Canary Linen

Button's point of {view}

2012-01-25T14:07:00.001-07:00

Have you ever followed your little one around, at their level? You should. My knees hurt after a while, but I gained an appreciation for my crawling daughter as I tried to see what she sees. :) Life is amazing, our ability to learn, to grow, to become. So grateful to be a mother!

Messy Room. Messy Heaven.

Carpet Jungle

"To dream anything that you want to dream. That's the beauty of the human mind. To do anything that you want to do. That is the strength of the human will. To trust yourself to test your limits. That is the courage to succeed." -Bernard Edmonds

1 year ago...

2012-01-20T20:06:00.000-07:00

Dear Button,

It seems like (seriously) yesterday that I held you for the first time. I finally got to meet who I had been feeling for months. You were 6 lbs 13 oz of perfectness and I felt so blessed.

It was crazy how fast you grew, yet how little I saw the change. I would see you in a photo and think, 'holy cow' she's getting big! Or, 'wow, she is starting to look like me.' It's still surreal that I am blessed to be your mom, and I hope that you will always know how much I love you.

You have become more independent as time is passing. I'm really happy for that, but sad to have to allow you to learn and grow. It was so much easier when you were smaller. I can't imagine what I'll think in 5 years.

The older you get, the happier your personality comes through. You love your dad, and are overjoyed when he gets home. You are still a mommy's girl though, I'm the only one who can calm you down when you are angry, sad, or hurt.

You tolerate the bajillion pictures that get taken of you. You are really well behaved, but are learning quickly that just because someone says 'no' doesn't mean you necessarily have to do it. Hence pulling a printer on top of yourself tonight I thought would help you understand what no really meant. Unfortunately, not two minutes later you were right next to it again, attempting the same thing. I tried hard not to laugh, because you get this face when you are in trouble and try to 'cutify' your way out of things.

We love all the time we get to spend with you. I love being with you, learning with you. I am so lucky you are mine.

And here you are at 1 year old already. I (seriously) can't believe it.

I love you Button, more than you or I will ever really understand. I will always love you. Remember that.

Happy Birthday Bug.

Love, Mom

(And Dad, but you know how he's not really the gushy kind ;)

Dear {mom}

2012-01-17T18:59:00.000-07:00

See that guy over there?

He's a genius.

Yep. PURE genius. Who else would let me eat in the bathtub?

Love, Button.

Dear Husband,

Thank you for your wonderful idea, I was rather tired of cleaning up the entire kitchen after each feeding.

Love, Your wife.

working from {home}

2012-01-09T15:55:00.000-07:00

...looks a lot like this

...and this

...with a little of this.

Fortunately for me, Button loves to play with pretty much everything, from the advanced noise toys we got her for Christmas, to a random manila folder. Unfortunately for me, Buttons favorite place to play with them is right next to the computer, with easy access to the pretty blue light button that turns of the computer. So despite the constant rebooting of the computer, and making sure everything is safe while she is around, I wouldn't have it any other way. :)

lazy {mornings}

2012-01-06T13:58:00.000-07:00

I want to remember the messes, the crumbs, the tears, the giggles, the love. I want to remember what it's like to comfort a hysterical child who didn't get enough yogurt. I want to remember what its like to wake up to her babbling in her room. I want to remember her glee over the most annoying noise toys in the world. I want to remember her little toes, how they curl up when she laughs. I want to remember the sounds she makes when she's being tickled. I want to remember her little waves, her little 'hi' to everyone with in earshot. I want to remember the feeling I have of being her mother. I want to remember how much she needs me, how everything revolves around me and her. I want to remember. Because pretty soon it will be over. She'll laugh and giggle and grow, and be gone. But until then, I'm grateful for the lazy mornings at her side, grateful for the owies I get to kiss away. Grateful she is mine.

Teething...

2012-01-04T19:24:00.003-07:00

...is a miserable process for all involved. More than a month counting, and those little things still rest under the gum line. Crossing our fingers this will be over soon. Well, at least for these two teeth anyway. ;) (And yes, she's almost a year and has no teeth. zilch. Maybe it will be her birthday present to herself..)

**Update 01/09- She has finally had one tooth break the gums two days ago. Yippee! ;)**

Photo Studio Giveaway!!

2011-10-27T11:21:00.000-06:00

CioCo Photography is giving away Mini Sessions!!

CLICK HERE for entry rules! Do it! ;)

And from my most recent session in the studio:

Can't believe she is 9 months already! Yikes! Time goes too fast. :)

on {the farm}

2011-10-03T17:35:00.000-06:00

This last weekend I had a photo session to do for some family friends. We arrived a little early to let Button play around and see the animals at the farm we were shooting. She loved them, but was a little scared to get close. Instead she would stomp her feet and squawk at them. It was such a beautiful evening. It makes me so grateful to be alive and have the blessings I do.

Ever the poser...

Meh?

Beautiful girl...

Mmm. Hot husband. ;) hahaha

I could not love these two more. I am so grateful to be a part of this family! Button is getting to look more and more like her dad each day...same features just some how got my light eyes. :) Love this girl!

Hope you're enjoying your week! Also, does anyone know of any fun older baby friendly and free places in the SLC area? She's old enough now she can start appreciating them. Yay for life!

working {out}

2011-09-29T16:05:00.001-06:00

Button has a new set of skills. Not Liam Neeson, 'i'll find you' skills, but impressive skills none the less.

I went in to get her from her nap to find this. My slightly hungover 'I was too excited to pull myself up and drool all over the floor than to sleep' baby. Don't worry she wasn't really hungover. To this point she hadn't pulled herself up on anything yet. This was yesterday. Today she has added couches, coffee tables, and anything in the 2' high range to her list.

She seems pretty proud of herself. And that face? That's her face when she does the satan growl. Oh yes, it sounds just like you would imagine.

Sigh. Where is the time going?! Happy Thursday!

sick {days}

2011-09-28T21:30:00.002-06:00

A little while ago I took some pictures of Button and I after she had been sick ~~forever~~ about three days. She was coming out of it and more of her jovial self, I on the other hand, still felt like not getting around to actually getting out of bed and putting some form of makeup on to cover my every increasing wrinklage. That's not a word. It's ok.

So what better thing to do than document said unkeptness? Also not a word. How about photograph it! So I did. Enjoy. I sure do.

"Oh Mother, you have so many gray hairs. And wrinkles. It's quite mind blowing."
On a side note, I really don't have that many gray hairs.

A bit blurry, but near ten pound cameras get heavy when you're holding them with one hand.

Have a great night, and wonderful Thursday. Which happens to be my favorite day of the week. Weird, I know.

Also I realize that the ~~one~~ many of you that reads my blog have probably seen such pictures over on facebook.

Sorry.

Kind of.

a {quandary}

2011-09-27T21:09:00.000-06:00

Tonight I went to Barnes and Noble. Way better than Borders, so I apologize to all your Borders lovers out there. Except I guess your love is in vain...because they are now gone. (gleeful chuckle, unless it offends you, then pretend I was silently crying)

Back to Barnes and Noble, I took a lot of time in the Jane Austin section. And then in the Charlotte Bronte section. And while I have all of Austin's books, I kind of wanted to buy them all over again with the new covers. Which would have been ridiculous.

Instead, I want to buy a nook. So Jane Austin may forever be in my purse. Creepy right? I hope so.

I've been wanting a nook for a while.

However, someone mentioned I should get a kindle. So I did some research, and it resulted in this:

And then some of this:

So, in the end I bought neither. But here, a few months later, I'm back again wanting to buy one.

So, in a rather long and round about way I get to my final purpose of this wholely long post which is to ask: Does anyone own either?? What do you like? Dislike? Discuss. (Hahah I love when people put discuss)

Thanks. In advance.

some {things}

2011-09-06T22:42:00.000-06:00

oh boy. Time!!! Stop!!!

Now that that rant is over, life has been crazy awesome. We have been able to travel a lot this summer which I feel very fortunate for. Can't believe that summer is already over and heading into fall. Which I'm completely ok with, because fall is my favorite season.

Button has started to try to get up on her knees to crawl. It's a little frustrating to her, but she'll get it eventually. It's pretty hilarious to watch. She's all over the place now and is getting pretty proficient at her army crawl. Which isn't good, because my house is in no way baby ready. Yikes.

We took some updated pics of us at my dad's family reunion.

As you can tell it was totally impromptu, as I don't really try to have crazy hair all the time. Or do I...

I love this pic of Button because it shows how happy she is. Now that she is over her reflux, she is the most pleasant baby ever. Probably biased, but meh. It was totally worth the six months of 'i'm going to pull my hair out and shove shards of glass in my eyes if she doesn't stop crying'. Maybe. But we're happy she's happy.

Life is blessed. Full of potholes, but the road is truly special. Till next time!

a little {guilt}

2011-08-23T13:11:00.000-06:00

I feel guilty. REALLY guilty. I have not written one word in a journal since Button was born. I have managed to write on here, but I have not documented hardly anything by way of milestones. So my new resolution of the mid year is to start. So here are the things I remember.

{picture taken at 3 months 3 weeks}

2 Months

{9 lbs 10 oz at her checkup-25th percentile. 22 inches long- 50%, head- 50%}

Can completely hold your head up with no problem

You've been doing that for about three weeks- you are completely alert, always looking around

You don't sleep a lot, but you do cry a ton. Mom is learning a lot of patience.

You are a joy when you smile.

Still have tons of hair, and your eyes are going light blue

3 Months

Will rollover from your tummy because you HATE tummy time

Not super content to lay down, like to be interacted with a ton

Still have pretty bad reflux, so you are working hard to get over it

Becoming quite a mommy's girl

4 Months

{12.2 lbs -25th percentile. 24 inches- 50% and head circumference was 60th percentile}

Won't roll over at all unless you are forced ;)

Learning to giggle, which is so sweet

Can hold your own bottle, typically with your feet helping :)

Love it when people smile or laugh in front of you

Constantly alert and staring at others

You are a HUGE fan of the bouncer, and like to bounce when people are holding you

5 Months

Have lost a good majority of your hair, pretty much all of it with a few wisps

Eyes are going a blueish gray with green centers

Happy baby, slowly starting to grow out of your re flux

Giggle a lot

Rolling over from your stomach a little again

Still won't sleep with out a swaddle

6 Months

{14.5 lbs: a little under the 25th percentile, 26 inches: a little above the 50th percentile, and a head circumference a little above the 75th percentile}

Starting solid foods finally! You are a big fan, and a great eater.

Started with carrots, then squash, peaches, pears, bananas, applesauce, sweet potatoes, green beans and peas.

You LOVE pears. You HATE green beans.

Starting to roll a lot on to your tummy. Takes a while to get off it again. You like to kick like crazy on your tummy and get a little frustrated you don't move.

Starting to giggle and interact a ton, babbling a lot.

Have said mama and dada, but not necessarily correlating what they are

7 Months

Happy as a lark, reflux is pretty much gone

Becoming more independent, like to grab the spoon whenever it's near your mouth

Starting to get anxious when mom leaves the room

Started army crawling while we were in Powell- August 13th to be exact. You went from not even moving to super fast army crawl overnight.

Like to be in everything and can cross a room faster than mom even realized

Love to take pictures and are turning into quite the model when the camera comes out :)

Love mom a lot and being with her at the computer.

Love it when Dad throws you up in the air, a lot.

Starting to squeal a lot

Like to blow raspberries through your mouth

Cry through your mouth while blowing raspberries. It's hilarious and way less annoying than your high pitched angry cry. :)

Starting to growl, which is weird. But funny.

Love Gerber little puffs and learning to get them into your mouth

Love gumming on certain shortbread cookies and scream when they are taken away

Will giggle tons when people make funny faces at you

We love you so much baby girl! I cannot believe how fast you are growing. Life is so blessed at our house. Hope you all have an amazing day!

life {on steroids}

2011-07-06T22:44:00.000-06:00

Where did June go? For that matter, where did May go? I feel like I close my eyes, and my life whirl winds past me. When did my newborn turn into a certified baby? I wish it would stop. Time. Just pause and let me breath.

But it won't. I am grateful to be able to have such a blessed life. I look back at some of the hard times and think of how much I learned. Even if it was painful.

Because it was definitely worth it. And it made me care more. And understand more.

When an area experiences a devastating wildfire, ash covers the air and ground. However, that ash creates extraordinarily beautiful sunsets. Sometimes life throws us into wildfires, but with out them, we could not appreciate the extreme beauty of the blessing we have in retrospect. Like my husband. Like my daughter. Like all my family. Like my country. Like my life.

I hope I remember how valuable time is always. Being an eternal family is an incredible blessing I will always cherish. As William Penn said, "Time is what we want most, but... what we use worst." Time is so easily wasted, but so valuable. It reminds me what Gandolf says to Frodo (yes I just certified I'm a huge nerd) in the mines of Moria when he was regretting the whole existence of the ring and having to carry it. Gandolf tells him, "So do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All you must do is decide what to do with the time given you." Besides coming from my favorite epic movie, this quote reminds us that we will all pass through things we don't want to, but it won't change the fact we are going through it. Our attitude is what will get us through, along with help from those we love and those we need.

I am grateful for time, I am grateful for life. What a joy to have the things we do!

vaca-{tion}

2011-06-01T10:50:00.000-06:00

I just bought our tickets to go here:(where I lived)
And here:(where hubs lived) And a little bit of here:
(where we think is awesome)
SOOOO stoked for July to get here!

family in {need}

2011-05-25T10:47:00.000-06:00

Stacy of Not JUST a Housewife is featuring CioCo Photography for a special giveaway!

Head on over HERE to nominate a family or your own that would not be able to afford a custom photography session on their own and really need one, or one with a special story. The giveaway will be up for a week!

grad-ua-tion

2011-05-09T11:14:00.000-06:00

Hubs graduated this past weekend with his BS in Business Management from Utah State University. So proud of him!! He takes the GMAT in June and will start his Masters in the fall. Between working full time, going to school full time, and having a family, not sure how he does it. :) Love him so much!

With his parental units. Thanks for their support!

Some of my family. So glad they came!

With his Grandma

Our happy little family!

Daddy's girl. I made the dress for her for Hubs graduation, just don't look too close. ;)

Love her!

Congrats Hubs, love you!

lately...

2011-05-02T13:39:00.000-06:00

I know I am pretty much the world's worst blogger. Maybe it's because our life isn't really that exciting and in trying to avoid boring you to death I refrain. However, the past few weeks I've realized what a horrible journal writer I am as well. As in I haven't written a page since Button was born. I have blogged a little so, I think this is just going to be a less than personal journal because again, I never plan on going private. Um...rambling so yea. This picture is Button around two months. She was getting the hang of the Bumbo and starting to do little smiles.

Hanging out with Hubs. Not sure what's going on here, but she appears to want to be saved. :)

Button started rolling around two months. She doesn't love being on her tummy so will flip right over when you put her on it.

Five generations. Great great Grandma, great grandpa, grandma, and Hubs with his ridiculously ugly mustache.

Two month checkup. She handled the shots like a pro. Hahah actually I think its hilarious when people put that. She screamed. Like a baby. Go figure.

Hubs and the other guys in our LDS ward had 'Mustache March' where they all grew mustaches and we had a big party. Here they are:

And the wives:

And us: our friend did an amazing job with the party.

For Easter weekend we went to Logan to hang out with friends and family.

Button's first time dying Easter eggs.

Easter egg hunt. Our newest tradition.

Finding our basket on Easter morning.

We forgot to get pics of Button's getup for Easter, so I took some yesterday at Church since we didn't go to our ward for Easter.

Button's already got her model look down. Yep, here it is again:

We love her so much! She is such a joy. Life has been awesome and I am always amazed at how blessed we are. We have so much to be grateful for and I'm so grateful to a loving Heavenly Father who allows us to have so much. I'm also grateful for the trails we pass through to be able to enjoy the sweet moments of life even more.

When Button was about three weeks old, Hubs and I were changing her and she was looking at us and then all of the sudden it was like a light bulb clicked and she knew who we were, that we were here parents and that we loved her. She was so excited. It was such a special moment. I know that our families can be eternal and not just for this life. I love being a mom, I love being home with Button and playing house. :)

One day I want to travel the world, have tons of money, and lead super important lives. Right now though, I'm just content to be here.

Have a great Monday!

Photography Giveaway!!

2011-04-14T09:39:00.000-06:00

Head on over HERE to enter to win a session of your choice from Melina Moore Memories!! Most awesome giveaway ever! :)

sunday {thoughts}

2011-04-10T13:51:00.000-06:00

What a wonderful time to be alive! I constantly think about how wonderful life is, despite it's challenges and trials. I know that God loves us, that He knows us. More than we know ourselves. That the trials in this life truly do benefit us and are for our good. I look back at so many times in my life when I wondered 'Why me! Why can't this pass!?' I now realize that the growth I experienced during those times has made me a much better person, the person the Lord wants me to be. I'm so grateful He allows me to pass through trials to learn to be more like Him. I can't imagine the agony He went through for me, but because of it, I know that He loves me and will never leave me. That I'm never alone. I know He lives. I love this video from the apostles of Jesus Christ today that shares those same feelings:I love Easter time, especially for the special reminder it is to be a little better, to strive a little harder. I know life isn't easy, but it's so much better when He is at your side.

lady {bug}

2011-04-01T19:28:00.000-06:00

Took a time out today to photograph Button for a bit. She was deep asleep in her nap, so I thought if I was really careful I could get her undressed and take pics with out her knowing. NOT a chance. She was up as soon as I undid the swaddle (which she will not sleep with out). So instead I got these of my bright eyed and totally alert daughter... sigh. She's so fun!

LOVE this girl so much! Feel so blessed to have her in our home. In other news, get to fly out to Portland in August to shoot a wedding! I've wanted to shoot out there forever, so I'm pretty excited. Have a great weekend!

Hat by Sweet Kiwi Crochet.

blessing {day}

2011-03-14T12:18:00.001-06:00

We blessed Button a week ago. It was a wonderful day. Lots of family and friends were able to come and we were grateful to see everyone and have them share the day. Hubs gave Button a really beautiful blessing. We feel so lucky to have this girl in our family. I was able to make the dress with my mom, she is so awesome. She has this cute little monkey face she'll make where she flares her nostrils and half smiles. We love it.

Things are going great. Sometimes its hard, because she is a pretty needy baby. She cries a lot, but there are times of pure joy when she is just happy and loving. I know all trials are for our benefit and no matter what we go through there is a reason, even when it doesn't feel like it at the time. On my mission I heard a quote, "If you can't endure to the end, just endure!" When things seem hopeless, I know it gets better. Happy Monday!

little {button}

2011-02-17T11:35:00.000-07:00

I can't believe Button will be a month in a few days. The time is going way too fast. I never could imagine that I would love a child so much, but I do.

She makes us so happy, and we really can't get enough of her. We even kind of fight for who gets to hold her at night. ;) Ok, not really. Things I want to remember:
*You smile while you sleep. It's the cutest thing. I'm pretty sure you still can communicate with your Heavenly Father.
*You are tiny. Every time you meet a new friend, even if they are 3 weeks younger than you, they are typically bigger. You are barely fitting into newborn clothes perfectly, and you are already 4 weeks.
*You love your mom. Anytime someone is holding you and you can see or hear me, you won't stop looking in my direction. If you are screaming and then given to me, it will only take you a few seconds to calm down.
*Everything below your eyes is almost completely identical to your dad as a baby. You have your mom's eyes.

*You have a nasty case of reflux. Only dad can get the big bubbles out of you. Then you just like to sit and cuddle with him after the ordeal is over.
*You don't like to be alone. You are fine to sleep in your crib or bassinet or bouncer, but as soon as I leave the room you immediately wake up.
*Your eyes are already starting to lighten around the pupils, like your mom's did. You have your dad's olive skin already.
*You love your pacifier. A lot.

*The reflux makes you cry a lot. But you do well as long as you are being paid attention to.
*You are awake a lot of the time and completely alert. You were that way since you were very first born.
*You are beginning to smile when you are kissed. It's still pretty random, but still pretty cute.

*You HATE baths. And being naked. As such your baths are about 25 seconds long.

*You love your swing and the vibrator on your bouncer. You also really like driving and being in the stroller.

*Everyone loves you. And tells us how gorgeous you are. We just feel lucky to be your parents.

Time is going too fast! For the first time in my life I'm not looking forward to the next big thing, just content on time stopping right now. I just don't want her to grow up, but I know every age is going to be so fun. Life is good!

birth {story}

2011-02-01T21:37:00.001-07:00

At about 36 weeks I decided I was officially done being pregnant. Unfortunately Button was no wear baked enough to come out. So after 37 weeks I began to do everything I could to induce labor except caster oil. Yea, that didn't work. At all. At my 39 week appointment I was done done being pregnant, and realized if I had to go to 40 weeks or beyond some people would probably end up...maimed. It's not that I wasn't grateful to be pregnant, but the pregnancy was murderous. Twenty weeks of morning sickness followed by 12 weeks of fatigue and braxton hicks, and then 5 weeks of nothing. Seriously no contractions to give me hope, just severe joint and muscle pain. So at that 39 week appointment I had my midwife strip the membranes, and then I went home and walked, bounced on a ball, and other labor inducing methods. The next day, Wednesday, I continued with said procedures, walking around two miles that afternoon and then bouncing on the exercise ball all evening. Around 8:30 my friend on facebook suggested doing squats. So I did. About 5 minutes later my water broke. Hooray!

I wanted to labor at home for a bit, but because I tested positive for Group B Strep my midwife advised I go in to get on antibiotics because we weren't sure how fast/slow she would come. I was 2 cm dilated and 70% effaced at my 39 week appointment and at the hospital. We got to the hospital around 10:30 pm and I was hooked to the monitors. I wanted them to check to be sure it was my water that had broke before they admitted me, but the nurse who was monitoring said "Don't worry. Your contractions are 3 minutes apart and 1 minute long, so we would have admitted you anyway." It was strange because all I felt was dull back pain. They hooked me up to penicillin and a low dose of pitocin and after that I could feel the contractions pretty bad. Because I was on antibiotics anyway, I figured there was no reason to not get an epidural so I asked for one pretty much immediately. After I got it they were able to up the pitocin. The epidural wore off twice during the night, on both sides separately. It was horrible at the time, but in retrospect I'm kind of glad just so I could know what the labor pains felt like. My midwife checked me at 7:15 am after a long night and I had only dilated to a 3+ but was 100% effaced. She was optimistic about the progression, but the anesthesiologist came in and gave me the pep talk about how I would probably need a c-section because of how slow I was progressing. My midwife had to leave to catch a flight later that day, and she was pretty sure I wouldn't have her till 3 or 4 in the afternoon. She told me the other midwife in the clinic would come check me at 9:00am to see if I had made any progress. So at 7:55ish I sent a text to my friend who was going to photograph that I wouldn't be checked till 9:00 and we were good. At 8:00am the midwife came in and said she was going to check me then, because she wanted to put monitors in to see what the uterus was actually doing. When she checked me she paused, laughed, and then said, "You're a ten. You're going to need to push on the next contraction." We were all pretty shocked and couldn't believe I had gone from a 3+ to a 10 in 45 minutes, when I had gone over 8 hours with pretty much nothing. I had felt a ton of pressure but didn't realize that was what was happening. I frantically had DJ send my friend Melina another text at about 8:02am that said something like, "At a ten" which put poor Melina in an awful spot because she was dropping her kids off. She said she would get there as soon as she could, and the midwife said, "Don't worry, you'll be pushing for at least an hour." We relaxed a bit and got ready to push on the next contraction. I did so and her head was pretty much already crowned. She had made it through the whole birth canal by herself. So there was a flurry of commotion to get the rest of the nurses in there and everything prepared for the birth.
I pushed for a total of eight minutes- about three contractions and she was out. She was born at 8:23 am. It was crazy fast but such a miracle to watch the process on the mirror. The cord was wrapped around her neck, which I was so grateful that she came so fast that it didn't turn out to be a problem. My mom and mom in law took pictures so Hubs and I were able to just focus on the blessing it all was.

They immediately put her on my chest and cleaned her there. She grabbed my finger while she laid there and I think it all hit me. It was all so surreal until there was this living, breathing miniature human being there and well. :)

They took her to the station to finish cleaning her and Hubs definitely went into protective mode and wouldn't leave her side. It was great. Her apgar score was a 9. It was so awesome to look over and see Hubs with her and hear her cry. Best sound in the world. :)

She weighed 6 lbs 13 oz and was 19 inches long. They had to weigh her twice because Hubs was really excited and leaned on the scale the first time. :)

Once she was sufficiently cleaned they brought her back over for me to hold her.

*The following pictures are done by Melina Moore*

Melina got there right after the birth which I was so glad because she was able to capture all the first moments which were the most important to me anyway. She did an incredible job and I have looked through these all AT LEAST 20 times, and I can't get enough. Thanks again Melina.

The whole time, from coming out to well after her first bath she was alert and awake. She is so special and we love her so much.

My siblings were in the waiting room so Hubs got to go show her off. There excitement was pretty fun. :)

Hubs got to help with her first bath and he loved it. Melina also got video, and there is this great part where Hubs is stroking her hair after and she completely calms down. Love it.

Love this picture and the next one SO much...

...On SO many levels. It's seriously so perfect.

We couldn't have asked for a better and easier delivery, which I'm sure was the Lord's way of rewarding me through such an awful pregnancy. :) I know I shouldn't complain, but it's my blog and I can cry if I want to. ;) We are so blessed to be the parents of this little angel and couldn't be happier. (Even if she does keep us up all hours of the night.) :)

Welcome Home Button!

Photos copyright Melina Moore Memories. Thanks again Melina!

lights {camera}

2011-01-28T05:36:00.004-07:00

1 day old

5 days old

1 week old

From the minute she was born this little girl has had lights flashing on her. It's just too fun to play dress up. ;) Poor thing....

And for the sake of tradition... my pregnancy is officially over! Yay! I think I might have died if this had been another preggo pic, so for everyone's sake, especially Hubby's, I'm glad its not. :) Oh, and I promise to get the birth story up soon! (I'm pretty sure I'm the only one who cares, but for the sake of documentation right?) ;)

new {arrival}!

2011-01-24T17:35:00.002-07:00

I realize that most of you know this from facebook but if not:

She's Here!!!
6 lbs 13 oz. 19 inches Long
Born 1/20 at 8:23 am.

Photos by Melina Moore Memories.

39 {weeks}

2011-01-18T17:55:00.000-07:00

Not going to lie, I'm pretty sick of taking prego pics. :) Had my Dr.'s appointment today and I was 70% effaced and dilated to a 2, so I had her strip my membranes. So here's to hoping, if nothing happens then I go back next Tuesday to see if my cervix is any more 'favorable' to be induced. My brother flies out Monday for basic training, so I'm really praying she decides to come a few days early. I had an ultrasound today to check fluid because I measure smaller than I should, but everything turned out ok, and I am plenty equiped with it. :) The ultrasound showed her pretty cozy and in no rush (boo!), so we'll see if anything happens...

{the} NURSERY!!

2011-01-13T00:25:00.001-07:00

I know, I know it's so much cooler to me than you, but here ya go. See the nursery at Rosy Red Buttons! Click here.

thirty {eight} weeks...

2011-01-11T20:24:00.001-07:00

... and counting. Remember the look of death so obvious in my first trimester? It's back. And since I have NO signs of labor...I'll be counting for awhile. :) Well actually that really should be a frowny face, but meh.

GIVEAWAY!

2011-01-07T07:19:00.000-07:00

Check out Rosy Red Buttons to see an awesome giveaway from Heather at Everyday Lettering and enter! She is offering an awesome chance to win something like this:

You can customize how you want! Don't miss it!

37 {weeks}

2011-01-05T12:51:00.001-07:00

3 more! I'm trying to pretend my due date is later just so I won't think about her coming EVERY DAY till then and wonder if every little pain could be a contraction. Eesh. Although, my brother ships out for basic two days before my due date so that's reason enough to pray to be early right? Lol, it would be sad if he missed her by a few days. Hope your having a great Wednesday!

Oh the {new year}

2011-01-04T02:04:00.000-07:00

I can't believe its 2011. Really. Where on EARTH did 2010 go? I went back and found my 'goals' for 2010 I posted almost a year ago. Here they are:

Goals for the upcoming year:
1. Own couches that don't look like they are fresh out of the seventies. Ok, they're not THAT bad.
2. Finish the basement
3. Ween Hubs from the video games. haha jk.
4. Own a wii. Or just continue kifing the one from the inlaws. ( I do realize this contradicts #3)
5. Give. Everyday. In whatever way. hmmmm ryhmey.

How we did:
1. Done.
2. Done.
3. Not a chance.
4. Nope. Did buy a 360.
5. For sure tried. :)

Events of 2010:
April: Found out we were pregnant again. Huzzah.
July: Partied like rock stars in Powell. Or was that August?
September: Found out we were having a girl
November: Confirmed we were still having a girl
December: Celebrated Christmas...

...yea so 2010 wasn't the most EXCITING year and our whole lives revolved around the pregnancy. Well mine did, Hubs was along for the ride mostly. :)

Goals for 2011:
1. Have a healthy baby. That is a girl.
2. Hubs graduates with Bachelors
3. Hubs starts Masters
4. Give. Love. Serve.
5. Eat a lot of grilled cheese sandwhiches on the sandwich maker hubs got for Christmas.

Happy 2011! Ok, bye.

baby {mobile}

2011-01-03T14:04:00.000-07:00

I recently finished the nursery mobile, so come check it out here! I'll be posting pics soon of the whole nursery because its pretty much finished!

Come What May

2011-01-02T03:59:00.001-07:00

I love this talk from Elder Wirthlin and video from Mormon Messages. It is good to be reminded of the things that will help us to be happy. I know that all things that pass are for our benefit, whether they be difficult or joyful, and that all losses will be made up to us. The Savior lives and truly loves each one of us. Hope you enjoy your Sunday!!

thirty {six} weeks

2010-12-30T10:29:00.000-07:00

Getting pretty big! I am SO ready to not be pregnant anymore. I got the flu on Christmas night and had abdominal cramping so bad I thought I was in labor. I don't know what labor feels like so.... I timed the contractions for over an hour and they were coming every 4-5 minutes. It must have been just my intestines, and I'm glad I waited it out... hahaha. It kind of reminded me of the parasite, which I suppose this baby is in a way.

We are so excited to meet little E! I can't wait till she gets here. The nursery is pretty much finished, the bag almost packed, the house ALMOST cleaned, so now its just the waiting game. The Dr. said I was thinning really well, so I may get lucky and have her come early. For now I'll just watch the clock... Happy Thursday!

Merry {Christmas}!!

2010-12-23T12:49:00.002-07:00

Hoping you have a magical Christmas and New Year!!

two {years}

2010-12-16T09:25:00.001-07:00

Happy 2 Year Anniversary Hubby. I love you! I could not be more lucky than I am. I love our life together and am so glad I found you. I married the best man in the world.

Here's to many more!

34 {weeks}

2010-12-15T09:30:00.000-07:00

Can't believe I only have six weeks left! (I'm hoping for less, like 3 1/2) :) As long as it's January, she can come ANY time, which will effectively remove her from my rib cage... hooray! :)

some peace for {sunday}

2010-12-05T10:44:00.001-07:00

I just love this video done by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. It shares such a beautiful message, and one that our Savior truly knows, loves us, and is with us, even in our darkest moments. That if we're willing he can use us to bless the lives of others. Enjoy!

32 {weeks}

2010-12-01T21:37:00.001-07:00

Yesterday I fell on this:

RIGHT on my stomach. It hurt. A lot. Ironically it was on the way to a Dr.'s apt. He wanted to put me on a monitor but since he eventually found the heartbeat he decided to let me kick count at home. Today I went back in because her kicking decreased. Monitors are kindof fun. We learned her heartrate jumps everytime DJ talks. And that I'm contracting a little. Which could mean an earlier delivery...I would TOTALLY be fine with 37 weeks. Just saying. But she is fine, which is RELIEVING.

This picture kind of makes me want to cry. A little. I am SO glad I did my maternity shoot at 28 weeks for two reasons: one, it beat the snow, and two, I started gaining weight drastically right after. I've gained more weight in the past month than in my whole pregnancy. Yikes. Amazing what 12 weeks can do to your body!

Yep, the face says it.

I finally saw DJ's newborn pic and was kindof shocked. Little button has the exact facial shape, nose and lips that he did. Since he was pretty cute (well still is :) ) I'll take it. If she can just get my eyes we'll be set! Can't wait to meet her! Seriously, its killing me. :)

prego {for now}

2010-11-29T19:09:00.003-07:00

I think when you first get pregnant and past the 'scary' point, then you suddenly realize that THIS one might just make it and be a cute little baby. You get super excited and then you FORGET how long 40 weeks really is. Especially if your pregnancy causes random bouts of 'deathness'. I know, I should be grateful. And I am. I just thought I'd complain for now, and then get over it. How long does 8 weeks last?

Happy {Thanksgiving}

2010-11-24T14:49:00.002-07:00

Sometimes because of trials it's so easy to get caught up in them. I am so grateful for little reminders like these videos that help us to remember how much we really do have. Hope everyone has a wonderful holiday!

winter {time}

2010-11-22T17:21:00.004-07:00

“Life is full of beauty. Notice it. Notice the bumble bee, the small child, and the smiling faces. Smell the rain, and feel the wind. Live your life to the fullest potential, and fight for your dreams.”
-Ashley Smith

Introducing....

2010-11-20T00:40:00.000-07:00

...our daughter!! Hahah. This is what the combination of insomnia, photoshop, and a pregnant woman will get you. And guessing she will get my eyes and DJ's lips...

Isn't she just beautiful?? Hahahahah. Ok, I should go to bed now.

$69 for Anniversary Inn

2010-11-17T16:15:00.000-07:00

Just in case you are interested, go this link: http://escapes.livingsocial.com/deals/14204?ref=email-jp&rpi=2311494. You can get a night's stay at any Anniversary Inn for only $69! The deal expires either today or at the end of this week, so check it out!

30 {weeks}

2010-11-16T19:01:00.000-07:00

Which means I have ten more to go! I seriously hope it's faster, but then at times I begin to hyperventilate over the realization that I will soon be a mom...forever. It's a seriously scary thought. I'm not sure I'm mature enough for it. Or smart enough. Or happy enough. Or good enough. Yikes! Do you ever feel like you will just ruin your kids if you don't do everything you should? I'm afraid that I won't be enough. Then at times I'm totally peaceful and excited for it. They did say the hormones would be roller coasters... :)

While your here, check out my craft blog and follow me over there! Newest project is a ruffle rosette onesie dress!

Maternity {Session}

2010-11-08T09:26:00.000-07:00

I couldn't wait, lol, so I'm posting them now! Big thanks to Melina, check her out here. She is a great photographer! And she even let me edit them. :) Here are the favorites!

sneak {peek}

2010-11-07T05:55:00.000-07:00

At my maternity session! (Well...hubs too) :)

I couldn't be more excited/happy with how they turned out. Melina was sweet enough to let me edit, but all the photography magic is hers. :) She's amazing! Check her out here.

home {made} canvas frames!

2010-11-05T11:59:00.000-06:00

Check them out here and follow me over there! I'd love to see your crafty stuff too so leave a comment!

{halloween}

2010-11-02T21:50:00.000-06:00

Hubs hates getting dressed up for Halloween. Like really really hates it. So when you see the following pictures you will realize what a good sport he was. We went as Ares and Aphrodite this year- cuz we're cool like that. Yea we know they were adulterous gods who were not married, but meh. That's not what we were going for...just their awesomeness. :) Aphrodite IS the goddess of procreation so we thought that fit the pregnancy well, and the little button was 'Harmonia' who is their love child in myth. I think. I felt kind of dirty reading all the history of Greek Mythology so I stopped and burned out my eyes. Kind of.

Ares the God of War

Thank you dollar store gel.

Aphrodite...preggers.

My lovey birds.

See this was two hours into the party. No costume for hubs, but two hours would be like twenty in real people time, so he did himself proud. It turned out to be a fun night! This time next year we'll be able to plan for the little one too. Crazy!

GIVEAWAY!

2010-11-01T11:52:00.000-06:00

Hey Friends! Don't miss this giveaway- she is really awesome and has awesome ideas that will totally help the look of your home! Some of her personal work is here, and she works with Atmosphere ID a great local design company. Enter today!

Room Design Giveaway!!
How many of you have thought you’d love to have a
designer come design a room for you

but for some reason or another have never gotten around to it?!
Here’s your chance!!
I’m giving away ONE FREE ROOM DESIGN! The winner will be able to pick any room of their choosing to be designed for free! That’s right, free!
To enter simply e-mail me at kristenh@atmosphere-id.com with your name, contact information,
which room you’d like designed and why.
Good luck!
Kristen Halligan
Senior Designer

Cell: 801.916.0735
Fax: 801-850-9047
Kristenh@Atmosphere-id.com
www.Atmospere-ID.com
*If the room is adjoining to another room, only one area/room will be designed.
**Client would need to pay for any product purchases, which will be bought with designer discount and approved by client prior to purchase.

prego {pics}

2010-10-29T10:04:00.000-06:00

Really showing...hooray!
Cuz everyone has this pic, lol. Can't wait for the little button!
13 weeks and counting!

one {more}!

2010-10-26T10:51:00.000-06:00

So I'm officially into the third trimester...hallelujah!! Besides not being able to sleep and feeling a lot like death, things are great! lol. No, I really do feel so blessed and grateful to be at this point and to dream about what our little button will look like. If she'll have dark hair, who she'll take after. I can't wait!

In the meantime, I have been doing A TON of projects in the home which I am super excited about. Here are some glimpses, and I'll blog more about the how tos later!

My favorite one of the nursery so far- hand painted murals. Except they won't go above the crib...just seeing how they'd look! And I'll also tell you how to do the board and batten look for super cheap.
My $1.00 salvation army find...spray painted of course.
My first recovery project. And I painted it.
New pillows? Yes please.
These are everywhere on blog land, but you can make your own hurricane for dirt cheap. This one cost me $0.45. Not kidding.
Sorry about the flash, cuz my wall is not orange. Some fall decor! (Those vases were .35 cents a piece...glass but spray painted black)
More dollar store fall decor! Not the painting. That for sure cost more than a dollar. :)
My first curtains attempt. This is part of a much larger project for door and window. Again sorry for the flash at night. And we're missing plate covers for the switches, we just painted. I'm loving the new color!

So excited for the projects coming up, including restoring a nightstand and dresser, making curtains for french doors, another table runner for the dining room, dish towels, Little Button's blessing dress, some blankets, some....

...You can just call me nesting. :) Happy Tuesday!

twenty {four} weeks

2010-10-08T10:38:00.000-06:00

I hit the 24 week mark on Tuesday, which means 16 weeks left! She started moving like crazy a week or so ago, well at least to the point I could feel her. I hadn't felt her up to that point so it was pretty exciting. I bought a Doppler a while back and before I would have to search for her heartbeat because she would move away from the pressure of the Doppler on the uterus. Now, all that I have to do is place the Doppler on one side and listen as her heartbeat gets stronger because she comes to 'investigate'. It's so weird, but really cool.
The nursery is getting there, I have tons of little projects that I'll post once they are finished, including painting and recovering a glider/ottoman set. Yikes, but it's turning out great! Any suggestions on how to deal with leg ache and joint ache in the hips? Just wondering. Happy Friday!

rainbowed {hope}

2010-09-30T09:18:00.000-06:00

I was reading some material yesterday and came across this sentiment on rainbows:

"(Seeing a Rainbow) is the understanding that the beauty of a rainbow does not negate the ravages of the storm. When a rainbow appears, it doesn't mean the storm never happened or that the family is not still dealing with its aftermath. What it means is that something beautiful and full of light has appeared in the midst of the darkness and clouds. Storm clouds may still hover but the rainbow provides a counterbalance of color, energy and hope."
-Anon.

I know that trials can be extremely difficult and their purpose isn't always known, but the Lord allows little pockets of rainbows to help us see the beauty of life despite the trials. I know He loves us, and knows us. The Savior truly is our personal savior, one who is constantly aware of our pain and frustration because he has passed it himself.

Joseph B. Wirthlin, passed member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles I believe said it best when he expressed the hope the Savior has brought us:

"I think of how dark that Friday was when Christ was lifted up on the cross.
On that terrible Friday the earth shook and grew dark. Frightful storms lashed at the earth. Those evil men who sought His life rejoiced. Now that Jesus was no more, surely those who followed Him would disperse. On that day they stood triumphant.
I think that of all the days since the beginning of this world's history, that Friday was the darkest.
But the doom of that day did not endure.
The despair did not linger because on Sunday, the resurrected Lord burst the bonds of death. He ascended from the grave and appeared gloriously triumphant as the Savior of all mankind.
And in an instant the eyes that had been filled with ever-flowing tears dried. The lips that had whispered prayers of distress and grief now filled the air with wondrous praise, for Jesus the Christ, the Son of the living God, stood before them as the first fruits of the Resurrection, the proof that death is merely the beginning of a new and wondrous existence.
Each of us will have our own Fridays—those days when the universe itself seems shattered and the shards of our world lie littered about us in pieces. We all will experience those broken times when it seems we can never be put together again. We will all have our Fridays.
But I testify to you in the name of the One who conquered death—Sunday will come. In the darkness of our sorrow, Sunday will come.
No matter our desperation, no matter our grief, Sunday will come. In this life or the next, Sunday will come."

i'm in {love}...

2010-09-28T13:24:00.000-06:00

...with the fact that little button is a girl. Every store I go to I find myself in all things pink. And frilly. And girly. And vintage. I can't wait till she gets here! Also, I found her 'official' take home outfit. :) She'll be so posh....

crafty {burp cloths}

2010-09-21T15:45:00.000-06:00

I made some burp cloths over the past day or so and they are super easy and fun! Check them out here.

gender {reveal} party

2010-09-20T11:07:00.000-06:00

A couple friends of ours are pregnant and are going to have a baby about a month before we do, and she had planned to do a party like this, but was unable to. So I stole the idea because I thought it would be fun. :)

Team boy. Sometimes people have you wear the color you think it would be, but I figured since guys typically don't like pink they would be on team boy just so they didn't have to wear it. :) I had them vote on strips of paper and then I raffled from the winning team for a prize.
Team Girl

Team Centaur. My brother I had convinced we were having a boy, and my mother in law already knew because we told our parents the night before.

The cake. The inside is the color you are having.
Cutting the cake...

The cake, a little out of order in the picture scheme.
Girl!

So happy, lol.

Girls in the 'pregnant ward'. There are five of us, all due within two months. On left at 24 weeks w/girl. Me at 20 weeks w/girl. On right at 18 weeks w/boy.

Can't be more excited for our little girl!

and the winner is....

2010-09-09T20:17:00.000-06:00

Out of 31 votes, 58% said girl. And you would be....

Right!! It's a GIRL!! We could not be more excited.

Here she is with her legs all crossed and proper:

We of course went out and bought her first outfit that night. I'm loving the creme, and may replace the pants with some kind of leggings and make it her take-home outfit:

Hubby approved of the hood, because he's kind of a wangsta.

Here I am at 12 weeks:

I know, horrible photo editing. It was late, and I was in a hurry. Still the look of death the first trimester holds, man that was hard. At least the nausea is gone!

And yesterday at 20 weeks:

I'm finally starting to show. If I wear jeans and a looser top you can't tell though. Yea for babies! I could not be more excited and Hubby is really happy too. He's so going to be wrapped around her little finger. Cheers!

{tommorrow} is only a day away

2010-09-07T11:25:00.000-06:00

Tomorrow is the big day! We are so excited to find out what we are having! I am also extremely nervous- and try not to listen to the eternal pessimist in me. I'm afraid something will be wrong, but really I'm just being negative. I can't believe we're having a baby, I really don't think I'm mature enough for this. :) And baby names are hard! I don't want to disadvantage my child because I gave them a lame name. Lol. We started working on the nursery yesterday- I'm putting up a higher chair molding with strips and painting to give it a board and baton look. I think it will turn out really great- Hubs is such a sport, he was totally content leaving it the way it was. :) Both themes are vintage. If it's a boy, it will be a nautical vintage theme, kind of like this:

Except the colors will be grey, soft baby blue, and sage- rather than the red and dark blue.

For a girl it will be a vintage bird cage theme with grey, pastel pink, and yellow accents as the color, kind of like this setup:

Or this:

Lol, I think I'm more excited to think about the nursery than actually put it together. Sometimes I can't believe we are at this point in life, it's so crazy. So if you have suggestions on names, I'd love to hear them! Oh and make sure you vote on the right if you haven't! Cheers!

crafty {headbands}

2010-09-03T11:30:00.000-06:00

They're simple and you've seen them before, but there you go! Check them out here.

Have a great weekend! And thanks for all the suggestions on the back pain, after moaning and groaning all night last night, my hubby said I had to go to the chiropractor. :) Lol, what a sport.

back {pains}

2010-09-02T10:05:00.000-06:00

I know it is typical of pregnancy, but lately I have been having pain so bad in my lower back that it makes it difficult to sit or walk. Has anyone else experienced this? Any suggestions on relief? I'm already up to 4 tylenol a day, and I'd rather limit that if possible. ;)

one {week}!

2010-08-31T15:43:00.001-06:00

Ok, one week and a day, but we will know soon what the little button is! Take the poll on the right and we'll see who is right!

a new {blog}

2010-08-30T20:49:00.000-06:00

So when I found out I was pregnant I hesitated buying or making things. Now however, I feel like I should probably learn how to be domestic. So I have been following a lot of crafting blogs. And looking at a lot of cooking sites. I feel more motherly already. I decided to start a new blog with all my projects, just to keep them organized. And to eventually have a to do list. Which would be good. So click here to see these latest projects:

Here I am at almost 19 weeks. My bump only makes its appearance at about 7:30pm-4:00am. Lol. It is the weirdest thing. Other than that its just flat. I've also lost a total of 12 pounds, so thats help me not be too much of a tanker. :) (Oh and I stole this pic from my inlaw, sorry if its awkward, and my head feels like that a lot of the time, yikes) :)

We also purchased a crib. It is CUTE. It looks like this:

I am excited. Now we just need to actually maybe start on the nursery. Maybe.

I had my 18 week appointment a while back and everything is normal. My ultrasound is next week! We get to find out what we are having and then the real planning will begin. The verdict is still out, but even though I KINDOF feel like I am having a girl, I will be more than happy with a boy. Hubby is the same. Yay for life! We seem to have finally got our health insurance figured out (after it has been changed again) and even though it may cost us an arm and a leg for the child, it will all be worth it in the end. I know the Lord will take care of us. Till next time, cheers!

lake {powell}!

2010-08-23T12:46:00.001-06:00

Oh Lake Powell, how we missed you. And even though I couldn't do everything I normally do because of the little button, you still were a fabulous time. Till September!

a {little} photoshoot

2010-07-27T09:53:00.000-06:00

Because my husband and I didn't have professional engagments done, I promised myself I would eventually do them just later in marriage. Finally a year and half later my awesome mom did an impromptu shoot in the field across from my family home. I wanted to get it done before I looked too pregnant. Hubs is such a trooper, he really dislikes photos, but he is willing to do what is important to me. What love! :)

Hubs said he would do this shoot if this photo was involved.

what {now}

2010-07-26T17:15:00.000-06:00

What do you do when your rate for this:

which you were already having a hard time paying for suddenly doubles it's price right when you are expecting one of these:
You do this:

Oh dear....

good {cause}

2010-07-22T10:29:00.000-06:00

Hey peeps, a friend over at Craft Rookie is doing a fun giveway as well as bringing attention to this great family:

http://craftrookie.blogspot.com/2010/07/buying-cardssponsoring-craft-rookie-for.html
Read their story, help if you can, or repost, and enter her giveaway! She has lots of fun ideas about crafting and her blog is fun to read as well, win-win!

some {ramblings}

2010-07-20T11:27:00.000-06:00

Today I went with Hub to our 13 week Doctors appointment. Unfortunately my regular doctor was at the hospital, making this the second time he's had something come up. Instead, they asked if the midwife could come do the visit, and I was totally fine with that. She ended up being awesome, and we've actually decided to go with her as our 'baby deliverer'. She did a Doppler ultrasound so we could hear the heartbeat. It was so awesome knowing that something living is inside me...well something I want inside me anyway, unlike Benji the parasite. I've lost six pounds which is probably actually good because I had gained so much previously that it was just extra any way. I'm super tired, so I hope that goes away eventually, and the headaches! Oh the headaches. Lol.

They didn't do a ultrasound that I could see, but apparently this is what it looks like. Only 7 weeks till we can know what it is! Hahaha that seems like forever.

Also, last week I got to meet this man:

At this place:

I totally know why he's my favorite now.

AND, if you haven't seen Inception yet, You Should. Cheers!

the big {23}

2010-07-14T16:25:00.000-06:00

ok, I don't know if that qualifies as a 'big' birthday, but it's a birthday nonetheless. Happy Birthday Husband! Hope you have an amazing year full of happiness, success, and icecream. But only if you share....

Ha ha sick. I love you!

it's {a}....

2010-07-08T16:02:00.000-06:00

BABY!
How Hubby was told: a note on the counter.

Two early possitive tests. I was expecting it, but it was still exciting!

This was at eight weeks. A tiny difference, and I can already tell I'm carrying low. So not much change, except for the look of death that morning/afternoon/evening/night sickness brings about. I'm at 12 weeks now. No real progression in the bump area except for the fat it's starting to push out. No more sucking in...

So the little button is due January 22, 2010, a few days before my birthday. We have had an ultra sound that my computer won't scan in and the baby was functioning normal. It was our first experience seeing the heart beat this time, and it was awesome. We passed the scary point of when we lost the first a week ago, so here's to hoping! Hub is pining for a boy, but since I don't know what I'll do with one, I fully expect a girl. :) (yea, yea, I'm already picking out blue paint just because I want a girl so much). We are happy and hope all goes well! Thanks to you who kept it a secret, you are so awesome!

So first trimester down....two to go!

work {and more}

2010-07-07T15:51:00.000-06:00

More basement finishing... thanks to our awesome friends for their help in painting! It actually is painted with carpet in the family room and tile in the bathroom, so we mostly just have lots of finish work. I'll post more pictures of the total finish later....probably.

A gigantic rose from our shared rose bush out front. The end.

um... {oops}

2010-06-15T17:39:00.000-06:00

So I have been wanting to change my URL for awhile. I don't ever want to go private, and as such have tried to not put a ton of personal information on the blog. My latest decision was based on the fact our first and last names were in our address, and well, that's weird. So in publishing I thought I could just change it to a different domain and it would redirect like it had when I purchased a domain for my photography.

I was wrong.

I apologize for all the lost links, and hopefully you will find my blog again. Leave me a comment so I can re-find your blog if it's not in any of my blog lists. Sigh, I feel sheepish.

Also I won't be using first names anymore, so my husband will be referred to as 'Husband'. Hahah, but seriously. I'll refer to myself as PhotographingDivaDivineofalltheWorld except for the fact I hate the word diva, and I really don't want to be associated with photography, so I'll think of something else. Ok, bye.

what do you {do}

2010-06-11T18:21:00.001-06:00

...when the world won't stop spinning long enough to get off? Lately I have started feeling

fried. hammered. wasted.

and no, I'm not doing drugs.

Sometimes I get so busy and/or tired that each day just feels redundant. Like I'm stuck in a bad 90's film about a ground rodant that never seems to end. I know this sounds like complaining, because it probably is. I know I shouldn't, because I'm grateful for the chance to be alive.

I just wish they someone would discover a tree like in Narnia that sprouts gold, (I'm aware that it is a fictional place) and then working would no longer be necessary. Wouldn't that be awesome? Then I could catch a flight to Hawaii, Cancun, wherever, and sip margaritas (the kind that refraims from alchohol) on the beach all day long.

I admire the moms out there, because at this point I don't think I could have done it. Which brings me to another ~~rant~~ thought process, I have heard so many opinions about whether moms should work outside of the home or not. I know what the doctorine says, I know what both sides would say. I read a blog where the writer wrote that because she had a college education she felt she needed to better the world outside her by working as well as mothering. She said she "didn't go to school to get married." I had to chuckle at the post, because although I'm sure she didn't mean it to be offensive, it was a little. I don't think women stay at home simply because they couldn't get a job if they wanted to, because they aren't college educated, because they only went to school to meet a spouse. I think the decision is intensely personal and totally dependant on your economic situation. My mother, as most girls her age, left school early when engaged, and stayed home with us my whole youth life. I will probably do the same if opportunity affords it. Not because I don't have an education, because I do, but simply because I want to. I know lots of awesome moms who work both outside and inside the home, and I don't think there is a set answer for it. Thoughts?

I would apologize for this post, but I'm currently being stood up by my husband for a date. ;) When work calls you to work late, you can't tell work no, unfortunately. I am grateful that he cares enough to try to provide such a great life for the both of us.

Alfred Einstein remarked, "The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all true art and all science. He to whom this emotion is a stranger, who can no longer pause to wonder and stand rapt in awe, is as good as dead: his eyes are closed."
I've thought a lot about that lately. When life gets to crazy/busy/unfortunate for one to truly pay attention to the mystery/beauty/intrigue of life, we are missing something. Now, replace 'the mysterious' with God. He is the source of all things, and those who have refused to wonder and stand in awe, are simply refusing to open their eyes. I know He lives. I hope that I can always make time for him, to stand in awe, to remember, so that His lament regarding fox holes will not be true in my life.

{tip} toe

2010-05-26T14:51:00.000-06:00

"We dance for laughter, we dance for tears, we dance for madness, we dance for fears, we dance for hopes, we dance for screams, we are the dancers, we create the dreams."
Anonymous

a {different} ending

2010-05-13T11:36:00.000-06:00

When I was a little girl I played with barbies. Pretty typical. Except my barbies never went to the mall, or to the movies, or to hang out with Ken.

In fact, they thought Ken was stupid.

No, my barbies were lawyers and owned little companies. They went to classes and played with monopoly money. I'm pretty sure I was a strange child.

In fact, all I ever wanted to do was be a lawyer. I grew older, but while my friends watched TGIF (remember that?) my tube was turned to Law and Order. Now I'm certain I was a strange child.

I started college on all the scholarships I could get my hands on and enrolled in every political science and philosophy class I could muster. I was well on my way to accomplishing my goals. My Goals: live in a pent house in Oregon, practice criminal prosecution law, and eventually be elected DA. Never, ever, get married.

Then one night I read these:

Did some of this:

And knew I was supposed to serve one of these:

I guess that was the beginning of the end. Of my dreams of course. While I served a good amount of time on the mission, I eventually became ill with this:

Ok. Not really, but parasites are too gross to look up.
And then this ended.

It was the most humbing time of my life. I've never felt so close to the Savior. And so far. I realized I didn't want to do what I had always wanted to do.

Not long after coming home (after a way too long stint of recovery) I met this:

And we got married. I finished school with a degree I didn't want to pursue. A useless degree I couldn't use anymore. I had no more interest in law school then I did jumping off the empire state building without a parachute. I decided my life was no longer apart of my original plans. That was sad.

Kindof.

I conclude that our plans will probably never go exactly as we had anticipated. That what we plan and what the Lord has in store is never quite parallel. But I do know that what happens in life is inspired. Not fated, but inspired.

I like it that way.

It helps me know that even though I'm not completely sure how great things will be or are, there is someone who is. As Gordon B. Hinckley said, "Get on your knees and pray, then get on your feet and work," so are we given the opportunity to do the best we can in procuring a little bit of heaven on earth for ourselves.

Even if it wasn't what we planned.

rain {thoughts}

2010-05-11T17:23:00.000-06:00

today i sat down to work.

i didn't quite get there. mentally speaking.

sometimes i think i should diagnose myself with a.d.d. and call it good. except then i would never get any more jobs because i wouldn't do what i'm supposed to do in the first place. that would essentially be problematic.

know what is awesome though? the rain. i'm supposed to be shooting in it, but i'm not. bless you rain for another canceled job. you may think it's sarcasm.

it's not.

seems like a good day to procrastinate.

quiet {moments}

2010-04-27T13:09:00.000-06:00

“God does not look on the outward appearance. I believe that He doesn’t care one bit if we live in a castle or a cottage, if we are handsome or homely, if we are famous or forgotten. Though we are incomplete, God loves us completely. Though we are imperfect, He loves us perfectly. Though we may feel lost and without compass, God’s love encompasses us completely.”
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

a {good} life

2010-04-24T13:02:00.001-06:00

Sometimes I get so caught up in life, I am abruptly startled when I realize how amazing it is. My husband and I were able to go up to Twin Falls to shoot a wedding and I was able to see a couple of old mission friends, one an old companion. It was fun to reminise about all the good times, and hear all the future plans we all had. As my husband and I made the three hour drive home to Logan, I was overcome with how much I loved him and life, for our similarities, our goals, our plans. I am so blessed with all that I have. I know everything we have comes from a Heavenly Father who loves us. Even when it is hard, He is constantly aware of our struggles and will come to help in the hour that is appropriate for us. I know there is a lot of pain and suffering in the world, but I do not believe that God causes it. I simply thing He allows us to pass through the trials and wrongs in order to grow and progress.

I know we have a Savior who not only died for our sins and the evil that man and Satan create, but also one who died for all the sorrow, emotions, and pain we go through simply as a result of mortality. It is comforting to know that through our darkest moments, are most trying times of despair, we are certainly not alone. He loves us. He lives. How much peace that knowledge can bring! I know that believing is not necessarily popular in today's world, but I can not imagine a life without that faith. It would be cold and devoid of purpose.

I know that I have been blessed as a direct result of the love Heavenly Father has for me. I see his love everywhere. In the new tulips blossoming during the warm stretches of morning, in the lightning shows of magnificent power, in the quiet embrace of a mother to a afflicted child. His love surrounds us so completely, so infinitely. I know that even if we can't feel it, it is there. He is there. And like the apostles who rowed for hours in the tempest, on the fourth watch, the Savior approached. It would have been easier had He came straight away. I'm not personally sure why He did not. But I do know that when He did, the apostles upon recognition, must have felt insurmountable joy, and then the waves were calmed.

I suppose it is like that in life. Prayers aren't always answered immedietly or the way in which we felt they should have been, but they are answered. And most certainly in the way that is best for us, from an all knowing and all loving Heavenly Father.

I am grateful for the blessings that are mine in this life. They are so many. But as W.T. Purkiser knowingly acknowledged,“Not what we say about our blessings, but how we use them, is the true measure of our thanksgiving.” I pray that I might always be an instrument in the Lord's hands, no matter how many times the refining fire hurts. I've decided that all trials, if they help us come nearer to the Savior, no matter how small the difference, are completely worth it. I hope that this will always be the case in my life, because I have such an awesome one.

{sighs}

2010-04-19T19:22:00.000-06:00

Why is it that when I decide to do this:

DJ is always working late doing this:
Poor guy wonders why I never cook.

Engagement {giveaway} from CioCo!

2010-04-05T20:11:00.001-06:00

Hey friends and family! My company is doing another giveaway, this one for engagements!! Pass the word along!!

Attention all future brides, grooms, friends and family! You do not want to miss this giveaway from CioCo Photography and Owazi Films! We will be giving away an ENTIRE engagment package (engagement photos + announcement) from CioCo and a 'Love Story' Couple Film on DVD from Owazi! You will be able to showcase your love at your wedding reception and in your pictures with this beautiful combo video/photography giveaway! How do you win this spectacular prize for yourself or family/friends? By doing the following:

1. Become a fan on facebook here.
-or-
1. If already a fan, announce in your status on facebook or twitter the giveaway, linking to http://ciocophotography.com
2. Tell two friends who you know are getting married about the giveaway.

3. Finally, MOST IMPORTANT, write a {less than} one page story about how you and your fiance met {or how your family member met their fiance} and how winning this giveaway will effect/help you {or them}, and why you {they} deserve it. Also attach your favorite jpeg picture of you and your fiance {or them} and email all to ciocophotography@gmail.com. In the subject line write "Engagement giveaway-your {thier} name".

If you or someone in your family isn't getting married, you probably know someone who is! Pass the word along so this awesome giveaway isn't missed! Entries will be accepted till April 20th at 11:00 pm. Cheers!

Oh boy

2010-03-27T11:47:00.000-06:00

Annoying: Finishing a basement. Really annoying: Finishing a basement when you could be vacationing during spring break. Sigh. I miss you Lake Powell.

The mess they made fixing the mess the builders made.

Just in case someone was wondering.

Oh well, at least it's getting done and DJ is just so happy with his good work. Oh and big thanks to my dad and two brothers for all your help. By the way, time goes too fast. That's all. Cheers!

GIVEAWAY!!

2010-03-18T20:01:00.000-06:00

Hey friends and family! Just wanted you to know that my company CioCo Photography is doing a big giveaway on Giveaway Today Tommorrow! I will be giving away either a engagement, bridal or family session, so if you or anyone you know needs any of those, let them know and enter!

Thanks for your love and support!

All things vintage...

2010-03-10T16:46:00.001-07:00

Lately I have been obsessed with all things vintage. French Victorian, 1920's Flapper, Retro Movement, I love it ALL. And lately I have been trying to find vintage items for my photography. Items like these:

Like this adorable round traveling suitcase. Preferrably in red. or any color for that matter. Or this next one: (Update: thank you Kandice for finding this)

Who wouldn't want a ruffly umbrella. Hahah I know, EVERYONE, but it would look so cool....

This hat I would wear in the real world. Anything from the flapper era I adore. But any old hats for that matter would be wonderful.

I need that chair. I just do.

So.... I have been looking for a good amount of time to find said items. And they are either out of my price range, or they don't exist. Which is why I'm going to try to bribe people. If you or your family have ANY of these items, or anything similar, I will give you a FREE photography session to use them. You don't have to necessarily give them to me, per se, (unless you really want to which I would love) but they do need to be available for photo sessions in the future. Have something like this? Email me at ciocophotography@gmail.com and we will get rolling. Cheers!

new {paint}

2010-02-17T15:23:00.000-07:00

We are almost to the point of the house being put together completely. We have a few big ticket things to buy still, but for the most part we've been super blessed. We just bought a brand new queen eurotop bed this week, and we quite like it. I've also figured out how to incorporate my dad's bed set he built (thanks Kristen), which is awesome.

And if you remember from a few posts ago, we were going to paint our office. So we did.

DJ works, and I take pictures of myself. Seems like a fair deal. Hahaha.

The finished product:

Thanks DJ for helping me! You are the best husband. Ever. More to come from Vday. Cheers!

the bday {jazz}

2010-02-01T18:06:00.000-07:00

The 30th was my bday. It still shocks me a little the older I get. I used to think 24 was sooo old when I was a teenager, and I still think I'm a little old now, especially having a 22 year old husband, who occasionally likes to rub it in. :) I married younger so I wouldn't have to be a widow for so long. Hahaha, jk.
I love my family. They are a little crazy, but I still love them.
And my friends who are even crazier. But I feel blessed that we have been friends this long. They are amazing!
So I actually didn't get these for my birthday, rather DJ randomnly brought them home one day, but they are pretty so I thought I'd post them. I DID get a new phone, money, some more money, a new set of scriptures and case (yay!) and DJ will be taking me to buy new pants. Ha ha poor DJ. Cheers!

Bella

2010-01-18T22:01:00.000-07:00

I should have blogged about Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc, etc, but never got around to it. I'll try to do better in blogging more of the happenings. The pictures did manage to make it on to facebook from those events, which hasn't happened in a while.

Our new kitten we got on our anniversary is growing ridiculously fast. She has managed to stay around the same size, but her features are becoming more cat like everyday. Sad. Time to give her back. Hahah jk. We really love her, and she is a lot of fun. In fact, she's napping in my lap while I type this. We babysat our little cousins this past week and some, and so I grabbed the camera when Bella started playing inside of a shoe. Some fun ones:

This is typically what she looks like when she's about to pounce on prey....especially if that prey is your foot that moved at 3:00 in the morning.

DJ also set up our home office this week. Hooray! He is so good to me. The room desperately needs painted still. I'm thinking a light sage green. Thoughts? I'm excited to get that done so I can get pictures of my company up so it's not so bare. And don't those chairs rock? hahaha. We really didn't feel like buying any, so we're just using the props I use in some of my shoots. I kinda like it though...adds some character. So hopefully we'll get that done, and there will be pics later. Hopefully.

Happy New Year!

2010-01-08T12:49:00.001-07:00

Ok, I'm a little late, but there you go. So.... in the last year (and a few weeks) there has been many things that have changed in our little world.

December- Got Married

January- Moved to Taylorsville

May- Camilla Graduated

May- Moved to Church Wells

August- Moved to West Jordan

August- DJ transferred to the U

November- Bought a house and moved to West Valley

December- Still alive

Goals for the upcoming year:

1. Own couches that don't look like they are fresh out of the seventies. Ok, they're not THAT bad.

2. Finish the basement

3. Ween DJ from the video games. haha jk.

4. Own a wii. Or just continue kifing the one from the inlaws. ( I do realize this contradicts #3)

5. Give. Everyday. In whatever way. hmmmm ryhmey.

On another note, the end.

happy {holidays}

2009-12-20T17:13:00.000-07:00

Merry Christmas! Hope that your week is full of magic! Not as cool as Aubrey's HDR pic, but it works :)

Our newest {addition}

2009-12-17T09:58:00.000-07:00

So I got my christmas present early! Yipee! hahah. I've wanted a kitten for a while, but now that we finally have a house to put it in, DJ let me get my christmas present. He named her Rogue because of the white.

Yes that is a rat, and it is our pet named Sophie. I wanted to name the cat Bella, not because of twilight, which I sadly do not like, but because I just really like the name Isabella. So we call her Rogue because DJ said I got to name the rat, but we'll see.

So cute. DJ gets to have a puppy when we have a yard to put it in. But for now I win. Blue eyes and all! Thanks for the christmas/anniversary gift~

Thanks {for the memories}

2009-12-16T09:48:00.001-07:00

Happy Aniversary DJ. I love you! Thanks for the laughs, the late night walks, the caring. I married the best man in the world.

Here's to many more!

On Life

2009-12-02T21:18:00.001-07:00

It's been a difficult two and a half months. I try to pretend it hasn't, but it catches up. Over these three months I have thought a lot about life and after. There are so many opinions about what happens, about what it was. Why we are here, where we are going, where we came from. I know these are all questions humankind asks, and we all find a time to ask them to ourselves.
I have found that despite what the world would find as our reason, there is something so much greater than ourselves directing us. Ralph Waldo Emerson put it well when he said, "Belief consists in accepting the affirmations of the soul; unbelief, denying them."

I believe that we are all born with the desire to do good, to be good, and to constantly seek greater than ourselves. It is something that inherently exists in each of us, and denying those good desires is simply negating what the soul already knows to be true. I know that God lives, and that He loves each one of us. I know that He not only hears our prayers, but answers them. I know that He does not create grief, nor trials, but rather allows us to pass through them in order to truly reach the potential He desires for us. And the potential we should seek in ourselves.

I never thought losing a pregnancy would be so difficult. I felt that I should be open about it because it is something that is kept often very secret. It has been hard to even think about at times, and harder to think that I could be of benefit to anyone though my experience. I still hope this. I know that we have a savior that has felt every pain that we have experienced, one who loves so immensely that we truly cannot comprehend it.

I was privileged to meet a young woman in Chile who was seeking those answers and who was searching for comfort for many aspects of her life. She had not been raised in a very stable family nor had known many comforts of life. She was eager to find a source of instruction and we were eager to help her. Over the weeks she learned the commandments and implemented them in her life. Until one week. She was different. I knew that something was wrong, and quickly discovered the reason. While her transgression is not important, the feeling of love that immediately poured over our little group was overwhelming. I knew she had a Heavenly Father who loved her tremendously, despite her mistake and desired her return to Him.

I try to live that way in my life, so that I am available for His love. The God of this world, omnipotent, omniscient, completely benevolent, yet still willing to listen the grief of a 23 year old is still incomprehensible to me. I am forever grateful to a loving Heavenly Father, who despite all my follies, still loves me.

I came across a picture of DJ's older brother who passed away a little over three years ago while DJ was on his mission. I caught my breath at it, it was so beautiful. A peaceful moment with his son, captured. It made me realize how precious life is, how lucky we are to pass each day we do. And how grateful I am for the examples of so many of you, like DJ's brother, who try each day to live the best they can in the service of others, in the service of God. I do not know why He calls home his children when He does, but I do know that we have a divine purpose here, regardless of the length we serve it. Willa Cather, an American author remarked, "That is happiness: to be dissolved into something complete and great." I believe this. When we do our best, outside of ourselves, then life is truly worth living. And when that great passing known as death comes, we can look back and feel that yes, we indeed did our best in building up those around us, other children of God.

Potential

2009-11-23T19:39:00.000-07:00

“This is my prayer for all of us—'Lord, increase our faith.' Increase our faith to bridge the chasms of uncertainty and doubt. . . . Grant us faith to look beyond the problems of the moment to the miracles of the future. . . . Give us faith to do what is right and let the consequence follow.”
~Gordon B. Hinckley

Beautiful Things

2009-11-16T14:55:00.000-07:00

I typed into a search engine the words "beautiful things". I was flooded with images, including these. It was interesting what others had tagged as "beautiful", from they typical to the not so.

My husband and I were talking about engineers last night. I'm not sure why, but we were. We wondered how engineers became interested in what they were studying. How you can find the linear equation of the square root of the diagram that fits into pie that will magically make a building stand on it's head is beyond my area of expertise.

I have a lot of respect for engineers. I also have a lot of respect for janitors, bankers, artists, policemen, etc, etc. We talked about the interesting phenomina that all people are interested in different things. Some have similar likes, but in the end each person is genuinely unique, with different desires and needs, different perceptions on what is {beautiful}.

I'm glad we don't live in a world full of only engineers. You would have fantastic creations of the world's most structurely sound roadway, but no one to build it. I'm glad the world is not inhabited alone by builders. You may build something incredible, but perhaps only after the first earthquake realize where you went wrong. I'm glad the world has more than artists. There would be so many beautiful things, but no real jobs to produce the money to buy it. :)

Basically, I'm convinced that we need EACH OTHER. I remember being on my mission in Chile sitting in church in "relief society" when a baby started crying. I watched as a different woman got up from the front row, went to the middle row where the younger mother was, took the baby, and then walked outside. I was amazed. Shocked even. I had grown in a culture where most would take care of business on their own. But not these women. They had developed a system where everyone simply helped everyone. When a baby cried, it was taken care of. When someone was hungry, they were fed. They were not simply neighbors, they were family. And they knew it. They fought like family, the loved like family. When the baby calmed down, the woman brought her back into the class "relief society" and gave her back to the mother. No 'thanks' or 'your welcome' were said, none were needed. That woman was good at helping, the other was good at letting her. We NEED each other. Other's talents, gifts, hugs, understanding. We need it ALL.

I wonder what life would be like if everyone got it. Everyone in the ENTIRE world. Can you guess what might come next? Yep, it would be all gone. All the bad stuff. And all the good things would be left. People would be genuinely concerned about each other and not just for the papers, not just for the attention.

It would be PERFECT.

Like Heavenly Father. If more people would listen to him, would seek him out to the best of their ability, things would change. For real, not just the change the politicians promise us. Internal change in each person. And the world would change as a result. Starting with me.

I try. I really do. But I could be better. I could care more. I could give more. I could help more. I could try harder to be better. Starting NOW. I need to pray more. I need to make it a priority. Not an after thought. I need to seek out opportunities to help. EVERY DAY. I need to be more like HIM.

Beautiful is such an interesting concept. I look around me each day and see real beauty. I see it in a young child getting the mail for his mom, I see it in the young teenager rolling on his skateboard across the intersection. I see it in the last leaf holding on to the branch it has known so well. It is everywhere.

And that's when I am still and thank my Heavenly Father for life. Because it is beautiful, and we are so lucky. That knowledge, I believe, is where beauty lies.

Procrastination

2009-11-13T13:38:00.001-07:00

Why do I not do things when I know I should? Like putting off hanging up pictures and organizing the rest of the house, it's not like it's hard. Also, I did not make this background, I just really like it. Sigh. That's all.

Identity Crisis

2009-11-10T20:12:00.000-07:00

I've realized that my blog can't seem to decide what it should look like. Or maybe that's my fault. Ever since I learned how to write code, I'm a habitual redecorator. O well. Meanwhile, check out this most awesome site for all you digi scrapbookers.

http://summertimedesigns.blogspot.com/

Moving...

2009-11-09T14:55:00.001-07:00

There are very few things in life that I hate. Miley Cyrus, sandals with socks, and moving. I have lived in a lot of places since I was 18, some allowing me only two suitcases to travel with from place to place, our from one side of the country to pratically the other. As a result, I try not to accumulate junk. Apparently, I have not done very well since we got married. Because we had a LOT of it to move, despite the fact we've lived in three places since the wedding. This being our fourth. I admit, it could have been worse, but I'm mostly glad it's over. We are really excited about our new town home because it's perfect for us, and we have awesome neighbors that bring us food. We decided that maybe we should just randomly knock on other neighbors doors and tell them we are new, so they will fell obligated to do so as well. hahahah jk. We really do like our awesome neighbors.

I'm Pretty.

My dad and brother came down from Logan to help us, they are special. And plus I had the flu so I wasn't much help. So it was left to the boys, which is probably how it should be anyway. Ha ha.

Apparently, i like this face.

DJ has also decided he should be adopted by a latin family because he would would probably match better. And the more winter comes, the whiter I get. DJ on the other hand, does not change. Lucky. He's actually part greek if you were wondering. When we first met everyone from my mission thought he was Chilean. Score.

Yay for new houses! I will post pics soon. We are having an open house the 14th so you should come. Whoever you are. hahah. Just email me for the address! And if we like you we will email you back. Or not. hahaha But seriously. "Where's the jk?"-Lori.

Yay for Backgrounds!

2009-10-26T20:58:00.000-06:00

So I learned how to write background code, which has made me very happy. As a result, I waste a lot of time on photoshop when I should be doing other things. The End! Enjoy my new background...that I made :)

Heroes

2009-10-24T23:45:00.000-06:00

I have come to think a lot about miracles this past week and how much the Lord loves us. As most of you know because of the news, Mary Sorensen and her family lost their home this week due to a propane explosion. The news report is here. I was shocked and grateful to know that despite their tremendous loss, they were ok. As I read the article online, I came across this picture:

I don't mean to call any attention to anyone in particular, but the man leading the pack is my dad. I was not aware my dad was involved, only that it had happened to our rural home town. I was overcome with emotion at the love that my dad has for people in general. He is an example to me in so many ways. He has always been one to sacrifice for others, for the most part on behalf of his own family, including me. I know my dad has gone without so many times in order that we could have things that we needed, or even wanted.

Thank you Dad for your example of Christ-like service and love. Thank you to all out there that just try to do your best day by day, without thinking of internal reasons, always aware of those around you. I know so many of you, and so many of you have changed my life. You are heroes in this world, and many love you for it.

When I came home from my mission, my most awesome cousin gave me a framed picture of Christ with a quote from Gordon B. Hinkley. It reads, "Please don't nag yourself with thoughts of failure. Do not set goals far beyond your capacity to achieve. Simply do what you do, in the best way you know, and the Lord will be accepting of your effort." I know this to be true. God loves you for your desires to help.

Here's to you who make a difference, you who do the best you can in a world that may never notice.

Little White Butterflies

2009-10-11T17:44:00.000-06:00

When I was on my mission in Santiago, Chile I was tracting one winterish day with my trainer. I had been out about a month or so, and things weren't going that great. It was discouraging how many times we had been rejected that day, brutally at times. It was freezing, no one wanted to talk to us, and I wondered why again I was paying monthly to torture myself! :) As we were walking, we noticed a little white butterfly following us. It was odd for different reasons; the area was more city than anything with little flowers, and it was dead of winter. But here was this butterfly, following us. My companion laughed, and said in the beautiful spanish I have come to love, "See God loves us. It will get better." We saw a woman approach and decided to contact her. We did so, but five minutes later upon rejection continued to walk. And here again was this little white butterfly, continuing to follow us. I learned an important lesson in that moment, that no matter the difficulty of life, God knows us and understands. That He is aware of each of our moments and that He will allow small miracles to reasure us of our love for him. I smiled, thanked him in silent prayer, and watched as a few moments later the butterfly fluttered away and was gone.

I have pondered a lot on that experience in my mission during the past few weeks. I am increasingly grateful for faith and love that helps us to grow closer to our Heavenly Father and his son. I know that not only do they live, but they love us and wish only our success. They allow trials to stretch us and our faith, but never do they leave us.

This week has been great. I have gotten more jobs than I can keep up. That is a direct blessing of the Lord. DJ is not enjoying school immensely, but getting through it. We bought a house! We have till November 2 to get all the finalization done, and then move in Nov. 3rd! It is West Valley City in a quiet neighborhood. It is perfect for us and we are looking forward to having our own dwelling.

Family Room: (not our stuff! from the viewing. and the doors have been replaced with nice two panel tan ones now)
My mother in law has a small plaque at the kitchen sink with the popular saying, "When life gets to hard to stand, kneel." I know that as we turn to our Heavenly Father in all things, he will lift us up. I love the talk from Jeffrey R. Holland that quotes as follows, "He knows the way out and He knows the way up. He knows it because He has walked it. He knows the way because He is the way." I am grateful for that knowledge and peace in our life.