Mom, do you hear the birds singing?

This morning Jay got up at 5:00 AM with our early risers (B&K) so I could sleep in a little longer. After an hour of extra sleep I found Madelyn in my bed laying there looking at me sleeping.

Upon seeing my eyes open slightly she asked me if I could hear the birds singing and commented on how beautiful their voices were. I realized that she had been laying there just listening to the birds sing.

It reminded me of the scripture in Matthew, "Except ye be converted , and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven".

When was the last time I woke up and took the time to enjoy the sounds of the birds or admire another one of God's creations?

Thank you for your example to me my beautiful, smart, sweet Madelyn! I love having you in my life!

The Healthy Habit Challenge

Hi Everyone!

Join me and my friend, Gina, as we embark on a 30 Day Challenge to change bad eating habits into good ones. You can read about us at

thehealthyhabitchallenge.blogspot.com

Morning Sunshine

As I was surveying the disaster-ridden house this morning trying to decide which room to start cleaning first I came across some cute discoveries that I had to record. I love being a mom! These are the things that bring a smile to my face and gratitude to my heart.

Madelyn's coveted toys of the week

Brooklyn carried that phone and keys around all morning

Kaelyn started copying Brooklyn. Here is her phone and barbie keys.

Madelyn's animals ready to watch cartoons.

Hanging out on the stairwell.

Seventh Wedding Anniversary

Today is Jay and I's seventh wedding anniversary and since it fell on a Sunday this year we decided to celebrate it yesterday. Since Madelyn's birthday is the same day as our anniversary, like always we started the day by celebrating Maddy's birthday with a fun party (see previous post). We then headed to the Las Vegas Temple to attend the wedding of one of my previous voice students who was also one of Jay's choir students. It was so special to see this beautiful young woman get married to a great young man. Being there on our anniversary brought back so many memories of our special day and gave me the chance to ponder on how sacred and special our Jay and I's relationship is.

After the sealing we went to Olive Garden and then out to a movie. The fun part about this date was that both the dinner and movie were gifted to us so we were able to enjoy a really nice date without feeling like we were overspending.

Being able to spend time ALONE with Jay was so nice. It was nice to just focus on us. I am so grateful that we are married and are sharing our lives together along with our three beautiful princesses. I love you Jay!

Andrea and I (I am using a Mac and don't know how to rotate pics on it)

Andrea and Max

Us in front of the temple

Happy Birthday Madelyn!

Yesterday we had a splash party for Madelyn's 5th birthday. We set up a few kiddie pools and sprinklers and the kids had a blast! The party was so fitting for Madelyn who loves wearing her bathing suit. If I let her she would wear it every day all day (no joke). The kids just screamed and screamed and screamed. They had so much fun!

It is amazing how fast these five years have gone. I am so grateful for Madelyn. She is so smart and loving! I love cuddling her and hearing about the things she thinks about and experiences in her young life. I love listening to her sing in the car and around the house. She reminds me of me when I was a little girl how she is constantly singing songs that she made up on her own and loves to be the center of attention.

Happy Birthday Madelyn! I love you!

Memorial Weekend

This past memorial weekend was so nice. Jay and I started it out by running a 10K on Saturday morning together. The race took us right by the Las Vegas Temple. Knowing this I loaded my IPod with EFY music and my new favorite CD, Anchor, by the artist Mindy Gledhill (click here to listen to my favorite song). It was really nice to be up by the temple, running and listening to great uplifting music. I loved it! Thanks to the music and a lot of sprint training exercises before the race, I ran my fastest time yet. It was so much fun to be running it with Jay. We both have run several races in the past year, but due to some injuries we have never run one together. I love running and have to credit Jay for getting me back into it. Last year he trained for and ran a half marathon. Watching him cross the finish line made me want to run too. Since then I have run in three races (one was a half marathon) and continue to run three to four times a week. I love running! It is so therapeutic and makes me feel like I am accomplishing something big. PLUS it makes my body happy! Thanks honey!

On Monday morning after Jay's annual singing gig at a local cemetery we loaded up the van with the girls, a picnic and Jay's parents and their dog and headed to the Colorado River for some fun in the sun. It was nice to spend time with the family and the girls loved the water.

Before the race

The man who started it all!

Colorado River Fun!

"Mom, your a silly mom"

Kaelyn: "Mom you are a silly mom".

Me: "I am?"

Kaelyn: "Yes you forget, and forget, and forget."

Wow I thought I was the only one that took notice of how ineffective my mom brain can be.

A few nights ago I was rocking Brooklyn and she asked in her 17 month mumble, "I want milk".
My response: No (she had just had a big bottle of milk)
Her response: Awww!
A few minutes later she asked again and the same exchange of words happened. It just surprises me she can communicate so well at such a young age.