Life Through My Lens

The first kiddos are KitKat and Goob, the cuties I have the pleasure of spending each Monday and Thursday with. The ones of my little boys are at Delta College where I went to school (and will probably be returning to pretty soon). The last two are of my three favorite men at the Sacramento Temple.

Sesame Street Live

My Aunt Cindy and Uncle Greg took Landon and I to see Sesame Street Live on Tuesday. It was one of the most magical two hours of our life.

There is something about seeing the excitement on your child's face that shoots joy to the core of your soul. When Elmo and his monster friends came out, Landon lit up like a Christmas tree, and I started to get emotional (like TEARS). I know, I am such an embarrassing mom already!

My aunt and uncle are amazing and got us THIRD ROW seats, and we were able to move up to the FRONT ROW by the second half. We were literally inches from the stage. Landon got to high five Telly Monster, Grover, and he tried to feed Cookie Monster some popcorn.

Grover saw himself on Landon's t-shirt, gasped, and pointed to us! You couldn't slap the smile off my face. In fact, I wouldn't let Landon climb on the stage, and he did slap me. Still smiling. He's only two, but I hope Landon never forgets. I know I wont!

Thanks again Aunt Cindy and Uncle Greg! We love you!



Okay, after Aunt Cindy sent me this photo taken from her iphone, I thought maybe the show was more for me than Landon.

Screamer

When I was a kid, I was a screamer. If I was angry, I screamed. If I was happy or excited, I screamed. Not just any scream, it was an ear piercing, brain splitting shriek.

My mom grew up in Stockton, California where I am living (much to her dismay). As a result of living in one of the most dangerous cities in the United States, she is super-duper, over the top paranoid. Even though I mostly grew up in the small family town of Logan, Utah, she was always afraid we would get kidnapped, raped, murdered, sold into slavery, etc.

BUT, she worried the least about me. She said all I'd have to do is scream, and the kid-snatcher would throw me back.

Unfortunately, Harper David inherited my scream. 99% of the time, he's chill, joyful even, but right now he is teething (and biting, I might add). Harper will be totally fine and then scream that ear piercing, brain splitting shrieeek, my parents are so familiar with. It's disturbing. Sorry mom and dad! Good thing I was the perfect child in every other way, right?

p.s. Thanks Monica for taking these photos of Harper yesterday!

Intro to Kali Photography

I have been saving up for an SLR camera forever, and I finally pinched enough to get my Nikon. I'm so excited, I can hardly keep my hands off it. My friend, Monica is an amazing photographer, and she has been so gracious to show me all the technicalities of the photography world.

As some of you know, Lauren has been living with us for almost two months now, and she's so darn cute I just I had to get a few shots. I'm hoping to specialize in family and possibly wedding photography, but like I said, I'm still learning, so we'll just have to see what I gravitate towards.

Sunday

Church was awesome today, as always. We spent a great portion in the foyer, as always, too. I have a two year old and six month old, you know how it is.

In Relief Society, we talked about the importance of reading our scriptures everyday. I thought about how my study of the scriptures has blessed my life. I have been through some particularly difficult times, and I know that if I had not been studying the scriptures daily, I would not have made it through. We will all have trying times in this life, and if we are making an effort to stay close to Christ, we will have the strength to withstand the winds that come.

When I take the time to read my scriptures, I miraculously have enough time for the other important duties in my life. Even more, I am reminded of my purpose and that helps me to make good choices. I can feel a power in my home when we read and pray as a family. There is joy, peace, and calm amidst the chaos. This is something I want to continue to give my children throughout their lives, and especially a testimony that He lives because that's what the Bible and the Book of Mormon proclaim, that Christ, our Savior lives. I'm so thankful for that testimony and for the many ways my life has been blessed by the study of scripture.

Many times, I have opened up to a verse in the Bible or the Book of Mormon and read exactly what I needed to read at that moment. I have been comforted, strengthened, uplifted, and reminded of who I am and how critical my role is. How thankful I am.

P.S. Don't worry, Anthony's not giving me the stinkeye. That's just how his face looks.

Magnificent Ride

My life long dream of owning a minivan has finally come true. We traded in our 2004 Honda Accord for this awesome 2008 Kia Sedona. I'm sorry if you feel like our family is too cool for your family now. Please, don't be jealous.

People really turn their heads when they see us rolling down the street. It's a little awkward having all this attention now, but I think I can get used to it. We're kind of like celebrities in Stockton now that we are cruising around in such a magnificent ride.

Now if only I had the courage to drive it. In all seriousness guys, I am still not driving! As most of you know, I was in a pretty awful car accident right after I got my permit. I was a passenger, but still. It has scarred me from driving pretty much ever since.

When we first got married Anthony suggested I drive to the grocery store down the street. I drove there with him dictating my every move per my request. I even drove home, then hyperventilated in the driveway. He has never asked me to drive again, but our goal for this summer is to Get Momma Driving. I have two kids. It's time. It's been time.

So, please keep me in your prayers as I get over my fear and get back behind the wheel. Really, though I'm kind of excited to drive a minivan. Soccer moms are hot.

P.S. Here is an x-ray picture of my arm after the previously mentioned car accident. Please, don't be distracted by my underwire

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Harper's Six Months!

Harper David is half a year already. It has gone by way too fast. In just six months, he won't even be a baby any more! Now I understand why some women have like a million kids. The baby stage is here, then you blink, and it's over. Over.

Harper is 27 inches long and 21 lbs. He is one cuddly blob of love. I could snuggle him all day, and he wishes I would. Harper is happiest being held and rocked or bounced. He's very particular. He just barely started freaking out when he can't see me anymore (unless Landon's around). He screams like a banshee until I peak my head in, which I love. It makes me feel important. I am. Duh.

We are co-sleeping, which I also love because it's the only way I can get some shut-eye. He just started eating rice cereal last week. He eats like a pro which is such a relief because Landon didn't want anything but the boob for nine months. What a relief.

Harper is super smiley, go with the flow. He is Landon's biggest fan! He thinks Landon is way funnier than me, which kind of hurts my ego, but whatev.

Anyway, Happy Six Months, Harper Boy! I'm so happy your mine!