Henry's 1st Birthday!

Our family had fun celebrating Henry's 1st birthday Luau style! Henry had his cousins, Grace, Gavin and Perian over for the weekend. His birthday party was filled with friends and family that loved him. My dear friend Lauren came with her kids, Molly, Maggie, and Gordon. Lauren was at the hospital hours after little Henry was born, she is special to Henry, we can't believe it has been a year. Little Carter and his family also came for the festivities. We are excited to have Henry and Carter grow up together and have playdates. Thanks Salmon, Towers and White family for sharing this fun day with us. Even Stacey a friend of the family came to visit. It was a fun day filled with food and fun! I loved the "big" cupcake idea so much that I used it from my sister in law Ashlea. The cupcake turned out great the SECOND time. It was a hit!!!
Hunter and Mommy had fun making the cupcakes.
Our Big BOY!

Henry's cousin Grace and brother help him open his presents.

Gordon as cute as ever, having fun with the balloons.
Maggie is alwasy so sweet to Henry!
Yuuuuuummmm!
Henry was so funny when he was

Happy Birthday to YOU>>>> HENRY!!!
I'm a big boy now.

Scriptures

Sunday during Relief Society we had a great lesson on "Scriptures". It left me thinking as I was driving home about what I could do as a mom and wife to better the scripture study in our home. Some sisters gave ideas like : keeping a piece of paper and pen beside your scriptures so you can write down simple promptings and thoughts you have when you read. Another woman shared about how a mother wrote scriptures down on a piece of paper then put them in a jar on the table. Each night when the family had dinner they picked a scripture to talk about.

Well I LOVED the ideas so I took it a step further and I decided to keep a basket of primary gospel art pictures on our table. On the back of each picture is a summary of what you are reading about with scriptures and fun information.

Hunter loves being able to pic a picture each night and read about it. He helped me find the scripture and we read it together. The first night he wanted to read 3, I was happy for his excitement. I felt that with a "picture" to view as well as the scripture it might be easier for the little kids to really get involved.

I was grateful for the small and simple reminders we get on Sunday of the things we should and could be doing with our children.

What a powerful quote by ~Marion G. Romney ~

“I feel certain that if, in our homes, parents will read from the Book of Mormon prayerfully and regularly, both by themselves and with their children, the spirit of that great book will come to permeate our homes and all who dwell therein. The spirit of reverence will increase; mutual respect and consideration for each other will grow. The spirit of contention will depart. Parents will counsel their children in greater love and wisdom. Children will be more responsive and submissive to the counsel of their parents. Righteousness will increase. Faith, hope, and charity—the pure love of Christ—will abound in our homes and lives, bringing in their wake peace, joy, and happiness.”

http://scriptures4kids.com

This is a great, fun, wonderful site that my sister sent to me... Hunter loves it and we have fun learning about the scriptures. Check it out!

Quotes on the Book Of Mormon

Ezra Taft Benson

“I told the brethren that the Book of Mormon was the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book.”

Joseph Smith

“And so, I counsel you, my beloved brothers and sisters and friends everywhere, to make reading in the Book of Mormon a few minutes each day a lifelong practice.”

Marion G. Romney, as quoted by President Ezra Taft Benson

“It was by faith that this marvelous record of ancient peoples, this testament which we call the Book of Mormon, was brought forth by the gift and power of God.”

Gordon B. Hinckley

“The holy scriptures are for children, to fill their eager minds with sacred truth.”

Thomas S. Monson

“[The Book of Mormon] will give you a greater desire to live in harmony with … gospel teachings.”

Howard W. Hunter

“And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.”

Not So Fun Friday

As my week goes on each day I realize I'm only 3 days, 2 days, 1 day away from nursing my baby for the LAST time, and also having a cancer scan.

I feel blessed I was able to nurse Henry for his first year. I know I will miss the bond in the middle of the night, my sweet baby looking up at me smiling and just knowing I'm providing for the perfect innocent baby he is. And of course the pulling my boob across the room as he played and turn around in the middle of nursing, yes even the pain will be missed (some) :). So many sweet memories for sure.

When my doctor said o.k. are you ready to do your PET Scan, I said yes and he said o.k. you have to stop nursing and we will do it Friday! FRIDAY... wow that is so close, I mean that was only a week away...Friday... really! Honestly, I had to fight back the tears in the doctors office and I told him o.k., let's do it.

As I got into the car I just cried, I cried because my "happy bubble" of not thinking or dealing with the realization that I have had cancer and there was a possibilty of it again wasn't in my thoughts for 2 years. My mind was filled with this beautiful baby I was bringing into the world, and now raised for a year. I couldn't believe it was THAT time again. That time that I had to be in a cylinder like machine for 30 mins without moving, with my mind RACING with so many thoughts, good, bad, and uncertain. I always feel so alone and so glad when it is over. I remember praying last time, just praying so I wouldn't feel alone even thou I was in the room all by myself. Peace came over me and I know I'm never alone thru this trial.

At least with Henry I only need to be away from him for 24 hours instead of 1 week like Hunter. I'm soooo thankful that I got to nurse Henry for 1 year and share this bond. Now on to making sure I will be around to see both my boys grow for many years ahead. Friday will be a emotional day, but a new day starting new chapters, with GREAT outcomes I pray.

I'm grateful for amazing friends... Lauren and Chelsey that are loving my boys while I go thru this procedure.. I will glow a little from the radiation they put in my body. Some might think that is pretty COOL.... JUST KIDDING! I'm so thinking since I pretty much have to fast for the time before my appointment I might just be 2 pds lighter or I can totally get a pizza and watch a movie since I will be all by myself for several hours... see there is a "happy" ending to this crazy day.

"See" A Good Day Challenge - Day 13

My Monday Morning was brightened by an awesome email from my brother. My brother Jason has been serving a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Peru for almost 2 yrs he comes home in 4 months. I got to see how his testimony has grown and he shared this awesome email with me. I loved it and wanted to share with you... check the scriptures.

I learned this week all about that, trials and it was a lesson i learned after a hard month of not having anything. The work is hard where i am at and i was wondering why the blessings aren't coming. I learned alot about the faith and the trust in the Lord. Mostly i learned all about patience and that the lords way is much better. Its funny because if we see a river on the side of a highway we can see that they both go to the same destination. However, who made which? The man made the Highway and God, the river. With that said its obvious that sometimes man wants the way that is strait and fast and easier, like the HIghway, but god´s way is the river where it is windy and slow but always steady and in the end they both go to the same destination. Ive learned alot from this and i found two scriptures that have helped me so very much. They are written from a father and son. Mormon 9:20-21 and my favorite is Moroni 7:33. Now get your book of mormon and read it... Now. It is short but full of truth. The key word is EXPEDIENT and that mean what is convenient to him. The trick is we have to look for his will and then have the faith to do it and then he will bless us. I love this scripture because this week we doubled our numbers and will have so much success after a long month´s process of trial. The Last scripture is found in Mosiah 2: 22. This is a promise to all so i think you should take advantage of it. I love you all so very much and testify that it is the truth. The Lord is great and good to us all. Be safe and stay strong.
Elder Barattiero
PS I love you lots

Greys Anatomy..... I'm so hooked!

O.k. Ladies, I'm so hooked on Greys Anatomy this season. Thursday night is my T.V. night and really I almost lock myself in my room at 8pm on. Any body else a Grey's Fan?!

Boys...Boys...Boys.... BATHROOM!

BEFORE....



















AFTER....... I love this "BOYS" theme because I can change out the pictures as they grow. It is so basic and easy. The only cost was getting the letters, frames, pictures developed and some small wooden character cars and trucks. My cost was $20.00 very inexpesive and I used other items I had in the house to fill that places I wanted. I loved it...... Besides as much as I change my mind it is good to do quick makeovers. :)

Pancake Party...

O.k. really who sits around and comes up with these cute ideas! Whoever it is... it sure makes my life of being a mom a little easier. The pancake animals were a hit in our house. Pancakes for dinner... LOVE IT!

Party Planning....

O.k. so I have gone back and forth deciding on what to do for Henry's 1st birthday party. Do we want it big, small, a simple cupcake and call it a day.... But if any of you know me.. I have to do it up right.... SOOOOO after much thought and deciding FINALLY... we are having a small party with some friends and family.

Here are just some of the fun ideas. Luau theme for sure! Once I got going it was so fun to plan it.. got the kids beach balls, will do fun cupcakes and some delicious Hawaiian themed food. Party is Saturday pictures to follow soon..... Happy Birthday to my sweet Henry!

































Hawaiian Ambrosia Recipe
8 oz. can crushed pineapple drained
11 oz. can mandarin oranges drained
3 1/2 cups cool whip
2 cups shredded coconut
2 cups mini marshmallows
1/2 cup milk
1 cup maraschino cherries
Mix all ingredients minus cherries, chill one hour, garnish with cherries and serve.

Luau Punch for Kids
1/2 gallon Fruit Punch
1 pint Sherbert Ice Cream
1 pint Ginger Ale
Mix the fruit punch and ginger ale together. Add balls of sherbert ice cream and serve with a fruit garnish or drinking straw.

Luau Ham and Glazed Pineapple Snacks


These delicious skewers of ham and marmalade-glazed fruit are perfect for your luau party. Easy to make and looks great with a decorated toothpick (silk flowers or Luau Umbrella Parasol Picks ). Just poke them into a pineapple and this snack can double as a centerpiece and be eaten too! (Makes about 36 servings). {photo: credits}


Recipe:
• 1 can of 15 1/4 ounce of pineapple chunks
• 1/4 cup orange marmalade
• 6 ounces thinly sliced cooked ham, cut into 4×1/2 inch strips
• Wooden toothpicks that have decorated ends like flowers or umbrellas, or other festive theme
• 1 jar of 10 ounce maraschino cherries
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, toss the pineapple chunks (drained) in the orange marmalade and coat.
2. Thread a cherry (drained) through a toothpick or skewer.
3. Wrap a ham string around each pineapple chunk.
4. Then thread each wrapped pineapple on the toothpick.
5. Take a pineapple to use as a base. If the pineapple is unsteady, you may need to cut 1/4 of the bottom off to create a stable base.
6. Place pineapple onto a festive plate. Poke all skewers into the pineapple.
7. Cover and chill for up to 2 hours. Served chilled.
Another option: If you prefer to serve this as a warm snack, warm the skewers instead of chilling them in the oven on 325 degrees for about 30 minutes and serve immediately.

My Sweet Hubby

I was sitting at the computer tonight and the song that Steve and I danced to at our wedding came on. Oh yes... you know me I started to get a little teary eyed. It was called You and Me by Kenny Chesney. (here are the words)

Ordinary no, really don't think so
Not a love this true
Common destiny
We were meant to be
Me and you

Like a perfect scene from a movie screen
We're a dream come true
Suited perfectly for eternity
Me and you

Every day, I need you even more
And the night time too
There's no way
I could ever let you go
Even if I wanted to

Every day I live
Try my best to give
All I have to you
Thank the stars above
That we share this love Me and you

Every day, I need you even more
And the night time too
There's no way
I could ever let you go
Even if I wanted to

Ordinary no, I really don't think so
Just a precious few
Ever make it last
Get as lucky as
Me and you

As I heard the words they seemed so true once again, we sure aren't ordinary, matter of fact we are far from it...we have fun 4-wheeling, fishing, wresting, laughing, we are very different which make us fit perfect together. I would love concerts and crowds..he would run the opposite way as fast as he can when it comes to crowds. We are a little country, a little city, I like cheese on my hamburger him not so much.. we both like different music, but do agree on country. We compliment each other in all the important areas. We are both pretty laid back which makes it easy for decisions. We both love our Savior Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father. I do need my sweet husband more and more every day. I get so much strength from him. He is my rock, the rock of our family. He is such an amazing father,friend, husband,brother and my best friend. He works so hard to please everyone. Taking on any challenge in life and belive me he has been handed some big ones. Steve is amazing! He is MY PERSON, the one that can drive me crazy and make me so happy all at the same time. Just his funny laugh and sense of humor brightens my bad day. He is the love of my life, he makes me smile and he loves our children so dearly. That is a huge bonus for sure he is a total hands on dad.. so active with the little guys. I'm so grateful for our eternal marriage and the joy he bring to all those around him. I love you Babe!

Is this the mom I want to be

As I layed on the couch last night awake at 2:30 A.M.... because my sweet husband was sick, I'm trying to get Henry to sleep thru the night and my dog is howling and barking at anything that moves outside... (it is a wonder I get any sleep ever). I layed there thinking about the mom I wanted to be. NOT the mom I am. When you where growing up, did you ever think, Oh I'm totally going to be this kind of mom that does ______ ______ _______?

Well I always thought I was going to be the FUN LOVING MOM, the one that had so much energy, was never going to yell, spank, get frustrated, etc... I was going to be the COOL MOM!

The mom that the kids would love to hang with, bring friends over and the kids just thought wow your mom is so fun. Hummmm well that thought was at like at age 16, 20 how about WAY before I HAD KIDS!

I'm so blessed to have the beautiful boys that I have. But let me just say, I'm raising a "wild stallion"! If I could describe Hunter in one word it would be "spirit". Hunter is like the movie spirit, he is a wild horse that I need to tame without breaking him. I love his personality, his eagerness to learn, his thrill for adventure, his love for life, laughter and that Strong personality will be great when he is in the work force or a teenager and he picks the right choice because he is a leader......and then there is the stubborn boy that will hit a wall, slam a door, yell at me and say mean things the minute he doesn't get his way. How do I handle it... I don't like to spank, it takes the "happy" spirit out of the home, I feel terrible afterwards and it really doesn't' affect him. So how do I react..... "without emotion.. that is key for me.. I'm so emotional".

I find myself many nights just asking the lord for forgiveness for not being the best mom I could have been. For getting frustrated, yelling, not playing enough. I know that the Lord trusts me with these little guys. And I fall short so many times. I know I can be hard on myself but really there has to be a better way.

Why is it such a struggle? Do you have those days? If you have a Strong willed child what ideas could you give me? There are days that I love my sweet son so much, and others I love him but I just didn't like him. I felt beat, like I lost the battle with the 4 yr old.

I so love our great fun times, the laughter in the living room with the family. The boys playing, and I also sooo love bedtime. They really do look adorable when they are sleeping. :)

So I'm just venting but I would LOVE your thoughts, ideas, share away...... how can I be that mom! Easy going, not emotional... just fun loving and happy all the time.
Hunter gave me a mother's day card and it was so sweet, It said "MY MOM...
My mom is 35
My mom is the prettiest when she puts on pink clothes
My mom likes to make food for me
My Mom is funny when she makes funny faces
My mom always say "be a good boy"
It was all so sweet to read and then I really thought about what he hears me say: (be a good boy) ...
Really is that what he remembers not I LOVE YOU or Have a good day.... be a good boy is what he remembers. Do I worry to much about the small stuff to see the fun? I do tell him I love him lots, but that doesn't seem to be what he remembers, how sad to my heart.

This quote came to mind from the prophet Gordon B. Hinckley
"In all of living, have much fun and laughter. Life is to be enjoyed, not just endured."

Laughter Huh.... it does sure sound better than crying, whining, and timeout! I'm sure not a perfect mom by any means, but I do want to be a Happy, Loving, Caring, PATIENT, Cool mom! The kind of mom you see at the park with there kids having fun, full of energy and life.

I feel that if I'm having these thoughts than there needs to be a change. A change in my attitude, my attention to my boys. Is this why my 4yr old is so feisty sometimes. What can I do as his mom, as his caretaker, as a tool in the lords hands for this perfect child to make this time special. I found this quote just as I was finishing writing this blog.

"Work at our responsibility as parents as if everything in life counted on it."
— Gordon B. Hinckley

I'm grateful for new days so I can really make it count, and work on being "that Mom I want to be". How do you do it each day?

- LOVE THIS SITE - www.bakerella.com

CAKE POPS

Pool Party Cake Pops
What a cute idea!!! Now who is having the pool party!

Cute Chelsey

Last week I had fun hosting a baby shower at my house with the girls....

The Girls had so much fun putting a baby girl shower together. Hunter was Chelsey's little helper. She got lots of "Baby Basic" items! Chelsey is all set for her sweet baby girl! She will be one LOVED baby girl!


















Thanks for coming "Candy Bar"......

















Adorable clip and bow older made by Celeste.

















We wanted it to be a real fun party "Luau Style".






















Baby Belly Pic

















I made my first watermelon carriage... Thanks Lacy for the good tips... It turned out way cute!

I Caught One!!

Hunter was so excited for his daddy to come home so they could go fishing. The excitement in Hunter's little eyes and the joy in his voice just put a smile on my face. Check out the first fish Hunter caught!!!

I can tell it in your waist....

10 pds since my last weigh in!!!!! Yeah!!!

I went to the gym on Monday and my consultant told me that I have lost 10 pounds since my last visit. (Middle of March) I have lost an inch off of my waist and my BMI is down 3%....

I'm sooo dang happy!

I'm half way there to meeting my goal by June... I have to say i'm feeling pretty good.

My husband said he can tell when he hugs me and puts his arms around my waist... oh yeah!!! That is what I like to hear. :)

The really awesome part of it all was I went and got a pair of shorts. My shorts were all 13 and 10's.... and now I'm in a size 6! I haven't been a size 6 since before I got prego. That is HUGE for me, i'm so excited for my "transformation".

FSU FUN

Hunter was the ladies man at the "FSU Spring Game". The last day of his spring break Hunter and his daddy went to Tallahasse and they watched some football. Hunter met some girls that played with him, he got tatoo's on his face and some good ol game day food. Hunter is a HUGE Seminole fan! It was a fun day with his daddy!

Beach Baby

Henry was 11-1/2 months on his 1st beach trip. Let's just say he did not like the COLD water at all. He did thou enjoy EATING the SAND! Henry made sure he had the full experience of the beach he crawled along the beach, watched the kids fly the kite and took a short nap. It was a busy and fun day for our little man.

"See" A Good Day Challenge - Day 12 - Beach Buddies

I feel like I haven't blogged forever... so here is another one of my "Good Days" that I had during spring break!

My sweet friend Keri called me up to go to Cresent Beach, the weather was perfect, the car was packed, I had my sweet friend Chelsey coming along to spend the day with us. Off we went... meeting up with some ladies from church and our cute friend Celeste and her boys.

It was a perfect day!

Spent with friends and enjoying this amazing earth that the lord created. Keri, Chelsey and Celeste are amazing woman, mothers (mother to be) and friends.

The kids had a great time playing together and laughing lots.

I feel blessed to have such wonderful friends in my life.

"See" A Good Day Challenge - Day 11

We are so blessed with Eternal Families... One of my "good days" was spent at the Orlando Temple. My youngest sister Audrey is preparing to serve a mission for "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints". She is going to the Salt Lake City Temple Square mission. I'm so proud of her, for her choice to serve the lord. What a great example she is to me and my family. All of her siblings, parents, and loved ones(except my bro Jason who is on a mission in Peru) was there. It is always a fun and special time when we get together.

I'm a slacker...

O.k. O.k..... I have been a total slacker... I will post SOON!!!!