Happy Day to Maren

We have a smiling baby now! She is just a cutie, and Maren and I try to get her to smile when she wakes in the morning.










Maren is 2 now! She is wonderfully cute and fun and energetic! We had ice-cream cone cupcakes with ice cream on top, and a 'skittle' cake. (She loves skittles right now, and picked that up from her aunt Carrie, I just know it).






Happy Birthday Mare bear.

The Ultimate...

Last night on my run, a biker sped past me on his beach cruiser. He was SO talented, that he could text with both hands while riding. He also didn't need to watch the trail we were on because it was flat and straight...now that's talent...lol. Part of me wanted to push him over to see if he'd save his phone before saving himself.

I've had a lot of random thoughts lately. I asked myself this morning why do I get anxiety when I'm putting groceries into my trunk while someone is waiting in their car for my parking spot?? It actually makes me have angry thoughts like, "Does she expect me to hurry now that we have made eye contact and I know she wants my spot?" or "How can I hurry-I have an almost 2 year old and a new babe I'm trying to get buckled in??" Now I wonder, do I give other people anxiety when I wait for their spot? (Sometimes I purposefully take my time putting things away just to see if she'll move on..lol)

Maren is really sensitive and really sweet! Sometimes she's playing with Lauren and I'll say something like, "Oooh! Remember to be soft, we don't want to hurt her." Then she'll get her pouty lip out and between sobs say, "Sorry mommy, sorry." Who taught her that?!

I really want to be active with my kids. I want them to see me running, or playing soccer, but not just see me after the fact, I want them to see me DO it, so they know what it's like. I think about TEAM HOYT, where the father pushes his disabled son in races, and wonder what type of incredible\unique relationship they must have because they share that. But right now I'm just trying to find a minute to put my running shoes on and exercise.

My husband really likes to work in the yard. He grew up doing so, and now he LOVES it. He finds great fulfillment in watching things grow, and bettering the area he lives in-in fact he thrives to find projects to do that involve improving anything. I did not grow up working in the yard, and would much rather play than work. (Maybe this is why I am not in charge of earning our income:)

I really miss family. I don't know if it's the summer months that create opportunities for family to get together more frequently or what, but it's time to go back to Utah. We'll go back next month but I fear it won't satiate my thirst of seeing family. Living away from family has caused Andy and I to become better best friends though-realizing we only have each other and that he comes 1st for me and I come 1st for him. (That's a wonderful thought.)

Anyways, life goes on. One last random thought, but more of a suggestion. If you need a good laugh today, google Brian Regan\You tube and you can't fail.

Happy Tuesday!

What a babe!

She's starting to smile!! This is so rewarding as a parent-to know that they actually respond and have reactions to us!!

Here's some other random photos for our parents:) This is a cute little outfit our neighbors gave us:)

We went to the zoo yesterday! We saw monkeys and much, much more. Maren was a trooper, and is my best little pal when we go places.

Grandma Hall

After my mom was here, we had the pleasure of having Andy's mom come visit and help hold babies:) It was so much fun having her around, and being able to shop in a store and not be handing out crackers and putting pacifiers back in mouths!!

This summer we have beach day each Monday with the other moms in the area, and we took Grandma to one.

Holding Lauren immediately after we picked her up at the airport:)

Thanks for the fun times and memories Grandma! Come back soon.

The new

It was awesome having my momma here from Utah after Lauren was born! She was just what the doctor ordered at a perfect time for everyone. Maren never skips a beat when she comes, and anticipates the fun things that Grandma packs in her bag:)

Thanks so much for coming mom!

We finished another session of 'Mommie and Me' with Ms. Dottie. Her full name is Dottie Dudley!! Here she is with Maren on the way out. This has been such a fun thing to do with Maren and I, and it's awesome seeing how much they change and progress from month to month.

My studley, incredible husband left this for me recently before work. Thanks A!

A new favorite..

We found a new treasure around these here parts of town!! Friday morning I woke up just knowing we had to find something new for the day. Whether it was a new park, zoo, or beach, we had to go somewhere...In our efforts, we found a new park that has a lake with a small island in the middle with all sorts of play structures built in to heritage-style homes. It had turtles, duck and fish and tons of fun spaces for Maren to explore. She and I had such a blast, that on Saturday we took Andy back.

She had no interest in touching this guy, but really like to talk to him:)

Lauren is doing really great. She is such a cutie!!

Our ticklish girl:)

Happy '5th' of July

We had a great weekend, I always love it when Andy gets days off. (Although it seems to FLY by.) We got a new bike trailer and we took Lauren in that, and put Maren on the back of Andy's. We had a fun ride to a park here in town.

Here's Sierra and Maren. Maren was really glad when we got to the park because they had turned on their water-play area and she got splashed on.

Despite what it may look like, the driver of this bike set up knew what she was doing:)
Happy 4th of July to all.

Motherhood: An Eternal Partnership with God

After quite an 'interesting' day of being a new mom of 2 now, trying not to lose it while Skyping with my mom and sister, and being sad that my mother in law went back to Utah, Elder Holland comes to the rescue...once again:) "Good job Mom"