The 4th of July and a little piece of Heaven on Earth

I LOVE celebrating the 4th of July. Warm weather, bbq's, fireworks, watermelon, friends, family, and on and on and on. I just love it! This year was absolutely no exception. We had a little family gathering on the 3rd at Trent's house. From the moment we got there, almost until we left, Hannah and Nathan were playing in Trent's fun blow up pool and water slide. The temp. of the water was just above freezing, but that doesn't seem to bother my children. They certainly did not inherit their thick skin from their mother. I am a complete wimp when it comes to cold water.
We ate yummy food, celebrated Gracie and Robin's birthday and ended the night with great fireworks. The weather was absolutely beautiful.









Then on the 4th we had a neighborhood party of all neighborhood parties. It was such a blast! I cannot say it enough, but we just LOVE where we live. We feel that it is a little heaven on earth. So at our neighborhood 4th of July party we had a dunking machine, big bounce house, laser tag, balloon volleyball, pie eating contest, snow cones, cotton candy, and games with prizes. To end the night we had front row seats of the Thanksgiving Point fireworks and lets just say they were stunning. My children were in heaven with all the fun activities and endless treats.


Lazer Tag










The next day we went to church and the kids were pretty tired after such a fun filled weekend. Nathan couldn't even make it up the stairs after church and this is where we found him.

NOT THE BEST MOMMY DAY

I don't have a picture to go along with this post, however I felt like I needed to make a note about this day since it was one of my worst ones as a mother. Here it goes.

After coming back from a walk with the kids, I took Hannah upstairs to change her since she had an accident in her underwear, if you know what I mean. I left Abigail and Nathan downstairs; Abigail was in her car seat and Nathan was fending for himself, which is NEVER a good idea. After getting Hannah changed, I heard Abigail scream and I immediately fled down the stairs to my worst nightmare.....she was on the floor and bleeding from her nose. She had flipped out of her car seat onto the floor. I forgot that she wasn't buckled in when I left her on the kitchen table. I was in a complete panic and literally sick to my stomach. I proceeded to clean her nose and the thought came to me that she may have broken a bone. I was truly panicing at this point. I called the doctor, explained to them what happened and they told me to bring her in right away. Meanwhile, I look over at Nathan who got into the diaper bag and found the diaper rash cream. He had smeared it all over his face and hair all the while saying "lotion...lotion". I quickly wiped him off, called a neighbor to watch after Hannah and Nathan and took Abigail to the doctor. I was on the verge of tears from what had happened to Abigail and was truly feeling like a horrible mother. The doctor looked her over thoroughly and told me she was just fine, no broken bones, no head trauma, no permenant damage, just a bruised nose. I have to add that Abigail was a very happy baby in the doctor office, literally as if nothing had happened to her. I think the doctor could tell that I was feeling horrible about what happened and he proceeded to tell me that this happens sometimes and not to beat myself up over it. It's just a good reminder that I can never be too careful or thoughtful when it comes to my children. There was a list of things the doctor told me to look for the rest of this day in regards to Abby. I'm so grateful that she is okay. This really could have been so much worse.

My oldest sister gave me a cute framed sign for my birthday of a mother with 3 children and the title reads, "Motherhood is not for wimps". Indeed it is not!

"Let Us Be Men"

This is such a touching talk and so appropriate for this upcoming Father's Day. I'm so grateful for my sweet husband who is a wonderful man. My children are so very blessed to have a father who is so loving. I too am blessed that I have such a wondeful father. Happy Fathers Day to you both.

Too cute not to post

Don't you just want to squeeze those cheeks or kiss 'em?

Happy Birthday Nathan

I really can't believe that Nathan is two years old. How on earth did time fly by so quickly? I know I've said it before and I'm sure I'll say it many times more, but I LOVE having a BOY!!!! Nathan is my little bud. We've decided, that although 2 comes with its own set of challenges, we just LOVE this age. Nathan is so stinkin funny. His expressions are to die for, his laugh is contagious, and his hugs would melt anyone on the spot! We absolutely love you little guy. Thanks be to all who celebrated his birthday with us both near and far. I have to say that balls were his most favorite gift this year and his most prized possesion.

I made Nathan a train birthday cake because he is so fascinated with trains.



Nathan had lots of help opening his gifts from his sister Hannah and cousin Gracie.





The cousins - the kids have 18 cousins at this point and one more cousin coming this December!


Me and my siblings, minus Liz (we missed you Liz, always do).


Aunt Suzie and Abigail


Gracie and Hannah 3 years old

Funny Girl

Hannah is such a crack up. This is the following dialog yesterday.

Aaron: "Melissa.......Melissa" he was yelling for me.
Hannah: "Melissa, daddy wants you."
Aaron: "Hannah, only daddy calls her Melissa. You say mommy".
Hannah: "Oh sorry, mommy Aaron wants you."

Girlfriend Time

I just have to say that I LOVE these two girls! Mandy and Julia have been two of my dearest friends, for a very long time. We don't see eachother near enough, but when they are in town, it is one great time together. Last night they were over at my house and at about 11:00 we decided to go for a walk by the Jordan river right by my house. Well, Aaron thought we needed some headlights and some weapons (hence the hammer and big stick). You'll all be relieved to know that we chickend out of the river pathway (too dark even with our head lamps) and stuck to the neighborhood. We had so much fun! It was like the good ole college days all over again. I couldn't love these two gals more if they were my very own sisters. We have a fun getaway planned at the end of August together with our our families. Can't wait! Love you girls!!!

Abigail is 6 months old

Length: 26-1/4 in long - 75%
Weight: 13 lbs 12 oz. - 10% (my kids catch up once they are about one)
Head Circ.: 41.5cm - 25%

Someone Pinch Me Please!

It sounds so cliche to say "enjoy it while it lasts, because they grow up so quickly". You've all heard that, and some of you say it. Well, I'm seeing this reality right before my eyes. Hannah is learning how to swim. When did she become old enough to learn how to swim? She had her second lesson today, and I must say, she's just so darn cute out there in that pool.
Bear with me through all these pictures. I mean, she's my first little swimmer. This is a proud mommy.










Thrilled as can be to play with the balls while his sister is having fun in the pool.


Happy as a clam!

6 months means real food....

...well, if you can call rice cereal real food.




1st day of rice cereal. Absolutely does not like this foreign stuff.




2nd day: Success!!! All she needed was to make a mess with it and mmm...yummy stuff.

THE ALL TOO BOY PICTURE

Yes, I am quite sure he had been eating dirt. Let me just say, that I can't WAIT for my yard to be completely in. This dirt is just killer!

Get Ready to be Motivated!!!!

PAUSE MY MUSIC JUST TO THE RIGHT.

I saw this and quite honestly have not been able to stop watching it. Wow! I mean really, why did some people get all the talent. Don't know about you, but I'm ready to sign up for piano lessons again. Anyone else?



When I was 16 I saw this guy perform live. I remember back then how absolutely AMAZING he is and looks as if he hasn't lost any of that incredible talent. Who'd have thought that "Love Story" by Taylor Swift and Coldplay's "Viva la Vida" could sound sooooo perfect together. Awesome!