Love it!

One of my favorite things to do when the weather turns nice is to take the kids to Gardner Village. We always pack a lunch and have a little picnic while we feed the ducks. Then we walk around and look at all the fun things, ending with a trip to Sweet Aftons where the girls get to pick out a treat.

I love doing this because it reminds me how easy it is to make my kids happy. So often I go overboard trying to do so much, when one of there favorite things is just spending time together, no matter what we do!

Birthday Girl!

I cannot believe how behind I am! I guess having a new baby will do that to you, but I wanted to make sure I still blogged some fun things that have gone on in the last two months.

Our little girl turned 4 years old on May 16th. The last 4 years have absolutely flown by, and have been the happiest, hardest, most exciting 4 years of my life. Skylar is so amazing. She can always bring a smile to my face, she reminds me to enjoy the little things, she makes me excited for each day because I never know what to expect with her! She IS the drama queen, but she also has a heart of gold, and already fosters a deep love and respect for her Heavenly Father and Jesus. Being a big sister has brought out the best in her, and she says she still wants one more brother and one more sister. Sounds good to me!! :)

Since her birthday was just a few weeks after we had Britton we went really simple this year and just did cupcakes in our backyard with close friends and family. Thank you to everyone that came, it really meant a lot to us and Skylar. She said, "Wow mom, are all these people here because they love me?" How can you NOT love a little girl like that?

Happy Birthday Paul!

The big 29!! One more year until I am officially married to a 30 year old :) The thing is, like many other things Paul just gets better with age. As I look back through my blog, there is not too much about Paul, mostly just the kids, so here is one post that is just for him.

Seriously, I lucked out big time when I got a hold of Paul. I tell anyone that will listen that I totally got the better end of the deal in our marriage. I have always felt so LUCKY to have him, and the crazy thing is-he thinks HE is the lucky one. I think that is why we work. There are too many things to list about Paul that I love, but here are just a few:

Best Daddy Ever!! This is a big one for me. If you now me at all, you probably know that I have some pretty big expectations for Paul about this. I don't know if it comes from growing up without a dad around or what, but I want him to be completely involved, and he is. Wether its changing diapers, doing fun activities or disciplining, he is always there. Our kids are so completely crazy about him, and I think we could have a couple more because of how much he always helps out.

One of the greatest gifts about having Paul around is having a righteous priesthood holder in our home. I NEVER take this for granted, and I feel so blessed to be able to ask my wonderful husband for a blessing for me or our children whenever we need one. So many things I have to work really hard at like compassion and charity come SO naturally to him, he makes me better.

I am so proud of the things he has accomplished in his career. 4 years ago he was working for my dad managing one of his tire stores. Today he is the Manager of a very successful sales floor that was just purchased by Ameritrade. He has worked so hard and so many hours to be the best at what he does. He was the youngest team lead EVER in the history of the company, and he continues to excel and move up. He takes care of our family in every way.

Lastly, he can always make me laugh! Usually at inappropriate times, but that is always when I need a laugh the most. At some of the scariest, hardest times in our lives the things that stick out to me are Paul's faith and optimism, he can always put things in perspective for me.

And did I mention he is completely hot and an amazing breakdancer?? I love you Paul!!

Britton's Blessing

What a beautiful, perfect day! I couldn't hold back the tears as Paul held our little man and gave him a name and a blessing. We were surrounded by so many friends and family that have blessed our lives so much, it was overwheming and incredibly humbling. Thank you so much to all those that come and showed their love for us and Britton. He is a very special little boy, and I know he has been sent to our family for a very special purpose.

And yes, he is wearing cuff links! :)

The guys in my life...

Luckiest Girl Ever!!

One month old!!

I cannot believe my little man is already one month old! And what a month it has been :) I didn't quite remember what it was like to have a newborn, but not in the way you might think. Of course the nightly feedings, the blowout diapers, the ginormous diaper bag, that is always a little shock to your system, but what I had forgotten has been so incredibly precious. I had forgotten the perfect innocence. I had forgotten the heavenly spirit that always lingers near him. I had forgotten how my little man could make all of us better. Skylar loves him so much, and always looks out for him, making sure he is being taken care of. Kendall is having a harder time, but not with him! When she is in the middle of one of her uncontrollable tantrums the ONLY thing that will calm her down is giving her baby Britton a hug and a kiss. Everytime I am near him I am reminded of everything good and pure. I don't want his innocence to be marred by harsh words, or a lack of the Spirit. So through him, I want to be better. For all my kids I need to be better, and I am so grateful for the reminder. He is such a gift.

A few more pics...