Candles and Cakes

I really wanted Emma to feel special on her birthday. She really loved the streamers hanging from her doorway and all the other dollar store stuff(hat, blowouts, elmo plates, cups and napkins, elmo book, baby bottle) we scored. But her favorite was the candle. She blew out candles on everything- pancakes, undecorated cupcakes, chicken nuggets, etc. She is a pro now. It was a fun day.

A 2 Year old?!?

Emma,

Today you are 2!! And I can't believe how fast those 2 years have flown by!

You are so sweet. You hate it when your sister cries or when you see people who are "sad" on TV.

You love to make others smile and laugh. Everyday you get me with that big grin and mischievous brown eyes of yours.

You love to tease. The other night you tricked me into getting you out of bed by telling me you were poopy. Once I got you out of bed and into the living room, out of your zip-up footsie pajamas and your diaper, I was confused to find nothing there. I looked at you and with a smile on your face you shouted, "Teasing!" and giggled.

You love to dance. I'm so impressed with your moves, including Raise the Roof and the Sprinkler. Your twirls, jumps, twists and bootie shakes make me laugh.

You would read books all day if you could. I especially love listening to your dad read to you for hours. It's probably the only time you slow down and sit still, and your dad loves the cuddle time with you.

You're so smart. I'm amazed everyday by the things you say and do. Some of the words/things you understand that impress me the most are:
Words- Prophet, Apostle, Temple, Elbow, Chin, "Daddy, where are you?";
Emotions- sad, happy, excited, scared, mad;
Every animal sound under the sun;
All the primary songs with actions- You can do "Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes in Japanese, Portuguese and English. I also love at bedtime when you sing "I Am a Child of God" with me. The three songs that you start randomly singing on your own when you are playing are "I Am a Child of God", "I Love to See the Temple" and "Jesus Wants Me for a Sunbeam".

I love you so much. Thanks for bringing such joy to our home. Can't wait for the next year and all the adventures we will have!

Love these girls!

It's that time of year again, when I get together with my best friends from high school. We eat lots of food, laugh lots, and talk for hours. So fun! Love them!

Vitamins?

Ok, I need some wisdom from all you moms out there. Do you give your kids vitamins? What kind? I've never really worried about it but we have been sick a LOT this winter and I can't help but think vitamins might help. Any suggestions?

Hop 2 It

Madelyn & Hannah hanging out while the rest of us were going down the slide.

Emma & I at the top of the slide.

Emma conquering the big slide.

Thanks, Hannah, for taking pictures and sharing them! My camera's battery has been dead since Christmas, so this blog has been sadly lacking in pics.

The girls and I went to Hop 2 It a few weeks ago with my friend Hannah and her kids Brady and Olivia.

Celebrate

Tonight Jared made some delicious breadsticks to go with the bag of frozen ravioli that I slaved over. (Ok, ok, he did the ravioli, too.) What can I say? I don't deserve this guy!

Anyway, Emma LOVES his breadsticks, and she wanted to dip them into the marinara sauce like we were. But she would dip her breadstick and lick the sauce off and dip again, never actually eating the bread. We both tried explaining to her to bite it. It took her a minute, but when she figured it out and took a big bite she started cheering for herself. I mean, she stood up, eyes wide and sparkling, a big grin on her face, arms up in the air.

We laughed and Jared said, "Wouldn't it be great if we were so excited by the little things that we accomplish?"

I've been thinking about that a lot as I watch my girls go through their day. Madelyn claps for herself when she successfully waves or pulls herself up to standing.

Emma does a little dance when she gets her favorite snack or her favorite song comes on.

I want to be more childlike. To be more grateful for everything in my life. To appreciate the day to day achievements in my life. To celebrate the little things.

Pulling my hair out

I'm officially done with being at home. This sounds really pathetic, but we got home late Sunday night and I literally haven't left our house since then. We have been S.I.C.K. since Monday night(the girls and I). Today, although we still have runny noses and coughs, I would say we are nearly better. It was a crazy flu/cold/cough combo that just wouldn't quit.

If you know me, you know that rarely a day passes that we don't leave the house for something, even if we are just dropping off library books. It is how I stay sane. So when the girls were finishing up bathtime this morning and I had a meltdown I realized how desparately I need OUT. I couldn't even go to the Worldwide Leadership Training this morning with Jared because the girls are still acting sick enough and I didn't want to expose anyone else.

Emma has been so whiny and emotional(she is probably feeling as cooped up as me!) and I asked her what makes her sad. She brought me a diaper. I wasn't even dealing with potty training while we were all so sick. But we are resuming potty training today, at her request. Never thought she would ask me for that.

Anyway, I've never been so excited to stop by the bank, library and grocery store as I am today. :) And then I'll come home ready to be a better mom.

Why don't friends with kids have time?

By the way, friends without kids, I promise I don't mind calling you in my free time. In fact, I welcome any and all adult conversation. :) Just thought this was a fun article.

(if you click on the image it is easier to read)

Do you think I could trick myself?

I haven't tried any of these yet, but they look yummy. Wouldn't it be nice if a little stick of gum could trick me into thinking I just ate mint chocolate chip ice cream or strawberry shortcake slathered with whipped cream?

Have you tried them?

Poor Madelyn

Remember my post about Emma dislocating her elbow? Well, Maddie got to experience it, too. Poor thing. She was so devastated. Maybe I should have taken the nurse more seriously when she said I needed to learn how to pop it back into place... at least it is a pretty easy fix, and she is doing great!

Soup

When the weather is chilly like this, I really like a warm bowl of soup.

But Jared doesn't love soup like I do.

To "compromise", I try to find new soup recipes so it isn't the same chicken noodle soup all the time.

I thought I'd share my 2 new favs, both by Pioneer Woman(who doesn't love Pioneer Woman, anyway?)...
Cauliflower Soup

Chicken Tortilla Soup