To Mothers... To Women

It's Mother's Day tomorrow, and there are two things I am eternally grateful for especially after a day like today. 

First, tomorrow I will get to call my own mother and hear her voice and wish her a "Happy Mother's Day" rather than at a grave site.

Today, I went and heard my friend, at the ripe old age of 21, speak at her mother's funeral. She spoke with such poise and strength. I witnessed her younger sisters at the young ages of 12 and 15 say their good-byes. There is only one word that describes such a scene...heart-wrenching.

The second, tomorrow I will hear the little girl that made me a mother wish me a, "Hoppy Ma-her Day Mommy!" A saying she has been practicing all day.

Today, I am well aware of my blessings of having both my mother and my babies. Some days they are taken for granted, not today. 

As Mother's Day is approaching I read an article called, "Top 5 animated Mothers of all Time". Ellie, from Up was on the list. Here is the excerpt.

" If you've seen "UP" then you know Ellie never actually became a mother in what is probably the most touching opening 10 minutes of an animated film. But even though we only had a glimpse of Ellie, she represents those amazing women who take on the role of aunt, friend, role model and teacher without ever having children of their own. She would have been an amazing mom, and I'd like to think there's a director's cut somewhere with scenes of Ellie running a Girl Scout troop or taking her niece on an adventure. The Ellies of the world deserve our appreciation on Mother's Day as well."

To say I loved this was an understatement. Some of my dearest friends do not have children, and I cannot imagine my motherhood journey without these amazing women. They love me; they love my children. They love to know how they are doing. They love to know how I am doing. They seem genuinely interested in my life, just as I am in theirs. I have yet to experience a "break down" but I know if I did one phone call to one of these dear ladies they would be at my side in seconds, offering to babysit children while I go get a massage or just go out to eat... by myself, AND most importantly they wouldn't judge me. I love asking them for advice even though they will start off with "Well, I wouldn't know but maybe try..." They aren't clouded with the thinking that only a certain method will work. They are able to step back and see it at a different angle. I love these friends. My children love these friends. I unfortunately, do not see them as much as I like, life happens and next thing I know it's been months since I have seen them, but it doesn't change anything. I see them again and we don't miss a beat. As the article says, "The Ellies of the world deserve our appreciation" They do, they most certainly do.

So to the women whatever your roles may be. To the friends, to the aunts, to the teachers, to the leaders, to the daycare workers, to whoever I have missed, you deserve the love too.

lie from "UP" — If you've seen "UP" then you know Ellie never actually became a mother in what is probably the most touching opening 10 minutes of an animated film. But even though we only had a glimpse of Ellie, she represents those amazing women who take on the role of aunt, friend, role model and teacher without ever having children of their own. She would have been an amazing mom, and I'd like to think there's a director's cut somewhere with scenes of Ellie running a Girl Scout troop or taking her niece on an adventure. The Ellies of the world deserve our appreciation on Mother's Day as well.
Read more at http://www.ksl.com/?nid=1205&sid=29781944#r4TvAWIkT8Ag2yIl.99

lie from "UP" — If you've seen "UP" then you know Ellie never actually became a mother in what is probably the most touching opening 10 minutes of an animated film. But even though we only had a glimpse of Ellie, she represents those amazing women who take on the role of aunt, friend, role model and teacher without ever having children of their own. She would have been an amazing mom, and I'd like to think there's a director's cut somewhere with scenes of Ellie running a Girl Scout troop or taking her niece on an adventure. The Ellies of the world deserve our appreciation on Mother's Day as well.
Read more at http://www.ksl.com/?nid=1205&sid=29781944#r4TvAWIkT8Ag2yIl.99

lie from "UP" — If you've seen "UP" then you know Ellie never actually became a mother in what is probably the most touching opening 10 minutes of an animated film. But even though we only had a glimpse of Ellie, she represents those amazing women who take on the role of aunt, friend, role model and teacher without ever having children of their own. She would have been an amazing mom, and I'd like to think there's a director's cut somewhere with scenes of Ellie running a Girl Scout troop or taking her niece on an adventure. The Ellies of the world deserve our appreciation on Mother's Day as well.
Read more at http://www.ksl.com/?nid=1205&sid=29781944#r4TvAWIkT8Ag2yIl.99

lie from "UP" — If you've seen "UP" then you know Ellie never actually became a mother in what is probably the most touching opening 10 minutes of an animated film. But even though we only had a glimpse of Ellie, she represents those amazing women who take on the role of aunt, friend, role model and teacher without ever having children of their own. She would have been an amazing mom, and I'd like to think there's a director's cut somewhere with scenes of Ellie running a Girl Scout troop or taking her niece on an adventure. The Ellies of the world deserve our appreciation on Mother's Day as well.
Read more at http://www.ksl.com/?nid=1205&sid=29781944#r4TvAWIkT8Ag2yIl.99

Awesome Weekend

We hit temperatures of 80 degrees this weekend, 

and with some last minute planning we made it a pretty great weekend.

I recently discovered a local reservoir that I heard was a great place especially with kids. 

We finished all of our yard work early

 (new trees needed planted, and the vegetable garden needed to be done)

so I suggested we try out this reservoir.

LOVED IT. 

Just look at the pictures.

(yes, this reservoir is right in the middle of a neighborhood)

Hit the local Rita's on our way home.

Someone is thrilled to have her Rita's strawberry custard 

(yes, you read that right, we have a Rita's people)

We finished the night with our neighbor girls 

for some roasted hot dogs and s'mores on our new fire pit.

I wish every day could be this perfect. 

A Perfect Day for a Birthday

The day could not have been better.

  We celebrated the Misses birthday a day early this year, because really she doesn't know the difference, and it could not have worked out better.

The day was gorgeous.

She woke up to balloons and flowers and we made crepes with strawberries for breakfast, 

then she opened her big gift.

A tricycle and helmet.

 However, prior to buying it, it didn't occur to me that the bike might be a bit big for her.

So we needed to help her out.

 Then Daddy took a turn to show her how the pedals work.

 

Then it was off to the farm, where she rode a pony.

 

Hot dogs for lunch and a nap then it was off to a dinner date with Grandma and Grandpa, and more presents. 

This is a pink horse, with sparkles, wearing a tutu, that happens to be a purse. 

She loves it.

                                              

I know it's not her birthday, but this was too cute of a photo to pass up.

And pink cupcake time. She  requested Pinkalicious cupcakes.

We couldn't find any birthday candles, so we improvised. 

She didn't care.

It was a fun day enjoyed by all.

Someone is One Year Older

Happy birthday to my 

kindhearted, pink tutu wearing,

Let It Go belting, fun loving,

 adventurous

Three Year Old.

We love you like crazy.

Spring Has Sprung

Our weather has been glorious. Just what spring should be. 

We got the girls pictures taken. 

 

(Yes, that's a real bunny)

 

We also have had some fun outings. 

We had a perfect day at the zoo.

 (First time I have ever seen the bears so active at the zoo)

 

Other outings I didn't document with not even one picture:

~A 4.6 mile walk to the library we did one day.

~An evening at Uncle Chris's where we sat around an AWESOME fire pit. 

~A middle of the night lightning/thunder storm that allowed us to test how many of us and dogs could fit on our queen sized bed. (Brad and I thought it was a spectacular storm, the others not so much). Not a great night for sleep but a great night that I hope to keep in my heart forever. 

~Our little Califlower now has 3 teeth that finally broke through, and one working its way through.

~The way Brad reads, "Pirate Pete's Talk like a Pirate" 

~The way our little B, says "Aye Aye Captain" ok, I actually do have that one documented:

 

it's been a great spring season so far

i have a lot to be grateful for

sunshine, health, a roof over our heads, fun days, children who sleep, a husband - a partner, wonderful friends and family, the best neighbors, pets, rain (you are grateful when there is any precipitation in the desert), 

NOT allergies, not grateful for those 

we are headed back east soon

it's been a year since i've been home (the longest i have ever gone) 

i miss my family

i can't wait to see their faces and give them bear hugs that would shame a bear  

 

So This is Happening...

 

When B hit all these milestones I was so thrilled, I thought it was the coolest thing on the planet.

Second time around, I still think it's the coolest thing on the planet.

(I just wish it would take her a little longer).

And this one requested Princess Anna Hair 

(Luckily she cut her bangs a few months ago and they are finally growing out) 

She {HEARTS} Food

 

And no one is happier than her that dairy guidelines were changed. 

At 9 months babies are now allowed (encouraged more like it) to eat dairy products: yogurt, cheese, cottage cheese etc. 

(Milk remains the same- no milk until a year) 

She loves eating.

And

I love my blendtec.

Brad, bought me a Blendtec for Christmas (I know I know it's an appliance but I LOVE it).

Here I just whipped up some apple sauce for the little lady. 

And the clean up is incredibly easy.

 

 

Never thought that at one time this was 1 chicken breast and 1 sweet potato, did ya? 

 

 I made all of Broccoli's food in a food processor which was a PAIN. 

Not necessarily the processing part but the clean up. 

I dreaded it so much that poor little Califlower didn't get much homemade food, until I got my Blendtec. Now, I haven't bought baby food since December.

And here is the little Broccoli doing something she loves...

Vacuuming

 (thank you heaven for sending me a child who loves to vacuum).

I'm Back!

It has been a pretty busy these last couple of weeks. 

so this has been happening a lot lately:

I have taken on some sewing projects that have consumed most of my time. And let's be honest my sewing skills are in some major need of work, so although they are fairly easy they take a lot longer for me. But do I dare say, I think I am improving? 

Anyway, it's snowing outside. Brad is under the weather and working from home today. We are sitting on the couch watching Tangled for the bajillionth time. While Califlower walks around the furniture. Yes, seriously! She so desperately wants to keep up with the big sister.

 (I may or may not be tripping her little.)

So I figured this was a great time to blog!

In January I went with a few girlfriends 

(actually they are my brother-in-law's friends but they are my friends now too)

and we learned how to ski. And I didn't quite learn how to ski. Stopping is a problem for me. So I just fall down. But it was a BLAST! I really enjoyed it so much. It was great to be up in the mountains feeling the sunshine.

 I was the worst in the group, but luckily we were able to laugh about it.

 I did warn them P.E. was least favorite class because I seriously can't play sports.

In February I met my parents in St. George. At first, we weren't so sure they were going to make it because the airport was closed due to all the ice they have been getting back east. 

But they made it!

At the end of February I hosted a baby shower for a friend.

 She had a little boy and it was all-star themed. 

 I attempted to make chocolate covered strawberries that looked like baseballs. 

Ummmm as you can see they look a lot better on Pinterest.

 Some of our shenanigans:

I  (finally) learned how to make chocolate chip cookies out here. 

(Seriously, talk about epic failures prior to this recipe)

 my new favorite dresses on them.

(Matilda Jane)

My Life Right Now

I have plans to blog, I really really do.

I have a St. George trip with my parents to write about.

A baby shower I hosted.

The monotonous winter activities we do (all.the.time) to bore you about. 

Our grown up furniture we finally purchased (yep, we said good bye to that old futon!)

My first ski day. 

See, so so many things. 

But this is my life right now.

She is teething. 

So she wants to be held constantly, and that is great and all because she won't be this little forever. But sometimes I have to get things done. 

 

Like feed the other little person.

Vacuum since we live in a house with two furry dogs. 

Laundry (because how is it possible that these two little bodies produce so much laundry? oh, that's right B changes outfits about 5 times a day - the days where she needs my help to dress {and undress} are long gone and if I threaten to not do her laundry she doesn't care {is this one of those "pick your battles" kind of things?} - autonomy is great but oh, the laundry). 

So the other things are on hold... for now.

She's a Princess and She Knows It

We dove head first into this princess thing.

Our little Broccoli is obsessed with Princesses and being a Princess. 

Thankfully (is that even possible?) 

She is ONLY a Princess when she has a Princess dress on. You will be damned if you call her a Princess in her peasant regular attire.

Tonight, she had a princess dress on, therefore she was "The Princes" as in, 

"Mommy, da pincess is hunry".

AND

"Mommy da pincess wants toas"

AND yes,

that is my infant sitting in a bumbo on the counter top

 which the instructions specifically tell you NOT to do

- please do no call child services on me