Garden Fresh

We did it. We finally planted a garden.

Before:

After:

 I can't wait to taste the fruits (well, we actually planted vegetables and herbs, but you know what I mean) of our labor.

Compliments To The Chef

Chris made these awesome hamburger buns! Don't they look delicious?

Yeah, they totally were!

Chris is a great cook and baker. He only makes delicious food, I'm telling ya. Even when he tries a new recipe he's never had before, it turns out amazing. He has a gift and we are lucky to have him and his delicious food:) 

The 2nd Year

Our Cal-boy is 2. He's 2 years old. Can you believe it? Me neither. 

Two years is a short span of time but my Calvin has changed my perception of time. It feels like forever ago when I woke up having contractions 10-15 minutes apart. Then casually getting ready to go to the hospital, fully expecting to be sent home. I was shocked when the nurse said I was dilated to a 7 and that I wasn't going anywhere. Calvin was in my arms a few hours after that. My pregnancy with Calvin was just as easy. I'm positive Heavenly Father planned it that way. The easy pregnancy with an even easier labor and delivery. I needed the rest before all the running around I've done with Calvin. He has a love for life and is teaching me everyday to feel the same.

Calvin has changed so much in just the last 5 months. He talks to us and asks for things using words instead of grunts. He can count a little and is willing to repeat anything we say. He loves animals and is constantly talking about elephants, lions, monkeys, and giraffes. If he's not talking about animals, he's talking about Buzz Lightyear, Woody, and the other characters from Toy Story. Music is also a favorite of Calvin's. I've noticed him singing along to music at church or when the radio is on. Dancing is also a must when he hears music. Calvin is full of energy and is always running. He is very spirited and lives up to his nickname, good-time Calvin. He is quick to smile and say hi to anyone we come in contact with. His voice is so sweet and he has a contagious laugh. He is also a good little helper. I love our cuddle time before bedtime. It's the only time he will let me hold him more than a second.

His 2 year stats:

Height 35.5 in. (86th percentile)

Weight 28.8 lb (61st percentile)

We love our Cal-boy, Cal-gy, Calvin!

Here's pics from his birthday celebration. 

First pic of the day. 

All tuckered out after going to the zoo. 

He loves licking the batter off the beater. 

Excited for his gifts. 

My first cake decorating venture. Not bad eh?

A Florida Easter

We visited my family in Florida for Easter. It was a long drive for a short trip but totally worth it and lots of fun. We went to the beach on Saturday and then church/Easter dinner/egg hunt on Sunday. It all happened so fast but I loved being home. I love the feeling of being in a familiar and comforting place. It's so refreshing and I wish we could visit more often. The kids loved playing with their cousins and it was great to see my siblings and parents. 

Here's pics from our trip.

Lila is so much like her daddy, even in her facial expressions.

Calvin liked running around in the sand but didn't like the water so much. 

Emmett just enjoyed hanging out with grandma. 

The beach camp. 

Lila loved every part of the beach. 

 Easter dinner.

6 Months Later

Emmett is now 6 months old:)

He is so much fun and is always smiling. Like always smiling; he doesn't stop, I tell ya. His excitement is contagious and I love it. We all love him to pieces. Emmett is a big hit with Lila and Calvin. They all love playing together. It's an even bigger party when Chris comes home. Emmett lights up and squeals just like Lila and Calvin when they see daddy walk through the door. 

Emmett loves to eat and is now enjoying rice cereal. Well, I can't really tell if he likes it but he eats it most of the time. He is sleeping pretty good at night and taking regular naps. He's still gnawing on everything and drooling nonstop but I haven't seen or felt any teeth yet. He is wearing any size between 6-12 month clothing. Our big boy just keeps getting bigger. Here are his 6 month stats:

Height is 28 inches (95th percentile)

Weight is 19 lbs 7 1/2oz (84th percentile)

Head is 44 1/2 cm (84th percentile)

We just love him!

Here's some pics of our beautiful baby boy and a couple videos:

Another Year Gone By

We had our 4th wedding anniversary this past Thursday, March 7th. Chris gave me flowers that day and I have to say, getting flowers never gets old. Friday night is when we went out to eat to celebrate. We went to Ruth's Chris Steakhouse again and had a great time. They do extra special stuff for special occasions. Our table was tucked away so we had privacy AND the chef made us a special appetizer that was on the house AND they gave us a free dessert. Our food was delicious and it was fun to reminisce about the last 4 years.

Each anniversary makes me feel more grateful for the choices I've made. It is wonderful being married to Chris and I'm so glad we were sealed together forever in the temple. Our life together with our amazing kids is far better than I dreamed. We have been given so much and been taken care of by our Heavenly Father. We have had trying moments but they are short-lived. I heard something today at church that stood out to me. The comment was, "this life is not about 'living the dream' but preparing to live the dream." I often pray for perspective. I know when I have a clear perspective, an eternal perspective, I am more patient, loving and understanding. The 'dream' comment gave me perspective today. I love when Chris and I work together and make our way through a trial. We are growing closer because of them. He is my best friend and I love him more each day.

Happy Anniversary to us:)

February Fun

We had a fun February. For Valentine's Day, we ate heart shaped food, dressed in pink and red, and made valentines cards. The kids and I enjoy the small things. Any holiday is fun for us. Chris and I were able to go out that night too. It was a great Valentine's Day! 

Here's some pics from the day.

It snowed a few weeks ago. We were on our way home from the temple and it started snowing. It was so beautiful to see everything covered in white. The kids loved watching it fall. When we got home, me, Lila, and Calvin headed outside to play in it. Lila kept eating the snow and Calvin loved running and stomping his feet in the snow. Chris and Emmett stayed inside and watched.

Here's some pics from that day.