Mom

Aubrey's favorite thing to do right now....

"Mum, mum, mum, mum, mum..."

"what Aubrey?"

"mum, mum, mum, mum, mum, mum.........."

Or sometimes she does it with Nana and won't stop until she gets to call her. Not that she has a long conversation but it's the thought that she gets what she wants when she does. 

We love our Lulu

Coming back and doing my best

So, I thought I would do a little post to share how Sunday went for us in Primary! We decided to make several changes to how we do things and were excited to see the kids responded to it.

First we made a SP {scripture power} cape. We wanted something that would entice the children to bring their scriptures. So whichever class brought the most scriptures their teacher would get to be the Scripture Power Hero for the day in Primary. Peggy made it and man is it perfect! I will need to take a picture of it. We love it and can't wait for all our teachers to be able to wear it.

Second we introduced Rocky the Reverent Bear to Jr. Primary. He wears a bow tie and has a name tag. Whichever class is most reverent in primary they get to take Rocky to class with them. This week is was the Sunbeams because they did great for their first week in there! I was so proud of Brookie and how well she did. I think Preschool really prepared her for it. Thank you Mrs. K!!

Third we did Reverent Banks for Sr. Primary. Whenever their class is reverent they get money added to their bank. It can be at any time during the 3rd hour they are with us. Whether entering the room quietly, participating in opening exercises, or singing great during singing time. Once their bank is filled they get to Cash Out and take a prize. I think they really liked the idea. One boy said "this is great!". I said yes it is. Haha.

Another change is how we are doing spotlights. I wanted something more personal for the children, something they could truly feel the Saviors love with so this is what I came up with. Each child gets to be spotlighted, one child each week in each Primary. They come up and get a bookmark of compliments from random people like anyone in the presidency, their parents, or teacher. Then we take a moment and let those in the Primary share what they love about that child. It was so incredible and I know they felt loved! We then sing their favorite primary song. It has been a lot of work and I have a ton more to do to make sure everyone gets one but it is something I am truly touched by. I have enjoyed typing them all up and being able to focus my time on that one child and to think about them for a little bit. I think it has made me even more attached to these children.

This past Sunday was truly amazing. For sharing time we did things a little different. We had each teacher get up and share with us a time they CTR. Because that is our theme this year. We wanted the kids to get to know their teacher a little better and talk about the theme. It was so powerful and just confirmed to me that each teacher was where they were suppose to be, in there with our Children. The Lord's children. Crystal texted me later that day with "I felt the Spirit so strong today. I often wondered if primary would hold the same spirit as I felt in RS! Today I know for sure it was even stronger!". How true that statement was and I was so glad she was able to get that confirmation.

It was truly an amazing day with exciting changes and the spirit testifying of all we are doing. The week before was crazy and hectic. I had battled Satan in my head and had some low points but Sunday was all I needed to know what we were doing as a presidency was right. Answers to our prayers!

I am so thankful for everyone serving in there. For our teachers, for our chorister, for our pianist, and most importantly for our children. They teach us so much just by being themselves.

I had to write this down so the next time Satan tries to mess with me I can read this and know he is nothing!

This past weekend Brookie had her first dance recital!! I LOVED every minute of it. Getting her dresses, doing her hair, doing her make up, and watching her perform while she held back all her smiles! 

She was too cute!! Clark and I were there along with Nana, Papa, Grammy, Aunt Cindy, and of course Lulu. She reminds me of me as a little girl, I remember my dance recitals and the whole deal. It is so fun to be on the opposite side of things and watch her excitement. 

Here are a few pictures to document it all. Can't wait for the next one!

And so it begins

On our way home from our 1.5 day trip the Bishop called Clark's cell phone as we were just leaving Payson. I had to answer because Clark needed to focus on the windy roads. He wanted to see Clark today and I told him he might be able to once we get into town. From that second I knew what it was....Primary President. I told Clark my worries and he said, "He could be just wanting to see me. Want to know what's going on with this certain family who is becoming active again." It comforted me a little...ok honestly it didn't help at all.

We dropped the kids off at the in laws, another thing they did for us, so I could go to a photo shoot and Clark could go to his shift with Tempe Police. We headed home. A home I left a MESS!! When I left at 4 am a day ago I didn't care, I wasn't going to clean the house. Now the Bishop was coming over, oh great. Clark said we could just throw everything behind our half wall, hahaha. I loved his idea and was thinking how we would do it. I knew the dishes were stacked though and that you can't hide.

We pulled up to a new door handle, so the thought of being able to bring him through the front door and not the laundry room door was a HUGE comfort. Bob had installed a new one for us and I LOVE it. Well, we came inside to perfectly cleaned, dished done, bathrooms scrubbed, floors mopped, you name it all. I first felt embarrassed. "They saw what?!?" I mean our bedroom was cleaned and I don't even touch it because I just worry about the front. (Don't judge me please) Everything was wonderful. I then felt so thankful, one less...ok several things that I didn't have to do. It was done for me. Julie had caught up all our laundry!! That was a task in of itself! I had so many emotions, it's all coming back to me as I write this.

I felt tired and worn out from the car ride and trip. I felt rushed from trying to get ready to go to my photo shoot. I felt embarrassed that they had seen my home the way it was. I felt thankful things were done. I felt scared and nervous for why the Bishop was coming to see Clark. I was just so much and I felt overwhelmed. Instead of throwing things behind the half wall like we planned to do I was able to shower and get a little more decent for the shoot.

The Bishop came over and at first Clark and him spoke. He then said might as well have Kelsey join us. I knew this was coming, in a small way. I thought I would be called to the next presidency but never, ever thought I would be the president. He then came out and said it. I didn't know what I was feeling at that point. I told Bishop that I never say no to a calling, that the Lord wants us where he wants us and we shouldn't deny him (personal feelings here people) but I said before I say yes let me say a few things. I cried, opened my heart and told him how I don't have qualities a president needs to have. I got it all off my chest and then accepted the calling knowing the Lord would help me. He said "ok, look at the ward list, pray and come up with names for your presidency." And off he went.

Headed to my shoot not focused and scared that it would affect my work, it didn't. It was perfect because once I got shooting I was able to get my mind off everything!! I love photography! Took one of my favorite pictures during this shoot, maybe the Lord was already with me.

Well, the next few days were so hard. I have Never in all my life felt so much anxiety yet have so much peace. I felt the Lord, he was answering my prayers and was with me but I felt timid, scared, overwhelmed, etc. I prayed the hardest I have ever prayed, I told him if he wanted me to do this I needed all his help!

We will skip all the extra anxiety that came from 2 Bishopric meetings being cancelled and not telling me so I worried about the names I submitted not being ok. Haha. I have lost so much sleep, I wasn't eating, it was consuming my every thought and every minute.

Thursday night came and things began to move, the names were accepted and now they just needed to extend the calling. I worried how these women could follow me, as a leader. How I could do it. I have the best women serving with me and I am so thankful that Heavenly Father guided me in my decision to have them in the presidency. It was all him.

Sunday finally came and the peace finally set in. I can do this, with his help. With the help of my counselors and secretary. But only with all their help. I love Primary and I am thankful I get to serve the children. I am thankful for all that Rebecca has taught me, what she has done for Primary. She is such a huge reason I can even think of taking this on.

Most importantly I am thankful for the opportunity I have, we all have, to serve our Lord. To serve those around us and to be blessed for it. I pray everyday for the strength to be what those children need me to be, for what my counselors and secretary need me to be, and for the Lord wants me to be.

Sorry for the long post but since my blog is private and my journal I felt like I needed to write these things down and maybe someone would gain something from this. That God answers prayers, that he doesn't give us things we can't do, that he loves us, He wants us to serve and serve with a humble heart, that we are all in this together, that he provides the peace that medicine can't.

So, here is to a wonderful learning experience in my future!! Pray for me!

Ok, for real

Ok, I am back for real. Sorry, life has been crazy and I am sure I will blog about it shortly because it is something I want to remember. Any who, we are going to start off the day after Thanksgiving this year. We spent Thanksgiving with Clark's family which was great. The food, the company, the whole deal. We really enjoyed ourselves and being around the ones we love. The next day we set off to New Mexico to surprise my grandparents and to thank them for everything they do for us. I haven't seen them in about 3 years and Clark hadn't seen them since we were married so off we went.

The car ride went great, the girls did awesome but you could tell by the last 30 minutes they were done! Can you blame them?! They did so good for 8.5 hours the ride there. We had to get a rental car at the airport because heaven knows our cars wouldn't have made it up to Payson. haha.



When we got there my grandparents were surprised and we enjoyed gabbing with them. They hadn't met Aubrey so that was fun for them to see her. I love my grandparents!! My grandma Farnsie is dear to my heart and I hope I can be like her.





The girls played with my Cousin Chad's little girl Sophie, I didn't get any pictures which I am upset about now. I was just glad to get out in the fresh air and not have to worry about anything. We also got to catch up with Mark and Laurie's family as well as Renn and Vanessa. It was fabulous.



We spent the night in Farmington and headed home the following morning. The girls did great on the way home too. We enjoy our very short trip. We got to spend time with my family and I loved it. A big thank you to Bob and Julie for all they did to help us get there!! We are truly surrounded by amazing people and have such great examples all around us, on both sides of our families.

I was so glad I got to see my grandparents, they are getting older and who really knows how much longer they will be here. They are 84 and going strong. I told Grandma she needed to stop paying her Fast Offerings if she really wanted to go :) Grandma spoke about her days as a secretary for the apostles and the awesome stories she has. I need to get them from my mom!! Mom, if you are reading this could you PLEASE send me a copy. The way she tells the stories are so good and I don't do it justice.

What a time, SO much to be Thankful for!!

I am back....

I need to catch up...but maybe I will start from right here. I hope to have a post up shortly. I remind myself I don't do this for you, and sometimes not for me but for my girls. To know what was going on and journal. And for that purpose I need to be better, for them!

Miss Hollywood...Jr of course!

Funny thing happened a while ago...I was in Aubrey's room feeding her on the chair and Brooklyn comes in. She is playing and creating her usual mess which seems to happen in every room! Ha. Well I turned over to look at her and she was standing in the curtain, mumbling something. I couldn't really understand all her words. I asked her what she was saying and she said it louder for me...
"I tried to warn you Rapunzel, I really did. This world is dark and cruel. If there is any ray of sunlight it destroys it..." and then she shut the curtains.

I could NOT stop laughing...Oh man is she my daughter or what?! So guess who does this scene every time we are in Aubrey's room? Yep, each and every time. I just giggle and smile. I love this girl.

Aubrey loves her silly sister...

My Uncle Baye called me Miss Hollywood. {As he would pierce his lips together and make kissie faces}. I loved it! Well, I think Brookie is Miss Hollywood Jr. Such a great privilege and honor to be called that ;)

Birthdays

The past month we have had a few celebrations including Brooklyn's 3rd Birthday. One of the others was Jhett's 3rd birthday as well. He had a Choo choo train party, the whole family was invited and we loved it! Aubrey loves hanging out with Tredd and Brooklyn loves hanging out with the boys. Thanks Stephanie for a fun time! Here are some photos from our fun filled evening.

Tredd and Birthday Boy Jhett

Aubrey having fun playing on the blanket next to Tredd

I had to let her wear the suspenders! It was perfect for the party...can't wait to get me some girlie ones with ruffles along the side.

Aubrey is always touching Tredd in some way! uh oh, I think she will be trouble ;)

But he is trouble too so I guess it works. They are 3 days apart and have a love connection, haha.

Love my blue eyed girl!!

Ava playing on the scooter...She always has a "business" look about her.

Eli and Brookie.

I need to pull the camera out more for family things! That's gonna be my goal!!

Aubrey Estelle

Well Aubrey went to her 9 month check up about 3 weeks ago. Everything looked good except for a couple of things. First she weighed 16 lbs 1oz, that's only 3 ounces more then she weighed at her 6 month. I told the doctor I wasn't too worried because she definitely eats and is EVERYWHERE!! This girl does not sit still, I am waiting for her to walk any day now. She stands by herself but when she realizes she wants to go somewhere she plops down and crawls. The Doctor wasn't too concerned either until we looked up her percentile. 6th percentile folks!! She is a complete opposite from Brookie, Brooklyn was off the charts on her size {ok maybe not off the charts but she definitely wasn't starving}. So we have added formula to the daily intake to hopefully help with that. We will take her back in in another week or so and weight her and hopefully we see some good change or we might have to look more into it.

Aubrey is such a happy baby. She is starting to skwak {do not know how to spell that word but don't feel any other word will describe it good enough} now and it's annoying! Her and Brookie have their moments, both good and bad. The other day Brookie crawled on the floor with her, went back into her room, and all I heard was laughter from both of them! I loved it!! On the not so much lovin part is in the car Brookie already says "Aubrey, don't look at me" and tries to put up her cover on her car seat which then makes Aubrey scream and not be so happy. I can't believe we are already in the "Don't look at me...she's looking at me..." stage!! Ugh. I hate it. But the love moments make up for the bad ones.

Aubrey is getting her 3rd tooth and going through a growth spurt. She loves food and that's always a good thing. She still does her "Lion face" and we can't get enough of it. Recently she realized the play area in the back and will go back there on her own and quietly play. I love it!! Brooklyn never did this and still mostly doesn't but it's so nice to have a child entertain themselves. If Brookie isn't back there to take away toys Aubrey will be content for a good amount of time.

What else about Aubrey?! She is waking up anywhere from 6-6:30am which is so hard for me but she goes back down for a nap after an hour or so of being up. That's when Momma lays on the couch and gets a little shut eye.

She is getting so big {and yet isn't at the same time} and we can't believe she is coming up on 10 months old!! Snapped these yesterday while the girls were playing.

{love that the drooling gives her lips some extra shine!}

See the "Lion face" is still here folks! Love it.

She has an obsession with finding hair and getting rid of it asap...she is too funny.

Brooklyn has gotten big on this whole "good guy, bad guy" thing. She will point out who is a good guy and bad guy in all movies. She has even told me, "Mommy you not da bad guy, you da good guy".

She'd play back there for hours without any issues.

Love watching them play together...even if they really aren't playing together ;)

Brookie is sharing with Aubrey! Love

Life sure is beautiful and so are my girls!!

Brooklyn Lydia

Almost 2 weeks ago we celebrated Brooklyn's 3rd Birthday! May 25th. It feels like I blinked and here she is 3 now. On her actual birthday we went out to lunch with Eli, then got her cousins {Tay Tay and Kaylee Poo and yes that's what she calls them} and went to The Bouncz House and then out to ChickFilA. Brookie had a blast!

Everyone called her and sang to her on her birthday and she loved every minute of it. We made a pit stop at Krispy Kreme so she could get her donuts. Honestly this girls loves donuts and ate about 2 right away but I will be honest and say part of the reason we went was I was craving some too. Should we as parents celebrate keeping our children alive and well for 3 years?! To say "we did it!!". Well, I did. Judge me or don't judge me, those donuts were delish!



Our girl is getting bigger and becoming more and more of her own little person. We love her sensitive spirit and curiosity to know as much as she can. I can't wait till she starts preschool and gets excited to learn more by others. I can never get enough of her love for animals and for her love of her family. Brookie can and will tell you who her friends are and it's so refreshing to hear from her sweet voice those who are already impacting her life in a positive way.

Brooklyn Lydia we love and adore you! I love how you comfort anyone when they are feeling blue. If Aubrey is crying in the back seat you always tell her "Aubrey, I right here. It's otay". Or how if Mommy is upset you hold her and say "It's otay Mommy, you sad?!". You have such a loving heart and know when someone needs lovin. You are very smart and learn things quickly. We are learning you are becoming more and more like a parrot, both in good and bad ways. {Cindy, she keeps saying the word Crap and connecting it with you...haha}

Brooklyn you entered the world with so many already loving you and you have only increased that number in the past 3 years! You comforted me with just holding you as a baby and you still comfort me when I hold you today. I hope you always know how much you are loved and how special you truly are.

Happy 3rd Birthday my Egg Roll!!

Easter Sunday

Easter Sunday {Yes I am aware that I am about a month behind now} Clark took Brookie down to the beach one last time. They built a sand castle. Love that they got some quality one on one time! We then got dressed and headed out to Charleston for Brunch.

On our way I HAD to stop at this amazing vacant lot to take pictures of my girls. It was gorgeous and I had been eying it every time we drove by. Spent about 15 minutes and then got back in the car to town.

Brunch was amazing!! We went to Hall's Chophouse {think that is correct...I need a refresher} and man talk about Southern Hospitality!! The owner and her son greeted us and were so incredibly genuine, caring, sweet, and nice. When we sat down at our table they gave Brookie an Easter Egg full of treats and kept smiling and talking with our babies! The food was to die for not to mention they had a male gospel singer with accompanist on the grand piano on the 1st floor and the sound carried to us on the second. He was singing beautiful songs even "How Great Thou Art" and It was so wonderful!! The food....YUMMMM!! Caroline and I split our meals and the boys split theirs. We all got the french toast which was incredible. No need for dessert. Never felt more valued and welcomed as a customer, like we had known them for years. Such a great dinning experience, the best I have had in my life to this day!

Then we all went on a carriage ride of Charleston afterward and learned some great history about the city. How a 2 story million dollar mansion had 2 windows worth more then the house itself. Well when you have 2 windows made by Mr. Tiffany himself of course it's worth a butt load!! And many more interesting things. Brookie crashed and so did Aubrey. Clark and I got to enjoy the quiet and the fun tour.


Then we headed back to NC, 3 hour trip back, and when we got home the Easter Bunny had come. Brookie loved all her treats and toys. Aubrey got a great colorful toy just like her cousins had. It was fun watching Brooklyn get excited. She kept calling him "Mr. Bunny came..."



We enjoyed our Easter Sunday back to our "home" and the kids had their toys to entertain them!

She is saying 'Play-Doooogh"

The next day we were headed home and honestly I don't think I will write it down. I kind of don't want to remember it. There was cranky kids, canceled flights, a threat of job loss, tears and crying {both kids and me} and just all around not so good time getting home. We made it back safely and everything turned out ok. Thank goodness!!

We LOVED our trip to NC and we LOVED spending time with my Brother Devin, Caroline, Liam and Charlotte!! We enjoyed every minute and can't wait till the day when we can head back there again. Thank you Devin and Caroline for all you did for us! I can't think of better hosts and more selfless people then you two. Love ya!

These memories we made are dearly treasured and will last forever.

Beach Day

Saturday started off with the boys leaving to go golfing at 7 in the morning. Clark was so excited, so giddy. Once the babies woke up we decided to take a walk and enjoy the weather. It was sunny out again. We found a playground that Brooklyn loved.

She took off her shoes and ran...

Loved that it was beach sand and went to work on building a sand castle!

Aubrey just sat and watched her sister play. She was a little fussy so we didn't stay too long. We enjoyed our walk back and once we got to the Villa Aubrey crashed. I decided to take Brookie for a personal photo shoot!

I still can't get over how fast the time flies by, I don't think I ever will. I wonder if I will ever stop saying it too?! Hahaha.



The boys weren't back yet so I decided to take the girls down to the beach! I wanted to create memories with them and didn't want anything to stop me. It was a challenge getting everything back up but it was worth it!

Brooklyn loved running away from the water and then would chase it back out. She made it a game.

The monkey and my little bear! She was loving the weather and was soaking everything in.

Once I put her down for the first time she wouldn't look up. She loved the sand. She seemed to love the feel of it between her fingers and would keep grabbing more. She was in a daze. Once I brought her back up to the tent she then decided to eat some, yummmm.

The boys made it back and LOVED their time golfing. They played where the PGA Championships will be played in 2012 and it is ranked #25 in the nation out of 1700 golf courses. Needless to say Clark was in Heaven!! We all went down to the beach together and watched Liam's and Charlotte's reaction to the waves, ocean, and sand for the first time.

They kept switching how they felt. One minute Charlotte was crying and Liam was happy. Then the next Charlotte was ok and Liam was freaking out. It was too cute! I love the pictures we got.



There are so many more but I posted them on Facebook so I decided to pick my favorites for the blog. Then it was our family turn, I was so thankful Caroline would take some of us. It is so nice to be in pictures and have them turn out great! Thank you Caroline, it is rare when I get to be seen.

Love this one of Aubrey and her Uncle Devin! What a great picture for her to have!!

Devin, Caroline and the 3 baby cousins!

Daddy and Brookie walked the beach together looking for sea shells and exploring!
Love this picture and love that Clark took some time to spend along time with Brookie, his girl!

Our family on the beach! Both girls were distracted with everything around them.

Oh Aubrey. She loved the beach and everything that came with it. She is her Father's Daughter!

Her collection of Shells she found. We did bring them back with us and they are currently sitting on the kitchen counter. {Side note: Brookie's hair was so curly from the humidity. I was loving it!!}

After the beach time with the whole gang us adults headed out to dinner. Devin and Caroline got babysitters, a family who moved from their ward in Charlotte to Charleston, so we could go out and enjoy a peaceful dinner where we didn't have to feed anyone but ourselves!! We went to Cru Cafe, a french cafe, which was also in an older home. Also mouth watering, delicious, and filling food. {as I swallow the drooling collecting in my mouth right now}. When we got back Clark and I went down to the beach and sat in chairs as the water swept under our feet. SO NICE! Best Date night in a long time. Thank you Devin and Caroline. We also declare that day to be THE best day Clark has had. {besides our wedding day, babies, etc, even though he might debate you on that}

We Loved, loved, loved our day at the beach, golfing, food, date night, and creating such wonderful memories.