How Did I Get So Lucky?

Well it is past midnight I told Dave and hour and half ago that I would "be to bed soon" and here I am. I just wanted to post a little something tonight.

I feel SO happy right now and very blessed to be where I am at. I by no means post this blog to gloat or offend anyone, I am posting for my own memory. Dave and I were briefly talking last night about where we are in life and how we got here. We said, " Wow, how different would life be right now if we didn't find each other?" Crazy to think that 12 years ago we were gearing up for our first official school dance together (where we looked sexy dressed up in 50s garb- I should find that picture. on second thought I probably would burn it, it is better in a book somewhere in Utah- at least "the claw" was gone- right babe?) We barely knew each other (only had been dating for a couple of weeks), but I felt like I was in love. I know the phrase "meant to be" is a little cliche, but I truly believe it applies to us. We were both in need of each other for many reasons and it just fit. In recent conversations with my mom and with my mother in law they both stated that they knew we were young, but always felt comfortable with our situation and saw positive changes in us as we started dating.

I feel so lucky to have 2 healthy little girls. They are such a joy. Time is going by so fast, I need to remind myself to slow down, turn off the computer, leave the dishes, and just enjoy. I feel so lucky to be at home. When I first had Anna I was just getting the hang of the mother role and then I had to go back to work full time. I cried. and cried. and cried. When I had to leave her. Then after we moved I still had to work, but took Anna with me. So now, it is nice to be home and just be together. I love it so much, that I realize we get a bit stir crazy when I don't plan outings as much as I should. I love my time with each girl and just want to eat them up! BTW... My almost 3 year old was repeating this phrase all night, don't know where it came from, but know that she has good ears and a good imagination..."What the heck of it doin'?"

My dog is pregnant. At least we are 80% sure. I am freaking out. I have been researching all day and feel a bit overwhelmed. I have one more month to prepare, but feel a little frazzled. I saw some photos of a Lab prior to whelping and then afterwards. I feel so bad for my dog and what is to come. Also, I think I am feeling a little more empathy because I just went through it. I am excited. I think. But also scared out of my mind. "What the heck am I doing?" with a 3 year old, a newborn and now potential puppies? I am crazy I know. I REALLY REALLY hope that the pups come on a weekend or that Dave can take the day off.

I am thankful for my husband. He has been working 12+ hour days. Today it was 14, he came home gave us all kisses (I think the girls wouldn't sleep until that happened as they both stayed up late), answered work emails, then asked me to pray with him - the cue to me that he is going to bed. What a day! I am sorry that you have to work so hard babe, but I appreciate it! You are amazing and hopefully all this work will pay off! ( I know it will).

Modesto is great. I am happy here. I don't know how long we will have here so I am trying to live it up... if by chance we stay long then at least I have lived it up and can do it again... (: Today was gorgeous with blue skies and about 60 degrees. We got to get out with friends and go to the park. I also got to watch the sunset (something I truly miss way too much) and it was gorgeous!

Hmmmm, what else? I have so much to be grateful for. I wish I could spend more time writing life and memories down. But perhaps for now, all I need is to just make the memory itself.

Goodnight, perhaps I can rest now.

Blessing Day for MJ

While we were in Utah we had the opportunity to bless Madelyn. It was a really special night. We had most of our family there, including some extended family as well as our good friends the Walton's. It was planned with short notice to those who attended so we were surprised at all who could make it. It was intimate and wonderful. I would actually love to do it this way again.

Dave gave a wonderful blessing. I am kicking myself for not writing down key points, but perhaps now we can write some things down. The spirit was there with abundance and Maddie was content. I am so thankful for Dave and his worthiness to hold the <a href="http://www.blogger.com/'http://lds.org/search?lang=>Priesthood.</a> It has been a blessing on our lives on many occasions, especially with our children (and pregnancy). It is truly God's power on earth.

Madelyn Jane

looked so pretty in the same blessing dress Anna wore. She was dolled up with new shoes and pretty bracelet from her grandparents and beautiful bow made by Auntie Holly. Though she scratched her face, she was gorgeous! I love the photos of her skinny legs and arms.

Such a cute little skinny mini.

The refreshments. I had a fun time creating the sugar cookies. I wanted to make something special for the evening considering I wasn’t hosting something at my house. I felt like this was my way of personalizing it a little for my Maddie. I didn’t have the option of making royal icing, so instead I made my favorite white frosting. (Dyed pink of course). After a little bit of trial an error I ended up doing what you see below. It actually was easier to use a tip for the M’s rather than just a regular knife. And with the tip I chose they turned out a little more elegant and cute.

Many other hands help fill the table. I didn’t get a chance to take a photo of ALL the treats, but is was VERY yummy, and we had LOTS of leftovers. Which were enjoyed the rest of the week.

Here are a few who attended, I wish I would have taken more photos! Perhaps there are some on other cameras? We took a Kinnersley family photo before the blessing so all of us kind of matched.

The kids were off being silly at the end. Thank you Auntie Kjer for snapping these photos! They had such a great time together while we visited. Everyday Anna would ask for them!

Back at home after the blessing we caught a few more photos. Anna Loves her little sis!

My parents were a HUGE help in pulling to all together, in fact we probably wouldn't have been able to do it without them. They go the church reserved, set up chairs, helped make LOTS of desserts (as well as organized who brought what) and cleaned up. Thanks for helping us make it such a special night!

I

I don’t know why we didn’t take a photo of the just us parents or just Dave and Madelyn. These were the ones I have… perhaps on another camera??? (:

We love you Maddie and are so happy you are in our family! This was a special night!

Salt Lake Aquarium

While we were in Utah, we had such a great visit to the aquarium with cousins and Aunties! Thanks Mindy for getting it all together, it made for a fun afternoon! Thanks to great Aunties for helping me run after Anna with Maddie on my chest. (Maddie slept the whole time, thank goodness).

Crawling around… Anna’s favorite…

Aunie Holly and Little Lil’s

Being Silly

A crazy fish I haven’t ever seen, it is referred to as “the claw!” It about made Caitlynn pee her pants when it entered the tank suddenly, still makes me laugh!

The Penguins were so cute and so were the kids trying to match themselves up. Reminds me of the gorrilla photo opt at the Hogle Zoo!

Sting Rays, Anna tried to touch at first, then decided to just watch.

More climbing.

The jelly fish ( I think). After the Monterrey Bay Aquarium this seemed small, but they are still so interesting to watch!