California dreamin'

Before I had children I dreamed about taking my daughter to the American Girl Store. I thought of how exciting and fun it would be with byu little girl. After I had Makayla I looked forward to the year she would be old enough to enjoy a doll. We decided 7 was the perfect age. So this was the year. My mom and I have been planning this trip for closer to a year.

I wanted to surprise Mak so we did not tell her. We picked her up from school and checked her out. She was full of questions. I handed her a box that had a picture of an american girl doll. She instantly knew where we were headed. She was way excited! When we arrived friday morning after an over night pit stop in Vegas we arrived at Newport. Friday we played on the beach ate at Bajio and swam at the hotel. I enjoyed reading and the weather! Saturday was the big day! We woke up and had breakfast on the beach. Makayla collected sea shells and played in the surf. It was a Wonderful morning! After our morning at the beach we went back to the hotel to change for the American Girl Store. My mom gave makayla a dress that matched the dolls. So cute! We headed to LA and like any day on california freeways it was packed. But we arrived all in one piece!

The store is AWESOME! It was amazing and fun. When you oh and aah over the catalog for so long the store is incredible. We walked around and Makayla decided on her doll, Ruthie. Makayla also bought another outfit that she had been saving for. We then had a late lunch there also. We ate on the balcony and had a lovely lunch with a fun question game. Makayla was sung to and blew out a candle. It was so fun. We were there for more then 3 hours shopping and we could have stayed longer. After the drive back we played at the pool and with Ruthie. Makayla loves her and dress her and play with her and do her hair.

I would say it was a successful trip and birthday! I could not have dreamed up a better birthday celebration!
Love you Mak Happy Birthday!

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Valentine's Day Traditions

I don't love Valentines day. It is NOT my favorite holiday. But I have traditions that I love. Since Justin and I moved to Utah we celebrate our day of love on the slopes. I love this tradition we only missed one year because we had a nursing 2 month old. I love it because it is fun and not mushy-not a huge fan of the v day fan fare. The second tradition that I love is the valentines under the plate for our family dinner. We all make valentines and slip them under each persons plate. I get each person a gift and put it under the plate along with a little love note. Then I fill our candy buckets full of yumminess. Because lets be honest valentine's is all about the candy.
I love these traditions! We grew up doing the plate thing since I was a little girl. I remember very vividly of getting so excited to peek under the plate.
Maybe I like Valentines Day more then I thought!

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Body Parts

There is nothing funnier then talking with your children about body parts. The boys have had some interest lately and today as I was changing Maci we had a funny conversation. Kaiden asked what Maci's penis was called. I told him and we moved on with our day. About 10 minutes later Keagan said to me, "mom you have a china and we have a penis and a poonis." I tried so hard to not laugh in his face. I quickly corrected that he does NOT have a poonis just a bum. I think about it now and I still chuckle!

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Maci's Shiner

Poor Maci got her first shiner this week. She was on Makayla's bed and hit her eye on the headboard. It was instantly puffy. So she now looks like she has eye shadow on one eye. Hopefully it will be gone soon.

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Being comforted!

Well I have been feelling a bit disheartened, overlooked, and lost in the mix. (I can share this because I know I only have about 3 people read this blog anymore. Which is fine with me!) I know this happens to us moms but it was really getting to me. So you know what, I went to enrichment (or meeting or whatever you want to call it) and the Spirit touched me. I knew that moment that God loves me and knows me and understands my needs. I am so grateful to have poured out my heart and be comforted. I am thankful for amazing women who could be God's hands and help comfort me.

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Ten years, really?

Yes it has been ten wonderful years. Justin and I celebrated our 10 year back in December. We had a wonderful day snow shoeing. We went out to dinner and had a quiet evening at home with no kids.
I asked Justin what he has learned over the last 10 years and he said that I was a better woman then most. I tried to dig further but no luck. But I can tell you I have learned a ton the last few years. Like learn to let go, don't be so critical, have fun and just be in the moment, it doesn't have to always be done my way, love more deeply then I new possible, to say I am sorry, to say I was wrong (that doesn't happen often) and ask for what I need. I can't say if it was just being married or if motherhood also helped but I can say I have grown. I am so grateful for my best friend and for all that we have been through. Love you Pitcher!

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Maci's First Year

From this:To this:
In one short Year!

Maci turned one!

Maci's Milestones

Rolling- 6 weeks for her tummy

Crawling- 6months

Teeth- bottom two came in at 7 months

Standing- pulling herself to stand at 7 months

Talking- 7 months

Walking- First steps at 10 months but a full walker at 11 months

Favorite Things

Food- anything, she loves to eat

People- Her dad and siblings but her favorite non-family are the neighbors Kathy and Audra (they give her food)

She loves her brothers and sister. She gets excited to see Makayla when she comes home from school. Maci runs to her dad when he is around.

Words she says- Dad, Mom, Lala (makayla), What's that?, No, Down, Night night, bye, hi and she will copy just about anything you say.

Maci folds her arms during prayers. She leads the music when people sing. She is a happy and funny baby to be around.

Nickname-Destroyer

Loves her blankie!!

Maci brings so much joy!