Spring Has Sprung

Spring is in the air and we are soaking up every last minute of this perfect weather.  I have made a conscience effort to get the girls out each day.  We have found ourselves at the park, on bike rides, discovering new places around town and getting our hands dirty while we color with side walk chalk in the back yard.  The girls and I have been suffering majorly from allergies, but will sacrifice a few sniffles and coughs for the cherished memories that have been made. 

One of the highlights of the spring season rolling in, is the strawberry fields full of luscious red strawberries.  I have a hard time eating any other strawberry.  Nothing seems to compare to the Central Valleys fresh fruit.  I knew that I would be making my fruit pizza over the weekend and had to top it off with these gems.  I had high hopes the girls would inhale them and boy was I right.  They are better than candy.

I wish you could have heard Lucy demanding that I give her a strawberry.  From the moment I walked in the door she wouldn't stop hanging on my arm, until I handed her a strawberry.  

I don't know if it's the change of weather or change of heart, but we have been doing a major overhaul in our home.  Tyson and I cleared through our fridge and pantry and threw away almost all of the sugar.  I stopped taking my pre workout and decreased my caffeine intake.  We donated clothes from all of our closest and drawers, have been getting the kids down earlier and have made sure to have less screen time, especially before bed.  All of these things are still a work in progress, but have made a huge difference.  

I am trying to simplify my life in so many ways, but am realizing it's a lot of work to simplify.  Kind of an oxymoron if you ask me.... Life seems so incredibly busy and difficult and am doing all I can on my part to let my kiddos enjoy being kids and having a mom who is present, instead of being pulled in a thousand different directions.  It means sometimes that I have to say no and am becoming more and more okay with that answer.

I am looking forward to and have been enjoying a slower paced day to day life.  I can't wait to take the girls to the zoo and hit up the park as much as possible, before the blazing heat makes its way onto the playground.

And without further adieu, miss Lucy bug eating her weight in strawberries!

Easter Sunday

Easter Sunday is easily turning into my favorite Holiday.  The peace, joy and excitement that surrounds this day means everything.  Taking the time to explain to our girls the reason we celebrate Easter was extra special.  I was full of all sorts of emotions on Sunday.  I am ever grateful for my Savior, for his perfect example and the price he paid that I shall have ever lasting life.  I know he lives and celebrate his resurrection. 

Mosiah 16:8-9

8 But there is a resurrection, therefore the grave hath no victory, and the sting of death is swallowed up in Christ. 9 He is the light and the life of the world; yea, a light that is endless, that can never be darkened; yea, and also a life which is endless, that there can be no more death.

The weekend was packed full of festivities.  The girls had so much fun on their egg hunts.  P can't stop talking about finding the golden egg, in which contained a one dollar bill.  She pretty much felt on top of the world.  The endless amounts of candy consumption and family time was enjoyed by all. We didn't end up getting around to dying easter eggs and half of the things I ordered for their Easter baskets didn't show up, but the girls didn't know the difference and were thrilled with the outcome.

We enjoyed attending our church meetings, naps and more family time and of course more food.  Now time to take down the pastel colors and embrace a clean clutter free house.... until the next holiday.

Easter Bunnies and Happenings

The girls are napping #winning and I decided to take this quite moment to do a little update on our girls and share some quick Easter pics I took.  

Lucy:

This little or should I say big girl is our sassy sissy, but oh how we adore her.  Lucy has been sick off and on for what feels like months, but has remained happy non of the less.  She takes her medicine like a champ and actually begs and enjoys her breathing treatments.  She is my little helper.  Lucy loves to bring me her diapers and wipes, which is a sign for being ready to be potty trained.  I on the other hand am not ready to tackle that task.  I came down the stairs the other day, to drenched floors and windows, in which the girls said they were helping me clean.  I couldn't be mad, even though it took me an entire roll of paper towels to clean up.  Lu has finally accepted the fact, that I am going to brush her teeth no matter how hard she screams and actually gets excited to brush her teeth.  We are making progress people and will take each and every milestone as a win.  You should see this girl on her bike.  She is fearless, just like her uncles and Grandpa Brown.  Being outside is one of her favorite things to do.  She enjoys picking flowers and holding snails.  Fish and Finding Nemo are her jam.  I recently took her to a fish hatchery and you would have thought I took her to Disney World.  Feeding the fishes and watching them splash all around, brought pure joy to her face.  Her collection on Nemo stuffed animals has reached a maximum capacity.  She insists on sleeping with ALL her animals.  And you better believe kitty continues to go anywhere and everywhere with her.  Those two are glued at the hips.   She rocks, swaddles and sings to her on the daily.  She has grown so much over the past few months and I couldn't be more proud of the little girl she is becoming.  She's still rockin her big belly, loves the playground, Target and finally goes to nursery all by herself.  We are still working on getting her to sleep through the night but have finally gotten her on a better sleeping schedule, which will then hopefully roll into her sleeping through the night.  Her first dance recital and swimming lessons are in the near future and can't wait to watch her shine.

Miss P:

Oh my sweet Penelope.  This age is magic!  She is my tender hearted, always wanting to do what's right, chocolate loving girl.  I have loved watching her growth over the past few months at school.  She has learned how to spell her name and can identify and make all the sounds to all of the letters.  I can see her desire to read and that makes me so excited.  She struggles with her fine motor skills, so watching her write out her name is sooooo amazing.  And could we have picked a longer name for her to learn how to spell? Sorry sweetie.  Her speech is coming along as well.  She gets over the moon excited when she finally figures out how to pronounce a word, that had been causing her some trouble.  The highlight of this little girls world has been weighing enough to fit in a booster seat.  What I would have given to have had a video camera on me, when she told me about her exciting news.  Tyson weighed her and from then on she couldn't stop beaming with joy.  She's also been sick off and on for months.  She always impresses me with her bravery and strength.  No matter how tired I am from the days events, my favorite thing is laying next to her, before she falls asleep and looking in to her eyes as she asks me questions and tells me how I'm the best mommy.  The things she comes up with are hilarious.  Her little brain goes a million miles a minute and I just love her inquisitive questions.  I can't wait to attend her preschool graduation and enroll her in singing lessons.  

^^^ Oh if I could just bottle her up. ^^^

I am beyond grateful for these two little girls who bless our home so much.  My love just continues to deepen and deepen for them.  Their ages are so fun and watching the two of them together is everything.  The fighting has decreased and the friendship is increasing.  These two take care of each other in such a special way.  I am so happy they have one another.  Life is good and can't wait for our new adventure....  more to come later.  (No, I'm not pregnant)

^^^ Soooo EXCITED and soooo  NERVOUS, all at the same time. ^^^

^^^ Lucy started petting Penelope.  I couldn't stop laughing. ^^^

We also have my mamma living with us temporarily and love having her in our home.  She's such a blessing and HUGE help to have around.