Tis the Season!

i have been thinking a lot about Christmas, and the traditions i want to begin with my family. do we talk about santa claus with Grace (to be honest, i don't really want to, like at all - is that weird?)? how do i teach her the true meaning of Christmas, and make this holiday special - now that she is old enough to begin to understand things?? i really don't want it to be all about getting presents! anyway, i still don't really know what traditions we will begin, or have special plans, but my sister pointed this out to me, and i think it is a good place to start!

Merry Christmas!! (ps, lots of posts full of pictures coming very soon!)

the real gift of Christmas (click on that!)

(ps again, don't you love this painting? did you know you can download LDS art here? love it.)

humbled

i am up too late blogging, and reflecting on my life and what i have done in my last 30 years. and just as i was about to quit firefox, and put my other baby to sleep (um, my mac), i decide to pop over to Laura's blog - not anticipating anything - but found something truly lovely and the best birthday surprise ever. a huge thank you to Laura, for all your hard work and for all those friends and family members who made it what it is. i am humbled by your kind words and am who i am because of the good people in my life and the examples set before me.

now, i will go to sleep with a warm heart, full of love.

happy late halloween to you.

first of all, this is how i found Grace in bed the other night.

bow in hair.
ring on thumb.
sippy in hand.

love it.


(true Grace)

now, onto halloween - that was oh so long ago.
so, i have never been a totally festive person, i don't decorate a ton, whatever. but since we have moved, i just think my creative juices have been flowing or something, because i have been a festive fool. it's awesome.
so we decorated a bit for halloween . . .

(a big spider with web in our window.)

(pumpkins on the porch - i thought i would clarify, in case you can't tell yourself.)

(Grace and I cut out some pumpkins and colored faces on them, then put them up in the window.)

(bats flying our way.)

(and pumpkins on the dining room table.)

ok, so we did trick or treating a couple times. Lance's firm invites all the families to come and trick or treat at the office - it is so fun! so here is Grace collecting all her loot!

(ps, she is a flower.)

(Willis and Wilson - born just a couple hours apart, probably friends forever.)

this was Grace's treat bag - made out of one of my old sweaters.

(i love it when she wants me to paint her fingernails.)

(stealing a well deserved treat. oh, on a side note, i love that Grace is such a good balance of girly girl and tomboy - she wants her nails painted, yet plays with little toy cars too!)

(someone else wanted to get his hands on the goods.)

halloween night was great. Lance's mom Carol and hubby Mike came up to be with us - which was awesome and we had a very productive weekend. they stayed at our home to pass our treats while we scared the neighborhood.

(let the adventure begin.)

(candycorn kisses are where it's at. believe me.)

(our little spider.)

(Grace and Aidan, what a fun little team!)

(do you see what Grace has in her hand?? one of our good friends and neighbors hand out cotton candy!! it is awesome! they also had their TV turned toward the window so all us passerby's could see the score and watch the U game. awesome.

(awesome ending to a fantastic evening!)

it was such a fun year this year. Grace loved trick or treating. she was going up to doors alone, yelling, "trick or treat!" asking, "please!" and even saying, "thank you."
pretty sure a mother couldn't be more proud.

i knew this day would come

and, with lots of emotions.

dear baby willis.

happy first birthday to you.

oh my dear son. what a year we have had.

tonight as i rocked you to sleep, i couldn't help but think about your entrance into this world. how those first few days, we were apart and we both needed each other. so much. and then, how, when we were finally reunited, things starting looking so much better for you, and me.
i also thought about your body, and how far you have come. your arms that are bearing more weight. your tummy that is steady as you sit. you grasp that is getting so much better, and how i love to see you feed yourself and pinch your favorite peas to bring to your mouth to eat. i love your attempts to wave good bye, i love it when you rock to music. i love your bright eyes. but especially your smile. your smile that reminds me that all is well, and to keep my chin up - because your future is bright. don't let anyone ever get you down, because i know you, and you can do whatever you put your mind to! see, check you out here in this video . . .


(tears!)

we are grateful for your persistence. you are a fighter, we have know that from the very beginning! keep up the amazing progress will. thanks for being in our family and teaching us everyday how precious life is.

love you sweet boy of mine!

xoxo,

mom

and just for fun, here are a few photos from this past year . . .

these are the first few photos taken of will. he had not even had his first bath yet!
the ambulance staff had a disposable camera they took with them while transporting will. i finally got around to developing the photos.




my big little man.


going home after a week in the NICU.










i loved this outfit!!

happy random to you . . .

just a little of this and that happening around here.

so Lance's grandma watches our children every thursday, and i usually go out and do the shopping or whatever. it is great. she loves being with our children and they adore her. she is fantastic. so last thursday, when i got home, i found Grace like this . . .



she has an ikea chip clip in her hair. i love it. Grandma hates it when Grace's hair gets in her face - and so she fixed that real quick! she is honestly a great problem solver, probably one of the hardest workers i know, and clearly - very creative!! oh, how we love her!

what would we do with out Grandmas?

then, Lance is taking a test in the morning - another lovely CPA exam. (i suppose by the time many of you read this, it is already over with.) anyway, so he has spent the evenings and late into the night hours at his desk studying away, for the last long while. infact today, i asked Grace what she wanted to do and she said, "i want to go study mom." ok Grace, go study, that's awesome. ok, anyway (again), he has worked so hard, but the kids miss their playful dad, and just can't seem to leave him alone in there for long . . . so tonight Will joined him for a bit . . .

(ps, don't you love their stripe sweaters, ah, so cute!)

Will loves being with his dad. and he LOVES music. so much. and music is therapy to him as well. so tonight, as Lance read and got a little studying done, Will contently sat on his lap, headphones in place, listening to the classics. it really was the sweetest thing to see.
(more to come on this little man soon - he turns 1 on wednesday -
don't worry, just typing that makes me cry!)

oh, and one last photo

sometimes she loves him so much, it just hurts.

oh my heck, i love my family.

once upon a time . . .

there was a crazy princess who turned three and had a very special birthday celebration . . .

(this is what you got to see when you walked in the door - isn't he beautiful? ya, i think so too.)

the tables were covered with white, and jewels were all set up to create beautiful crowns for all the fair princesses to make and wear.





the table was set, with a cake 3 layers high!



and soon, the princesses started to arrive.

the decorating began, without too much haste.



the crowns were their canvas, with jewels, stickers and glitter to paste.

and oh, how they concentrated and made such beautiful crowns.

then, went in the hall to talk about boys.

the evil twin sister of Grace showed up, and was in a bad mood for a few minutes.

the happy twin returned as soon as we said, "cake!"

the cake was delicious and enjoyed by all.

even this special mister, who really wants to learn to crawl.

there was a perfect story time, read by my sweet sis.

and then the girls all posed, 10 girls in a house, pure bliss.

Grace and Grace opening presents, it was such a sight to see.

all the little princesses lined up, just as happy as they could be.

and at the end of the day, Gracie sat and rested from all her present opening, cake eating, crown decorating day. and she was a very happy three year old.

the end.

BOO!

we hope you had a fun halloween weekend!
still more posts to come on all the partying we've been up to!!

a confession or two

confession #1 . . .

i am totally procrastinating! i have been so busy the last few weeks, all with stuff i brought upon myself . . . and i am getting through my to do list (don't worry clients!), but i wanted to take a few minutes tonight to do a few things for myself, since i feel like i need a little refreshing, and renewing of sorts!

confession #2 . . .

i don't know this Man like i should lately. do you ever feel like you are on a spiritual roller coaster? sometimes i read my scriptures so well, and am fervently praying each night and morning (even on my knees), and then other times, i just slip out of the habit - and i don't do anything wrong, really, but i am not doing anything right or better either - ya know what i mean? but i came across this, well my mom did, and my eyes are open (um, and filled with tears). i am reminded of what i know is true, and what i know will help me lead a better life, and of Who i know is there for me to lift my burdens and gladden my days.

check it out here.
(it is only 3:31 - and worth every second, promise)


confession #3 . . .

my Mom sent this email last week, and i read the little she wrote when sent, but just barely looked at this clip tonight. (sorry Mom, struggle!) thanks Mom, for your sweet emails and for sending this.




*ps, if you have not entered this, you might as well, you just might win!!!
(consider that a confession of a desperate plea)

oh, and one more thing, not a true confession, since it is very known . . .

but, can i tell you how much i love this man . . . i am so grateful for such a cool eternal companion. Lancer, thanks for the indian food.
it was nice to be with just you (and seriously, we were the only ones dining at our favorite restaurant that eve).
thanks for making me want to be a better person.

i love love love you, and us - as quirky as we may be.

(photo taken by my dear April )

goodnight.

let the parties begin

so she turned 3, it came and went and we had a great time. wednesday was her birthday, and that evening we had family come over for some cake and ikea bubbly and cookies. it was great. we are grateful for the good families we have! as soon as people started showing up, Grace just became so giddy. she was running around, loving all the attention, talking to everyone - including Uncle Greg, who she has always been scared of - really, it was so fun and she was so happy. she was given some generous gifts of books, clothes, a cow- bank, and coloring books. she has already colored through the entire book, my little budding artist. it was such a nice night, to sit and visit with our loved ones and to watch Grace go crazy.

(i love the martha pom poms - you can find them here)

(ah, her cake was 5 layers of goodness)

(ikea bubbly - i didn't love it, but it is probably the only thing i don't love at ikea)

(oh, she was so excited - she ran over and tried to blow them out, and then went back to her chair again and waited until the end of the song to blow them out)

(the little boogery boy, he has been so sick and up every 2 hours the last couple nights, no fun. but hopefully on the mend. he was happy to be with Gma Joan during the party)

(love this of Uncle Greg and Grace. i think it is the first time she has ever been this close to him)

(Grace and Gma Joan have a special little relationship)

(our happy little family)

many thanks to our family for your goodness. i am glad my dad was well enough to be with us, and for my mom's help and support that night. it is always fun to have Laura, Mike and Emily around - Grace loves her aunts and uncle so much. thanks to Aunt Sandy and Uncle Greg for coming and staying after to chat - it was so great to catch up with you, and Grace loves her cow. And Gma Joan - we just have no idea what we would do without you. you simply are the best. to our other dear family members - we love you and miss you and are thankful for birthday calls and wishes!!
i am working on another birthday post for Grace - we had a little party for her with her little girlfriends - it was awesome, and i will post about it soon!

in the meantime, my sweet aunt has a giveaway on her blog for pretty little me - go check it out and enter to win something pretty from my shop!! yippee!

3

(i love the way you dance, too)

the day you were born was chaotic and intense, but the outcome, so sweet and rewarding. i remember hearing a whimper and nurses encouraging you to be calm and to breath, but to fight. i will never forget the sweet sounds you finally made. dad brought you over, you were all swaddled up. i got to kiss your round face for a minute before they took you away. you were saved by the "grace of God", and that is what makes you my special Grace.



it amazes me that you are already 3. we have had 3 wonderful years of playing, laughing, crying and being the girls in the house. you have taught me more than i think i have taught you. you love to laugh, you love to explore, you are so creative, you are so independent. you are not a mean little girl, but passionate nonetheless. i love the way you pray and that you are usually reverent at church. i love that you love to sing and that you make up songs. you have such a sparkle in your eye, especially when your dad walks through the door. i love that you still twirl my hair when we cuddle as you fall asleep. i love that you say "i love you" randomly to me, and you give the best hugs. i love that you love animals so much - because that was how i was too. i love that you are not a total girly girl, and not a total tom boy either, but a good balance of both. you like bugs, but like bows and dresses too. i love your strawberry hair, your hazel eyes, you sweet peachy skin, the way you smell after a bath. you bite your nails and that is my fault, i do too. i love the way you love your brother. i know you are a strength to him, and you make him happy and better. i love that you will obey dad so well. and that you two are such a great team. simply put Grace, i love that you are in our family. you are the best big sister. you are such a wonderful daughter. you are such a good friend to those around you. you, even though you are 3, are such a great example to me. thanks Grace, for being my sweet girl.

i love you, my sweet tender heart.

happy birthday to you.

xoxo,

mom

ta da

(click to be taken away to a really pretty place)

this is what i have had up my sleeve, for a little while now. it is so nice to get it out and in the open and, well, open to you! you will have to let me know what you think. i will be adding more goodness every few days in the next little bit, so check back often. enjoy.

good morning october

this is what we woke up to today. and to be honest, i love it.
crispy fall air
bright blue sky
and snow capped mountains.

oh so pretty.

also, amanda, my dear big sis, shares a birthday with lance. when they were in town this summer, terry, my fantastic brother in law, asked me to capture their children for a surprise for amanda's birthday. oh, what a fun challenge. and now, since her candles are blown out, i can finally share the glimpses of their children i captured. i love my sweet niece and handsome nephews (and can't wait for their new little brother to arrive come spring - and laura - my other sisters' baby girl to come this winter).

other than that, i am up to something and will let you know soon. promise. so hang tight! see you in a week! happy conference weekend.

oh yes, ps, my aunt is up and running again at bobbityboo - you must go look at her darling little skirts and other creations. oh i love them.

ok, and pps - my daughter is going to be 3 in 20 days. can you believe it? ya, me neither.

33

lancer. happy birthday to you. we love you very much and hope you have a splendid day away in that little wyoming city, doing what you do, you auditor you.

since you are the big 33, i thought i would share 33 reasons why you are my favorite.

1. you have a totally sexy voice.
2. you remember every book you read, and are so smart.
3. you are very ambitious.
4. you have a heart of gold. and love to serve {always}.
5. you love to serve {always}.
6. you are a wonderful father to our children.
7. you are really a cowboy at heart.
8. you like to go on rides.
9. you think i am cute.
10. you clean our home and encourages me to do more.
11. you are dedicated to our church and go to all the meetings we are asked to go to.
12. you have great hair, i love it's color.
13. you like to cuddle with me.
14. you are a good cook, but wash the dishes even better.
15. you are so handy to have around.
16. you are a loyal friend.
17. you introduced me to indian food. and it is now my favorite (hey, let's get that for your bday!)
18. you don't like dogs and don't want one - me neither!
19. you sing in the car when you are excited about something.
20. you encourage me to have my creative outlets.
21. you are a strong, worthy priesthood holder.
22. you are a goofball and we have fun together.
23. you hold my hand when we walk together.
24. you have shown me the whole world!
25. you have great style, and choose great paint for the walls!
26. you are honest, and a man of integrity.
27. you read your scriptures everyday.
28. you think positively.
29. you know my every mood, you understand me and know how to handle me.
30. you are so handsome.
31. you know what you want and how to achieve it.
32. you would rather spend time with our little family than anything else.
33. you picked me for all eternity, and we get to hang out for the rest of forever together!

happy birthday my love. we all hope you have a super great day! we love love love you!

{also, i would like to send birthday wishes to my older sister Amanda. i love you and hope you have a fantastic birthday as well!!}