Hallelujah for 9:00 a.m. church! Hallelujah for brand spankin' new church buildings! And hallelujah for ward conference! Our ward conference theme was "Making Christ the Center of Your Life." It really stood out to me when our bishop contrasted this theme with the common motto of "Center Your Life on Christ." Read them again slowly. In the first, Christ is the fixed immovable object and it is up to us to revolve our daily lives around his constant secure anchor. I am a pro at rationalizing some of my behaviors to make myself feel like I'm incorporating Jesus Christ in my life but the truth is, I could improve immensely.

Interestingly enough, just this week I was thinking that yes, in general, I would describe my life as happy. Extremely happy. But the day in-day out, hour by hour thing... not sure I would always use the term "happy" to describe my emotional state there. In my self cross-examination it quickly became evident that the small choices I make every day (probably hundreds) that no one else really sees, don't always put me on the fast path to bliss. Choices choices choices. What to do FIRST when I wake up, how to react to frustrating motherhood moments, who to call (or not)and check on or offer help, what to do during the girls' nap, etc. I'm ashamed to admit that many of these choices have very little to do with Christ and more to do with Ashley.
SO! Instead of going about my own business doing what I THINK will make me happy, I'll be putting forth maximum effort to conform my activities to The Savior's teachings. You're probably saying, "Uh, duh." I know I know, when will I learn? Help me out.

What does a 2 1/2 year old who just destroyed your kitchen table and chair with finger paint while you were on the phone look like?

You're cooperation?

For the sake of my well-being, my quest to assuage the heat of the summer has begun...in February. It is in this matter of utmost importance that I BEG your help! PLEASE - answer (comment)me this: what kind of garments keep you the coolest? And don't tell me DriSilque because they're a no-go for me. Since getting married I've worn the cotton-poly jersey tops (no problems there) and the Carinessa bottoms, which I have loved the spandexy fit, but I KNOW they are not the coolest. In fact I daresay they are the most sweltering. I am willing to compromise their great fit for a cooler material. I've heard snippets here and there that the "Nylon mesh" is the coolest? How about the Dri-lux jersey? Anyone tried those? The website "says" they're both for hot/humid climates?
I hope no one is offended at me asking this personal information. But I mean, at almost $3 a pop, I'm hardly willing to order a bunch, wait the 6 weeks, only to find out my quest for coolness must continue. Comprende? Thanks y'all!

Ellie's 1!

Day 1


Baby Ellie is 1 today! Is it just me or on your kids birthday do you think every second throughout the day, "last year at this time we were_______." What a great day that was and what an adventurous year it has been! While some days seem to barely creep on by, the year has flown by. Ellie is full of easy smiles and giggles, very dramatic, and just worships Mommy and Daddy. As every child except the first I'm sure, no big party, no invites, no games/prizes. Just cupcakes and a few presents (not even wrapped) after dinner at home. Bor-ing. Sorry Ellie - it doesn't mean we love you any less; I just figured a few things out after the first go-round. Aight, here's the stats I'm sure you've all been dying to know:

height: tba
weight:tba
hair: light brown
eyes: brown
teeth: 6 - all came in 2 week period.
favorite foods: bananas, spaghetti, oranges, string cheese, peas...basically everything.
comforts: Ellie took her binky religiously until 5 months, then one day threw it across the van and has found relief in sucking her 3rd and 4th fingers of her right hand simultaneously and holding that hand with her left ever since. Same with her bottle. About 3 weeks ago, she was done with it. Doesn't get much easier than that.
favorite beverage: apple juice..she's only had it once but was pretty excited.
favorite toy: stuffed puppy
favorite song: "The Lion Sleeps Tonight," "I Am a Child of God."
favorite book: "See the Rabbit"
favorite movie: Whatever big sis is watching.
favorite game: share. Ellie loves to hand you items and have you hand them back.
favorite place: The Library
walking: Feb 1
favorite time: bathtime and when Daddy wrestles with her.
daily schedule: wake up 7:00 a.m.,breakfast (eggs, toast, or cereal), formula, play and get dressed, 9:00 10:00 - nap, go on daily outing to library, or store. 1:00 - lunch, 4:00 snack and play with Mommy while Hannah sleeps for another hour, 5:30: Daddy gets home and plays 6:00 - 45 min nap (yes, she takes 3 naps a day but I think that's because I wake her up from her 1st nap so that she'll take the 2nd while Hannah does). 7:00- dinner, bath. 8:00 bed. Repeat.
Ellie B, our world would be destitute without you. Who knew a 2nd baby girl could bring so much added joy to our lives. You are an absolute angel. All our love "pooky-ellie!"

Day 365
Ellie "B's" (Barbara) bumble B themed table. Who is this girls mother?

They're BUMBLEBEE cupcakes folks. C'mon, use your imagination.

Okay, if you thought retarded tropical guppy fish with earmuffs, I'll give you a break.

Don't worry, I had help

Make that DOUBLE help

Hmm, THAT looks interesting

Never again to be the same woman













What a goof!

Over the course of the day Hannah became more tolerant of the fact that it was Ellie's birthday, not hers...after all, it was just as fun to sing to Ellie, H got cupcakes too and even got to blow out her own candle, and basically took control of each present before Ellie even laid eyes on it. Birthdays are fun for everyone!

The Abacus

What girl doesn't love brand new pink/yellow/blue kitchen gadgets?