Happy Birthday Finnley

February 20th 2015.

I remember looking out the hospital window, holding a warm cozy baby and seeing snow falling. 

Today it snowed,

Today Finnley turned three. 

We woke up, open presents and decided to eat cake.

She had asked for a pink cake with fire on top. 

 I made a raspberry red velvet cake, raspberry buttercream frosting with raspberries and a candle on top.

We played with friends and cousins all day until everyone was tired and cranky.

She is determined, fast paced, and passionate. She loves cooking with me, listening to stories, cutting, wrestling, and climbing.

Three years old and ready to take in the world.

Hearts

One of my favorite things about Idaho Falls has been the short walk across the street to Jamie’s. 

Usually we eat lunch, a Nutella sandwich or salted quesadilla. 

Play with hot wheels, talk about our kids, husbands, goals, and dreams. 

Today,

We painted hearts.

Intentional

Aven will nap 2-3hours a day.

Recently I have been trying to be more intentional with the one on one opportunity with Finnley. 

I held the glue stick still while she picked different things to paste in her “journal”.

We talked about Nephi and Lehi and the power of prayer. She loves drawing the stories out on my bathroom mirror.

While reading books I felt her little body relax, until she was laying across my lap.

Heavy and warm.

My favorite Holiday

Valentines Day is special. 

What could be better than celebrating love? 

I crawled out of the warm covers to make a valentine breakfast before Spencer left for work. 

He is usually gone by the time I or the girls wake up. 

I quickly set up the table, turned the love station on Pandora, and make a few cards. 

Changes and choices are coming. Sometimess the unknown of the future seem to loom overhead like a dark cloud. 

As we talked about the highs and lows of the day that night over chicken sandwiches, I couldn’t help but feel happy. 

Happy in the moment. 

Happy I had him there to swap secrets, fears and ambitions with. 

Having a sister is fleek

I am terrified of high traffic, big city freeways. 

Bumper to bumper, five lanes, signaling isn’t a thing and NO ONE Is going to speed limit. 

This weekend Kysa and I had our first sister trip! We went to Utah for a friends wedding. 

Salt Lake City. 

I am completely proud that we made it alive, and slightly embarrassed that I was drenched with sweat.

We ate awesome food, visited a giant used book store, and got our hair cut together.

The best part was reconnecting with friends I have not seen for years. 

Laughing at our memories, then crying at the realities and hardships of life experiences.

I left feeling inspired and motivated to be better and to trust the Saviors personalized plan for me.

Winter Continues

Last week we celebrated groundhogs day.

We made ground hog headbands

Watched Phill the groundhog on tv 

Ate little smokies in a mound of mashed potatoes 

and

Practiced making our own shadows.

 

They are easy to please.

Finnley loves cutting and will glue anything.

Aven loves eating.

It has been so satisfing celebrating anything and everything. 

Making new family traditions and memories in the process.

Baby locks

A couple days ago I took the baby locks off Finnleys door, the bathroom and Avens door. 

Because 

1. Finnley is fully potty trained (happy dance)

2.We have been teaching her about the importance of sleep. She is eager to take care of her body.

3. She is almost 3!

 

It has been hard in ways I expected, but unbelievably joyful in ways I didn’t expect. 

The soft knock on our door at night as Finnleys little voice says she is cold. 

Hearing the toilet flush without leaving my warm blankets.

Early morning giggles and squeaks from Avens room as they wait for us to get up.

 I remember watching Finnley look at herself in my tall bathroom mirror. She turned to me and declared with confidence,

“Mom, I am getting bigger.”

That little phrase has been on repeat in my mind. 

She is getting bigger.

I believe in Finnley,

Her ability to rely on the savior and be whoever she wants to be.

But first, let’s celebrate the freedom from 

baby locks.

Kysa turns 20

Officially considered an adult, 

Kysa turns 20! 

We celebrated Sunday night with family over cheesy potato soup, bread and strawberry shortcake. 

Monday the girls and I packed a lunch and diapers. 

Dropped Spencer off at work and spent the afternoon with Kysa.

We shopped.

Ate the BIG Mac, fries and ice cream.

Oh yeah and we bought toilet paper because we were both out. 

Happy Birthday KysaKins, I hope you felt special today. 

You are special.

I love you.

Loooong day

Yesterday was one of THOSE days.

Overwhelmed and grumpy from sunrise to sun set. 

The babies were

Fed and ready for bed by 5pm.

 The clock seemed to slow as I anxiously waited for the freedom to lay on the couch and do absolutely nothing.

NOTHING!

Then I got this text from Jamie, 

my cousin just a few houses over.

3 minutes later she was knocking on the door.  

“I am here to help!”

 Moments like this

Remind me 

the power and strength that comes from family.

I am reminded that God is aware of me and my personal struggles.

I matter to him, and he will send angles to help lift and encourage.