSCN0785.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3oxIuEnPRNs/UB6sHie3hTI/AAAAAAAACo4/1v1y9NMzzA4/s400/DSCN0785.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vX-aMorJJxk/UB6sOVSGV6I/AAAAAAAACpA/IYYGbCtfUA8/s1600/DSCN0798.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vX-aMorJJxk/UB6sOVSGV6I/AAAAAAAACpA/IYYGbCtfUA8/s400/DSCN0798.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Girls trip: I was lucky enough to have a girl's reunion in Park City this summer with all of my closest girlfriends that I have known all my life. It was so fun! We ate, we talked, we talked some more, we swam, we went on the alpine slides etc. There is something about being around the girls who have known you since you were little that was so edifying. Hopefully it is not 4 years until we get together again. Eliza got to hold Mel's baby and it was all she could talk about for a few days.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8WW9xguSuPA/UB602cOiFJI/AAAAAAAACrE/2g8y12Lq5uQ/s1600/DSCN0925.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8WW9xguSuPA/UB602cOiFJI/AAAAAAAACrE/2g8y12Lq5uQ/s320/DSCN0925.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9AGOM4CV2Lk/UB60_a_B33I/AAAAAAAACrM/ZbiipmOJNyQ/s1600/DSCN0924.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9AGOM4CV2Lk/UB60_a_B33I/AAAAAAAACrM/ZbiipmOJNyQ/s320/DSCN0924.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YC8Rd_HoG2Q/UB61FwEj7DI/AAAAAAAACrU/-pENIgMN2vU/s1600/DSCN0933.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YC8Rd_HoG2Q/UB61FwEj7DI/AAAAAAAACrU/-pENIgMN2vU/s320/DSCN0933.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02306392888818965606noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12982131.post-45376159437851656912012-07-02T12:52:00.000-07:002012-07-02T12:59:30.551-07:00<h3 style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;">
Feb 2012 - snow day<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span></h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ChjnAIp_9rc/T_H9bSukbzI/AAAAAAAACoU/DObbF-V5XzI/s1600/DSC02627.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ChjnAIp_9rc/T_H9bSukbzI/AAAAAAAACoU/DObbF-V5XzI/s320/DSC02627.JPG" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B9aWCZ59oOs/T_H9jvtp2_I/AAAAAAAACoc/lCP3yhXRDJs/s1600/DSC02632.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B9aWCZ59oOs/T_H9jvtp2_I/AAAAAAAACoc/lCP3yhXRDJs/s320/DSC02632.JPG" width="180" /></a></div>
<h3 style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">March 2012 - getting dressed
</span></h3>
<h3>
</h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UZEKij06P8k/T_HuKAtVqNI/AAAAAAAACmE/JV6Nv92244w/s1600/DSC02639.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UZEKij06P8k/T_HuKAtVqNI/AAAAAAAACmE/JV6Nv92244w/s400/DSC02639.JPG" width="225" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ra7FmmNtS30/T_HuJyakayI/AAAAAAAACl4/DPn02pBit1Q/s1600/DSC02638.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ra7FmmNtS30/T_HuJyakayI/AAAAAAAACl4/DPn02pBit1Q/s400/DSC02638.JPG" width="225" /></a></div>
<h3 style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;">
April 2012 - random pictures, Colin's 29th birthday
</h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M_W8kQy4T_w/T_HxTFSqBPI/AAAAAAAACmU/NsiwNo6xwjg/s1600/DSC01857.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M_W8kQy4T_w/T_HxTFSqBPI/AAAAAAAACmU/NsiwNo6xwjg/s400/DSC01857.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OpbYC-ONYos/T_HxT1BY6cI/AAAAAAAACmg/oBSLRaM8QJo/s1600/DSC01861.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OpbYC-ONYos/T_HxT1BY6cI/AAAAAAAACmg/oBSLRaM8QJo/s400/DSC01861.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_74uz7CoXp0/T_HxUuNaKjI/AAAAAAAACm4/xvyi8M_qr34/s1600/DSC01884.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_74uz7CoXp0/T_HxUuNaKjI/AAAAAAAACm4/xvyi8M_qr34/s400/DSC01884.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nwi1kZfoK0Q/T_HxUT0W7II/AAAAAAAACms/eG_-RWF824g/s1600/DSC01883.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nwi1kZfoK0Q/T_HxUT0W7II/AAAAAAAACms/eG_-RWF824g/s400/DSC01883.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<h3 style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;">
May 2012 - Mother's day, park, Eliza's 1st haircut
</h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KPmbnwJbzz8/T_H0ArrzPmI/AAAAAAAACnI/gW7UlVD9cV8/s1600/DSC01907.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KPmbnwJbzz8/T_H0ArrzPmI/AAAAAAAACnI/gW7UlVD9cV8/s400/DSC01907.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e08lalhcN0U/T_H1urreWQI/AAAAAAAACnU/C114RhmKGGw/s1600/DSC01917.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e08lalhcN0U/T_H1urreWQI/AAAAAAAACnU/C114RhmKGGw/s400/DSC01917.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ISIwwaecXtA/T_H2TOzlPuI/AAAAAAAACng/upQnvJhmFco/s1600/DSC01916.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ISIwwaecXtA/T_H2TOzlPuI/AAAAAAAACng/upQnvJhmFco/s400/DSC01916.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--TnY9YE0f3Y/T_H50RayVrI/AAAAAAAACoI/8pXn_5OyQjA/s1600/DSC01988.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--TnY9YE0f3Y/T_H50RayVrI/AAAAAAAACoI/8pXn_5OyQjA/s400/DSC01988.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Es9LfnaVbxY/T_H5zQfSbsI/AAAAAAAACnw/8P8GH5Qy56g/s1600/DSC01991.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Es9LfnaVbxY/T_H5zQfSbsI/AAAAAAAACnw/8P8GH5Qy56g/s400/DSC01991.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-snUQZAvPMKU/T_H5z_ec0xI/AAAAAAAACn8/RPTlwYCRTFw/s1600/DSC01990.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-snUQZAvPMKU/T_H5z_ec0xI/AAAAAAAACn8/RPTlwYCRTFw/s400/DSC01990.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02306392888818965606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12982131.post-42213813207977340982012-07-01T03:09:00.000-07:002012-07-01T03:10:37.094-07:00No Spend MonthSorry about the blogging hiatus. I will get some pictures posted soon. We have had a very fun and busy summer. It is already July and time is slipping away from me quickly.
Last weekend I was lucky enough to have a girl's reunion with all of the girl's I have grown-up with. It was so fun and therapeutic! We talked a lot! One thing that resonated with me was our discussions on budgeting. I have been thinking a lot about ways that I can be better at budgeting. I am not going to lie, I have never budgeted well. Thanks to my very financially savvy husband we have savings and a home but I would like to develop this skill/practice more so I can set a better example for Eliza and surprise my husband!
Thanks to pinterest I was introduced to the No Spend Month, from the <a href="http://smallnotebook.org/2008/07/01/july-is-no-spend-month-whats-it-about/">Small Notebook blog</a>.
Basically, <b>the challenge is to spend less than $250 in 31 days</b>. The reason I want to do this is because I spend a lot of time looking for things to buy to improve our home and lifestyle. Imagine what I could do with that spare time; spend more time with my husband, play with my daughter more, do more crafts, clean my house more, make more green smoothies, do more for other people! Maybe instead of shopping (online or in-person, dang you TJ MAXX and Target!) I could finish all of the projects on my to-do list?
So this challenge is meaningful to me in 2 ways, 1) to spend less and learn how to budget but even more importantly it will 2) free up some more of my precious, never-enough time so that I can pursue more meaningful activities.
I am blogging this so I can be accountable! So for the next 31 days I will spend less than $300 (sorry, I need the extra $50, I am not a miracle-worker :)). This will not include gas or household bills (mortgage, utilities etc.), savings, tithing etc. Basically this is the money I would use on groceries, food/entertainment, shopping at Target and TJMaxx convincing myself I need things for my house or Eliza etc.
Do you think I can do it? Good, because I don't! But, I will try and I will tell you all about it!Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02306392888818965606noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12982131.post-75555791596177609872012-04-18T18:59:00.000-07:002012-04-18T18:59:39.440-07:00toddler or twin bed?toddler, <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sj-H_8J7eVo/T49lkAQqu6I/AAAAAAAACkc/cn8jZ-Nm4uk/s1600/toddlerbed" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="148" width="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sj-H_8J7eVo/T49lkAQqu6I/AAAAAAAACkc/cn8jZ-Nm4uk/s200/toddlerbed" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z51O6knYf5Y/T49md9haWNI/AAAAAAAACko/kjEe1ln19WI/s1600/toddlercanopy" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="182" width="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z51O6knYf5Y/T49md9haWNI/AAAAAAAACko/kjEe1ln19WI/s200/toddlercanopy" /></a></div><br />
or, twin?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FStQwl2Xl6w/T49xGZhbwvI/AAAAAAAAClA/NQyoZm7XOy0/s1600/twin2" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="164" width="186" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FStQwl2Xl6w/T49xGZhbwvI/AAAAAAAAClA/NQyoZm7XOy0/s200/twin2" /></a></div><br />
(Life altering decisions I know!)Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02306392888818965606noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12982131.post-64473619089826653712012-04-15T06:10:00.001-07:002012-04-15T08:06:49.388-07:00Night-shift ReflectionsWelcome to my new series called "Night-shift Reflections". Sometimes when I am awake in the middle of the night (at work) I reflect. My topic tonight, simplify. <br />
<br />
<i>"We women have a lot to learn about simplifying our lives. We have to decide what is important and than move along at a pace that is comfortable for us. We have to develop the maturity to stop trying to prove something. We have to learn to be content with what we are." Marjorie Hinckley</i><br />
<br />
I love this quote and many things about it resonate with me.<br />
<br />
1) simplifying our lives. <br />
<br />
I have been thinking about how much time I waste on the internet. Don't get me wrong, I do not think that the internet is all bad. I love catching up on my friend's blogs or searching pinterest for great recipes or home decorating ideas. I have learned a lot about budgeting, DIY home projects, cute church ideas and making more wholesome and creative meals from the internet. But I have started to feel this sense that I need to do it all and this is overwhelming and counter-productive.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iQTFCr7NGYM/T4rIQHkCHoI/AAAAAAAACj4/7sfCp6a8Dl4/s1600/DSC02567.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="225" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iQTFCr7NGYM/T4rIQHkCHoI/AAAAAAAACj4/7sfCp6a8Dl4/s400/DSC02567.JPG" /></a></div><br />
2) develop the maturity to stop trying to prove something. <br />
<br />
I recently decided I was going to run a half-marathon this summer. Mostly because I have been running on my treadmill a lot and I thought it was a worthy goal and I might possibly lose some weight in the process. I hurt my knee last week and had to take a few days off running. Then I thought, why am I doing this in the first place? Just to say I did it? Who really cares? It wasn't that I was trying to prove to someone else but more that I was trying to prove to myself that I can do it. Then I finally gave myself permission to NOT do it and it is a relief!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SAz99aqRgco/T4rIQQQJLEI/AAAAAAAACkA/pRr8V77fU9c/s1600/DSC02623.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="225" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SAz99aqRgco/T4rIQQQJLEI/AAAAAAAACkA/pRr8V77fU9c/s400/DSC02623.JPG" /></a></div><br />
3)move along at a pace that is comfortable for us.<br />
<br />
This sort of brought it all home for me. There are a lot of great things to do in life but I finally have realized that I do not have to do them all today. There will be time to garden, to read books for leisure, to run half-marathons, to sew, to travel, to have chickens :, to get involved in politics (yeah right, maybe never) one day, BUT I don't have to do it all right this minute. For me moving along at a comfortable pace means letting go of this notion that I can and need to do it all right NOW. Maybe I will plant (and kill) a tomato plant here and there or try to read a book once in a while or maybe not. <br />
<br />
I am in school, working part-time weekend nights and together with an awesome husband we are raising a toddler. Pretty sure that is enough without adding the extra burden of trying to achieve the unrealistic.<br />
<br />
I haven't lost the baby weight yet (probably won't until after the next baby) but I am kind and patient with Eliza, I won't be running a half-marathon but I tickle my husband's back almost every night, I rarely get dressed in anything other than my yoga pants if I don't have to but we sit on the couch as a family many nights and laugh and giggle (at all the cute things Eliza is doing), I don't have cute craft projects for my toddler to do 9 out of 10 times but I read to her everyday before nap and before bedtime, my house is often messy but I talk to my husband multiple times throughout the day just because we can't go more than a few hours without a play-by-play of each others day. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oIwtESgnXFg/T4rIQuESLQI/AAAAAAAACkQ/AjX18Dq7gUs/s1600/DSC02586.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="225" width="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oIwtESgnXFg/T4rIQuESLQI/AAAAAAAACkQ/AjX18Dq7gUs/s400/DSC02586.JPG" /></a></div><br />
I believe in hardwork. I believe in goal setting and stretching yourself to be better. I believe in creating opportunities for yourself and not burning bridges or shutting doors. I believe in making the home a sanctuary and to me that means decorating it with the things I love and of course, filling it with the smell of homemade cookies! I think it is great to cultivate your talents and find joy in creating, exploring, SHOPPING, baking, jogging. I happen to like Diet Coke and peanut M&M's for an afternoon snack. So this year is not going to be the year I run a half-marathon, clean between the oven doors, sew Eliza's princess costumes or make playdough from scratch but maybe this year I can learn to be happy with where I am at, with what I am doing and with who I am.Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02306392888818965606noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12982131.post-91701991161803408342012-04-01T06:04:00.002-07:002012-04-01T06:04:48.637-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-arfFaNrDBak/T3hEluS93pI/AAAAAAAACi8/t1sISd1dqNA/s1600/DSC02553.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="225" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-arfFaNrDBak/T3hEluS93pI/AAAAAAAACi8/t1sISd1dqNA/s400/DSC02553.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m14joD-4eCM/T3hEl3EA-II/AAAAAAAACjI/nGQafgUC_rk/s1600/DSC02557.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m14joD-4eCM/T3hEl3EA-II/AAAAAAAACjI/nGQafgUC_rk/s400/DSC02557.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9Spb1fI42iU/T3hEmaRpR_I/AAAAAAAACjU/b0lpT-cl3OA/s1600/DSC02559.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9Spb1fI42iU/T3hEmaRpR_I/AAAAAAAACjU/b0lpT-cl3OA/s400/DSC02559.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ybs0rTCZiQ0/T3hEmkJ6qaI/AAAAAAAACjc/xK-nAZa1WdU/s1600/DSC02560.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ybs0rTCZiQ0/T3hEmkJ6qaI/AAAAAAAACjc/xK-nAZa1WdU/s400/DSC02560.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XH04fvxsfQk/T3hEnFucTdI/AAAAAAAACjs/nuSkiHmIRLs/s1600/DSC02561.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XH04fvxsfQk/T3hEnFucTdI/AAAAAAAACjs/nuSkiHmIRLs/s400/DSC02561.JPG" /></a></div>Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02306392888818965606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12982131.post-66080490750731687672012-03-04T23:14:00.002-08:002012-03-04T23:17:27.672-08:00If you ask my toddler what she wants to eat...<br />
<br />
*how 'bout mac n cheese?<br />
*how 'bout candies?<br />
*how 'bout mac n cheese?<br />
<br />
but, the newest one...<br />
<br />
* how 'bout sugar cookies? (I laughed so hard when she said this, I love what she comes up with)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hAEL07rfBjA/T1Rof3qljYI/AAAAAAAACiw/znxnk7nEyjc/s1600/DSC02556.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="225" width="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hAEL07rfBjA/T1Rof3qljYI/AAAAAAAACiw/znxnk7nEyjc/s400/DSC02556.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LzxYnbi0NO4/T1RoGK2ofvI/AAAAAAAACik/9jzjFYefo34/s1600/DSC02446.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="225" width="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LzxYnbi0NO4/T1RoGK2ofvI/AAAAAAAACik/9jzjFYefo34/s400/DSC02446.JPG" /></a></div>Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02306392888818965606noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12982131.post-29038159505042689422012-02-28T21:26:00.002-08:002012-02-28T21:29:30.600-08:002 years old!Eliza had her golden birthday - turning 2 on the 2nd! I am a sucker for themed birthday parties so this year we went with the GOLD theme. Eliza wore a gold tutu, we had a gold cake and her presents were wrapped in gold. All of her grandparents came (even her great grandpa Bill) and her cousin Faith.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pFGKXFHo-d8/T021OFgVRBI/AAAAAAAACgs/lffjATue5Ok/s1600/DSC02503.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="225" width="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pFGKXFHo-d8/T021OFgVRBI/AAAAAAAACgs/lffjATue5Ok/s400/DSC02503.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-js6EZO7S15Y/T021OcU4N1I/AAAAAAAACg4/eUVk01-enD4/s1600/DSC02487.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="225" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-js6EZO7S15Y/T021OcU4N1I/AAAAAAAACg4/eUVk01-enD4/s400/DSC02487.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pHzONIZVn9A/T021O5Q-S1I/AAAAAAAAChE/6phw2hxaP2s/s1600/DSC02496.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="225" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pHzONIZVn9A/T021O5Q-S1I/AAAAAAAAChE/6phw2hxaP2s/s400/DSC02496.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-92XP91YqDJE/T021PRlJcjI/AAAAAAAAChQ/j9vPgFNIxhY/s1600/DSC02501.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="225" width="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-92XP91YqDJE/T021PRlJcjI/AAAAAAAAChQ/j9vPgFNIxhY/s400/DSC02501.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MPBs_ef9PGI/T021P41d5XI/AAAAAAAAChc/4kx9nWoZKT4/s1600/DSC02504.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="225" width="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MPBs_ef9PGI/T021P41d5XI/AAAAAAAAChc/4kx9nWoZKT4/s400/DSC02504.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ER4spfOUPKw/T022I1WH7dI/AAAAAAAACho/uwyoT4kfFfs/s1600/DSC02513.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="225" width="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ER4spfOUPKw/T022I1WH7dI/AAAAAAAACho/uwyoT4kfFfs/s400/DSC02513.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H6-u15KDGTw/T022KjqMzbI/AAAAAAAACh0/LcTixdW_B-I/s1600/DSC02515.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="225" width="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H6-u15KDGTw/T022KjqMzbI/AAAAAAAACh0/LcTixdW_B-I/s400/DSC02515.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Her favorite present was the mechanical dog (that walks and barks) from my mom. We captured a picture of her pure delight when she saw it - so cute!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ehUUAdpWIWA/T022LxG-KvI/AAAAAAAACiY/xgY5naxYwpw/s1600/DSC02530.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ehUUAdpWIWA/T022LxG-KvI/AAAAAAAACiY/xgY5naxYwpw/s400/DSC02530.JPG" /></a></div><br />
She also loved her baby Rapunzel doll (golden hair, haha!) and ever since she has been enamored with the story Rapunzel and the occasional clips from Tangled that we let her watch. She talks about the mean witch who cut off Rapunzel's hair and how she was scared. She always says "Rapunzel, let down your hair", "no more hair"(referring to the witch cutting off her hair).<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q5IegqEicMM/T022K4SCqFI/AAAAAAAACiA/eKqxi0qXukU/s1600/DSC02520.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q5IegqEicMM/T022K4SCqFI/AAAAAAAACiA/eKqxi0qXukU/s400/DSC02520.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nkqVg5UcRsA/T022LkN4dmI/AAAAAAAACiM/BpAw9rcWfsQ/s1600/DSC02528.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nkqVg5UcRsA/T022LkN4dmI/AAAAAAAACiM/BpAw9rcWfsQ/s400/DSC02528.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02306392888818965606noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12982131.post-55314928990314415522012-02-24T10:02:00.000-08:002012-02-24T10:02:09.368-08:00"daddy in the haust-a-ple"To wrap-up my blogging for Jan., Colin spent 2 weeks in the "haust-a-ple". It went well and quickly. Colin is in good health. Eliza had a blast riding on the IV pole through the halls of the hospital, making balloons out of latex gloves, socializing with all of the nurses and sitting on daddy's bed going up and down (mechanical bed that can go really low or really high). <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EfanZ5TL9ww/T0fP6WIYBwI/AAAAAAAACfM/n5VdsFILLfs/s1600/DSC02435.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="225" width="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EfanZ5TL9ww/T0fP6WIYBwI/AAAAAAAACfM/n5VdsFILLfs/s400/DSC02435.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MhPQiI9RIIU/T0fP6knhHqI/AAAAAAAACfY/p6q4bWuLn5g/s1600/DSC02438.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="225" width="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MhPQiI9RIIU/T0fP6knhHqI/AAAAAAAACfY/p6q4bWuLn5g/s400/DSC02438.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NuBHYcUTgW0/T0fP7ZFz2iI/AAAAAAAACfk/3gc6OaUT47I/s1600/DSC02441.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="225" width="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NuBHYcUTgW0/T0fP7ZFz2iI/AAAAAAAACfk/3gc6OaUT47I/s400/DSC02441.JPG" /></a></div>Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02306392888818965606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12982131.post-9818107882301493252012-01-26T11:42:00.000-08:002012-01-26T11:42:22.035-08:00My baby is going to be 2 years old next week! I can't believe it! She is still so little but it seems like yesterday that we were bringing her home from the hospital. I found this little poem somewhere in cyberland and thought it was so cute. It made me think about those first few months when all I did was hold my sweet, little girl. Now, I am lucky if she snuggles more than 2 minutes.<br />
<br />
Mother, O' Mother, come shake out your cloth,<br />
Empty the dustpan, poison the moth.<br />
Hang out the washing, make up the bed,<br />
Sew on a button and butter the bread.<br />
Where is the mother whose house is so shocking?<br />
She's up in the nursery, blissfully rocking.<br />
Dishes are waiting and bills are past due,<br />
Pat-a-cake, darling, and peek - peekaboo.<br />
The shopping's not done and there's nothing for stew,<br />
And out in the yard there's a hullabaloo.<br />
But I'm playing Kanga and this is my Roo.<br />
Look! Aren't his eyes the most wonderful hue?<br />
Lullaby, rockaby, lullaby loo.<br />
The cleaning and scrubbing can wait till tomorrow,<br />
But children grow up, as I've learned to my sorrow.<br />
So quiet down cobwebs; Dust go to sleep!<br />
I'm rocking my baby and babies don't keep.<br />
~ Ruth Hulbert Hamilton<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p3T94JOQ6QA/TyGruUVjDCI/AAAAAAAACeg/wtHpS9gntHs/s1600/IMG_3623.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="267" width="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p3T94JOQ6QA/TyGruUVjDCI/AAAAAAAACeg/wtHpS9gntHs/s400/IMG_3623.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tIZOefGpKrk/TyGrvJLo1aI/AAAAAAAACeo/Jl7I_MevVqc/s1600/DSC01081.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tIZOefGpKrk/TyGrvJLo1aI/AAAAAAAACeo/Jl7I_MevVqc/s400/DSC01081.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5btzPOSwgmQ/TyGrvobOUYI/AAAAAAAACe0/TKaQ71GJDfI/s1600/DSC01632.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5btzPOSwgmQ/TyGrvobOUYI/AAAAAAAACe0/TKaQ71GJDfI/s400/DSC01632.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oDg7O2NN_7Y/TyGrwLwRKrI/AAAAAAAACfA/dJdSqwMkFVI/s1600/DSC01505.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="225" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oDg7O2NN_7Y/TyGrwLwRKrI/AAAAAAAACfA/dJdSqwMkFVI/s400/DSC01505.JPG" /></a></div>Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02306392888818965606noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12982131.post-70037799661989179152012-01-22T13:05:00.000-08:002012-01-22T13:07:51.746-08:006-word-memoirHow would you describe your life in 6 words? For one of my classes we had to submit a <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ZOxhHXZW6o">6-word-memoir</a> for our introductions. This was really fun to try and describe myself in 6 words. Motherhood. Family. School. Hard-work. Sleep? Never. <br />
<br />
What I finally came up with was something I heard on ksl Studio 5 one morning <b>"there is magic in the mundane"</b>. That sums up my life. Most daily tasks are mundane - changing diapers, cleaning up messes, chores, exercise, grocery shopping, speckled with magical moments - like a toddler waking you up in the morning saying "mommy ere r ewe?", bear hugs, figuring out that she can take all off her clothes of and run naked through the house yelling "i naked!", or figuring out how to reach the candy dish and stuffing as much candy in her mouth as possible before mommy finds out. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tzVcYDrQML0/Txx5Y67XMyI/AAAAAAAACds/PnJ4VguhMJc/s1600/DSC02415.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="225" width="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tzVcYDrQML0/Txx5Y67XMyI/AAAAAAAACds/PnJ4VguhMJc/s400/DSC02415.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xeHWZw0mQYc/Txx55tMuqfI/AAAAAAAACd4/acStpS9EvVE/s1600/DSC02414.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="225" width="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xeHWZw0mQYc/Txx55tMuqfI/AAAAAAAACd4/acStpS9EvVE/s400/DSC02414.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-byNUkSVCQT0/Txx56NvEmwI/AAAAAAAACeI/gNKevDijuiM/s1600/DSC02413.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="225" width="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-byNUkSVCQT0/Txx56NvEmwI/AAAAAAAACeI/gNKevDijuiM/s400/DSC02413.JPG" /></a></div>Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02306392888818965606noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12982131.post-28032799618966730842012-01-18T21:53:00.000-08:002012-01-18T21:53:54.780-08:00sugar cookiesSome of my fondest memories growing-up were baking and decorating sugar cookies with my mom. She had an entire drawer in the kitchen devoted to cookie cutters so we could make cookies in any shape we imagined. My dream job would be a professional sugar cookie decorator! But it is way more fun to bake, decorate and eat sugar cookies with my sweet little baker! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YPBCyStDzw0/TxeuvcgsP6I/AAAAAAAACcw/G80dyLE6mO4/s1600/DSC02400.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="225" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YPBCyStDzw0/TxeuvcgsP6I/AAAAAAAACcw/G80dyLE6mO4/s400/DSC02400.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G6J3jb0n3bQ/Txeuvh7ng1I/AAAAAAAACc8/FI1jorWDrXw/s1600/DSC02402.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="225" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G6J3jb0n3bQ/Txeuvh7ng1I/AAAAAAAACc8/FI1jorWDrXw/s400/DSC02402.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IoLJpvg4l6c/TxeuwWBtSMI/AAAAAAAACdI/MbQwo0HanQM/s1600/DSC02405.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="225" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IoLJpvg4l6c/TxeuwWBtSMI/AAAAAAAACdI/MbQwo0HanQM/s400/DSC02405.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z1dwdlaLeg4/Txeuw_InJLI/AAAAAAAACdU/WrCoEDtJUgk/s1600/DSC02407.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="225" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z1dwdlaLeg4/Txeuw_InJLI/AAAAAAAACdU/WrCoEDtJUgk/s400/DSC02407.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ylvxBuih4W8/TxeuxagZBRI/AAAAAAAACdg/3vJKhMqSNBs/s1600/DSC02408.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="225" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ylvxBuih4W8/TxeuxagZBRI/AAAAAAAACdg/3vJKhMqSNBs/s400/DSC02408.JPG" /></a></div>Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02306392888818965606noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12982131.post-61477181625748570562012-01-15T03:00:00.000-08:002012-01-15T20:05:03.302-08:00we love to bakeWe love to bake and I have the best little helper, she loves to help me pour all the ingredients into the mixing bowl. Eliza loves to taste everything that goes into the bowl, especially the sugar and butter! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MzaA_hOxNz8/TxKwiyrIf6I/AAAAAAAACcA/Ig48itRJPLI/s1600/DSC02325.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="225" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MzaA_hOxNz8/TxKwiyrIf6I/AAAAAAAACcA/Ig48itRJPLI/s400/DSC02325.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hvoh-uUjHDQ/TxKwjJuRvsI/AAAAAAAACcM/qj4GlpO0zBE/s1600/DSC02329.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="225" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hvoh-uUjHDQ/TxKwjJuRvsI/AAAAAAAACcM/qj4GlpO0zBE/s400/DSC02329.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Cgmcnux23gI/TxKwjjsf0UI/AAAAAAAACcY/o6KideDF_FY/s1600/DSC02331.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="225" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Cgmcnux23gI/TxKwjjsf0UI/AAAAAAAACcY/o6KideDF_FY/s400/DSC02331.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-prF3E7c-Vlw/TxKwkMBTgqI/AAAAAAAACcg/VzzxZkFD-dU/s1600/DSC02332.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="225" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-prF3E7c-Vlw/TxKwkMBTgqI/AAAAAAAACcg/VzzxZkFD-dU/s400/DSC02332.JPG" /></a></div>Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02306392888818965606noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12982131.post-19613613578457244922012-01-11T14:18:00.000-08:002012-01-11T14:18:49.721-08:00Merry Christmas!It was neat to have Christmas on a Sunday. Colin and I were able to participate in our ward's Christmas program as narrators, which was a neat experience. After church we had a nice Christmas day and invited both of our families over for Christmas brunch. We had a lovely spread of homemade cinnamon rolls with maple frosting, bacon, fruit, egg casserole and lots of sweets! I took a lot of pictures on my mom's camera but not so many on mine.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-duhOIfVvvl4/Tw4DR0WdSyI/AAAAAAAACas/anrdholfhgk/s1600/DSC02346.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="225" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-duhOIfVvvl4/Tw4DR0WdSyI/AAAAAAAACas/anrdholfhgk/s400/DSC02346.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NEDvzDaHmpU/Tw4EqmOIKEI/AAAAAAAACbo/RJCHoe2zpLs/s1600/DSC02322.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NEDvzDaHmpU/Tw4EqmOIKEI/AAAAAAAACbo/RJCHoe2zpLs/s400/DSC02322.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UjtfJOMORoE/Tw4Eq_jAbLI/AAAAAAAACb0/xSqsUBzIvv8/s1600/DSC02338.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="225" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UjtfJOMORoE/Tw4Eq_jAbLI/AAAAAAAACb0/xSqsUBzIvv8/s400/DSC02338.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sqj1Z2q9Jhc/Tw4DSg9-uZI/AAAAAAAACbE/8T45018_PT0/s1600/DSC02344.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="225" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sqj1Z2q9Jhc/Tw4DSg9-uZI/AAAAAAAACbE/8T45018_PT0/s400/DSC02344.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bYTziPiY3ME/Tw4DSzjnsCI/AAAAAAAACbQ/lNo4rnf94pc/s1600/DSC02367.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="225" width="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bYTziPiY3ME/Tw4DSzjnsCI/AAAAAAAACbQ/lNo4rnf94pc/s400/DSC02367.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hxZhSD7TNVY/Tw4DTGxYD-I/AAAAAAAACbc/2gDEtHanumc/s1600/DSC02320.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hxZhSD7TNVY/Tw4DTGxYD-I/AAAAAAAACbc/2gDEtHanumc/s400/DSC02320.JPG" /></a></div>Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02306392888818965606noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12982131.post-11898085115003496752012-01-10T22:26:00.000-08:002012-01-10T22:26:12.559-08:00Christmas EveThis year we stopped by the Hogle Zoo Lights to visit Santa and his reindeer before having Christmas dinner at Grandpa & Grandma Thomas' house. Eliza loved the zoo lights and especially loved watching the real monkey's playing. She loved sitting on Santa's lap and could not stop talking about it. Aunt Kacy joined us for zoo lights too! The other highlight were the carolers who sang Eliza her favorite Christmas carol "fa la la la la la la la".<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yo9b-PKlMGk/Tw0qtUAEmGI/AAAAAAAACZ4/FNqWnpPcLes/s1600/DSC02285.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yo9b-PKlMGk/Tw0qtUAEmGI/AAAAAAAACZ4/FNqWnpPcLes/s400/DSC02285.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3CJi8HqOPok/Tw0qtqK3SvI/AAAAAAAACaE/uX3tiSid08A/s1600/DSC02263.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3CJi8HqOPok/Tw0qtqK3SvI/AAAAAAAACaE/uX3tiSid08A/s400/DSC02263.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0ZGeDZkipMw/Tw0quG7v0vI/AAAAAAAACaQ/7K1xKiCtiBg/s1600/DSC02293.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0ZGeDZkipMw/Tw0quG7v0vI/AAAAAAAACaQ/7K1xKiCtiBg/s400/DSC02293.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Dr_3DCiNMHk/Tw0qvowFQbI/AAAAAAAACac/AyEcm6eiwPQ/s1600/DSC02297.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Dr_3DCiNMHk/Tw0qvowFQbI/AAAAAAAACac/AyEcm6eiwPQ/s400/DSC02297.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yQTiS3im-Eg/Tw0pyKPnrEI/AAAAAAAACY8/2yHx4UVC77g/s1600/DSC02309.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yQTiS3im-Eg/Tw0pyKPnrEI/AAAAAAAACY8/2yHx4UVC77g/s400/DSC02309.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0o6VpF1QTFQ/Tw0pymxi0lI/AAAAAAAACZI/kfDoL3iu54c/s1600/DSC02262.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="225" width="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0o6VpF1QTFQ/Tw0pymxi0lI/AAAAAAAACZI/kfDoL3iu54c/s400/DSC02262.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hev2iaJL08A/Tw0pzYEj7iI/AAAAAAAACZU/N6uC2cMU1lM/s1600/DSC02303.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hev2iaJL08A/Tw0pzYEj7iI/AAAAAAAACZU/N6uC2cMU1lM/s400/DSC02303.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bdWG1ABiJXc/Tw0pz4jfT5I/AAAAAAAACZg/f0S4fC-VjIg/s1600/DSC02304.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bdWG1ABiJXc/Tw0pz4jfT5I/AAAAAAAACZg/f0S4fC-VjIg/s400/DSC02304.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s3Fjv_6smX8/Tw0p0dgpt2I/AAAAAAAACZs/IELuD9DZUd8/s1600/DSC02305.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s3Fjv_6smX8/Tw0p0dgpt2I/AAAAAAAACZs/IELuD9DZUd8/s400/DSC02305.JPG" /></a></div>Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02306392888818965606noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12982131.post-39165670458842021852012-01-10T22:10:00.000-08:002012-01-10T22:10:38.626-08:00Let it snow!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sqKP-y5aIQM/Tw0ngmSrCsI/AAAAAAAACYY/kvlQ8Ky1Ek4/s1600/DSC02231.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="225" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sqKP-y5aIQM/Tw0ngmSrCsI/AAAAAAAACYY/kvlQ8Ky1Ek4/s400/DSC02231.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bhSgEymPtOk/Tw0nhPAVLtI/AAAAAAAACYk/aJh8JKVNZTs/s1600/DSC02238.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="225" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bhSgEymPtOk/Tw0nhPAVLtI/AAAAAAAACYk/aJh8JKVNZTs/s400/DSC02238.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GNzeBd5XSro/Tw0nht5oEYI/AAAAAAAACYw/2RU8qRQKhk0/s1600/DSC02240.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="225" width="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GNzeBd5XSro/Tw0nht5oEYI/AAAAAAAACYw/2RU8qRQKhk0/s400/DSC02240.JPG" /></a></div>Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02306392888818965606noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12982131.post-73683984568418240012012-01-10T22:05:00.000-08:002012-01-10T22:05:32.473-08:00daddy's ties<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cYOrRYET7YE/Tw0mnbkI4JI/AAAAAAAACX0/vCqkP-Bpnkc/s1600/DSC02227.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="225" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cYOrRYET7YE/Tw0mnbkI4JI/AAAAAAAACX0/vCqkP-Bpnkc/s400/DSC02227.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1LStK-vhGXs/Tw0mnrELRJI/AAAAAAAACYA/XBZjbh_FRB0/s1600/DSC02228.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="225" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1LStK-vhGXs/Tw0mnrELRJI/AAAAAAAACYA/XBZjbh_FRB0/s400/DSC02228.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DeZpjhNMTSQ/Tw0mogN0zQI/AAAAAAAACYM/nDmfHOiWAwU/s1600/DSC02229.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="225" width="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DeZpjhNMTSQ/Tw0mogN0zQI/AAAAAAAACYM/nDmfHOiWAwU/s400/DSC02229.JPG" /></a></div>Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02306392888818965606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12982131.post-73515165455529381012012-01-06T11:50:00.000-08:002012-01-06T11:54:04.731-08:002012!I am so behind on blogging and have too many cute pictures of our growing, adorable Eliza that I will post! 2011 was a great year and as we enjoyed good health, especially Colin has done so well, Eliza turned 1, we have crossed-off several of our home improvement desires, I started graduate school and live to tell. Life has been full and happy and we are so grateful for such a productive and healthy year.<br />
<br />
This year Eliza will turn 2, Colin and I will celebrate our 6 year wedding anniversary, we hope to go on a vacation this summer to somewhere warm and beachy (our top choice is New England somewhere so we can eat lots of fresh lobster, but we are thinking of going to San Diego to play on the beach and take Eliza to the zoo), I will be half-way done with graduate school (at the end of the year) and we hope to get pregnant this year with baby #2 and #3 (hoping for twins!). <br />
<br />
I have lots of goals this year, I LOVE GOALS! I love being productive and although it drives Colin crazy sometimes (we get one thing done and I am on to the next) he is my biggest supporter! Among my many goals; saving money, being resourceful and using what I have more, finish up some more home projects, read the Book of Mormon by June, lose weight (the story of my life), perfect the sugar cookie and the chocolate chip cookie (and this is why I can't lose weight), make a photo recipe book, spend time with my family and enjoy each stage of Eliza's life (which I do!), get pregnant, learn as much as I can in school and enjoy the process and be grateful for the opportunity to be a student and my BIGGEST and MOST IMPORTANT personal goal is to learn the art of being content.<br />
<br />
My biggest challenge is that I like to always feel like I am progressing and being productive. This is not a bad thing however it would be wise for me to slow down sometimes and just enjoy! JUST ENJOY! My dad is building a house in "the country" and Eliza, Jonas and I went with my dad to visit the construction. It looks beautiful and sits on 5 acres of beautiful county land. Eliza and Jonas were loving the freedom of running around, looking at the horses and the rocks and the stream. As the sun was shining its warmth on us and my daughter was happily running around with the dog I had this moment of pure CONTENTMENT, time stood still. Nothing else mattered but the fact that this moment was perfection and bliss, I was so happy. I realized I need to have more of these moments in 2012, and create a life of happiness, freedom, exploration and learning for my family. I don't want to be so busy that I don't have time to let my child enjoy running down the country road with the dog just enjoying her ability to run and explore! Her happiness fills me with happiness. <br />
<br />
I look forward to this new year as I strive to learn how to be CONTENT and JUST ENJOY all that God has given me because I truly am so blessed to have Colin & Eliza and such a large and loving extended family.Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02306392888818965606noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12982131.post-15433009346397320802011-12-13T21:46:00.000-08:002011-12-13T21:58:29.352-08:00Just thought you might like to knowI just discovered these <a href="http://lds.org/bible-videos/videos?lang=eng">Life of Jesus Christ Bible videos</a> today. I like them because I am such a visual learner and I look forward to more of them. Anyway just thought you might like to know.Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02306392888818965606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12982131.post-69919818638898188102011-11-06T01:10:00.000-07:002011-11-06T01:13:33.429-08:00Lil' WitchThis was Eliza's 2nd Halloween. It was so fun to take her trick-or-treating and she caught on quick. She was more interested in socializing with other kids than actually getting candy. She was a lil' witch and her grandma loving sewed her an adorable witch costume. We had Eliza's grandma's (Joey & Beth), great grandma Knecht, grandpa Atkin, Kacy and Spencer over for a little Halloween festivities. We ate dinner, went trick-or-treating and decorated sugar cookies. I actually love Halloween even though it is such a strange concept. I am all about having a good excuse to get together and celebrate! <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x3pZX3FQlqA/TrY6t3qOWpI/AAAAAAAACT8/5DPplCmzQ7E/s1600/DSC02120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="388" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x3pZX3FQlqA/TrY6t3qOWpI/AAAAAAAACT8/5DPplCmzQ7E/s400/DSC02120.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VMUexgv1jlI/TrY6uEnhn3I/AAAAAAAACUE/fMQkPfWDY0Q/s1600/DSC02119.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="351" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VMUexgv1jlI/TrY6uEnhn3I/AAAAAAAACUE/fMQkPfWDY0Q/s400/DSC02119.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Aekai2chrF4/TrY8e0AG4dI/AAAAAAAACVo/Ybmy49UeeKA/s1600/DSC02190.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="238" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Aekai2chrF4/TrY8e0AG4dI/AAAAAAAACVo/Ybmy49UeeKA/s400/DSC02190.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_Z6Tn2rMJ0Q/TrY8dOYY-JI/AAAAAAAACVE/jqaNd_nBVko/s1600/DSC02179.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="318" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_Z6Tn2rMJ0Q/TrY8dOYY-JI/AAAAAAAACVE/jqaNd_nBVko/s400/DSC02179.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2UNqZG6SkX0/TrY8dlXHl7I/AAAAAAAACVU/14mkid3njbM/s1600/DSC02078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="225" width="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2UNqZG6SkX0/TrY8dlXHl7I/AAAAAAAACVU/14mkid3njbM/s400/DSC02078.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JBQvF9B5WSU/TrY8eUvrJUI/AAAAAAAACVc/hcTzH4MaRP8/s1600/DSC02082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="225" width="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JBQvF9B5WSU/TrY8eUvrJUI/AAAAAAAACVc/hcTzH4MaRP8/s400/DSC02082.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nqBDVSoOU_0/TrY6vdiPjlI/AAAAAAAACUg/TEwqq6hJRv8/s1600/DSC02165.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="225" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nqBDVSoOU_0/TrY6vdiPjlI/AAAAAAAACUg/TEwqq6hJRv8/s400/DSC02165.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ldT7rG-iIjw/TrY6vpTsN6I/AAAAAAAACUs/5RGExbuo87I/s1600/DSC02155.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="225" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ldT7rG-iIjw/TrY6vpTsN6I/AAAAAAAACUs/5RGExbuo87I/s400/DSC02155.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k60AXXpRxBM/TrZAI9QJ_LI/AAAAAAAACWU/f01idgUo9og/s1600/DSC02103.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k60AXXpRxBM/TrZAI9QJ_LI/AAAAAAAACWU/f01idgUo9og/s400/DSC02103.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cbNVXoiwsYQ/TrZEde0gt0I/AAAAAAAACW4/u3gEHhSKbZA/s1600/DSC02121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="259" width="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cbNVXoiwsYQ/TrZEde0gt0I/AAAAAAAACW4/u3gEHhSKbZA/s400/DSC02121.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZGvfAqUtNw4/TrZEecbwUdI/AAAAAAAACXQ/vK0pkabAsVw/s1600/DSC02071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZGvfAqUtNw4/TrZEecbwUdI/AAAAAAAACXQ/vK0pkabAsVw/s400/DSC02071.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5RUdgjlDjjU/TrZEeiAA9UI/AAAAAAAACXc/nog9exdHYhQ/s1600/DSC02086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5RUdgjlDjjU/TrZEeiAA9UI/AAAAAAAACXc/nog9exdHYhQ/s400/DSC02086.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KwfW5V9n-yg/TrZEfPt7L9I/AAAAAAAACXo/0ZbVoK6AZeo/s1600/DSC02092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KwfW5V9n-yg/TrZEfPt7L9I/AAAAAAAACXo/0ZbVoK6AZeo/s400/DSC02092.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O2IVLsRYzIo/TrZAHosXOlI/AAAAAAAACV8/uHQlC2X4qvI/s1600/DSC02107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="225" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O2IVLsRYzIo/TrZAHosXOlI/AAAAAAAACV8/uHQlC2X4qvI/s400/DSC02107.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BCjbu1G2tZg/TrZAJ8qXllI/AAAAAAAACWo/3A3E7Bd_EZk/s1600/DSC02110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="225" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BCjbu1G2tZg/TrZAJ8qXllI/AAAAAAAACWo/3A3E7Bd_EZk/s400/DSC02110.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uoIr15-1u1E/TrZAH4kNmuI/AAAAAAAACWM/rOYjRohcNs8/s1600/DSC02096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uoIr15-1u1E/TrZAH4kNmuI/AAAAAAAACWM/rOYjRohcNs8/s400/DSC02096.JPG" /></a></div>Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02306392888818965606noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12982131.post-84300427078096685032011-10-29T00:04:00.000-07:002011-10-29T00:18:30.666-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xSEvuvLD478/Tquoq2uCrhI/AAAAAAAACRI/Q5QOOjK7RiM/s1600/DSC02028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xSEvuvLD478/Tquoq2uCrhI/AAAAAAAACRI/Q5QOOjK7RiM/s400/DSC02028.JPG" /></a></div>Last night Eliza woke up crying and saying "mama, mama" (music to my ears). I grabbed her and put her in bed with us. Normally in the past if I try to have her sleep with us she decides it is play time. But last night she fell right asleep in between us. Needless to say it was not a good night sleep, Eliza is quite the wiggle worm. Colin and I were laughing about how she took over the bed. But as miserable as that sleep was I loved it! I just love that little girl, I sure love her dad and am so grateful for those two. And then I saw this quote and it made me cry because I do not want these precious moments to ever end, I know they will one day but for right now I am just enjoying the lack of sleep, the messy house, the crazy but wonderful life of being a mother to an almost 2 year old, may it not pass too quickly. <br />
<br />
<b>"For just a few years in a whole lifetime, there is that brief window to tenderly raise and enjoy the individuals who will be the most important to us throughout eternity. If we wish away the moments, they will be gone. The things we have wanted to leave, the mess, the noise, the obligations will be gone, but so will the children! This is true of every moment of life. If we do not see its joys, if we do not make the most of it, it will pass - and so will its opportunities."</b>Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02306392888818965606noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12982131.post-9476269909483058152011-10-02T06:18:00.000-07:002011-10-02T14:17:51.220-07:00what we've been up toloving chocolate pudding<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uT92KjfM7Xs/Tohe7WYrIQI/AAAAAAAACOg/lRBnjm1ushQ/s1600/DSC02028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="150" width="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uT92KjfM7Xs/Tohe7WYrIQI/AAAAAAAACOg/lRBnjm1ushQ/s200/DSC02028.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iXL5Uo6SoEk/Tohe73uC3OI/AAAAAAAACOo/p2MKXUE77OQ/s1600/DSC02031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="150" width="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iXL5Uo6SoEk/Tohe73uC3OI/AAAAAAAACOo/p2MKXUE77OQ/s200/DSC02031.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DTXoiG-tuOU/Tohe8bjT_uI/AAAAAAAACOw/DM7wVl4vGIE/s1600/DSC02027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="150" width="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DTXoiG-tuOU/Tohe8bjT_uI/AAAAAAAACOw/DM7wVl4vGIE/s200/DSC02027.JPG" /></a></div><br />
climbing on the dog "Dunno" (that is how Eliza says Jonas, she loves him, the feeling is not mutual)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fBFgerA-pbo/TohfTCeGaMI/AAAAAAAACO4/8Fhlx2TBSGg/s1600/DSC02045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="150" width="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fBFgerA-pbo/TohfTCeGaMI/AAAAAAAACO4/8Fhlx2TBSGg/s200/DSC02045.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Wa1Dd8hNi4I/TohfTnJeBpI/AAAAAAAACPA/HVxBkcOTMmU/s1600/DSC02046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="150" width="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Wa1Dd8hNi4I/TohfTnJeBpI/AAAAAAAACPA/HVxBkcOTMmU/s200/DSC02046.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h-t3kjuLamc/TohfTzGuBWI/AAAAAAAACPI/_dypFoWn8uc/s1600/DSC02043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="112" width="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h-t3kjuLamc/TohfTzGuBWI/AAAAAAAACPI/_dypFoWn8uc/s200/DSC02043.JPG" /></a></div><br />
climbing on dad<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qQQEoNg_iZc/TohgHzpEkwI/AAAAAAAACPQ/6Cq4PWepsDo/s1600/DSC02040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="112" width="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qQQEoNg_iZc/TohgHzpEkwI/AAAAAAAACPQ/6Cq4PWepsDo/s200/DSC02040.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xy7w3f-ULP8/TohgIyOQvBI/AAAAAAAACPg/VsLDrRLVEGw/s1600/DSC02033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="200" width="112" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xy7w3f-ULP8/TohgIyOQvBI/AAAAAAAACPg/VsLDrRLVEGw/s200/DSC02033.JPG" /></a></div><br />
visiting the animals at the fair<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oEqcaHSQiWU/TohglLRS0SI/AAAAAAAACPo/It0-b5Mfc0w/s1600/DSC02059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="200" width="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oEqcaHSQiWU/TohglLRS0SI/AAAAAAAACPo/It0-b5Mfc0w/s200/DSC02059.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_b02Y1m8N2k/TohglajrbBI/AAAAAAAACPw/5cqHiZrXXAs/s1600/DSC02064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="112" width="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_b02Y1m8N2k/TohglajrbBI/AAAAAAAACPw/5cqHiZrXXAs/s200/DSC02064.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9SjvQ5Grh00/TohglxZnm9I/AAAAAAAACP4/gjvlP_EMW7M/s1600/DSC02062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="200" width="112" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9SjvQ5Grh00/TohglxZnm9I/AAAAAAAACP4/gjvlP_EMW7M/s200/DSC02062.JPG" /></a></div><br />
wearing pig-tails<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sa9Chdb0pBk/TohhMq6WDDI/AAAAAAAACQA/GjnEjcG1uz0/s1600/DSC01711.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="150" width="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sa9Chdb0pBk/TohhMq6WDDI/AAAAAAAACQA/GjnEjcG1uz0/s200/DSC01711.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c952wMEB1Wo/TohhNKM_d3I/AAAAAAAACQI/xQXyFQaekL4/s1600/DSC01713.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="150" width="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c952wMEB1Wo/TohhNKM_d3I/AAAAAAAACQI/xQXyFQaekL4/s200/DSC01713.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OK-mr9tp59k/TohhNToTD0I/AAAAAAAACQQ/8uLReU8C1XA/s1600/DSC01709.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="200" width="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OK-mr9tp59k/TohhNToTD0I/AAAAAAAACQQ/8uLReU8C1XA/s200/DSC01709.jpg" /></a></div
loving yogurt
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XYTjAh0FtTg/TohiB78PJ4I/AAAAAAAACQY/bFigwHQ7eYE/s1600/DSC01735.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="200" width="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XYTjAh0FtTg/TohiB78PJ4I/AAAAAAAACQY/bFigwHQ7eYE/s200/DSC01735.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QyTKcPJ9tgY/TohiCW3S53I/AAAAAAAACQg/8kOoRqrRctY/s1600/DSC01737.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="200" width="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QyTKcPJ9tgY/TohiCW3S53I/AAAAAAAACQg/8kOoRqrRctY/s200/DSC01737.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aHz4vI0y79g/TohiC-96-wI/AAAAAAAACQo/O6rh4eMyw1A/s1600/DSC01740.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="200" width="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aHz4vI0y79g/TohiC-96-wI/AAAAAAAACQo/O6rh4eMyw1A/s200/DSC01740.jpg" /></a></div><br />
trying on shoes<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zDMdMhlyMg0/ToheMAamFvI/AAAAAAAACOI/LWhcHJOWPwg/s1600/DSC02018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="200" width="112" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zDMdMhlyMg0/ToheMAamFvI/AAAAAAAACOI/LWhcHJOWPwg/s200/DSC02018.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RRHUTUEjwww/ToheMvhRqiI/AAAAAAAACOQ/HKS8Oqnq7hM/s1600/DSC02020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="200" width="112" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RRHUTUEjwww/ToheMvhRqiI/AAAAAAAACOQ/HKS8Oqnq7hM/s200/DSC02020.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n34N5Oa142c/ToheND8EKwI/AAAAAAAACOY/2uSBPc-PecU/s1600/DSC02023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="200" width="112" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n34N5Oa142c/ToheND8EKwI/AAAAAAAACOY/2uSBPc-PecU/s200/DSC02023.JPG" /></a></div>Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02306392888818965606noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12982131.post-77998659348238137432011-09-05T20:39:00.000-07:002011-09-05T20:39:33.791-07:00These pictures crack me up. First she wants to climb in, then she wants out. Before I took her out I had to snap a few pictures of her in the baby doll cradle. I love how she has 2 babies in her arms. The next second she is giving me a very hesitant smile. She LOVES her baby dolls and loves pretending to feed them.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5QfWWwwmdkY/TmWUW4fBGuI/AAAAAAAACNg/LhcTpJnAOIc/s1600/DSC02006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="225" width="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5QfWWwwmdkY/TmWUW4fBGuI/AAAAAAAACNg/LhcTpJnAOIc/s400/DSC02006.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0288r2zR4Ks/TmWUXMwMckI/AAAAAAAACNo/fxvfEJKH4v4/s1600/DSC02003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="225" width="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0288r2zR4Ks/TmWUXMwMckI/AAAAAAAACNo/fxvfEJKH4v4/s400/DSC02003.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GAI_QoiNykQ/TmWUXUGV89I/AAAAAAAACNw/13ufjmqv58w/s1600/DSC02001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="225" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GAI_QoiNykQ/TmWUXUGV89I/AAAAAAAACNw/13ufjmqv58w/s400/DSC02001.JPG" /></a></div>Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02306392888818965606noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12982131.post-22724383393371180112011-09-01T20:39:00.000-07:002011-09-01T23:03:47.068-07:00expectationsAlmost through week 2 of school and I am hanging on for dear life. The teachers were not shy about piling the workload on, high! Someone asked me the question how do you do it all? raise a toddler? work part-time night shifts with little and sometimes no sleep before and after these shifts? and now, do full load doctoral courses? The answer is simple, I don't, do it all that is. <br />
<br />
If you came to my house you would see that my lawn needs mowing, my weeds need pulling, my dog needs walking, my house needs some deep (and who are we kidding, basic) cleaning, especially my bathrooms. I have a baby blanket to sew for my little one and a 2nd year of life photo book to make. I have weight to lose from having a baby 1 1/2 years ago, muscles to tone and a husband and baby I need to get fat. I have a refrigerator that needs cleaning, blinds that need dusting. Should I go on? It seems as if everyone has expectations for me to give the very best me I can give, which frankly right now is asking a little too much. Don't you hate it when people say "give your best and your best is good enough"? That is frustrating because sometimes I just don't want to give my best, not even close, sometimes I just want to watch t.v., eat lots of cookies and bribe my child to snuggle in bed with me in the mornings with Sesame Street and a "bah-bah" because I am too tired to get out of bed. On the days I am not required to be somewhere (work, school, church) I will stay in my pajamas all day just because they are comfortable, oh and I especially love not having to put on a bra. I do get Eliza dressed though only because her clothes are cute and I love seeing her get my money's worth out of them. I go over my budget almost every month, I eat too many calories in a day most days and I usually sit on pinterest or blogs much longer than I should (of course not now that I have started school, wink, wink). I never put the lid on the toothpaste properly which results in gobbs of toothpaste all over our bathroom counter. 7 out of 10 times I forget to floss. I use way too much toilet paper (according to Colin). I have half a dozen unfinished home reno projects to finish. Most of the time the clothes get folded and then sit out on the living room table until they are all worn and the cycle repeats over and over. But, if guests come over I clean like a mad woman just so I can pretend for a brief moment that I always live so neat and tidy. <br />
<br />
But, inspite of all my flaws, there is one thing I am good at and that is being Eliza's mom. Being her mom is the one thing that fills me with the most joy and brings out all of my best qualities. She thinks I am pretty just the way I am. She gives me lots of kisses and hugs. She thinks I am smart and funny and laughs at all of my silly faces and voices and jokes. She makes me think that out of all the balls I am juggling, I am doing at least one thing right and best! I realized that she has no expectations on me to have a clean house, be skinny, or cutely dressed. She doesn't need me to have a perfectly manicured and decorated house, or homemade dresses and blankets etc. She gets plenty of "I love you's", cuddles, hugs, kisses, books read to her, games played with her, walks, songs sung to her, meals prepared for her and every ounce of energy and love that I and her dad can give to her to make sure her needs are meet and beyond. She thinks that what I do everyday is good enough and I know that because she is thriving, growing, developing, learning, laughing and full of life, joy and happiness.<br />
<br />
So I can't do it all but yet somehow the things that matter most get done and the rest just is what it is I suppose. So if you are ever in Heber, you are welcome to visit and bring a broom with you, will ya? Actually nevermind the broom, just bring some cookies!Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02306392888818965606noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12982131.post-86633606334489808622011-08-31T21:36:00.000-07:002011-08-31T21:37:21.619-07:00teethLife is rough right now for our little Eliza. She has had 5 teeth (3 tops and 2 bottom) for a long time now. Suddenly all of her teeth have been coming in within the last week. Literally a new tooth is cutting through the gums every night. We have 5 new teeth since last week. I have had to get up with her through the night and rock her when she wakes up crying, poor little thing. Of course I have given her medicine so that has helped. But she is a little star and still such a sweetie, giggly and happy baby.<br />
A few weeks ago I went to check on her before Colin and I went to sleep and all I saw were 2 little feet. I had to snap some pictures, just to cute to resist! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-og4JMwsGNwg/Tl8LSbs5PxI/AAAAAAAACMg/pV39eNF9LGg/s1600/DSC01997.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="225" width="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-og4JMwsGNwg/Tl8LSbs5PxI/AAAAAAAACMg/pV39eNF9LGg/s400/DSC01997.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z8lPTcPMqb0/Tl8LSwqnMAI/AAAAAAAACMo/Y_5hNMorzeU/s1600/DSC01998.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="225" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z8lPTcPMqb0/Tl8LSwqnMAI/AAAAAAAACMo/Y_5hNMorzeU/s400/DSC01998.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KcKA_6J_Oz8/Tl8LTFOX8OI/AAAAAAAACMw/0P85_nFUkWg/s1600/DSC01999.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="225" width="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KcKA_6J_Oz8/Tl8LTFOX8OI/AAAAAAAACMw/0P85_nFUkWg/s400/DSC01999.JPG" /></a></div>Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02306392888818965606noreply@blogger.com3