SCORE!

 Did you know I have THE BEST FRIENDS in the whole world? Because I do.  Let me explain. You see, my birthday is 4 days after Christmas.  As a kid I got used to it.  My childhood best friend spent the night every year.  All my other friends were off spending the holidays with their families and my two other best friends who did stick around town had parents with my same birthday. So I never had a big birthday party.  One year my mom threw me a big fancy dinner with all my friends and that was really special.  That was either my 16th or 18th birthday.  But other than that my birthdays were usually very quiet (not that that is a bad thing), my family spoiled me, but I was sad that I rarely got to celebrate with friends. Once I got older I thought maybe that would change, but it turns out even now as parents most of my friends travel to be with their family for the holidays.  I don't blame them, I do to.  This year one of my deares...

This adorable little miss is 5 months old already. Seriously, where does time go? I know I say this every month, but she is seriously THE BEST baby!  I mean look at her! Have you ever seen such a smiley baby? I adore her!  Here is a little about what she is up to these days: She is a CHUNK weighing in at 17.4 lbs She can roll, but usually doesn't I think it is because she actually enjoys tummy time She LOVES to laugh.  I remember with the other two we would have to work so hard to get the slightest chuckle out of them but with her you can basically just look at her and she will start laughing.  I love it!   She is starting to take longer naps during the day which is nice At night she usually goes from 7-midnight and then usually has one more feeding about 3:30 am.  I'm so ready to drop that one!!  She actually can sit by herself for a decent amount of time.  I'm so impressed!   But if she gets too excited sh...

So as you may or may not know I kind of head up a little book club in the area.  I joined when we first moved here mainly because I needed something for me.  Having never read a book for fun it came as a shock to a lot of people, including myself, but I absolutely LOVED it!  I loved getting my brain out of mommy mode and back into learning.  I loved having grown-up conversations.  I loved how it made me closer friends to lots of people.  I love how it has turned into a once a month girls night that lasts until the wee hours of the morning.  And I LOVE the books I have discovered because of it! ANYWAY... here is my book list of 2013.  My goal is one book a month, some months I do better than others, but it did average out to 1 a month.  I wish I would have written my reviews as I read each book, but alas I did not, so we'll see how well I can remember. This book was so different but I truly enjoyed it.  It was about this woman ...

Say What!  I cannot believe Riley is already 4 months.  Actually, it is one of those things where the time has flown by but at the same time I cant remember what it was like without her.  You know what I'm talking about right?  It is the strangest thing.  Sometimes I look at my kids, like today, and am in awe.  Have you ever looked at your kids and just been blown away.  Look at them and think, "Wow!  You didn't exist and know you are here and are this totally awesome little person."  I have that thought at lot, especially now with 3.  But really, creating life is a crazy-awesome-miraculous thing.  Anyway, Riley is the best.  Her personality is starting to come out more and as easy going as she is I can tell she is not going to be a pushover.  She is not afraid to make her voice heard.  She like attention.  One minute I'll be talking to her and she will be so happy, smiling and laughing at me.  I'l...

Hello Dear Friends, It is that time again.  That time where my husband works a ridiculous amount of hours and I'm stuck at home alone twiddling my thumbs and begging my friends to come over and keep me company.  Yup, you guessed it, today is the first day of BUSY SEASON. The good thing, is my husband LOVES his job.  Pretty sure he is the only person I know who could work 16 hour days and still come home happy.  The other good thing, is this is my 4th busy season, so I think I'll handle it better this year.  You see, I made a HUGE list of things to do.  Projects, crafts, organizing, cleaning, reading... you name it and it is probably on my list.  I think getting busy myself will help pass the time and make me feel good about myself.  So guess what is one of the things at the top of my list... CATCH UP ON THE BLOG! Yup yup!  Lucky you!  I'm only 3 months behind (YIKES), and it is really important to me, so I am going to give it my...

For FHE this week I gave a lesson on how Heavenly Father gives us so many blessing we don't even have enough room to receive them all.  The kids got to put a scoop of water in a cup as they said what they were grateful for and before long the cup was over flowing.  It was a great reminder to even me that I have so many many things to be grateful for.  This morning I got up before the rest of the fam and decided I should write down a few things that I am grateful for today and everyday. A loving Heavenly Father Jesus Christ & His saving grace The Holy Ghost who acts as a comforter & guide A wonderful husband who loves me unconditionally Children who taught me what loving really is Parents who taught me about sacrifice, service, integrity, the Gospel, and a million other things A sister who is the most selfless person I know All of my In-Laws who are wonderful and have adopted me as one of their own A strong and healthy body that allows me to do whatever...

Since I have become an avid Instagramer and I usual post my favorite pictures or moments on there I decided to start a "Life According to Instagram" every month.  I love instagram for the simple fact that I can use it to capture the  little moments of every day life.  They are the things that are so easy to forget yet often mean the most. The kids are truly growing up before my eyes and I don't want to miss a thing.  So here is the grand debut! Enjoy! 1. This is Love. Best big brother ever. 2. This little girl was made for gymnastics 3. 90 degrees calls for a pool day.  So long sweet summer. 4.  Sunday fun with daddy. 5. Arrrgh!! We got us some pirate booty today in the form of 2 dozen doughnuts. 6. The cutest pirates you ever did see! 7. Her first blowout. 8. Their toy choices for the day.  Nature vs. Nurture? 9. Riley is getting so strong!  Love family tummy time. 10. Is it just me or is this little boy VERY good at colo...