A Recap of 2012

It's been quite a year at our house!  This year has been very full and, as we look back at where this year has taken us, we feel very blessed.

Family Pictures, November 2012

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To say that the past year for Craig has been very busy is definitely an understatement.  Craig was called as the Elders Quorum president for our church at the very beginning of the year.  We missed him a lot on Sundays and during the week, but we felt very blessed by his service, and watching him grow within this capacity was incredible.  

Craig is also a full time student at UVU and a part-time intern at Novell.  This past semester he worked mornings and attended school at night.  Often times Daddy would leave just as the girls were waking up in the morning and would come home just before or after the girls were in bed.  We are so grateful for how hard he works to make it possible for our family's future to be bright.

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This year has been quite a year for me.  I like to think it has been the greatest year of transformation and growth for me in so many ways.  I am enjoying more than ever the wonderful but challenging full time jobs that I have--Mommy and Graphic Designer.  My work has taken off in the last few months but my love and passion for creating keeps me motivated and determined to keep going.  I feel so blessed to have the opportunity to do what I love.

I also feel so blessed to have flexibility in my job.  This has enabled me to make the most amazing transformation in my life over the past year.

At the beginning of January I made a resolution to myself that I needed to improve my physical fitness.  I started doing Zumba two times a week and watched as my life started improving in so many ways by doing something so small for myself only twice a week.

By early April I had completed my first 5k run and felt more empowered than ever to make a lifestyle change.  I started going to the gym everyday and was determined to enter more and more challenging races.  I competed in my first Biathlon at the beginning of July and ran another 5k with Shelly and my sister all in the same week.

Improving my physical fitness has been life-changing for me.  Since becoming a mother just over three years ago, I haven't done a lot of things just for me.  I didn't realize how important it is to dedicate time and take care of myself until this past year.  Working out has made me feel so much more confident in myself and my ability to be a better wife, mother and person.

I am so excited for the opportunities that living a healthier lifestyle will bring our family in 2013.  We have many goals and much more room to improve!

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I feel like Olivia (3) has grown leaps and bounds this year.  I can't believe that our toddler turned into a little girl over the past year!  Olivia's personality is fiery, passionate, kind, and very serious at times.  Olivia enjoyed owning a pass to Seven Peaks this summer and loved splashing and sliding down the big water slides.  We were so proud of her bravery!

Olivia, November 2012

She also loved boating with Grandpa and trying out the surf board for her first time, and going on a big girl sleepover at her Aunt Alycia and Uncle Chris' house!  She also looks forward to seeing her friends at the gym, watching Curious George, playing dress-ups and playing with her little sister.  She is such a great big sister - watching the girls' relationship blossom over this past year has brought us so much happiness.

The girls, November 2012

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Emery (20 months) is our little dare devil child.  In the past year, she climbed to very impressive heights on, well, everything, landed a front flip from a chair, and basically amazed us by her athletic abilities for a toddler.  We had multiple people tell us that we need to record everything that she does so that we can look back and chuckle when she is an Olympian one day.  In all seriousness, though, Emery has been such a special part of our family since the moment she came into our lives.  She has a smile that lights up our world and a hug that warms your soul and makes even the darkest days bright.

Emery, November 2012

As 2012 has come to a close, we look forward to the coming year with excitement, hope, and gratitude for the opportunities that lie ahead for our little crew!  Happy 2013, all!

I'm like Sassy today!

Okay, people, this is going to be a really quick post.  But, it's just too funny and sums up Olivia's (Miss Sassy Pants') personality in its entirety.

Olivia loves to watch cartoons.  Many children's cartoons are very interactive and will ask questions to the audience during the duration of the show.  Olivia is always VERY frank in her responses.   For instance, she loves Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, but every time Mickey asks, "Would you like to come inside my playhouse?"  Olivia never hesitates to say, "No!"

Today Olivia was watching a show that was teaching kids about baking.  After baking a cake, one of the characters on the show asked the kids if they wanted a piece of the cake.  Olivia promptly answered by saying, "Yes, but do you really think that cake will feed all of us kids watching the show?  I don't think so!"  [insert visual of sassy blonde bobbing her head and rolling her eyes while giving her answer]..

I love my little Miss Sassy Pants, though, and can't believe that she is turning three this Saturday!  Wow, the big three!  I can't imagine the last three years without her--she truly keeps me smiling, and never ceases to amaze me with her attitude!  Her favorite thing to tell me is, "Mom, I'm like sassy today!"  I can only imagine what this little blonde beauty is going to be like in 12 years {scary!}.

What We've Been Up To

Yes, we are alive!  We survived another fun, whirlwind summer filled with wonderful memories that will have to wait for another day to post about.  Honestly, that's why I haven't blogged in such a long time--I have been so overwhelmed by the amount of things I need to blog about that I haven't known where to start.  So we're starting with baby steps by catching you up on what has happened in our lives as of recent.  And then if you get lucky--maybe you'll get a post recapping our summer.

We have been so busy this past month preparing for tenants to move in and out of the four-plex {we're the managers}.  We have also been doing quite a bit of updates in our place, too!  The front room and hallway got quite a facelift with a beautiful new coat of paint and new carpet.  We are absolutely loving the new-home feel, and now I appreciate how much hard work goes into making a house a home.  Painting is not for the weary of heart, but all of the the pain, sweat, and tears were worth it!  I've learned quite a bit for our someday house in this process, too!

Craig started school a few weeks ago, too!  We are excited to be back into more of a routine but are missing having dad around.  We see him out the door most days around nine o'clock am to go to work and often times he gets home just before or after bedtime for the girls.  It has been quite an adjustment for the girls and me.  We are slowly trying to figure things out, but have enjoyed watching chick flicks, doing toe nails, and staying up later than usual cuddling on the couch together. 

Work has really picked up for me now that school is back in.  I have been working late into the evening every night this month and I just keep hoping that things will slow down or I will get back on top of things as we get more into fall.  I can't wait to be able to do fun things with the girls this fall!  As you saw from the pictures, we went to story time at the library this past Friday.  I am excited to get out and do more fun things like this now that the girls are older and enjoy doing activities together.

On a more romantic note, Craig and I celebrated four wonderful years on the 28th of August.  We celebrated by going to a beautiful dinner together at La Jolla Grove at the River Woods.  It was the tastiest, quietest, most wonderful meal with the Mr.  And did I mention that Craig surprised me with a Kitchenaid? {insert applause} I have wanted one for years and, as his mother pointed out, he has now set the bar very high for anniversaries to come. 

It has been a wonderful four years, though!  Who would have thought that we would have two rambunctious kiddos under three, be finishing up school, and living in Provo on our fourth.  I couldn't imagine things being any better than they are!  We feel very blessed!

Emery Turned One!

I can't believe our little Emery Bug is over a year old!  She is such a special part of our family and I can't even begin to imagine life without her!

I told Craig that I never want Emery to grow up the other day because she is so much fun, incredibly happy all of the time and is such an easy-going baby right now. It has been an amazing blessing in my life to watch her grow up and see her blossom into a beautiful little girl over this past year.  She truly has touched my life with her sweetness and I love that she openly shares that light with all of those around her.  She is such a special little girl.

We celebrated her first birthday with family a few weeks ago.  We had such a great time and are so grateful to those of our family who were able to make it.  Thanks so much for all of your love and support--it means so much to us!!

All of Miss Em's Favorite Things!

Sliced bananas with a dollop of Chocolate then topped with a raspberry.  These were SO good!!

Cupcakes In Ice Cream Cones!  After one failed attempt, these turned out really cute!

Emery Cloe and her cousin, Hayden - just enjoying being together!

The bubbles were popular among the older male folk.  Who would have thought!

Lovin' the cake!  Mmmmm!!

This girl's in heaven!!

I LOVE this picture of Daxton!  Such a cutie!!

Opening presents!  This girl is now ready to hit the water!!

Favorite gift! haha

Just a few things to remember about Emery at one year old:

1) Loves to climb in/on everything

2) Isn't afraid of ANYTHING

3) Always has a big grin on her face

4) Loves her "Da" or Dad so much!  She's always giggling 

    and hollering whenever she sees him.

5) Loves to eat Chalk/dirt/leaves/sticks/anything

6) Loves to play with Olivia

7) Loves to cuddle, give hugs, and blow kisses

Jacquelinne's other blog

It's obvious that we don't update this blog all that often.  With Jacquelinne at home taking care of our two girls, keeping things in order, and working full time doing custom blog design, she doesn't have a lot of time to dedicate to this blog.  Then there's Craig who is going to school full time, working part-time, is an elders quorum president in our ward, tries to keep up with life's events on twitter, and playing and watching sports, he chooses not to dedicate much time to this blog.
However, Jacquelinne, with her design work, has bits and pieces of knowledge she's picked up that she's sharing over at StriveForSomethingGood.  She posts fun ideas, shares thoughts and feelings, and even posts PICTURES.  So if you need more Jacquelinne in your life, and let's be honest, who doesn't? Just click on the "join this site" button under "FOLLOW ME" and keep up with her over there.  She's so talented that I'm sure you'll be glad you did!

This Girl Seriously Kills Me!

There are no words to describe the love I have for this child of mine.  My little angel baby + some of her finest moments.

This picture is going to make the wedding video.  I will make sure of it!

This is Emery's distressed look. Crackin me up!

Valentines Day Party

This Valentines Day was really fun at our house.  We threw a party with all of Olivia and Emery's besties.  The kiddos decorated sugar cookies and had a lot of fun just playing.  The highlights were sprinkles, sprinkles, and more sprinkles, and jumping on Olivia's bed.

Emery Enjoying Cookie Decorating

Myles and Olivia Jumping on the Bed

Lulu, Maeli, Laura, and Myles

My attempt at trying to snap a pic of the girls in their V-Day outfits

Myles, Olivia and Laura

Cute little Lucy - one of Em's buddies.

Olivia's friend, Lulu.  Liv absolutely loves this girl to death!

I love these kiddos and ladies of our neighborhood.  So glad that we were able to have such a fun party!

Our Girlies

It's about time for an update on our munchkins.  They are both in such a fun, energetic stage right now and there's so many things I never want to forget about them in this moment.

As seen in the above picture sequence, Olivia is very much enjoying Emery and loves that she can now sit up on her own, crawl and now stand on things.  Emery is so determined to walk and finally be able to defend herself from her older sister.  All in all, though, those two love each other and are starting to play very well together.  I love watching their relationship blossom.

A Few of Olivia's Favorite Things at 27 months:

-Chocolate

-Curious George

-Disney movies

-Princesses

-Shoes

-Tutus

-Justin Bieber

-Waking Emery up during nap time
-Bath time

A Few of Emery's Favorite Things at 9 Months:

-Sticking out her tongue

-Crawling everywhere
-Climbing on things

-Standing up

-Puffs

-Chocolate (from her sister)

-Playing with chords underneath the desk

-Lying on her back underneath things (we call her our little mechanic) 

We love these girls so much and feel so blessed that Heavenly Father has blessed us with two beautiful, healthy, happy little girls. 

Just Another Blessed Day

I know it has been a while and I hate to make this post just about me and overly personal, but I want to remember these blessed moments in my life.

The past few weeks have been particularly hard.  Work has really slowed down for me and, while it is wonderful for me to have more time to spend with the girls, it has also kind of thrown me into a funk.  I guess I've been frustrated with my job and feeling like it's never going to pick back up again (I know, probably really dramatic).

And just today I had a client from before Christmas send me a tip.  A tip of $50 for simply being wonderful to work with and for being willing to help her with any questions she may have.   I was overwhelmed by her generosity, and her kindness has given me the strength and determination to pull through and continue doing what I love.  Even if things are slow.

Tonight I saw that one of my friends had posted on Facebook that she needed help with her blog.  I commented by telling her that I would be willing to help.  She immediately started messaging me and we were able to solve an issue that she had been dealing with and had grown extremely emotional over for the past three hours.  While I was helping her, I had an incredible feeling rush over me and I felt an overwhelming amount of peace come over me.  I felt blessed to have a small gift that can bring so much happiness to people.  And it made me never want to stop sharing it; whether it be interior design, blog design, or whatever.  We are blessed with gifts to share that can better people's lives.  And, really, in this case, it bettered mine.

When I Was Her Age..

...I also had a shoe fetish.  I guess some things never change.

Olivia's Birthday Videos

I'm sure Jacquelinne will post some of the pictures we took tonight but until then, here are a couple of videos we took while Olivia was opening her birthday presents.  The reason there are two was I didn't know there was more in the last box.  However, I'm glad we got the second video because Olivia ran to her room and was so cute.  We hope you enjoy.

Video #1:

Video #2:

While looking through our camera, we also found a video we took last year and thought we'd share it with you.  It's amazing for us to see how much she has grown up in just the past 12 months.  

Olivia's 1st Birthday (Last Year)

Halloween Weekend & Emery Bug Update

We had such a fun weekend up north visiting grandparents and showing off our cute kids in their Halloween Costumes!

 Olivia was a duck (as she says) and Emery was a ladybug

 Visiting Aunt Yaya at work

And just a quick update on our adorable little Emery Bug!  Sorry, bug, we have been really bad at posting pictures of you!  These pictures perfectly capture our little cutie at almost six months old.  She is the happiest, smiliest, most well tempered child.  She recently learned how to roll over and is more determined than ever to figure out how to scoot and crawl.  She wants more than anything to be able to keep up with big sister!

We love those big blue eyes.  This is a signature Emery look.

Family Pictures

I am so ecstatic that I received our family pictures tonight!  I know, finally, right?  My mom has been so worried about not having any pictures of Emery in her house, yet.  Grandparents, we will send up copies of these pictures when we come up for Halloween!  P.S. we put the girls in their Halloween costumes tonight and I am absolutely thrilled with how cute they are!!  And the fact that it is not the day before Halloween and we have their costumes figured out is already a huge plus.

Here is a few of my faves from the shoot.  We were given a CD of the pictures so any of these can be printed for anyone who wants to have a shrine of us in their home--I wouldn't blame you, our girls are dang cute!!  And Photoshop always does miraculous things for Craig and me.

 This pictures absolutely makes my heart sing!

 My cute hubby.  Yes, he is embarrassed right now and upset that I posted this.

 I absolutely adore this photo of us all.  Our girls love to play on Mommy and Daddy's bed, 

so this picture perfectly captures how normal day-to-day life is in our home.

 So pretty, little and perfect!

Beautiful little girl of mine!  I know, I'm a little bias!

 These pictures were taken in early June about 2 or 3 weeks after Emery was born.  I can't believe how much both girls have grown since then.  I hope to post more recent pictures soon!