Oregon according to iPhone

I sure love my visits to Oregon, and this one was particularly special.  I got to watch my sweet niece play Gretel in The Sound of Music.  I loved each and everyone one of the 5 performances/rehearsals that I saw, and enjoyed the whirlwind trip to it’s fullest.

Some highlights so that I can remember them….the hamburger place (thumbs up), picking berries unlawfully not once, but twice, freezing summer nights, late night with Robin, Dad’s dinner selection of Pork heart (it wasn’t really, don’t worry), naptime at the children’s museum, and bountiful blueberries. 

I can’t seem to get enough of her

 

wish me luck in my attempt to jump on the blogging bandwagon again!

Treasure

3 Nephi 13:21

For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

This scripture has been running through my mind quite a bit lately.  I’ve been thinking about the treasures that I have in my life.  More than that, I’ve noticed my heart being pulled strongly in new and exciting ways. 

I think it all began with this,

which became this,

and has slowly grown to this.

I find myself outside many times a day carefully thinning plants, fertilizing, or just checking to see how high my peas have grown since the last time I visited.  I had no idea how much of a treasure my garden would become.  It reminds me of my childhood garden, and the Saturdays spent outside weeding to the tunes of John Denver.  It reminds me of picking a green pepper off the plant and eating it like an apple.  It reminds me of my mom. 

This picture was taken the summer before she died.  I still can’t believe how young I was.  The memories I have of my mother are few and hazy, but I cherish them with all my heart.  They are a treasure to me. 

Just last week my brother brought a chest full of my mothers things from his home in Utah to my home in Idaho.  He seemed to be happy to get rid of the burdensome load, and even when talking to my sister she laughed saying she wouldn’t want it.  They don’t feel this way because they are heartless of course, but they have a stronger foundation with my mom, and the old nick knacks and clothes that are held in the chest aren’t treasures to them.  But I’ll tell you what, they are to me. 

I felt both reverent and giddy as I carefully took out each item that once belonged to my mother.  Baby booties that were carefully crocheted by her hand, clothes that she had once worn, and so many scouting pins she had received from her 3 boys.  My heart was full, and I could feel her close.  I felt the scripture so literally. 

For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also

Because of these realizations, I have been more aware of other areas in life where my heart belongs.  

Of course it is with my wonderful family.  We just celebrated Jaxon’s kindergarten graduation.  1st grade, here we come!!

(the photo turned out kind of funky, but I still like it)

This one especially seems to have a firm grip on my heart.  Can you blame me?

My dear friends.  I have truly grown to love these women, and am grateful for their friendship.  I look up to them in so many ways.

And of course, my heart belongs fully to my Savior, Jesus Christ.  I feel like this song describes my feelings today perfectly.

I feel my Savior’s love
In all the world around me.
His Spirit warms my soul
Through everything I see.

He knows I will follow him,
Give all my life to him.
I feel my Savior’s love,
The love he freely gives me

Princess Sage

One morning I noticed Sage acting a bit peculiar.  It wasn’t anything too out of the ordinary…..dressing up as a princess and finding all the right accessories to go with it, it was just that this day she was extremely particular about which accessories she had.  She quickly became frustrated with me if I couldn’t help her in finding the exact wand, earrings, or crown.  Eventually my curiosity became too great and I had to figure out what it was she was up to. 

I had to laugh when I discovered the reason behind her busy morning.  She was determined to dress up just like this princess. 

It was on the front of a birthday invitation we had received months ago, and yet Sage had managed to keep it away from my -eager to throw anything away- hands.

Can you see the resemblance? 

Yes, I have royalty living in my home.  Adorable

My Little Lady

Sugar and spice and everything nice, that’s what little Hazy is made of. 

I was so happy to have a day to celebrate just her!  I might have to set aside a day a week from now on as Hazel day.  It was just too much fun.  Of course I went overboard on the planning aspect of the party, I always do (I should get a job as a children’s party planner) but I knew I’d have amazing pictures to look back on the day, thanks to my awesome friend, so all the hours I spent baking every fun treat I could think of, and folding tissue paper and cutting paper for decorations was worth it.

 

I’m not so sure the sugar and spice quote fits quite as nicely with this little girl of mine.  She’s got some serious attitude!

The singing of the birthday song by a crowd, as well as a burning flame in front of her that she could not touch proved to be too much for Hazel to handle.

Here’s the proof….

But after some prodding, she daintily took small bites of her cake.  Such a little lady.

This is as messy as she got!  We were not impressed, but love her despite her clean face.

Isn’t it funny trying to get a good picture with small kids?  I mean, this is the best we could get, and not a single child is even slightly interested in looking at the camera.  I guess it just captures life how it really is.

I’m pretty sure I mention it every time I talk or write about Hazel, but I love this girl SOOO much!  She brings only joy to my life.  And I’m not just saying that.  She is exactly what our family needed, and I’ll never forget how my life was changed for the better, one year ago today, when she was given to us. 

We love you baby Hazel. 

More than you’ll ever know.

Also, I seem to have lost this baby.  If someone could please return her to me once she’s found, I’d greatly appreciate it. (sniff, sniff)

Everyday happenings

Sage talks in a British accent when she plays pretend.  I love it.

Hazel is just weeks away from her first birthday.  It makes me want to cry.

Jaxon can READ!  It’s been amazing to see my sons world open to these magical letters on a page.  It makes me anxious to teach Sage. 

                            (Everyday moment in our home)

Sage can ride her bike with no training wheels.  It took her literally 30 seconds of Jake holding on to the back of her bike before she was on her own.  It took Jaxon 2 miles.   She’ll be our little athlete for sure.

Hazel took her first step on Sunday, April 17th.  It was sort of an accidental step, but a step non the less.  Jake is determined to have her walking before her birthday….I just want her to STOP growing all together. 

Jaxon has class pictures yesterday, and I forgot.  His hair was more than slightly crazy, and was made worse by the helmet head he got from riding his bike to school.  I had to run home to get his picture packet, and by the time I got back to his classroom, someone has fixed his hair.  I’m that parent- the neglectful, send your kid to class pictures looking like a homeless child, (his pants had a giant tear in them (didn’t notice until I was dropping him off)) parent.  Oh well, at least I’m honest with myself.

Sage and Jaxon have been playing SO well together.  She’ll play Star Wars, and he’ll play with babies.  She’ll do Legos, and he’s happy to play Hello Kitty.  And they can create all sorts of adventure together in the back yard.  I love them both desperately for it.

All three kids are sleeping in the same room right now, and it’s been working out surprisingly well.  So now I have an always empty guest room that’s begging for visitors.

I’ve been sewing these past few days, and I’m thinking I may have caught the bug.  With all the easy, cute tutorials on the internet, it’s hard not too.  It also helps that I have inspiring friends.  Here’s the skirt I made Sage.  I love the owls.  And yes, she’s playing the Xbox….how else I’m I supposed to blog?

Hazel has new tricks since that last post.  She gives kisses, waves bye bye, and shakes her head no with a huge smile whenever she’s doing something naughty. 

Me and the kids planted a garden last Saturday.  Now I stress all day when it’s not covered in sunshine.  My father has such a green thumb, and I’m praying I’ve somehow inherited it.

 

We went on a weeklong trip through Montana at the beginning of this month looking for possible jobs.  Montana is beautiful.  Just amazing.  After 24+ hours of driving in the car, and Hazel hating 20+ hours of it, I was happy to be home though.  I’m not sure that we’ll end up living in Montana, but you can bet it will be a favorite vacation spot.  We especially loved the carousel in Missoula.

I didn’t take this picture, but it certainly captures the insane beauty of the place

It’s this little girls birthday next week, and it kills me that I won’t be there to make her a cake with some sort of bug on it.  Looks like it was butterflies this year, and spiders last year.  Holly, keep checking the mail for a present from us!!

 

I’m loving this spring weather, and all the new flowers and blossoms.  It just makes me cheerful, you know?  Life if good, and I am blessed.

The end