MOTHERHOOD AND WOMANHOOD
January 25, 2017
There isn’t a perfect picture to describe motherhood. Although, a quick look at Instagram may seem otherwise. The perfect pictures don’t show the sleepless hours, endless diapers, and limitless prayers that are given for our children. But did you know that negative experiences are easier to recall than positive ones? After hearing this I decided to make more of an effort to remember the good- and to learn from the negative. I never want to completely forget my faults or the challenging times when I’ve locked myself in the bathroom and cried because I thought motherhood was hard or served chicken nuggets to my toddler for lunch, and then again for dinner (who’s with me on this? Anybody?) But instead I chose to change my focus. To grow from the challenging times, but turn my FOCUS towards the good.
I consider having the opportunity to stay at home with my children one of my greatest blessings. I use to have so much anxiety when I’d fill out forms about what to write in the box that says “Occupation.” Now I have so much pride when I hear my daughter say “Please and/or Thank you” and when she waits her turn or shares with a little, “Here you go!” Now does this happen every time in our “perfect” life? Absolutely not. In fact it probably happens less than it probably should. But when it does, I want to remember it and think, I taught her that. Because if not me, who would?
My role as a mother, has in turn, taught me so much about my role as a woman. We, as women, take on so many responsibilities and obligations but sometimes it’s hard for me to remember my greatest commitment is to my family, and to my children. This past weekend I came across a quote from a church leader during the 2000 General Conference that said, “Women of God can never be like women of the world. The world has enough women who are tough; we need women who are tender. There are enough women who are coarse; we need women who are kind. There are enough women who are rude; we need women who are refined. We have enough women of fame and fortune; we need more women of faith. We have enough greed; we need more goodness. We have enough vanity; we need more virtue. We have enough popularity; we need more purity.”
When I think about the woman and the mother I’d like to be, the words that come to my mind are: tender, kind, faithful. And while there are many women who I look up to who are “tough” and even “famed” (let’s face it!)-I think it’s also important to remember balance. Women are given so many divine characteristics and talents, which is why womanhood is such a beautiful thing. I simply choose to be a woman of God, and a mother, and shouldn’t be looked down upon because of it. And maybe one day my daughters will be able to look up and want this same desire for themselves too.
There isn’t a perfect picture to describe motherhood. Although, a quick look at Instagram may seem otherwise. The perfect pictures don’t show the sleepless hours, endless diapers, and limitless prayers that are given for our children. But did you know that negative experiences are easier to recall than positive ones? After hearing this I decided to make more of an effort to remember the good- and to learn from the negative. I never want to completely forget my faults or the challenging times when I’ve locked myself in the bathroom and cried because I thought motherhood was hard or served chicken nuggets to my toddler for lunch, and then again for dinner (who’s with me on this? Anybody?) But instead I chose to change my focus. To grow from the challenging times, but turn my FOCUS towards the good.
I consider having the opportunity to stay at home with my children one of my greatest blessings. I use to have so much anxiety when I’d fill out forms about what to write in the box that says “Occupation.” Now I have so much pride when I hear my daughter say “Please and/or Thank you” and when she waits her turn or shares with a little, “Here you go!” Now does this happen every time in our “perfect” life? Absolutely not. In fact it probably happens less than it probably should. But when it does, I want to remember it and think, I taught her that. Because if not me, who would?
My role as a mother, has in turn, taught me so much about my role as a woman. We, as women, take on so many responsibilities and obligations but sometimes it’s hard for me to remember my greatest commitment is to my family, and to my children. This past weekend I came across a quote from a church leader during the 2000 General Conference that said, “Women of God can never be like women of the world. The world has enough women who are tough; we need women who are tender. There are enough women who are coarse; we need women who are kind. There are enough women who are rude; we need women who are refined. We have enough women of fame and fortune; we need more women of faith. We have enough greed; we need more goodness. We have enough vanity; we need more virtue. We have enough popularity; we need more purity.”
When I think about the woman and the mother I’d like to be, the words that come to my mind are: tender, kind, faithful. And while there are many women who I look up to who are “tough” and even “famed” (let’s face it!)-I think it’s also important to remember balance. Women are given so many divine characteristics and talents, which is why womanhood is such a beautiful thing. I simply choose to be a woman of God, and a mother, and shouldn’t be looked down upon because of it. And maybe one day my daughters will be able to look up and want this same desire for themselves too.
GRADUATION & BABY BLESSINGS
January 10, 2017
It was so nice being able to attend Marcus' sister, Jen's, graduation from UNLV. Not only were we able to be there, but also his parents who are currently serving a mission in Omaha, Nebraska and all of his siblings. We were able to pack a lot in, in just a few short days. Lots of tacos, desserts, and family time. We had so much fun as new siblings, and cousins, flew in and out everyday! Strolling through the casinos one night, cousin Autumn and Harper, were holding hands window shopping. I was literally DYING watching these two act like they were 16 instead of 2 and 3!
On Saturday we were able to attend graduation and it was one of the most entertaining graduations we'd ever been to. During the opening ceremonies they had a rapper come out and welcome in all the graduates. Harper loooved it. And so did we. Jen was also chosen to be the graduate speaker so it was great to watch her up there on the podium. We were all so proud of her! A single-mom, going through the adoption process, and still obtaining her Master's in Family Therapy. And yet, Jen would probably say her hardest challenge at the moment was potty training! Yeah, she's amazing.
On Saturday we were able to attend graduation and it was one of the most entertaining graduations we'd ever been to. During the opening ceremonies they had a rapper come out and welcome in all the graduates. Harper loooved it. And so did we. Jen was also chosen to be the graduate speaker so it was great to watch her up there on the podium. We were all so proud of her! A single-mom, going through the adoption process, and still obtaining her Master's in Family Therapy. And yet, Jen would probably say her hardest challenge at the moment was potty training! Yeah, she's amazing.
Later that afternoon, we were able to witness Jen's daughter, Autumn, receive a child's blessing by Marcus' dad. Jen and Autumn have been miracles in one another's lives and it was so special to be a part of such a wonderful day.
Afterwards, we were able to bless our sweet little Elle Emery. The blessing focused on how Elle would be a strong individual and would be able to be a good example to those around her growing up. Elle has already become such a huge part of our family and she has such a good disposition about her. Having all of Marcus' family there in attendance was a pretty neat/and rare(!) experience as well.
Harper had so much fun being able to see her Grandma and Papa Henry. Everyday at breakfast Harper would look over the balcony and yell, "Papa! Hiyee" down below. And Grandma Henry brought small princess dolls for each of the girls to play with and are now one of Harper's favorite-because somehow she ended up with all of them in her suitcase! Elle was seriously the easiest baby to have along on the trip. I was somewhat nervous about carting a newborn around, but she slept through the night, and most of the day, perfectly. We've decided that travelling with a two month old is definitely the way to go!
It was so nice being able to attend Marcus' sister, Jen's, graduation from UNLV. Not only were we able to be there, but also his parents who are currently serving a mission in Omaha, Nebraska and all of his siblings. We were able to pack a lot in, in just a few short days. Lots of tacos, desserts, and family time. We had so much fun as new siblings, and cousins, flew in and out everyday! Strolling through the casinos one night, cousin Autumn and Harper, were holding hands window shopping. I was literally DYING watching these two act like they were 16 instead of 2 and 3!
On Saturday we were able to attend graduation and it was one of the most entertaining graduations we'd ever been to. During the opening ceremonies they had a rapper come out and welcome in all the graduates. Harper loooved it. And so did we. Jen was also chosen to be the graduate speaker so it was great to watch her up there on the podium. We were all so proud of her! A single-mom, going through the adoption process, and still obtaining her Master's in Family Therapy. And yet, Jen would probably say her hardest challenge at the moment was potty training! Yeah, she's amazing.
On Saturday we were able to attend graduation and it was one of the most entertaining graduations we'd ever been to. During the opening ceremonies they had a rapper come out and welcome in all the graduates. Harper loooved it. And so did we. Jen was also chosen to be the graduate speaker so it was great to watch her up there on the podium. We were all so proud of her! A single-mom, going through the adoption process, and still obtaining her Master's in Family Therapy. And yet, Jen would probably say her hardest challenge at the moment was potty training! Yeah, she's amazing.
Later that afternoon, we were able to witness Jen's daughter, Autumn, receive a child's blessing by Marcus' dad. Jen and Autumn have been miracles in one another's lives and it was so special to be a part of such a wonderful day.
Afterwards, we were able to bless our sweet little Elle Emery. The blessing focused on how Elle would be a strong individual and would be able to be a good example to those around her growing up. Elle has already become such a huge part of our family and she has such a good disposition about her. Having all of Marcus' family there in attendance was a pretty neat/and rare(!) experience as well.
Harper had so much fun being able to see her Grandma and Papa Henry. Everyday at breakfast Harper would look over the balcony and yell, "Papa! Hiyee" down below. And Grandma Henry brought small princess dolls for each of the girls to play with and are now one of Harper's favorite-because somehow she ended up with all of them in her suitcase! Elle was seriously the easiest baby to have along on the trip. I was somewhat nervous about carting a newborn around, but she slept through the night, and most of the day, perfectly. We've decided that travelling with a two month old is definitely the way to go!
IKEA CHILDREN'S PLAY KITCHEN HACK
January 3, 2017
With Christmas approaching and still having no idea what we
were going to get Harper, we decided at last minute to get her a play kitchen.
I had been browsing different kitchens on Pinterest when I saw an IKEA hack.
For those that don’t yet know what an IKEA hack is, it’s taking IKEA’s
furniture and most of the time turning it into something bigger and better! And
usually at a reasonable price. I knew I didn’t want to spend a ton of money on
a child’s play kitchen, but also wanted something that wouldn’t stand out in a
crazy color. So after searching a few Pinterest tutorials on how others had
done it, I started a shopping cart at Amazon and two days later (thank you
Amazon Prime!) we had all our materials.
Luckily, we have a secret workshop. So Harper didn’t see anything until Christmas morning. It took a good two days for us to finish. The first day we got all the pieces organized by what color they needed to be painted. We decided to paint the bottom half black using this paint, and the top half white using this paint and the accessories all gold. The first day we flipped, and primed all the pieces (two coats) and left them out overnight.
Luckily, we have a secret workshop. So Harper didn’t see anything until Christmas morning. It took a good two days for us to finish. The first day we got all the pieces organized by what color they needed to be painted. We decided to paint the bottom half black using this paint, and the top half white using this paint and the accessories all gold. The first day we flipped, and primed all the pieces (two coats) and left them out overnight.
While all the paint was drying, one of my favorite things we did was the counter top. We used adhesive marble grey contact paper that we bought off Amazon. I rolled out a piece on top of the countertop and smoothed out any bubbles. I scored a big X on the inside where the stove and sink would go and folded down the pieces. For the outside edges, I wrapped it similar to a Christmas present. Folding the corners down first, and then the sides. It turned so much better than I expected!
Next, once the paint was dry, we assembled the kitchen just
following the directions. I picked up a foam board at Walmart for the
backsplash, and cut it down to size (27inx19). Then we took a leveler and a
sharpie and drew straight lines for a “subway tile” look. We just attached it
to the back hammering small nails to the wood along the sides.
For the knobs on the front, I just bought 1.25in wood knobs at Walmart-but you could use any kind of knobs you want. After
spray painting them gold, I had Marcus drill four holes into the wood piece in
the front. I just eyeballed their distance because honestly, it was late, and I
couldn’t figure out the math-Ha!
One of my favorite details is the blackboard sign I picked up on a whim while
at Walmart. I cut off the string for hanging and we screwed the sign onto the
side panel of the kitchen. I was so relieved it was a perfect fit. Now Harper
can turn her kitchen into a café/restaurant/food truck(?), depending on the
day. I also loved how the monogrammed tea towel turned out. It was the perfect
finishing touch.
For the kitchen light, I bought this tap light. I struggled with how to screw it into the top, and then decided to try using velcro first. And it worked! The light is so light, the velcro holds it just fine as Harper turns it off and on-a million times a day.
We didn’t expect how much she would love it right from the get go. It seriously
makes me so happy to watch her stir in her pots and pans and cook in the microwave.
She proudly then hands dishes to Marcus and I, and Baby Elle, saying “Here go,
Mommy.”
Let me know if you have any questions!
With Christmas approaching and still having no idea what we
were going to get Harper, we decided at last minute to get her a play kitchen.
I had been browsing different kitchens on Pinterest when I saw an IKEA hack.
For those that don’t yet know what an IKEA hack is, it’s taking IKEA’s
furniture and most of the time turning it into something bigger and better! And
usually at a reasonable price. I knew I didn’t want to spend a ton of money on
a child’s play kitchen, but also wanted something that wouldn’t stand out in a
crazy color. So after searching a few Pinterest tutorials on how others had
done it, I started a shopping cart at Amazon and two days later (thank you
Amazon Prime!) we had all our materials.
Luckily, we have a secret workshop. So Harper didn’t see anything until Christmas morning. It took a good two days for us to finish. The first day we got all the pieces organized by what color they needed to be painted. We decided to paint the bottom half black using this paint, and the top half white using this paint and the accessories all gold. The first day we flipped, and primed all the pieces (two coats) and left them out overnight.
Luckily, we have a secret workshop. So Harper didn’t see anything until Christmas morning. It took a good two days for us to finish. The first day we got all the pieces organized by what color they needed to be painted. We decided to paint the bottom half black using this paint, and the top half white using this paint and the accessories all gold. The first day we flipped, and primed all the pieces (two coats) and left them out overnight.
While all the paint was drying, one of my favorite things we did was the counter top. We used adhesive marble grey contact paper that we bought off Amazon. I rolled out a piece on top of the countertop and smoothed out any bubbles. I scored a big X on the inside where the stove and sink would go and folded down the pieces. For the outside edges, I wrapped it similar to a Christmas present. Folding the corners down first, and then the sides. It turned so much better than I expected!
Next, once the paint was dry, we assembled the kitchen just
following the directions. I picked up a foam board at Walmart for the
backsplash, and cut it down to size (27inx19). Then we took a leveler and a
sharpie and drew straight lines for a “subway tile” look. We just attached it
to the back hammering small nails to the wood along the sides.
For the knobs on the front, I just bought 1.25in wood knobs at Walmart-but you could use any kind of knobs you want. After
spray painting them gold, I had Marcus drill four holes into the wood piece in
the front. I just eyeballed their distance because honestly, it was late, and I
couldn’t figure out the math-Ha!
One of my favorite details is the blackboard sign I picked up on a whim while
at Walmart. I cut off the string for hanging and we screwed the sign onto the
side panel of the kitchen. I was so relieved it was a perfect fit. Now Harper
can turn her kitchen into a café/restaurant/food truck(?), depending on the
day. I also loved how the monogrammed tea towel turned out. It was the perfect
finishing touch.
For the kitchen light, I bought this tap light. I struggled with how to screw it into the top, and then decided to try using velcro first. And it worked! The light is so light, the velcro holds it just fine as Harper turns it off and on-a million times a day.
We didn’t expect how much she would love it right from the get go. It seriously
makes me so happy to watch her stir in her pots and pans and cook in the microwave.
She proudly then hands dishes to Marcus and I, and Baby Elle, saying “Here go,
Mommy.”
Let me know if you have any questions!
MERRY CHRISTMAS
December 26, 2016
Our Christmas season was packed full of time spent with family. Having both of our families only 10 minutes away from one another means time spent together with all of them, including extended family. But we also wouldn't have it any other way! We've had lots of laughing, caroling, and even more good food. Christmas Eve we spent time with the Henry's for a progressive dinner. It was crazy having 25 of us in each location, starting with our house for appetizers, the Haertlings' for soup and salad, and the Henry's for dessert. And that wasn't even everyone! But the best part was finishing up caroling, visiting good friends, and the reenactment of the Nativity we do every year. This year we had TWO children in it. It still seems weird that we have two kids sometimes. Elle got to star as the baby Jesus. It was SO sweet seeing our niece Emma hold her. It may be my new favorite picture. Harper of course wanted to wear a bright green tutu and wedding veil-so we'll call her an angel.
On Sunday we woke up early, attended church, and then spent the rest of the evening having all of Ashley's family at our house. It was our first time cooking prime rib and we almost overdid it, but really, you can't mess up prime rib, right?! Harper and Elle were totally spoiled and we may even have one or two presents under the tree for them still!
We hope you all had a very, Merry Christmas and enjoyed your time spent with family and friends. We are so grateful for all our many blessings that come from up above, and most importantly, for our Savior, Jesus Christ. We are so blessed to know that He lived and died for us and that our family can be together forever because of Him.
On Sunday we woke up early, attended church, and then spent the rest of the evening having all of Ashley's family at our house. It was our first time cooking prime rib and we almost overdid it, but really, you can't mess up prime rib, right?! Harper and Elle were totally spoiled and we may even have one or two presents under the tree for them still!
We hope you all had a very, Merry Christmas and enjoyed your time spent with family and friends. We are so grateful for all our many blessings that come from up above, and most importantly, for our Savior, Jesus Christ. We are so blessed to know that He lived and died for us and that our family can be together forever because of Him.
Our Christmas season was packed full of time spent with family. Having both of our families only 10 minutes away from one another means time spent together with all of them, including extended family. But we also wouldn't have it any other way! We've had lots of laughing, caroling, and even more good food. Christmas Eve we spent time with the Henry's for a progressive dinner. It was crazy having 25 of us in each location, starting with our house for appetizers, the Haertlings' for soup and salad, and the Henry's for dessert. And that wasn't even everyone! But the best part was finishing up caroling, visiting good friends, and the reenactment of the Nativity we do every year. This year we had TWO children in it. It still seems weird that we have two kids sometimes. Elle got to star as the baby Jesus. It was SO sweet seeing our niece Emma hold her. It may be my new favorite picture. Harper of course wanted to wear a bright green tutu and wedding veil-so we'll call her an angel.
On Sunday we woke up early, attended church, and then spent the rest of the evening having all of Ashley's family at our house. It was our first time cooking prime rib and we almost overdid it, but really, you can't mess up prime rib, right?! Harper and Elle were totally spoiled and we may even have one or two presents under the tree for them still!
We hope you all had a very, Merry Christmas and enjoyed your time spent with family and friends. We are so grateful for all our many blessings that come from up above, and most importantly, for our Savior, Jesus Christ. We are so blessed to know that He lived and died for us and that our family can be together forever because of Him.
On Sunday we woke up early, attended church, and then spent the rest of the evening having all of Ashley's family at our house. It was our first time cooking prime rib and we almost overdid it, but really, you can't mess up prime rib, right?! Harper and Elle were totally spoiled and we may even have one or two presents under the tree for them still!
We hope you all had a very, Merry Christmas and enjoyed your time spent with family and friends. We are so grateful for all our many blessings that come from up above, and most importantly, for our Savior, Jesus Christ. We are so blessed to know that He lived and died for us and that our family can be together forever because of Him.
HELLO DECEMBER
December 4, 2016
That night we decided to watch Miracle on 34th St and have hot chocolate. Harper loved watching Santa Claus on TV and decided she was ok with coloring him a picture of what she wanted for Christmas. So on Saturday we took her to the big, red, mail box to send it off. Elle asked for a personalized blanket and Harper asked for a power wheels. Ashley thinks she's old enough to get one, and Marcus said, "Maybe next year."
That night we decided to watch Miracle on 34th St and have hot chocolate. Harper loved watching Santa Claus on TV and decided she was ok with coloring him a picture of what she wanted for Christmas. So on Saturday we took her to the big, red, mail box to send it off. Elle asked for a personalized blanket and Harper asked for a power wheels. Ashley thinks she's old enough to get one, and Marcus said, "Maybe next year."
HAPPY 32 YEARS
December 1, 2016
Happy Birthday to one of our favorites! Marcus is always
laid back when it comes to his birthday but this year he was especially so. It
was on a Wednesday, and he had clients scheduled tilled late. But of course we
still had to celebrate! So the girls’ and I visited him at work so he could
show off our newest. Harper loves to visit Marcus at work, even though she
TOTALLY clams up whenever she walks in. She talks about it non-stop and then
nothing! Not even a word to anyone while we’re there. We always think how funny it is to see her
“shy side” because that’s totally not her personality. But when she visits she
gets juice boxes, pockets full of candy, and lots of stickers by all of the
legal assistants. Maybe that’s why she likes it? So we took Marcus out to lunch
at his favorite, Red Robin, and ate burgers, endless lemonades, and fries until
we couldn’t handle anymore. Later that night the Haertling’s stopped by and we
watched the BYU game, FaceTimed family, and sang “Happy Birthday” with a candle
in a Blizzard. All of Marcus’ favorites all packed in. Happy Birthday to our
new 32 year old!
Happy Birthday to one of our favorites! Marcus is always
laid back when it comes to his birthday but this year he was especially so. It
was on a Wednesday, and he had clients scheduled tilled late. But of course we
still had to celebrate! So the girls’ and I visited him at work so he could
show off our newest. Harper loves to visit Marcus at work, even though she
TOTALLY clams up whenever she walks in. She talks about it non-stop and then
nothing! Not even a word to anyone while we’re there. We always think how funny it is to see her
“shy side” because that’s totally not her personality. But when she visits she
gets juice boxes, pockets full of candy, and lots of stickers by all of the
legal assistants. Maybe that’s why she likes it? So we took Marcus out to lunch
at his favorite, Red Robin, and ate burgers, endless lemonades, and fries until
we couldn’t handle anymore. Later that night the Haertling’s stopped by and we
watched the BYU game, FaceTimed family, and sang “Happy Birthday” with a candle
in a Blizzard. All of Marcus’ favorites all packed in. Happy Birthday to our
new 32 year old!
THANKSGIVING SHOOT
November 27, 2016
It’s always been a dream of mine to go shooting. In all of my 30 years, I’ve never even shot a
BB gun, and I’m guessing a NERF gun doesn’t count. So when an expert who provides all the guns,
ammo, and targets asks if you’d like to go (and has a fun family to boot!) you
don’t pass it up. My best friend,
Laurel, was visiting her family from Colorado and they were headed out to Uncle
Gordon’s Canyon for some clay pigeon shooting.
Uncle Loren is always so funny to be around with his “stories of hunting
wild game” and deep voice, but he’s also a great teacher at explaining how
everything worked. Laurel and I were
both too scared to fire the shotguns, but we were brave enough to fire the rifles
and pistols. We felt like a couple of Charlie’s Angels by the end.
It’s always been a dream of mine to go shooting. In all of my 30 years, I’ve never even shot a
BB gun, and I’m guessing a NERF gun doesn’t count. So when an expert who provides all the guns,
ammo, and targets asks if you’d like to go (and has a fun family to boot!) you
don’t pass it up. My best friend,
Laurel, was visiting her family from Colorado and they were headed out to Uncle
Gordon’s Canyon for some clay pigeon shooting.
Uncle Loren is always so funny to be around with his “stories of hunting
wild game” and deep voice, but he’s also a great teacher at explaining how
everything worked. Laurel and I were
both too scared to fire the shotguns, but we were brave enough to fire the rifles
and pistols. We felt like a couple of Charlie’s Angels by the end.
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