Wednesday, May 27, 2009

What Gets Me Through...

(First verse of Come Come Ye Saints)
Come, come, ye saints, no toil nor labor fear;
But with joy, wend your way.
Though hard to you this journey may appear,
Grace shall be as your day.
’Tis better far for us to strive
Our useless cares from us to drive;
Do this, and joy your hearts will swell
All is well! All is well!

Even though I am inactive LDS, the songs I grew up singing in church have become the soundtrack to my day.  They are what get me through life and I am SO grateful I have such wonderful words of wisdom to fall back on when the days are long.  I think of the pioneer women coming across the plains, losing babies, being hungry, sick and cold and I am overwhelmed with gratitude for this life.  No matter what challenges we face we are all extremely blessed.  I always think of the song "Come Come Ye Saints" when I think of my ancestors and their determination and optimism.  I also love "Put Your Shoulder to the Wheel"... Put your shoulder to the wheel, move along, do your duty with a heart full of song... and "Love is Spoken Here" when I'm feeling not especially loving!  

Sunday, May 24, 2009

Spring Has Sprung

We have had double our average rainfall for the month of May and our garden is loving it.  Right now we have several varieties of tomatoes, two types of basil (I love caprese salad), corn, cilantro (for homemade salsa, yum!), lots and lots of berries, pumpkins and herbs.  Should be a delicious summer :-)
With all of the rain we've had there are now mushrooms popping up everywhere.  Don't worry, the boys promised they would not eat them!
None of our trees bloomed this year again due to frost.  We didn't know when we bought three big trees that the flowering trees only bloom every few years.  I guess conditions have to be just right, unless they are old and well established.  So, our little flower planters around the house will have to do to make it look somewhat spring-ish.  Luckily, all this rain has made things suddenly take off!

Squeaky Clean

Two shiney faces.  They love to snuggle up in our bed under the covers after their bath.
Chunky little Avi wiggling in her bath... she's definitely got her Mama's thighs!  I wish I could have captured her smile, but anyone with a six week old knows that's nearly impossible!
I love her expression here.  Seriously Mama?

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Willy Philly

My little brother came through town with his band and we were able to see him for an hour before he had to go perform.  It was so great to see him.  I only wish we had more time!  We both agreed we'd like to trade lives with each other, but only for a day... after that we would probably both lose our minds!
As you can see, Avi wouldn't cooperate that evening and I'm sure Uncle Will decided after our short visit that he is very happy just being an uncle for a long time to come!  We love you Will!!

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Who Are You??

I'm always curious who reads this.  I just put a counter on, so I know quite a few, but WHO??  I find other people's blogs so fascinating.  Not sure why.  To them I'm sure it's just the day to day normal stuff, but to me that is what is so interesting!  It's OK if you don't want to admit you are reading this right now.  I read many blogs of people I've never even met before.  I know, I'm strange and a kind of a stalker.  I find blogs to be a fun way of learning about people I love and especially about people I might never get to know in real life.  I love trying to figure people out. Maybe that's why I went into psychology?  Anyway, we are off today (for all of you who care ;)) to a playgroup and then time for some serious laundry folding (laundry seems to be my biggest issue these days)!

Monday, May 11, 2009

Mother's Day

Was wonderful, relaxing and a perfect day.  We met my mom and step-dad for a little hike and picnic in the canyon.  The kids did great and had a blast playing  playing in the creek and running around barefoot.  Soren actually did the majority of the hike barefoot and about half of it on all fours as our puppy :-)  (they want a dog REALLY bad).  My mom and I sat in the shade with Aviana while the boys played and caught bugs.  The air was warm with a cool breeze and the smell of all of the new spring leaves down by the water was delicious.  It really was the perfect Mother's Day, although my mom and I said that as soon as the kids are old enough we are taking a girl's spa weekend instead!  Wish I had pictures of the day since it was so pretty, but I forgot my camera of all things.  Guess what else I forgot???  DIAPERS!  Yes, diapers.  I did not have even one!  What was I thinking?  We get there and Avi is already soaked and I have absolutely nothing.  My mom had bought me these cute dish towels and I was really thinking I'd have to test their absorbency out that day on Avi's little rear!  My step-dad saw a family with a little baby across the parking lot and fortunately was able to bum one off them and fortunately God was on my side that day and Avi did not poop at all until we got home, which never happens.  The girl is a poop machine! I was so embarrassed though, being that I have had three kids and forget a diaper??  And of course we are in the middle of nowhere and can't just go buy some.  I learned my lesson.  NEVER assume there are actual diapers in the diaper bag. 
On a lighter note, today I had lunch at a fabulous new place in town called Pita Jungle... SO GOOD and healthy too.  I could eat it for every meal.  Seriously, today I think might have Michael pick it up again for dinner.  

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Firsts

Avi's first time out of pj's!  1 month old, we figured it was finally time to play dress up a little.
Two of my most favorite gentlmen.
Avi loved (well, tolerated) her first hike in the red rocks.
hmmm....