Grateful

Today I am overwhelmed with gratitude. Do you ever have days like that? The last couple of weeks I have been really trying to think everyday how I have seen the Lord's hand in my life or in the lives of my family. Today I feel like there are so many!
-Our health.
-Jared's job. They laid off 3 employees last week, and it was really hard on everyone(it is a really small firm, so 1/4 of the company in one day)
-My friends. Sometimes I am just blown away by how amazing they are and how lucky I am to associate with so many amazing, inspiring people.
-Emma. I love her dance moves and her big grin. They are both contagious and we end up doing silly dance moves and laughing all day.
-Madelyn. She has been super cuddly lately(in between crawling and cruising everywhere) and I'm loving it. It's like she knows I'm not ready for her to be so independent so she cuddles to let me know she is still my baby.
-Jared. I'm in love. He's makes me a better person and treats me so well.
-Scriptures. Honestly, I always thought it was a little cliche when people said their day just goes better when they read their scriptures first. Seriously, I can't go throughout my day without them!
-My Calling. I learn and grow so much through it. I have sharing time all month and have really enjoyed preparing for it.
-Our Home. Watching everything on the news this morning about the earthquakes and tsunamis has really gotten me thinking. I'm so glad I have somewhere to go.
-Family. I love that I can call any of my siblings, Jared's siblings or our parents when I need something and they would do it in a second. I'm really realizing how amazing our families are and how blessed we are to be a part of them.
-The little things. There was a robin in my yard this morning. I woke up before my girls and was able to get lots done before they woke, mainly mentally. The sun is shining through my window. It feels like spring. My girls are giggling in the bath tub right now. I'm so blessed!

Is it too much?

I've been thinking a lot about the goals that I set for myself and for my family. Sometimes I wonder if I set them a little too high or put too much pressure on myself. I worry that I'll fail and be disappointed.

Last night I was having a conversation with someone much wiser than myself, and she told me that if a goal doesn't make you scared then it isn't worth your time. I'll be honest, when she said that I thought, "That's not a way to live your life. I want to be happy, not scared."

But I've thought about it since then and realized how much that makes sense. What decisions or goals have you made in your life that really intimidated you? Getting married? Having a baby? Having 2 babies 14 months apart? A new church calling? A new job? Moving to a new town? Going to school?

Those are all things that I remember being nervous about, to different degrees. But good has come from all of them, and I wouldn't take away any of the experiences that I have had.

And everytime we decide to sleep train a baby or wean them from a pacifier, potty train, etc. I'm nervous. And sometimes I wonder if it will be worth it or if I'm going through a lot of work for a small reward. Sleeping all night long? Isn't that irreplacable?

And I trained for the half marathon completely terrified of the actual race, wondering if I could actually do it. But guess what? I did it! And I consider it one of my greatest accomplishments, probably because I worked so hard for it.

So the next time you are setting a goal, think about what would be the easiest attainable level of your goal, and go a step further. Even if you don't hit that higher level, you're still better off than where you would have been. So why not?

Just a sweetheart

Madelyn is now 10 months old! This picture captures her exactly. She is loving her newfound waving, clapping and standing skills. She also really loves dolls. When she gets her hands on one, she hugs it tight with the biggest grin on her face. She is so much more content lately, and loves getting into and discovering new things. Nothing makes her happier than Emma, and they just giggle uncontrollably together, especially at bedtime. Love this cutie!

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?