tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90418819941319875162024-03-13T02:01:29.367-05:00It's a good lifeNicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10153952275225486690noreply@blogger.comBlogger446125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9041881994131987516.post-88863507784471075402017-10-27T10:39:00.000-05:002017-10-27T10:54:10.007-05:00Happy Birthday to you<div style="text-align: center;"><div><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ldm0tvKQB2Q/WfNWkciScgI/AAAAAAAAEpE/N1k_bBd0oXU4sgPbkeE2hM7bSfk1x6JWACHMYCw/I/photo_5785.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div><div><br></div><div><div><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KlldcZ0QLb8/WfNWlmNr0XI/AAAAAAAAEpI/e_4Gfm4-qWMHx3IvbZnmHw4ESAa034uxgCHMYCw/I/photo_397130.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div><div><br></div><div><div><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OugIEh7b80M/WfNWmV10mYI/AAAAAAAAEpM/OfinHFnd2QQRZPLRw5mORdhgbWv2_60_ACHMYCw/I/photo_205196.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div><br><div><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-x5XpuR26hBI/WfNWnIjdAFI/AAAAAAAAEpQ/6sL4MOn-eIwcCIzjZ143GtoO7cNrBlCOACHMYCw/I/photo_206252.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div><div><br></div><div><div><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EVrpBTARfF8/WfNWn0HJebI/AAAAAAAAEpU/HVp2UM1LQAcNg572sacuK6eYYwofWNrpgCHMYCw/I/photo_610299.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div><div><br></div>It's your birthday tomorrow. </div><div>What a great time we had celebrating a month ago in Boston!</div><div>We saw so many awesome things, </div><div>But I can honestly say the best part was just simply being with you. </div><div>I hope you know how much I love you.</div><div>I hope you know you mean the world to me.</div><div>I hope you know that I appreciate you and all that you do for our family. </div><div>I hope you know that I appreciate the father that you are to our kids. </div><div>How you love them and take them </div><div>To do fun things. </div><div>How you make sure they have shoes and mits for softball and baseball. </div><div>Basketball shoes, etc. </div><div>I hope you know that I appreciate how you love me.</div><div>I love you and I love us. </div><div>I love that each day is a new day to love more, to try harder, to grow together. </div><div>I hope you have a Happy happy Birthday and feel and know how loved you are. ❤️</div><div><br></div><div><br> <br></div><br><br> <br> <br></div><br><br> <br></div><br><br> <br></div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10153952275225486690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9041881994131987516.post-25313447506542928422017-10-10T14:00:00.000-05:002017-10-10T14:01:47.968-05:00<div style="text-align: center;">Messy hair, stickers, beautiful Autumn weather, and Christmas music.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Oh yes, I did. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CFEy60Na6Cw/Wd0ZGjNddGI/AAAAAAAAEo0/gWpRT56hzPAQL96U7fxxCpsqVqpW5lTQwCHMYCw/I/photo_556971.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div><br><br> <br></div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10153952275225486690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9041881994131987516.post-61429997805660371812017-10-08T12:52:00.000-05:002017-10-08T13:02:37.870-05:00The little things<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mE5iPbgaVow/WdpoPD3ZdLI/AAAAAAAAEoY/SUPAjOxJ6yUA-uCp96xvDnO7swU3wKtDQCHMYCw/I/photo_499334.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">With the recent horrific Las Vegas tragedy my heart has been so heavy this last week. Things like that really shake you and make you realize the things that matter most. </div><div style="text-align: center;">I've been so thankful the last few days for the little things in life. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Because really they are the big things. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Hugs and kisses from those I love.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Smiles and giggles. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Kids playing Legos</div><div style="text-align: center;">Hearing them play outside in beautiful fall weather.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Tomatoes from the garden</div><div style="text-align: center;">Baking bread with the window open</div><div style="text-align: center;">Warm chocolate chip cookies</div><div style="text-align: center;">Reading scriptures together </div><div style="text-align: center;">Family prayer</div><div style="text-align: center;">Dinner together </div><div style="text-align: center;">Reading together </div><div style="text-align: center;">Snuggles </div><div style="text-align: center;">I hope I can appreciate more fully each day I'm given and to appreciate the little things more. ❤️</div><br><br> Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10153952275225486690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9041881994131987516.post-330702959341475922017-10-04T23:01:00.000-05:002017-10-04T23:16:19.021-05:00Today<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AkBr3sy-ayU/WdWyEdETXqI/AAAAAAAAEoA/MWmEsDqWzkwhOoNBYHPY9xpClKaMG-zAgCHMYCw/I/photo_24979.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">Ran 5 miles</div><div style="text-align: center;">Made lunches</div><div style="text-align: center;">Brushed heads of hair</div><div style="text-align: center;">And teeth</div><div style="text-align: center;">2 bowls of oatmeal for the little princess</div><div style="text-align: center;">Strawberry shortcake (the movie)</div><div style="text-align: center;">Grocery shopping with the little princess </div><div style="text-align: center;">Corn dogs for lunch</div><div style="text-align: center;">Kids are home from school (early out)</div><div style="text-align: center;">Cleaned up some throw-up,with some accidental help from Tali🤣</div><div style="text-align: center;">Poor Sadie</div><div style="text-align: center;">Feeling better-SEP for Sadie</div><div style="text-align: center;">Finished a pillow order </div><div style="text-align: center;">Legos with Mason and Ty</div><div style="text-align: center;">Dinner- Hawaiian haystacks </div><div style="text-align: center;">Clean up and pumpkin cookies </div><div style="text-align: center;">Showers</div><div style="text-align: center;">Homework </div><div style="text-align: center;">Turning retainers</div><div style="text-align: center;">Brushing teeth</div><div style="text-align: center;">Scriptures</div><div style="text-align: center;">Prayers </div><div style="text-align: center;">Stories</div><div style="text-align: center;">Hugs and kisses </div><div style="text-align: center;">Goodnight😴</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><br><br> Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10153952275225486690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9041881994131987516.post-68021637043749714932017-09-17T11:52:00.000-05:002017-09-17T12:16:40.618-05:00Dear Sadie...<div style="text-align: center;">Last spring sometime a story came on the news about a Children's Justice center in Salt Lake that was trying to raise money to improve the center to make it feel more comfortable for the children who went there. It was a touching story and I got a little emotional watching. </div><div style="text-align: center;">You quickly wanted to know more about the Children's Justice center. Asking what it is, do we have one in Cedar City, etc. </div><div style="text-align: center;">As I told you what it was, my heart broke as I watched the sadness develop in your usually sparkling blue eyes. </div><div style="text-align: center;">One of the first moments of you realizing that there are people who because of many different reasons sometimes hurt innocent children. It was heartbreaking telling you this. </div><div style="text-align: center;">You were upset for awhile and then the day went on, but your wheels in your head kept turning and you came up with the idea of making stuffed owls- girl owls and boy owls for the kids that went there so they could have something to comfort them while they told the details of such a terrible experience for them. </div><div style="text-align: center;">So you went to work. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Over the next couple of months you learned to front stitch, back stitch, stuff, cut and glue. You did it all, except for sewing up the bottoms, that was my job. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Last Saturday we had an owl day and finished things up so we had 10 boy owls and 10 girl owls. </div><div style="text-align: center;">We also put in some snacks for them as well. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Last Monday we delivered them. You were beaming and I was beaming because I was so proud of you and inspired by your example of goodness. </div><div style="text-align: center;">When we delivered them, the office manager gave us a tour of the center and explained a lot about what goes on. My heart was touched and broken a bit by the whole experience. Broken thinking about all the sweet children who go there and have to relive horrific details. But also touched that there is such a place for them to go and the efforts that have been made to make it so less horrific for them. </div><div style="text-align: center;">I hope that you will continue on being a light in this world, looking for ways to help and love. The world needs it now more than ever. </div><div style="text-align: center;">For that is where you find true happiness. </div><div style="text-align: center;">I love you my Sadie and I'm so proud to be your Mom.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LDdVCNFsGDw/Wb6t8WpjwSI/AAAAAAAAEng/wpIOWkgREVAqFI27-ukk1dyCBB4odOX7wCHMYCw/I/photo_168846.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div><div><br></div><div><div><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-U1hBcb6cWAg/Wb6t9XnTPuI/AAAAAAAAEnk/Ce6R_pLilrIif2zEFbpaoCbKz9D-L-GxwCHMYCw/I/photo_370161.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div><br><br> <br></div><br><br> <br></div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10153952275225486690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9041881994131987516.post-21458860338876254422017-09-10T23:19:00.000-05:002017-09-17T12:23:00.640-05:00Over the weekend...<div style="text-align: center;"><div><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-I6uJGudzJkA/WbYQyyCNDfI/AAAAAAAAEm0/xc7lbQikj0wyGVBlwRIdfz0ekhe-DrZgQCHMYCw/I/photo_322118.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div><div><br></div><div>Date night hunting. Yep, that's right I went hunting! After all these years Jake talked me into going. It was fun to see what all the fuss is about and it was great to be with Jake. He only had to tell me to be quiet a few times.😉</div><div><br></div><div><div><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mCGLLOkScVw/WbYQzyhLzcI/AAAAAAAAEm4/hLz5CTU-N6Qq2i-aRHYkuAr2tndOeYTIACHMYCw/I/photo_800983.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div><div><br></div><div><div><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-27OIUP7AdJE/WbYQ0gu5ugI/AAAAAAAAEm8/3zRDgrB8raMvrUEcYV3Wz-_IXhJ6kc7wQCHMYCw/I/photo_971668.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div><div><br></div><div><div><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-P2PrHt40Gc0/WbYQ1NbRY0I/AAAAAAAAEnA/fid3wSW0ZjIoCdQ5CJyrsCgxEJZw1qWTACHMYCw/I/photo_868261.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div><br><div><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GZ8sR6VhKVQ/WbYQ2eEscDI/AAAAAAAAEnE/mpqoc0bUCAMx9ghIm7UOl1BdysXu7oKAQCHMYCw/I/photo_49998.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div><div><br></div><div><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-W_hiKYZDDeE/WbYQ23aNkoI/AAAAAAAAEnI/3cs2n2ZK8mI_9-nmLGYNKoEzwt3250g4QCHMYCw/I/photo_713148.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div><div><br></div><div><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BelF6c7qoJo/WbYQ30jjXGI/AAAAAAAAEnM/CnpcPG4ldBMRosOx4G0-WUdz8P06C4CjQCHMYCw/I/photo_707388.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div><br>We had a regional broadcast this morning for church so it left us with a half of a day. We took a drive up to Brian Head to see the damage from the fire. Really sad to see the toll it took, but also neet to see the new growth already rising from the ashes. </div><div>Mckay came too! He was just asleep in the car. <br> <br><br> <br></div></div></div><br> <br></div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10153952275225486690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9041881994131987516.post-15227772167500442552017-09-08T11:12:00.000-05:002017-09-08T11:16:56.277-05:00Colds and green smoothies <div style="text-align: center;"><div><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sZ8ZNWGrl6I/WbLCdleTn9I/AAAAAAAAEmk/IVAaYnKel7c1MN29oXZIus9hxP10Gl0xgCHMYCw/I/photo_679945.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div><div><br></div><div>And so it begins. The kids are full force back in school and the germs are too. Poor little pookie's not feeling too great. </div><div>Mckay, Sadie and myself seem to be coming down with something as well. But yay for Friday!</div><br><br> <br></div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10153952275225486690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9041881994131987516.post-81253318817814468432017-09-07T10:02:00.000-05:002017-09-07T10:07:04.129-05:00Dolphins maiden voyage<div style="text-align: center;">We had a great time trying out the Dolphin over Labor Day. </div><div style="text-align: center;">It was so fun and cozy with all of us in there. I loved thinking about sweet Grandma Willie and Grandpa Carl during our trip. So many fun times ahead with the Dophin!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-A_137oGlqFI/WbFggwHgYGI/AAAAAAAAEmE/GNs8ukZLZaY4EL-RFFi2vM9R1JO0wH8lwCHMYCw/I/photo_200696.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div><div><br></div><div><div><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eC5aG41zfw0/WbFgiHHMqFI/AAAAAAAAEmI/XR-rb4irrNQ6uCt-P7TwwoV3mY_3BMubQCHMYCw/I/photo_935727.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div><div><br></div><div><div><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mDn-6O0w8IU/WbFgjldVbfI/AAAAAAAAEmM/KTbRlUZUxQIKeThnKBoqlG6hTiQ3qQuUQCHMYCw/I/photo_815344.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div><div><br></div><div><div><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HlFA9-fVJok/WbFgkk1Ah4I/AAAAAAAAEmQ/uG350XChppsUut2ndn-xnQTCEu26EzrbwCHMYCw/I/photo_276093.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div><div><br></div><div><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Nspka06iw_8/WbFgllhkutI/AAAAAAAAEmU/ARrryF3a1Ck3i80HTmkV6u1fHTrbPFIBQCHMYCw/I/photo_373403.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div><br><br> <br><br> <br></div><br><br> <br></div><br><br> <br></div><br><br> <br></div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10153952275225486690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9041881994131987516.post-34918501882776990732017-08-23T23:24:00.000-05:002017-08-24T08:54:07.452-05:00Blessed<div style="text-align: center;"><div><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9xvmcuxKVhw/WZ5abcX4k_I/AAAAAAAAEls/26R6XnJGftgkj0R3_5dmaJ1RSjvw01ZcACHMYCw/I/photo_293706.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div><div><br></div><div>Last week I was in a pretty bad funk. I was questioning a lot of things, mostly myself. It left me feeling emotionally exhausted by the end of the week. </div><div>Things aren't always perfect. We have bad days, even weeks.</div><div><br></div><div><i>For it must needs be that there is opposition in all things...</i></div><div><i><br></i></div><div>This week is been a good week. There's been so many sweet moments that have filled me up and made me so happy. </div><div>-Sadie's FHE lesson, hearing her bear her testimony.</div><div>-An unexpected rainstorm</div><div>-Livie telling me " Mom, you're special."</div><div>-planning Livie's Elsa birthday cake</div><div>-so much garden goodness</div><div>-St. George trip with Mom: Target, </div><div>Costco, Durangos 😋</div><div>-watching and listening to the kids play legos together and outside until dark.</div><div>- visiting with Katie</div><div><br></div><div><div><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-p3piLbpFibk/WZ5acbr_2MI/AAAAAAAAElw/kUoHbMTRvogV6_NhuTDpJwWOvUJxA6PrgCHMYCw/I/photo_882860.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div><div><br></div><div><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-l1vBoPvzBvA/WZ5adJoKXEI/AAAAAAAAEl0/OIgSqo4yALQnwKAM7P4jwAj_yOv-Jv9ZACHMYCw/I/photo_683225.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div><br><br> Having a week like last week, left me craving goodness. It's all around us, but a lot of times goes unnoticed or unappreciated. </div><div>How thankful I am for the bad days that make the good days that much sweeter.</div><div>I'm so blessed. </div><div>I have so much to be thankful for. </div><div>I love my family so much. </div><div>Jake I love you (are you reading these days?😉)</div><div>You are a wonderful companion to me. </div><div>You do so much for me. </div><div>You try your best to understand me, which is not easy I'm sure. </div><div>Thank you.</div><div>I love you.</div><br> <br></div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10153952275225486690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9041881994131987516.post-42373549523930360992017-08-19T08:11:00.000-05:002017-08-19T08:20:11.903-05:00Weekend!<div style="text-align: center;"><div><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ppltKEXWLqo/WZg7AUwOXGI/AAAAAAAAElU/EBvwNRHav7whT_rqRoMAMyl_u1xhERQKwCHMYCw/I/photo_8971.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div><div><br></div><div><div><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UIKsHIvFsOo/WZg7Bo7rlPI/AAAAAAAAElY/4xrkodPWLg0DWKq2W-ggFSrETmC1el3ZACHMYCw/I/photo_911947.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div><div><br></div><div><div><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-349yhV--jsM/WZg7CoN4ucI/AAAAAAAAElc/B3HM7udNrhE0C1CD0NJYjknMKBkPH2edQCHMYCw/I/photo_902731.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div><div><br></div><div>Well we all made it through the first week of school! Yay! </div><div>The kids have done great getting back into it and Livie and I are finding our groove as well. </div><div>Lots of together time for the two of us, but so far so good. We started "mommy school " yesterday. She felt so left out not being able to go to like the rest of them so hope this will fill her cup. 😊</div><div>Jake and Hallie are hunting this morning. Saturday stuff today </div><div>Maybe a backyard movie tonight?</div><div>Need to get my sunbeam lesson ready</div><div>Dinner with friends tomorrow </div><div><br></div><div><br></div><br><br> <br></div><br><br> <br></div><br><br> <br></div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10153952275225486690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9041881994131987516.post-58424147901682302022017-08-16T09:48:00.000-05:002017-08-16T09:59:06.769-05:00First Day<div style="text-align: center;"><div><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6iyEnhpi-iU/WZRdRs68XTI/AAAAAAAAElA/uMgyUC_-BycskWbswEptQRIpG8os4Q3LQCHMYCw/I/photo_12892.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div><div><br></div><div><div><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-z1RgAK5aksU/WZRdSh3PoDI/AAAAAAAAElE/ZnVwiVaSAyQDIPvAqG-dFsGqXD9QjkRRwCHMYCw/I/photo_355019.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div><div><br></div><div>Yesterday was the first day of school. Always mixed feelings for me. The kids were excited and had a great first day. They're getting so grown up and it does tug at my heart watching it all. </div><div>But I'm trying to change my outlook a bit. Instead of dwelling on how sad it is that they are growing up, changing, becoming more independent, I'm really trying to just embrace it all and be excited for them and all that lies ahead for them. They have so much ahead of them and so many firsts ahead still and I get to experience it with them. </div><div>Life is filled with change and </div><div>adjusting. </div><div>It's beautiful, all of it. </div><div><br></div><br> <br></div><br><br> <br></div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10153952275225486690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9041881994131987516.post-13457802448677289972017-08-14T08:00:00.000-05:002017-08-14T08:14:33.747-05:00Over the weekend....<div style="text-align: center;"><div><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eQtTW1DckQo/WZGiNpV6API/AAAAAAAAEks/9Ap8BfrWXCcw7gtSF5Y_WXm5C-TtrIy_wCHMYCw/I/photo_955849.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div><div>Catching Rollie pollies </div><div><br></div><div><div><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Eh_K2IdK8tw/WZGiODb2XOI/AAAAAAAAEkw/QEdLhfq6wFEkn13wHTU_py5G-cmCSW59gCHMYCw/I/photo_304204.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div><div>Sink baths</div><div>Also cleaning the house, shopping at the store and getting ready for Sunday. </div><div>Jake was made a high priest and set apart as a member of the high council yesterday. Barry and Janell drove down so they could be here. His Dad gave him a beautiful blessing and the spirit was strong as great men surrounded him with their hands on his head. </div><div>How thankful I am for the priesthood in my life and the worthy men that hold it. It truly is God's power here on the earth. </div><div>This weekend I also finished the Book of Mormon again. </div><div>As I read those final words of Moroni my heart was touched even deeper and my testimony strengthened of the power of those words of prophets who put faith over fear, who carried those plates around from place to place and preserved them for our benefit. There's great power in those words that I'm so thankful for. </div><div> </div><div>Here's to a new week and starting school!👍🏻😩😳😊😬💃🏼 </div><div>Lots of mixed feelings.</div><br><br> <br></div><br><br> <br></div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10153952275225486690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9041881994131987516.post-58315241339149651042017-08-11T22:40:00.000-05:002017-08-11T22:43:07.062-05:00Friday!<div style="text-align: center;"><div><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-45IPjL5xKEA/WY55QU9IEDI/AAAAAAAAEkU/gPvPpDVfTycCpkAFoyktFa0aFgGAIBZnwCHMYCw/I/photo_603052.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div><div><br></div><div><div><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SQ5AbdrJ2_c/WY55Rn8Gg-I/AAAAAAAAEkY/8OBSIfUNP1UaeOSrgRbDrbxJ5Rftp-vFwCHMYCw/I/photo_316633.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div><div><br></div><div><div><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-I7fnvJYGnzQ/WY55SX_crOI/AAAAAAAAEkc/C4znpR7auA85n7aWjNDcpvmFhULmqJMEwCHMYCw/I/photo_700379.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div><br> <br></div><br><br> <br></div><br><br> <br></div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10153952275225486690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9041881994131987516.post-81270879181128645462017-08-10T22:48:00.000-05:002017-08-11T08:24:23.639-05:00Today...<div style="text-align: center;">-3 mile run</div><div style="text-align: center;">-kids playing Barbies all morning (poor McKay)</div><div style="text-align: center;">-registered Hallie for 8th grade 😩</div><div style="text-align: center;">-back to school night for Sadie and Mckay 😩😩</div><div style="text-align: center;">-Haircut for Mckay</div><div style="text-align: center;">-Great Harvest for Cinnamon chip bread</div><div style="text-align: center;">-Made a chocolate zucchini cake- yum! </div><div style="text-align: center;">and played Mexican train </div><div style="text-align: center;">-a little sewing </div><div style="text-align: center;">-"pasketti" for dinner at 9:00</div><div style="text-align: center;">-Late bedtime per usual lately </div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm tired. </div><div style="text-align: center;">But my heart is so full and thankful as I think about today. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IH1JsitHIQY/WY0x4NNsddI/AAAAAAAAEjw/A16sJHh8BkYOV8Jj1OZ8JBKFNXt7jVncgCHMYCw/I/photo_452203.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div><div><br></div><div><div><div><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2nL8NQs71sQ/WY2wBjNh-oI/AAAAAAAAEkE/mM15NMrP3LoREPvyksSFacRNs_uTtHzyACHMYCw/I/photo_550803.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div><br><br> <br></div><div><br></div>When we were at Great Harvest, the sweetest little older lady touched my arm and told me, " you have such a cute family." </div><div>I felt so grateful in that moment for this season of life. I'm sure when I get to be her age I will long for these days with these cute kiddos and the long, full days. </div><div>So for now I will do my best to savor them. <br><br> <br></div><br><br> <br></div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10153952275225486690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9041881994131987516.post-74500589426217636032017-08-09T23:41:00.000-05:002017-08-09T23:48:07.512-05:00Left foot, right shoe<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kenAFgPHxwI/WYvlhfL1_sI/AAAAAAAAEjg/0nzziYZlqcgK_huzRprjnzR8vHZR_gMxwCHMYCw/I/photo_672316.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">Wanting to pick up blogging again. Nothing serious, but jotting down things about our days here and there. </div><div style="text-align: center;">I don't know what the future will be like, but I hope that what I have written here might be of value to our sweet kids one day. </div><div style="text-align: center;">That they will be able to read this blog and know for certain that they were loved by me wholeheartedly and unconditionally. </div><div style="text-align: center;">That they are the most wonderful thing that ever happened to me. </div><div style="text-align: center;">That I consider myself the luckiest mom in the whole world. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><br><br> Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10153952275225486690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9041881994131987516.post-26913367661423351842017-03-15T12:24:00.000-05:002017-03-15T12:56:26.159-05:00mama thoughts<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-h3tow9upTfI/WMmASJozgRI/AAAAAAAAEjI/3ZY0gUhPFek/I/photo_413208.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">The other night I went to check on each of the kids before bed and instead of the routine quick check I stayed there a minute and watched each of them sleep for a minute. I watched their sweet, peaceful faces and listened to their calm, rhythmic breathing (and Mckays snoring).</div><div style="text-align: center;">As I watched them I thought about each one of them individually and all the good that they are, all that each of them have struggled with and made it through, the things we've struggled with together and the joy and happiness that each of them have given to me. Tears rolled down my cheeks, my heart was so full. Full of love and gratitude for each day that I have been able to be their Mom. For all that they have shown me and taught me. What a gift it is to experience life through their eyes. And then came feelings of fear, worry, doubt. </div><div style="text-align: center;">I fear the future for them, I worry about them, I worry about the job I'm doing as their Mother. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Am I doing enough? What should I be doing better, different?</div><div style="text-align: center;">Then a feeling and thought came, </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Just love them, make sure the know it and feel it. </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br></i></div><div style="text-align: center;">So simple, but important. </div><div style="text-align: center;">The next day came and school was out, things went a long as usual. Livie woke up grumpy and still wasn't quite over her bout of the flu. She didn't want to wear clothes, or eat breakfast. There was some fighting, some attitude and a mom fail when we drove and drove in search of " glitter mountain " that we never found. </div><div style="text-align: center;">But that sacred Mom experience from the night before carried me through all the ups and down of the day as I tried to focus on "just loving" them. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Love really is powerful.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm so thankful to be a Mother and experience loving these little people in a way that I didn't even know existed until now. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br></i></div><br> Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10153952275225486690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9041881994131987516.post-61617054201933790112017-01-13T18:15:00.000-06:002017-01-13T18:15:00.967-06:00This and that...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3mXtZwKhNo1DZC_1CeMgGexl_7EabCUkOWUCD08lMw9gyTd0GH5UoxvrE5qUUkq7YDWJL4ULArO26MP_vwlbw1SLAGxA3yDqJ7qSb9Na2EzACtx696pVj7S0GbKesJPUKkA5lqwJ2xtc/s1600/Baking+a+cake-1-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3mXtZwKhNo1DZC_1CeMgGexl_7EabCUkOWUCD08lMw9gyTd0GH5UoxvrE5qUUkq7YDWJL4ULArO26MP_vwlbw1SLAGxA3yDqJ7qSb9Na2EzACtx696pVj7S0GbKesJPUKkA5lqwJ2xtc/s640/Baking+a+cake-1-3.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It's been awhile! Where to even start? The last few months have been full and busy, which is pretty much the normal. Life doesn't really seem to slow down much these days. The kids are growing and getting busier and busier. But we manage to squeeze some fun in too. I often think of the quote by President Hinkley, "In all living have much fun and laughter, Life is to be enjoyed, not just endured." I love this so much. I'm not always great at it, there's a lot of stuff that just has to be done, but I want to do better. Have more fun, and make more fun in the mundane. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlZAtqhyyyErEXFfM5WlshUHVJ63ZO7hhlyPjxMvwdrL0O6oOuOesTnVS5b9sGlr_kEBo-3TwLeuun7AVbUXaBkA8vzeqOsql5y2eSFl0f2tBU4a1T2eNPsFffqCCw_4e7ErIKco1F6pg/s1600/%252821+of+35%2529-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlZAtqhyyyErEXFfM5WlshUHVJ63ZO7hhlyPjxMvwdrL0O6oOuOesTnVS5b9sGlr_kEBo-3TwLeuun7AVbUXaBkA8vzeqOsql5y2eSFl0f2tBU4a1T2eNPsFffqCCw_4e7ErIKco1F6pg/s640/%252821+of+35%2529-7.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVeAKv2QbJ8Y_xoXNbhXze_ZsVL2m6kIWMQqZrpKUeNV7OT0TQgn5FdA309T4qKMcZjMGhk5CjlKO5o2St1YDEg6P2LNidzQgCgO6pIyiPge34G0rJMTxefjHOeJPQEFY0pB03l_GVBqQ/s1600/%252822+of+35%2529-8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVeAKv2QbJ8Y_xoXNbhXze_ZsVL2m6kIWMQqZrpKUeNV7OT0TQgn5FdA309T4qKMcZjMGhk5CjlKO5o2St1YDEg6P2LNidzQgCgO6pIyiPge34G0rJMTxefjHOeJPQEFY0pB03l_GVBqQ/s640/%252822+of+35%2529-8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Holidays were great. Thanksgiving was a great time to be together with my family. We were all together, minus Gareth and Elliot, but the rest of us were together, which hasn't happened in years. It was really nice. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Christmas came and went so fast, like always. It was wonderful in so many ways. Every year brings new experiences, the kids are growing and changing and each year is a little different then last.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I just love everything about Christmas. It's always been my favorite time of year. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm so thankful for the reason we celebrate, the gift of our Savior Jesus Christ.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I love him dearly and am humbled daily by His grace and love. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
All that I am and have is because of Him. I am far from perfect, but I'm</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
so thankful that each day is a new start to be a little better than </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the day before. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggzw3N8PkVuXeSjpff2-NAqpI4KEoVgpvgL5dUkYUM3YarRTObEfufm5c7X6_4ro1GCaWhNJu-OFcSCFDKW0nUG_IfhYwmeB7_au7DGu17wa2P-hdeiRt0dgA23ooZGZ4YAqS_gTmE-Lw/s1600/%252816+of+35%2529-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggzw3N8PkVuXeSjpff2-NAqpI4KEoVgpvgL5dUkYUM3YarRTObEfufm5c7X6_4ro1GCaWhNJu-OFcSCFDKW0nUG_IfhYwmeB7_au7DGu17wa2P-hdeiRt0dgA23ooZGZ4YAqS_gTmE-Lw/s640/%252816+of+35%2529-2.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhFkfhvfixlYiWoAdFPOqVkuHwGrPWFpdm-WEVM3kAQO0lBB4amOvqYBXPN1UyFkDRYXEOLGo-ZbFrTl4FVqkcJKgeAoP_gEz0M35e-MoX6aYA-AsXxOyZCpWZEYVG8VFy76Rz1g1uCnU/s1600/%252815+of+35%2529-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhFkfhvfixlYiWoAdFPOqVkuHwGrPWFpdm-WEVM3kAQO0lBB4amOvqYBXPN1UyFkDRYXEOLGo-ZbFrTl4FVqkcJKgeAoP_gEz0M35e-MoX6aYA-AsXxOyZCpWZEYVG8VFy76Rz1g1uCnU/s640/%252815+of+35%2529-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It was so great watching the kids on Christmas. It really was the perfect day. They were thrilled with all of it. And the smiles on their faces and excitement in their eyes was priceless.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7tKF4bLyAjT8oNdf8ZrDOJSVquPrhQwARzfNvIdP_ln4RCZfNrU3_Abg6_7-su5ZfdQrFQPZcuSVsHxt_iHucyklSiaAAI4Fr-v37ACCJ_fxxicJpKwampHOkJMCJiogUOBPSPY7Hmbo/s1600/%252825+of+35%2529-11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7tKF4bLyAjT8oNdf8ZrDOJSVquPrhQwARzfNvIdP_ln4RCZfNrU3_Abg6_7-su5ZfdQrFQPZcuSVsHxt_iHucyklSiaAAI4Fr-v37ACCJ_fxxicJpKwampHOkJMCJiogUOBPSPY7Hmbo/s640/%252825+of+35%2529-11.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And here we are in January, a new year, a new start. I really love this time of year too, when I can start again and renew a bit. At this point the year seems so bright and hopeful and I'm excited to see where it goes, what lies ahead. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I painted Livie's room did some major closet purging, whoo hoo!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
On another note, Mckay has been one little sick boy this last week. High fever, turns </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
out it's the flu. He's been down for about a week now, with little improvement.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My mama heart breaks a bit everytime I look at his peaked little face and sick eyes.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Praying and hoping for a breakthrough and some improvement soon!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And I guess that about sums it all up for awhile.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Uk-u8gqZI-j65wsf_MChuJ4e3LwmmaaZs_WOu14K3duqM5dm5nLq67WzSa31GUuCeRtxyqwMmvbSaJvUvyqMuClAIJXEhzP1WRceSfHcafc3XusMj5-X8opkMzkE6M4jy2TAKSpYgVk/s1600/20161230-%252827+of+35%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Uk-u8gqZI-j65wsf_MChuJ4e3LwmmaaZs_WOu14K3duqM5dm5nLq67WzSa31GUuCeRtxyqwMmvbSaJvUvyqMuClAIJXEhzP1WRceSfHcafc3XusMj5-X8opkMzkE6M4jy2TAKSpYgVk/s640/20161230-%252827+of+35%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10153952275225486690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9041881994131987516.post-70207305597022135832016-10-26T14:42:00.000-05:002016-10-26T14:42:08.978-05:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxMGdHHpfjA9DJ7fWz5om0Ul_wwdmhRAEpUGvK00dAJVhtqZ7S0qipcfB0f00S8Zyp1rTqqSfJBDuOjDaDUMCNyIyy8ix6J2XfdsdYGMnEPWUAK3BxBTEPRlGoJCRrg6VB4yMoZo76aak/s1600/Mckay+family+pics-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxMGdHHpfjA9DJ7fWz5om0Ul_wwdmhRAEpUGvK00dAJVhtqZ7S0qipcfB0f00S8Zyp1rTqqSfJBDuOjDaDUMCNyIyy8ix6J2XfdsdYGMnEPWUAK3BxBTEPRlGoJCRrg6VB4yMoZo76aak/s640/Mckay+family+pics-1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>"Hourglass"</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<!-- Usage of azlyrics.com content by any third-party lyrics provider is prohibited by our licensing agreement. Sorry about that. -->Little boy, when you speak<br /> I can’t help but kiss your cheeks<br /> I love the way you grab my hands<br /> And tell me all about your plans<br /><br /> Rocket high, comets fly<br /> You and I could hitch a ride<br /> And fly away to Neverland<br /> And give our best to Peter Pan<br /><br /> When you reach for the stars<br /> Don’t forget who you are<br /> And please don’t turn around and grow up way too fast<br /> See the sand in my grasp<br /> From the first to the last<br /> Every grain becomes a memory of the past<br /> Oh, life’s an hourglass<br /> Life’s an hourglass<br /><br /> Story’s read, prayer is said<br /> Close your eyes sleepyhead<br /> While angels linger in your dreams<br /> And hold you in their feathered wings<br /> Just like you, I was small<br /> Not that long ago at all<br /> I wish you all the happiness<br /> That God gives freely if you ask</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Mindy Gledhill</div>
<br />Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10153952275225486690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9041881994131987516.post-79017053241142649872016-10-22T14:38:00.000-05:002016-10-23T09:49:37.928-05:00The Bus<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEFK7iueGQn-IYHiXJnzMpgM80KImKsWhPTZzVD-yqSrmhlm3pTvEd1uJtJoUZWjqlft42fBGeaaCooHBuBqZZlQWBij-TjzLHzxRC5_e35NVo-REE1wBtxxnKnFAyenTjmvicbkCZif8/s1600/Fall+leaves%252C+Mckay+bus-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEFK7iueGQn-IYHiXJnzMpgM80KImKsWhPTZzVD-yqSrmhlm3pTvEd1uJtJoUZWjqlft42fBGeaaCooHBuBqZZlQWBij-TjzLHzxRC5_e35NVo-REE1wBtxxnKnFAyenTjmvicbkCZif8/s640/Fall+leaves%252C+Mckay+bus-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKA8fxXstbC_uZbOzizCM-ZhCHbREGe80IhezeRAQmNDhgH_UgQz7NOOlPxEqnlXLMUa0pYZJRhj36b0uh2mzaoCRYTbZXFGgJHRp9aM0bbYbrypkpMURTJhyphenhyphenTpg7DzDz14g62f3WDAs4/s1600/Fall+leaves%252C+Mckay+bus-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKA8fxXstbC_uZbOzizCM-ZhCHbREGe80IhezeRAQmNDhgH_UgQz7NOOlPxEqnlXLMUa0pYZJRhj36b0uh2mzaoCRYTbZXFGgJHRp9aM0bbYbrypkpMURTJhyphenhyphenTpg7DzDz14g62f3WDAs4/s640/Fall+leaves%252C+Mckay+bus-3.jpg" width="532" /></a>I</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYdTC5n_7jATtQza9j66xOnXuoL1h4nqSGCMiwzJdPCdWSI6UjEYuXUzliVjb7b_TPLc2Iwe0H3fD5uq06fhwTxxVn_IUSkxcmWJlbRbHc8MSEqcvTWz5atuTBgtUa4DrUzk4thHCAM3k/s1600/Fall+leaves%252C+Mckay+bus-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYdTC5n_7jATtQza9j66xOnXuoL1h4nqSGCMiwzJdPCdWSI6UjEYuXUzliVjb7b_TPLc2Iwe0H3fD5uq06fhwTxxVn_IUSkxcmWJlbRbHc8MSEqcvTWz5atuTBgtUa4DrUzk4thHCAM3k/s640/Fall+leaves%252C+Mckay+bus-4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJaOmGHZ-xtlBqWbvNRE21_a-ncDeHWCBf0P5dssZXPgz1lXCZvJ3Aow6NglJBagJKHz3kjLkj_N57VwL6XIc86Wa1CO8ChyZF9DktXxjHiKVVz-CG5SYWv3m-4oLLXw5DHvx6rYroJMM/s1600/Fall+leaves%252C+Mckay+bus-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJaOmGHZ-xtlBqWbvNRE21_a-ncDeHWCBf0P5dssZXPgz1lXCZvJ3Aow6NglJBagJKHz3kjLkj_N57VwL6XIc86Wa1CO8ChyZF9DktXxjHiKVVz-CG5SYWv3m-4oLLXw5DHvx6rYroJMM/s640/Fall+leaves%252C+Mckay+bus-5.jpg" width="498" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Oh how Mckay loves the bus! Oh how he loves riding the bus with his friend Carson. Every day at 12:10 we walk down our driveway and then cross the street and wait for it. Livie loves it too. We give him a hug and kiss and then watch for him to wave to us from the window inside the bus. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
One day we had some errands to do in town, and were running a bit late. I told Mckay that we were probably not going to make the bus today. With big alligator tears, he said, "Then me and Carson can't do our secret hand shake!"</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We haven't missed it since. </div>
<br />Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10153952275225486690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9041881994131987516.post-89121209030325658532016-10-06T17:44:00.000-05:002016-10-06T17:45:33.477-05:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbHrgCr6QKepK2g9lcysd2599NIhZL-GI2uKCvrHAPjaY5MvOBUQvLGqrFEXCoeg8wZkJqehPYZNVngshyKOf4GiUk7XtcnP43Q_uluj44_GsFP4_1p9fmDIRJHoaSZdP5dcxc4bGAyO4/s1600/Livie2-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbHrgCr6QKepK2g9lcysd2599NIhZL-GI2uKCvrHAPjaY5MvOBUQvLGqrFEXCoeg8wZkJqehPYZNVngshyKOf4GiUk7XtcnP43Q_uluj44_GsFP4_1p9fmDIRJHoaSZdP5dcxc4bGAyO4/s640/Livie2-3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The other day was such a great day.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Nothing extra special really happened.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It was pretty normal;</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Laundry</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
School</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Messes</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Dinner</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Diapers</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Homework</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Fighting</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
More messes</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
All the usual stuff, but as I was going about my day I felt such a peace in what I was doing.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Mundane, yes</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A little boring at times, yes</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Divine, Yes!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sadly I don't feel this way all the time. I get caught up in getting the task done, and moving on.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's not glamourous, it's quite the opposite at times.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But on this particular day I saw the divinity in what I was doing.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Trying my best to nurture and care for and teach along to way these precious little souls.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
They are so amazing, they are smart, they have come to this earth with all that they need and it's up to me to teach and help them along.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I just feel so blessed to be a Mother. It's a wonderful privilege that I hold very close. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I pray to be better at appreciating it for what it is, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and the moments that come.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10153952275225486690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9041881994131987516.post-8717887488843400172016-10-06T17:29:00.000-05:002016-10-06T17:29:12.957-05:00Sadie Rae Rae<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQwPUNAdQv_0ZZgoHYNaQO5lt3nYrCVXYAcroALEDWz0_Up3nGYkaLM2TdSe_I6ExlGPFQoQlVrKs5dfdsd1OgB3XdLkPApiZAxa_0FcOk9oX0Y7u8Oq2OCVUDX8g4OvT3xsCC-dtfYS8/s1600/Sadie+Lake+Powell-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQwPUNAdQv_0ZZgoHYNaQO5lt3nYrCVXYAcroALEDWz0_Up3nGYkaLM2TdSe_I6ExlGPFQoQlVrKs5dfdsd1OgB3XdLkPApiZAxa_0FcOk9oX0Y7u8Oq2OCVUDX8g4OvT3xsCC-dtfYS8/s640/Sadie+Lake+Powell-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Dear Sadie, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You are such a joy to our family and to me. I want you to know how much I admire you and your goodness. There are so many times that I watch you and see your kindness and your genuine concern for others and I think, " I want to be like that." It really is one of your gifts that you have been given.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A kind heart</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
An understanding heart</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A desire to lift others and help them.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This will be part of you that will bless those that know you.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You are smart, you work hard and you are brave.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You are willing to try new things. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You are quite witty and are always making me laugh with the things you do and say.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You have a smile that lights up your whole face.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You are mostly happy and rarely get grumpy but when you do, its hard for me to not laugh </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
at your grumpy face.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You have a stubborn streak, which is not all bad youknow. :)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You are quite snuggly and still love to be tucked in at night, which I love.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You love to bake cakes in your bakers oven, and are always thinking of fun games and things to play with Mckay and Livie.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You love to mountain bike and are quite good at it too.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You bought your first Ukulele and have been learning how to play it this past summer.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I love you my Sadie girl and am so lucky to be your Mom. You've taught me so much about love and kindness and many more things. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I hope for you to be happy, to believe in God, to get to know Him, to have Faith in Him </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and to include Him in your life and all that you do. He loves you and will always be there for you. He will help you and comfort you. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I love you and hope that you always remember how special and loved you are.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Love,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Mom</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10153952275225486690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9041881994131987516.post-27464580614270758852016-09-22T15:26:00.000-05:002016-09-22T15:44:10.476-05:0015 years<div style="text-align: center;"><div><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_shl1rxKPPg/V-RCjmGDOTI/AAAAAAAAEgU/S2r_UIGmAS4/I/photo_778219.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div><div><br></div><div><div><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tS3Ufj9CjJU/V-RCmLVAYQI/AAAAAAAAEgY/0fFMKIUPz4Q/I/photo_146320.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div><div><br></div>15 years for us. In some ways I can't believe it and in some ways it feels just about right, when I think of all that had happened. 4 kids, several moves, so much happiness and some hard stuff too. To celebrate we went biking down south, our plan B. Plan A was backpacking in Kolob but didn't pan out.</div><div>We had a great time. Mountain biking is both terrible and awesome at the same time. It scares me at times and there's parts of the trail that I hate. But there's also parts that I love and the views make it all worth it. </div><div>As I was riding, I couldn't help but think about the parallels between life, even marriage, and mountain biking. Super cliche I know, but so true. </div><div>So many ups and downs.</div><div>Hard and easy parts.</div><div>Scary parts where I get hurt a little</div><div>Parts where I want to quit.</div><div>But also amazing views along the way if I'm looking up long enough to notice. </div><div>How thankful I am for the hard that makes me appreciate the good and for the beautiful moments in my life. </div><div>Marrying Jake is at the top of the list for sure. ❤️<br> <br></div><br><br> <br></div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10153952275225486690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9041881994131987516.post-83278090669502242512016-09-22T15:11:00.000-05:002016-09-22T15:25:46.852-05:00<div style="text-align: center;">"Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans."</div><div style="text-align: center;">John Lennon</div><div style="text-align: center;"><div><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4U7o48-FlkA/V-Q-SOrSDpI/AAAAAAAAEgI/d7CZ4ASfiQw/I/photo_862749.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div><div><br></div><div>This jumped out at me when I was listening to Pandora the other day. I feel like I've been neglecting the sweet moments that happen each day while I'm thinking about tomorrow, worrying, planning. A good reminder to be happy today. </div><div><br></div><br><br> <br></div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10153952275225486690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9041881994131987516.post-31186306768393981872016-09-07T16:55:00.000-05:002016-09-07T16:58:31.403-05:00<div style="text-align: center;"><div><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-n6-oebvaJhU/V9CNhSZqJSI/AAAAAAAAEfs/5XRs3GO8604/I/photo_232506.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div><div><br></div><div>"Mom, we need to spend some time together. I'm free on Labor Day or Chicken day (Thanksgiving ) because I don't have school."❤️</div><br><br> <br></div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10153952275225486690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9041881994131987516.post-4114996577695025262016-09-07T16:46:00.000-05:002016-09-07T16:53:27.294-05:0020/20<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zCIr7igBazQ/V9CMVbq-AwI/AAAAAAAAEfk/UVZ5bY5aq3A/I/photo_443027.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">Hip hip hooray for 20/20 vision! LASIK is amazing! My eyes are still a bit fuzzy but I'm so amazed by the whole process. This was my look all day yesterday.The kids were very concerned that I was going to have to wear them everyday, all day for awhile. Sadie kept asking, "You only have to wear those goggles for one day right?" Every time I walked into a room Jake would just start laughing. Weird. Haha.</div><br><br> Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10153952275225486690noreply@blogger.com0