Ode to Twilight....

Don't deny it, you are just as obsessed as I am! A couple of months ago, the 4th and final book of the Twilight series, Breaking Dawn, came out. I woke up early, dragging my hubby and 2 kids to Barnes and Noble to pick up my bracelet. This magical bracelet would effectively hold my place in line as one of the first to obtain the final book in this riveting series. We got to the store where, later that evening, I would be spending the last minutes leading to midnight awaiting the release of Breaking Dawn, and vying for my spot in line in front of over 800 screaming fans.I stayed up all night devouring the book, so to speak, and finished it in a little over 24 hours. That is with very minimal sleep and the help of my amazing hubby who took 100% kid responsibility. Not only during the undertaking of this crazy mission of mine, but the day before (so I would be well rested) - and the day after (so I could function). I LOVE YOU LUKE!

Weeks ago I purchased tickets for the midnight release of the movie, what is it about Edward that always has me running around in the middle of the night? Isn't his starring role in my dreams for several weeks- ok, let's be honest, months- enough!?
So my good friend Mariann and I will be off to a glorious evening of purchasing T-shirts, drinking hot chocolate- I know, not very vampirish- and watching Rob Pattinson do his best bring bring to life the hunky Edward I've conjured up in my head.

To top off all things Twilight-y in my life, my sweet Lucas came home last week, kissed me, and surprised me with the Twilight Soundtrack because- in his words- "well, because it's Tuesday- and it's not often something comes around that you are obsessed with...and you are obsessed"

Now all I need is the Twilight bedroom set and a lunch box...then I'll be official right?

Tents at Dawn

So here I am, awake long before dawn with my oldest boy, Caleb. We are upstairs so Luke can sleep in a little on his only real day off- thats right, it's Saturday- Caleb is begging for a "cool tent"
Soon I find myself sliding the couches together to make a huge bed. Caleb is a little surprised, and a LOT excited. We carefully drape a large blanket over the top of the couch and climb underneath, it's still dark outside and Caleb is bouncing around in the blankets diving in and out over the armrests. I, on the other hand, am sprawled across the longest couch, hoping Caleb might tire himself out soon and sleep. That hope lasted all of 3 and 1/2 minutes. Dawn is just breaking as Caleb and I find ourselves cuddled under our makeshift tent squinting to make out the words and pictures from a pile of books we have amassed in front of us. Caleb is whispering, "ball, doggie, birds, app-ee, oh, appLE, basket, fows (flowers)" I am so proud of his vast and quickly developing vocabulary. I smile and tell him good job... and nice whispering. Then I think to myself... I am the luckiest mom in the world.

Josiah,

My darling sweetheart. You are the very sunshine of my day, a bright star in my universe. Your brilliant smile lights any room you're in. The joy you find in life and in your family is inspiring. You love tender tones and the sound of your family's laughter.You truly are a peacemaker. How sweet it is to hear your joyful squeals bouncing through the house. Your favorite things are playing with your big brother Caleb, cuddling, and bouncing. You give the most slobbery and sweet kisses in the world. You are so smart and animated! Your sweet face already knows a million expressions. You are very talkative and you love being the center of attention. You have so much energy and keep me busy with your constant exploring. Your delighted giggle at "finding" Caleb when he hides is adorable. You love to watch mommy and daddy do funny things. You especially like to see mommy dancing and singing silly songs in the kitchen. When playing outside mom and dad spend the majority of our time pulling leaves and sticks from your mouth as you soooo love to explore your sense of taste! I have found so much joy in watching you learn and grow, your determination is incredible. You already show a great interest in books, music, and being outdoors. What a wonderful blessing it is for me to be your mommy!

Sweet Caleb

Caleb,

my sweet darling boy... You are a constant source of joy for me. I am so thankful for you. Every day you light my life with your curiosity and energy. You truly have the heart of an explorer and adventurer. I am constantly amazed by you! You are the most compassionate 2 year old I have ever met (or heard of!) You are always so careful and considerate of others, especially your little brother. I will never tire of your endless loving questions, "ok mommy? ok daddy?" (your way to ask us if we are ok) What an incredible capacity you have to love, and at such a young age. I am so pleased at your thirst for knowledge. Your love for books and music is so fun to be a part of. There is nothing I love more than curling up with you on the couch and reading a book together or listening to you strum your guitar and sing to me of all the things you love. My favorite song so far? "mom-eee, dad-eee, bab-ee, mickey-mouse..." You are such a wonderfully indescribable and necessary part of my life. I am overcome by your innocent and loving prayers, and your very cute and audible "Aaaaa-mem" is always a delight, especially at church. I can't get enough of your hugs & kisses. I love you so much honey, I promise to always be the best mommy I can be.

lazy day

Spent today with my 3 favorite guys. After trick-or-treating last night, the kids were exhausted! We enjoyed a wonderful morning of sleeping in. Then car repairs, some service activities, and "dream-shopping" at Lowes. This is where Luke and I decorated our imaginary house with gorgeous items we will probably never really buy. Last night Caleb learned all about the joy of knocking on doors to get freebies.

Caleb's guidebook to success:

1. Approach door of stranger, knock.
2. Hold out hand in anticipation.
3. Growl for effect (he was, after all, a dragon)
4. Sweetly say "trick-treat" then stand there in glorified cuteness
5. "Tenk you!" then, "here mommy!" then...
6. Run, not walk, to the next house
   

Now to teach him that these rules apply only one night out of the year.

Recipes I Love

YUMMY Chicken Enchiladas

• 2 chicken breasts (boiled then shredded)
• 1 can cream of chicken soup
• 1-cup sour cream
• 1 small can of diced green chilies
• 1/2 onion diced
• 1/2 - 1 lb shredded cheese

Mix all ingredients. Roll into tortillas. Bake in glass pan at 350 degrees for 20-30 minutes
*optional- add diced olives
*optional- cover enchiladas with extra cheese 5 minutes before removing from oven

Best EVER Salad

• 1 bag of spinach leaves
• 1 bag of Fisher Brand sliced Almonds
• 1 bag of Craisins
• 1 small tub Fetta Cheese (or shredded cheddar)
• 1 bottle (Ken's Steak House Brand) Raspberry Walnut Vinaigrette (we like to use Ranch too)
  
• 1 Rotisserie Chicken (remove meat)
  

Layer spinach, chicken, cheese, dressing, almonds, craisins. Enjoy most texturally satisfying salad you have ever had!
*Disclaimer- You should know that we ate this 4 times a week for 3 weeks straight after I discovered it. Seriously. Still not bored with it. We are going to try it with shrimp this week. Let you know how that goes!

My Special Moments


10. Holding hands with Luke everywhere we go

9. Kneeling with my family, listening to Caleb pray for each of us by name.

8. Cuddling in bed with Caleb while Josiah slept in

7. Listening to Caleb yell, "where are you moon?" to a dark sky

6. Josiah's breath on my cheek as I cuddled him close during a late night feeding

5. The re-arrival of my birthday gift from Luke, a beautiful dark gray pearl necklace and earrings. (clasp was being repaired)

4. "Please help mommy" ringing out from across the living room. Caleb got stuck while trying to climb the bookshelf. Uh-oh

3. Josiah nestling his cute slobbery face into my cheek. He LOVES to cuddle!

2. Luke and Caleb playing guitar together on the couch

1. Laying in bed whispering with Luke, dreaming of our upcoming cruise

Backpacking Europe with my Love

This trip was to be our first big journey since our Honeymoon. With unreserved excitement, we meticulously planned this incredible backpacking trip. To be three weeks long, and take us to countries far from home...our excitement was unmatched. Until...three months before departure we learned we were pregnant with our fist baby. Life took on new joy as we prepared for a baby and anticipated our last (for awhile) trip as a duo.
Luke had lived in England for 2 years while serving a mission for the LDS church. We were confident about traveling overseas, knowing there were many people in close range who loved Luke and would help us if needed.
Our itinerary took us to London-Rome-the Vatican City(it's own country) - Venice- & Paris. Unfortunately due to pregnancy complications, we missed the last leg of our trip featuring Ireland-Scotland-Germany-Switzerland, & a week in London with friends. It was still amazing and we are currently planning a return trip in a few years.

Some highlights from the trip:

Click on pictures for a larger image

1. The Colosseum in Rome
2. Trieve fountain in Rome
3. Street boats in Venice
4. Basilica di San Pietro in Vaticano (St Peters Basilica in Vatican City- pictured above)
5. Eiffel Tower in Paris
6. Beautiful landscape and architecture

Best Day of my life.

This day, I married the most amazing man I have ever known. This day marked the beginning of OUR Journey. The journey of two hearts that were always meant to be together. Luke opened my eyes to a world of true and honest love. I never doubt him, or his love for me. He tells me he loves me everyday. He goes out of his way to tell me and show me he thinks I am beautiful. He surprises me with flowers, love notes, and afternoon dances in the living room. He holds my hand everywhere we go, even sitting in the car. He opens doors for me and always carries the "heavy" stuff. He has the best sense of humor and makes me laugh everyday. We still kiss as we cross the line into any new state. He works so hard so I can stay home with our 2 sweet boys. He values motherhood and always acknowledges my efforts. When we pray together at night, he prays for me- expressing love for me and hopes that I am well. He loves God and makes our home a place the spirit can dwell. He honors the priesthood and uses it in our home. He encourages me to follow my dreams. He helps with dishes and other yucky chores like laundry. He lets me choose what we watch on TV. He makes mothers day, and my birthday extra special. He asks me things like, "how can I serve you today?" He calls me honey and sweetheart. We share a passion for adventure and a frugal nature. We work hard together for the things that are important to us. He is my soul mate and my very best friend. HE makes my life beautiful!