Mother's Day Weekend!

Here are just a few super cute photos from this weekend.

Happy Mother's Day!

It's Mother's Day, my first Mother's Day and I'm loving it. I got to sleep in, on accident, we had 9:00 this morning, and I woke up at 6:30 and showered, went back to bed to take care of Brenden so Chris could get a shower in and I totally feel asleep. And 9:00 rolls around and I am totally well rested, then realizing that we're going to be late for Church. I was OK missing the first little bit, mostly because even when I am there, usually the first hour Brenden is fussy trying to get adjusted. We got their for sacrament and it was great. Jeremy and Bathany Sant spoke to us. It was really great. Mostly because Jeremy is from our home stake in Seattle. While we're in Rexburg its really nice hearing someone and knowing exactly what and who they're talking about. It was so comforting and I could connect with their stories and I got so much out of it. Especially being Mother's Day.

Jeremy gave a talk and what I really got out of it was that Mother's should really be in the home raising the children. I see importance of having a job outside the home and how it could really help out the family, I also see the importance of education and how much it can help you educate you children. being a mother and loving Brenden so much, I can not even imagine having to work outside the home. I know that somewhere down the line I may have to work outside the home, it may be a financial must do. That day will make me sad, but I will do whatever I can to help my family. But if it happens where I can just stay at home and be a mommy, that is what I will do. Being a mother is the most important calling I could ever have and I know that and I treasure it everyday.

So for all of you mother's out there, Happy Mother's Day! You are doing an absolute fantastic job! And for all of you who are not yet mother's, your time will come. Always remember to cherish each and every moment that you're privileged to have with your little one.

Day 02 of Me

Day 02- The meaning behind your blog name.

When my best friend Amanda was engaged to be married she used this quote on her wedding announcements and I really loved it. I'm a little nerdy at heart so I decided to do a little research on where it might have came from.

It's actually a quote from Vincent Van Gogh. And it's only part of the quote.

"Love is something eternal'the aspects may change, but not the essence. There is the same difference in a person before and after he is in love as there is in an unlighted lamp and one that is burning. The lamp was there and it is a good lamp, but now it is shedding light, too, and that is its real function." -Vincent van Gogh

I have really become to love this quote over the past year. A lot of it is because I still consider myself that newly wed girl who sees so many great things. I realize that our day to day life changes constant, but the fact that I want to spend eternity with my family, I will always have that and that is so great.

When I was researching "Love is Something Eternal," I came across a talk from F. Burton Howard of the Seventy. His talk was entitled Eternal Marriage. Fits right in, right? I know. Well, the one main quote in his talk follows:

"If you want something to last forever, you treat it differently.... It becomes special to you because you have made it so." -F. Burton Howard

I really like this quote. There is such a strong emphasis on "you" and I think that's great. If we want something, it is our own responsibility to make it happen. I whole heartedly agree with that. I know that as we sit idly waiting for things to happen, for people to do things for us, we are just going to be sitting there watching out own lives pass us away, and there is no one at fault except for our own selves.

I know I have a Heavenly Father that loves me. I know that he blesses my family each and every day. I can feel his presence in my every day life and when I choose not to follow his promptings, I lose sight of him. I take those opportunities to change the things in my life that make that so. I know as I grow and change these things he will continue to bless me with the spirit to be by my side. I know that my family loves me and I love them. As I continue to strive to make them the most important aspect in my life, Heavenly Father will bless me and my family by keeping us together and strong and help us fight of temptations and to show the love that we have for each other. I love my family so much and I leave this with you in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Day 01 of Me

Day 01- A recent picture of you and 15 interesting facts about yourself.

A photo of Me and one of the things I love most in this world.

Onto 15 facts about me:

1. I got married to a spectacular husband in June of 2009, and I love him!

2. I have one beautiful baby, just waiting for more to come and bless my life.

3. I really don't care for brussel sprouts.

4. I love animals, especially little puppies.

5. I love to cook and bake, it makes me feel great!

6. I love doing anything that has to do with crafts.

7. I love my family.

8. I have been blessed with the greatest in-laws EVER!

9. I have a Heavenly Family that adores me.

10. I was born double jointed.

11. I love spoiling my husband over every single holiday.

12. I love going on walks in the sunshine.

13. I have a new found love for granola.

14. I have a strange love for folding laundry.

15. I love my home!

30 Days of Me!

So once again, I'm going to try the 30 day blog Challenge. We'll see how it goes. Last time, I have to admit, I royally stunk it up. Haha. So here's my list. Wish me well!

Day 01- A recent picture of you and 15 interesting facts about yourself
Day 02- The meaning behind your Blog name
Day 03- A picture of you and your friends
Day 04- A habit that you wish you didn’t have
Day 05- A picture of somewhere you’ve been to
Day 06- Favorite super hero and why
Day 07- A picture of someone/something that has the biggest impact on you
Day 08- Short term goals for this month and why
Day 09- Something you’re proud of in the past few days
Day 10- Songs you listen to when you are Happy, Sad, Bored, Hyped, Mad
Day 11- Another picture of you and your friends
Day 12- How you found out about Blogger and why you made one
Day 13- A letter to someone who has hurt you recently
Day 14- A picture of you and your family
Day 15- Put your iPod on shuffle: First 10 songs that play
Day 16- Another picture of yourself
Day 17- Someone you would want to switch lives with for one day and why
Day 18- Plans/dreams/goals you have
Day 19- Nicknames you have; why do you have them
Day 20- Someone you see yourself marrying/being with in the future
Day 21- A picture of something that makes you happy
Day 22- What makes you different from everyone else
Day 23- Something you crave for a lot
Day 24- A letter to your parents
Day 25- What I would find in your bag
Day 26- What you think about your friends
Day 27- Why are you doing this 30 day challenge
Day 28- A picture of you last year and now, how have you changed since then?
Day 29- In this past month, what have you learned
Day 30- Your favorite song.

Brenden Update!

Brenden's first ride on an Airplane. He did so great. He slept almost the whole way, but we were able to snag a few photos.

Brenden loves his Daddy, can't you tell?

This was in his Gran's car, very happy and content.

On the plane ride back to Seattle. It was along day. Over 9 hours of Airports and Airplanes, but he did so incredibly well. He just slept and had fun looking around. I love that baby.

Back in Seattle. Love that place!

Brenden is such a cute baby!

This is my brother, Adam and Brenden's cousin, Rylan. She's about 6 weeks younger than Brenden and so CUTE!

One of Brenden's first times bathing in a sink.

Brenden's first night in his crib. He did phenomenally! Slept for almost 9 hours!

This is what Chris and I found when we came home from our Mother's Day Date. Haha.

And this is how Brenden likes to spend his Saturdays. 

Well my baby is about to wake from that nap, so that is all for now. Hope you all enjoy!

Mother's Day Date!

My wonderful Husband, Chris took me out on a Mother's Date last night last night and it was spectacular! Chris has to work today and tomorrow is Sunday, so he decided to spoil me early, and there was absolutely no arguement on my behalf. I love my husband!

We had dinner at Olive Garden and it was amazing! My best friend Amanda is one of the hostesses, and we got her husband, Chris to be our waiter. And honestly he was the best waiter we have ever had! Awesome. We had some Cheese Fonduta, and it was delish! Yum! And I had some yummy soup, while Chris stuck to his salad. By the time our food came we were so stuffed. Our great waiter had told his manager that another waiter gave our food away, so the manager came over and we got some good stuff. The Cheese Fonduta was free, as was some drinks and a ton of mints. Thank you Chris and Amanda!

The next stop on our date was the movies. Chris has been wanting to go see the Thor movie since he heard about it, and last night happened to be opening night. I have to say, I really enjoyed it to. Through out the movie Chris was explaining the storyline to me, and usually when he does that I get super annoyed because I just want to watch the movie, but it was very interesting hearing the storyline of a super hero. It was a pretty good movie, and Thor wasn't too bad to look at either.

After the movie we went out for cupcakes. I love gourmet cupcakes, by far the best. We stopped at the store on the way home to pick up some tasty granola.

Today I am just spending the day with my super cute baby! He has been just sleeping the day away. Perfect day for mommy and baby snuggling. My favorite! So back to Mommy and Baby Snuggles I go!!!

Warm Summer Weather

Ahhhhh!!!! Back in Rexburg and the weather is absolutely gorgeous! It's so wonderful and our Baby Brenden loves loves being outside. I think he would just live outside forever if we let him. Here I am talking about him like he's a toddler and he's still a little baby. Haha.

I have been taking Baby Brenden outside for walks every day this week and he loves it. We went out on 3 yesterday alone. And today we went on a walk with our good friends Jessica and Lauren. He had so much fun even though he fell asleep. We took a walk to Porter park and went to a baby boutique called Lulu and Oliver. Very cute things, but very very expensive. Its just nice to look. I wanted to take pictures of Brenden and Lauren today, but all the battery packs for our camera were dead and I had such a hard time trying to find the charger. I finally found it, but only about 20 minutes before we left. Sad, sad, sad.

On other news, Chris and I have decided that, as confusing as it may sounds, that we're not going to not try to have more babies right now. So if they come, they come. I have to admit I probably talked Chris into it because I have been so gung hoe on having another baby ever since we had Brenden in the hospital. I thought that feeling would go away, but here I am still wanting a baby so much! And someday we will, and I know that we will be so happy.

LIFE

I am starting to realize I'm a better blogger when I'm not actually at home. It's just a lot easier when there is nothing to take care of. When I'm on vacation my time is my own, and I get to spend it doing the things I enjoy, like blogging letting everyone know how life is going, and reminding myself how grand life really is.

I've spent today contemplating the last 22 years of life and how really great it's been. So maybe contemplating is the wrong word. All the experiences that I have been through, for better or for worse have made me into who I am today. I don't claim to have been through any rough trials by any means, but everything that I have been through have given me much knowledge and compassion for others. I also know all of the wonderful experiences that I have been through that has made my life so much better! My baptism, by someone who now is a very great friend, Thank you Elder Allred! Being married in the temple to my wonderful husband, Chris. He is truly the best thing up until then that has happened to me and everyone that knows me well, really knows how true that is. Now, I would have to say the best thing that has happened to me is my brand new baby, Brenden James. He's the greatest baby and I could go on and one about him, I really could.

This past week, well in the last couple days, I learned that Osama Bin Laden has been killed, not just killed, but murdered by a firing squad. I realize that it was for the good of many, but it does not change that we had to get there by taking another life. I have been thinking about this for the past couple days and trying to weigh on how I really think about it and what kind of person that makes me. If it's ok for me to be happy and sad at the same time or if its even possible. I feel happy that evil like that is no more, or at least that specific evil, but there will always be evil out there. So I feel pleased that Osama is gone. I'm so sad that we, as americans have blood on our hands. That we had to take a life to save lives. I really hoped that he could have just died of some sort of natural causes.

Today is a great day because I have had some great insights both provided for me by great friends and bestowed upon me by a wonderful and loving Heavenly Father.

Proverbs 17:13

13 Whoso rewardeth evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house.

Ecclesiastes 9:18

18 Wisdom is better than weapons of war: but one sinner destroyeth much good.

Amos 9:10

10 All the sinners of my people shall die by the sword, which say, The evil shall not overtake nor prevent us.

Psalms 104:35

35 Let the sinners be consumed out of the earth, and let the wicked be no more. Bless thou the Lord, O my soul. Praise ye the Lord.

These scriptures make me feel so much better about how I feel. Osama was a bad man and he had done many evil things and my feeling is that the longer he was out there, hiding and planning the longer and more time he has to pass his evil along to others. There have been times in past that God has commanded his righteous armies to take away the evil that exists on the earth and I believe that this project to destroy the evil of Osama was of God. I believe that our Heaven Father would like his wonderful earth to be a better place with out that particular evil. The most important thing that I have learned is that good and righteousness needs to win out. A quote that fits really well is, "All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing." When the troops took Osama's life, they did something, not nothing, they took his life to save the freedom, agency, righteousness, and lives of so many others, and that is a good thing. Its a great thing to provide those privileges to others. I feel pleased and I know the Lord has his hand in this and I feel great that his will has been done once again.

For tonight, I am going to let my ranting and ravings rest, along with my brain and body. Goodnight World!