Stocking Love

I have been wanting to make stockings for some time. I instantly fell in love with this fabric when I saw it at JoAnnes. It was screaming my name, so I picked up enough for these lovely stockings...and some extras for any additions down the road.

I'm super pleased with the outcome, considering I didn't have a pattern.

I printed the names onto the fabric from my printer. Yes, I made each font different on purpose. That way when we have more kids, I won't have to worry about trying to track down the same script.

It took a little more effort to piece the fabric together, but I am so glad I did it. These are definately stockings we'll be keeping for years to come.

If you look closely, you can see the 'quilt stitching' I did on top. They totally look home made, but it just gives them more character, right?!

I love these so much, I think I'll keep them up all year long! 

Thanksgiving

 Wow! I'm finally back! We left for Thanksgiving break two weeks ago and just pulled back into Las Vegas yesterday. It was a nice long vacation packed full of fun. Which means this post will most likely be lengthy. The morning before we left there was a hot air balloon festival. We can normally see one or two big balloons on the weekend from Tayden's window, but that day we saw anywhere from 7-12 at once. It was awesome. It never gets old watching hot air balloons. One reason I love where we live. 

On my way down from snapping a few pictures of the hot air balloons I saw Beckett causing trouble...again. Luckily, I had my camera in hand to document this busy little boy.

The evening before we were getting ready to leave, our handsome Tayden got sick with the flu. He had a rough day and was really acting naughty so I put him to bed super early. He was complaining to me that his belly was itching so we went into the bathroom to lotion it up. As soon as I rubbed his belly he puked all over me, the rugs and his feet. Poor little guy got sick 7 more times within 3 hours. However, once he figured out that he was sick, not an itchy belly, he made it to the toilet every time. I was so impressed. 

The first few days of our vacation were big downers. My amazing grandpa had just passed away, so we were occupied with viewings and the funeral. I don't want to say too much in this post, he deserves one of his very own. However, I was so grateful we were able to be there surrounded by our eternal family. The gospel brings so much peace to me. I can't wait to see him again.

The trip from Utah to Idaho was beautiful. I love the crisp blue skies against white mountains. It was breath taking.

Once we got home, we spent time just hanging out with family and friends. It was so great seeing everyone and being able to catch up. We went out to dinner and went on a legitimate no babies date. We also made it up to Idaho Falls to do a temple session, which was amazing. Other than that, nothing crazy exciting happened. We just soaked up every minute of being around family. 

My mom whipped up these adorable football hats for the boys in about a day. They both love them.

 On our way home to LV, we stopped at Temple Square and checked out the lights. It was freezing cold, but we bundled up and headed out. I am so glad we did. The boys loved it.

This picture holds the sweetest story. Tayden took a picture of Jesus from the tabernacle. When I asked him to smile and take a picture, he replied- "Wait. I want Jesus to stand by me." It was a beautiful teaching moment, as I thought to myself what it means to have the Savior stand by us and what we have to do to allow us that blessing. I have pondered on that the last few days and am overwhelmed with the emotion it has brought to me. Thank you sweet Tayden for that sweet simple reminder.

Thanksgiving was great this year. I wish I would have blogged each individual day, as I am sure I am leaving some major details out. But what I want to remember about this trip is how grateful I am for family. I am grateful for their love and support and I am grateful for my own eternal family.  

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Yes, we are in Idaho on vacation. And yes, we are LOVING every minute of it.

However, I decided to take a few minutes from my busy schedule of relaxing to post about my amazing husband.

Today Scott turns 28!

In honor of his 28 years, here are 28 lines to represent him!

I love him more than words can say.

He always kisses me goodbye in the morning.

He makes some mean no-bake cookies.

He is a huge example to me.

He loves sci-fi.

I love watching him when he doesn't know I'm looking.

He opens my door.

He cares about our kids safety more than anything.

He has a built in compass. He can get us any where.

I love that we get to spend eternity together.

He is in scouts, again.

He is being patient as I am learning to cook.

I scratch his back every night.

He always wins at rock, paper, scissors.

He can put my baby B to sleep almost as good as me.

I'm so happy he is my boys dad.

He can pinch with his toes.

He is the worlds best driver.

He is always supportive of me.

He is my best friend.

I'm proud of his work ethic.

He makes me laugh. All. The. Time.

He likes to honk the horn when I walk in front of the car.

He cleans the bathroom for me every week. (I've never scrubbed a toilet since being married.)

He likes to play football at the park with the kids.

He hates cilantro.

He is a worthy priesthood holder.

I'm honored to call him mine.

Happy Birthday Scott, I love you!



Desert Beauty

 Saturday morning we set out to find the promised wild burrows and view the scenic drive of the Red Rock Canyon. Who knew Vegas had such things to offer only 5 miles from our home?

Can you find the chipmunk in this picture? Its on the top of the sage brush toward the left hand side.

As we were driving the scenic route, I couldn't help but find a new beauty in my desert home. It is a different view then what I am used to back home, but I felt an overwhelming love for Gods creations. I was reminded of the variety of the earth that was made for us. I was reminded of Gods love for us. And I was reminded of His presence in our life. 

All to often I forget. I forget to read my scriptures or say my prayers. I forget to be the Daughter of God that I was meant to be at ALL times. I forget to trust in his perfect plan for us. I forget to offer continual gratitude for the life and blessings I have. As basic principles are forgotten we leave room to become complacent. We begin, better said, I begin to take for granted the wonderful things in my life. I lose focus of who I want to be and how to obtain that goal. 

Lately, my mind has been consumed with thoughts of how my children see me. What am I portraying to them? I want nothing more in this life than for my children to see me as a God fearing women. I want them to know what I believe by the way I act. I want them to witness me praying, reading my scriptures, taking the sacrament, preparing lessons. I want to raise them in accordance to the will of the Lord and in a manner that would make him proud. He has trusted me with these two wonderful boys, his sons and I am determined to live up to my potential for them. 

I want to be a better wife to my husband. I want Scott to know, through my actions and deeds, that I love him with all my heart. I want to show him my support and adoration for him on a daily basis. Our kids need to see how much we love each other. I hope and pray through our interaction with each other that our children will set goals to have the kind of marriage we do.

I love how we are reminded through the sweet spirit in the most gentle ways to get back on track. A simple thing such as looking at majestic red mountains, encouraged me to be better. It helped me recommit myself as a Daughter of God to be just that. 

I know that Heavenly Father is invested in each of our lives personally. He cares for us individually and has a plan for us. I am so grateful for his patience as I strive to become a better person. It is a life long goal and something that must be worked on daily. He never gives up on me when I forget, rather offers ways to help me remember. He is patient with our mortal beings. He is loving. He is kind. He is all knowing. That gives me so much comfort and peace. 

I am so blessed to have the knowledge of the gospel in my life. I am so grateful for it and the security it brings me. When trials are upon us and seem too hard to bear, he is there to buoy us up. He offers unconditional love. In him we find peace, truth and eternity.

I can't think of anything better than that.

smorgasbord

 You know all the random pictures on your phone that don't really get a post of their own, but you want to share anyway? Well, mine found a home today in this smorgasbord post of pictures. Enjoy! 

Flash dance in football unders and fast shoes. Oh yeah, that's how we roll.

I'm speechless about this picture really, but who doesn't love a chubby baby in a hoody and cowboy hat?

Our beautiful art for the day.

 Walking home from the park. 

 Sound asleep cowboy. We laughed so hard, this NEVER happens.

 Our bronco loving cowboy on game day morning. And one HOT mama!

Special nap time in mommys bed. 

An evening stroll in Vegas.  

Just brothers hanging out.

BSU v. UNLV

 We had visitors this weekend. Scotts mom, two sisters and brother in law made a flying trip down to go to the BSU v. UNLV football game. They got here Friday afternoon and left early Sunday morning. Even though the trip was short, I loved every minute of having them here. It is so wonderful having family in our home. 

We just hung out at the house Friday afternoon and went out for some delicious frozen custard in the evening. Jeff, Sharlee and Ashley headed down to the strip Saturday morning, while I took Cheryl and the boys to the store and library. Scott was lucky enough to spend the morning in class on campus. 

Before the game, we went to Jasons Deli for a quick bite to eat. It was there I discovered my newest gift..ice cream cone making. Ha. 

We dressed in our broncos best and braved the chilly Nevada night. It was the coldest night since we've been here, but with doubled sweatshirts and blankets we survived. Boise had a rough first half, but the second half was full of touchdowns. I love outdoor football. It just screams fall. It was the most 'fallish' I have felt all year. I loved it.

Every time family leaves, I find my camera in the closet unused. I make a goal to take more pictures next time, but never ever do. Luckily, Scott snapped a few pictures with his phone. 

So my new goal: TONS of pictures during Thanksgiving break. (which just so happens to be in less than 2 weeks!)

:

 Beckett slept through the second half. The game didn't start until 7:30, which is his beditme, so we were pleased he stayed up so long.

We had a blast. Our visitors came and went way too fast, but we loved it. I am so grateful to have such wonderful families that are willing to come and stay with us. It helps me keep my sanity and feel in touch with everyone. 

Thanks again guys. We love you!

Now, just 2 short weeks until its our turn to go home! Yipee!

HallowsEve

 Some of you may know this, but I suffer from a minor case of self diagnosed OCD. I like things a specific way and am very schedule and timing oriented. I have been waiting to post about Halloween until we get the picture of our family back from the Photo Booth at the church, but I don't know when we will be getting it. I have other things I want to blog about, but can't until Halloween is done. That is just how I function. So, I am coming to terms with the fact that in few days/weeks there will be a random Halloween picture of my family at the church on Halloween. Yuck.

Oh well, I guess life will go on. 

With that said and out of the way-HALLOWEEN!

Tayden was so excited to be Buzz. We borrowed it from a friend down here and Tayden was in heaven. He wore it the whole day of the trunk of treat. He LOVED being Buzz.

Beckett made the cutest Boise State basketball player you have ever seen.

These boys just love each other. Seriously, LOVE each other. Makes me heart melt.

As we were loading the boys up to go to the church, Tayden started yelling, "Broncos outfit!" Over and over. He wanted to wear his outfit like brothers. So we dashed upstairs, changed him real quick and snapped a quick picture.

When we got in the car, he said, "Ready to go to the game, mom." We are heading to the Boise vs. Nevada game next week, and this little football fan has been so excited. He was confused and thought we were going to the game. I explained it was Halloween and we were going trunk or treating at the church. He looked at me and shrugged his shoulders,  "Okay Mom." 

He had a blast trunk or treating. The minute we got home he ripped off his BSU outfit and changed into Buzz again. I don't think he totally grasped the idea of Halloween. But he loved dressing and up and loved saying trick or treat and getting candy. 

We went around our neighborhood last night and he made out like a bandit. Again.

Now that Halloween is out of the way, on to the real Holidays!

HAPPY HAPPY, oh so HAPPY November!