just something on my mind...

"I don't want to drive up to the pearly gates in a shiny sports car, wearing beautifully, tailored clothes, my hair expertly coiffed, and with long, perfectly manicured fingernails.
I want to drive up in a station wagon that has mud on the wheels from taking kids to scout camp.
I want to be there with a smudge of peanut butter on my shirt from making sandwiches for a sick neighbors children.
I want to be there with a little dirt under my fingernails from helping to weed someone's garden.
I want to be there with children's sticky kisses on my cheeks and the tears of a friend on my shoulder.
I want the Lord to know I was really here and that I really lived."
— Marjorie Pay Hinckley

My amazing friend Laura introduced me to this quote and have been thinking about it a lot lately. I love my job as a mom, a wife, a member of a church where I hold callings, learn to serve, and am given opportunities to grow. I love my job as a daughter to wonderful parents, sister to amazing siblings, teacher and coach to adorable kids and friends to some of the greatest people on earth! I love being a mom to the best kid on the planet and wife to a husband who I adore!
I love that Sister Hinckley uses the word "want" in this quote. As I look forward to my upcoming fall schedule, it's a busy one for sure. But I look forward with excitement as it's filled with all things worthy of my time and my attention, and giving me opportunities to learn, serve, love and grow- and there's nothing I "want" more!
I know that as I fulfill my callings and obligations, do it with a cheerful heart, with love, and with the Lord by my side, I will be refined, doors will be opened to me and my family, and I will feel the joy that comes from truly living.

South Carolina!

Last week, Bauer, my mom and I headed to South Carolina to go to one of my best friend's wedding. It was a GREAT time full of catching up, wedding fun, and humidity! I could not have done all the bridal party stuff if it wasn't for my mom so I'm super grateful to her! Bauer was a total trooper and loved all the attention! We had a great time and were thrilled we were able to be there for Ashley's big day.

being a goof-ball in the hotel room!

Mr. and Mrs. Gould!! LOVE THEM! can't wait to see them in October!

toooo cute!

My good friend Courtney from college with one of her twin girls!

totally tuckered out!

Video Updates...

My camera is not super reliable right now-- sometimes I get lucky and the lens will come out, sometimes not. To buy a point in shoot now, or save up for an SLR is the question... ANYWAY-- Bauer has been changing so much lately, learning so many new things. Today, Andrew and I were just talking about how amazing it is that yesterday he was barely walking at all, then today it seemed like his confidence quadrupled AND he was coming down the stairs the right way, something we've been trying to teach him for weeks!! SO FUN! He's so full of enery, fun, and love--a recipe for one amazing child!

Also-- many of these videos are long, may possibly make you motion sick, and don't have great lighting. Maybe I start taking more pictures in the morning sunlight, OR turn on some lights-- nah, that would be too easy!

One of Bauer's not so admirable qualities is his inability to be even just moderately messy at meal time. Everytime he eats, he's a MESS with all caps!

Don't worry I did cut his hair later this night-- I didn't cut him and make it look alright! First of many free mommy haircuts I'm sure!

He loves to play on his slide after the bath. However, if you're a jumpy first time mom or grandma, be aware that there is some falling in this video-- no injuries occurred I promise!




Just to prove how rough he likes to play, this video looks like child abuse, but I assure you Bauer had this hiccups from laughing for the rest of the day!

FUN FUN FUN!! What a blast this little boy is!
In other news: Andrew is busy studying for his real-estate exam. He's 2/3 of the way through school and trucking right along. We're soo excited about his future with Real Estate.
Between planning Super Saturday, being Activity Days leader and serving on the Enrichment Committee, teaching kickboxing 2 times a week, getting ready to start teaching preschool 2 times a week and coaching cheer again this year, I stay busy and love every second of all of it! We are soooo grateful for all our opportunities the Lord provides for us and happy we can do it as a family of 3!