A Decade of Change

April returning from her mission in Spain

My Grandpa

My apartment in Greeley

Daisy

High school

I saw this on a friend’s blog and loved it. Here has been my life in the last decade. I tag you to do the same:
2000
My last year and half of high school. At the time I thought I was the coolest most important person alive. I now like to refer it to the worse most embarrassing time of my life. I always tell people they wouldn't believe the type of person I was. It is true. I did however love my job working at a Pre-School. Parents got divorced, my mom got remarried. I got caught throwing a Halloween Party, drove around in a silver jetta, and was super confused about life.
2001
Started my first year of college at UNC in Greeley, CO. Made some good friends. Took dating way to serious. But for the first time actually applied myself in school and enjoyed it.
2002
I got sweet Daisy (the dog) loved her. Moved in with 3 girls at UNC. Sister went on a mission.
2003
Moved in with 1 girl at UNC. Revolved my life around Daisy. Grew closer with my family.
2004
Felt like something was missing in my life. Broke down in a way (I needed to be humbled) realized even though many thought in a way had it all, I really had nothing. Got in contact with missionaries. I knew the gospel was true. I had a change of heart. Packed up the life I knew and moved to Utah for my forth year of college. Met Josh, loved my scriptures, got my patriarchal blessing. Changed as a person. Who I always was I just didn't know it.
2005
Attended UVSC Got engaged, temple, got married for time and all eternity to my wonderful husband. Went to Walt Disney World and Hawaii. Learned a ton that first year of marriage (still am).
2006
My Grandpa and Grandma both passed away. They were such an amazing people and such a wonderful part of my life. I think if them daily. I miss them the same (I thought it would get better with time). Liam was named after my Grandpa. He was hard working, funny, loving, and a cowboy. My Grandma was smart, beautiful, a wonderful artist, and they both were two of my dearest friends and hero's.
Moved to Missoula, MT. Had our son. Experienced a type of love, joy, responsibility I never knew possible. Our world was now our son Liam.
2007
Moved back to Utah. Bought our first place. Loved being a Mom. Josh started a new career path, which took a lot of courage and did wonderfully.
2008
Pregnant again with our wonderful daughter Experienced life with two. Workload tripled but was TOTALLY worth it. She is amazing.
2009
Gave away Daisy to a wonderful home. Moved to a different home. Cried when Daisy passed away but was grateful she was with such wonderful people. Didn't sleep AT ALL. Loved my kids and hubby with all my heart, Had little time for myself but loved being with the people I love most. I suppose that is my life for the next decade as well (little time for myself) which I am totally ok with. I do hope for more sleep however.
I can't get over how much my life has changed. I would of NEVER though my life would be where it is today in 2000. I am so grateful for a Father in Heaven who has watched over me and loved me unconditionally through my good and bad times. I will never forget when I went to the Temple for the first time the man who sat me down and said, "I can tell you have been through a lot to be here today." I started crying with my Mom and sister. I can't explain the gratitude I have to be where I am, it is a miracle. My life is truly blessed and it is all through the atonement, prayer, love, humility, and family.

Art at its BEST!

This is a very accurate picture of my sister April which Liam drew. I know she doesn't have hair or a torso. It is accurate because we can tell she has a head, eyes, ears, body, etc. Liam drew this with no help. He loves to draw pictures of people he loves. For instance the other night he was drawing with Josh. He offered to draw a picture of his Daddy. He said, "First I will draw an enormous head!". Yes, he did draw an enormous head the size of the pad.
Since my blog allows me to brag about my kids and I am sure annoys many of you, I would also like to throw in he also can write all his letters (upper case). My favorite is when he does the letter M or W. It just keeps going. More like MMMMMMM. Kids are so bright. I wish I had learned as much as Liam in the past year. His vocabulary increased by at least 90%, he has learned to write an entire alphabet, perfected drawing people, and much more. It really is amazing when you think about.

Sledding and Amber

Where we live is wonderful. Just 10 minutes from our house we are in the mountains seeing elk, rideing our sleds and enjoying being a family. Liam rode the fastest sled all by himself down the hill many times. He loved it. People were asking how old he was. You can imagine how proud his Dad was.
We also have had the privledge of our niece Amber visiting us. She is so sweet and made the mistake of offering a year and half ago for me to do her hair and make up. We didn't have time then but I was sure to remind her. It is one of my favorite things to do. She also let me choose the shirt she is wearing. Amber we love you!

Most Wonderful Time of The Year

This year we had the opportunity to go to Cheyenne for Christmas. It was so wonderful to go and see Josh's family, cousins, Auntie Phyllis and Uncle. Nothing beats family. It was so fun hanging with Cale and Suzette. One of my favorite parts of the trip was Old Chicago's with Suzette. It was all worth it evevn in NEGATIVE 10 degree weather with wind. What in the world?!?!? Every time I go to Cheyenne I love the size, I love the people, I love the way of life, but the weather... I'm sure it isn't bad once you live there and the pros totally out weigh the one con I have found! We are so happy we went and realized with our kids getting older and our own family traditions we most likely wont be traveling for Christmas any more. I am so happy we did it this year. We are for sure going for frontier days and 4th of July. Nothing beats Cheyenne in July!!!
We loved Christmas this year. The magic of Christmas really kicked in this year with Liam. He is really understanding the whole Santa thing. He loves it! Loves it so much he threw his BIGGEST tantrum yet this morning when we started putting away the Christmas decor. Liam's favorite part of Christmas was the presents. Wish I could say the gift of giving but he is 3 years old and really enjoys toys. We tried playing the whole Santa is watching you so be good card which he couldn't of cared less. Then we tried, "Do we need to call the Grinch?" it worked miracles. The truth is, Santa will come either way, but what if the Grinch really did show up. Scarey!!! Liam got a transformer which he asked for repeatedly. I am still waiting for him to play with it. He did really like the sword his sister got him however.
Layla, she loved sitting on the Christmas boxes and the baby banana's she got in her stocking. All Christmas morning she wanted to eat. She would find food in anyone's stocking and bring it right over. She ate, ate, and ate! To top it off she looked soooo cute in the Christmas dress Grandma Holly got her.
Christmas for me was a season of realization. I was so excited about finding toys, santa, a wish list and so on that one night in the middle of December I was sick to my stomach that I hadn't even really thought about the true meaning of CHRISTmas. It didn't help that read Christmas Jars (thanks Mom in Cheyenne, wonderful book with a wonderful message). I realized the gift of Christmas is that our Savior was born. The gift of Christmas is helping those who are need. I realized on Christmas morning Liam doesn't care if he gets 10 presents and is just excited to get 2. I realized no gift i can recieve compares to the feeling of giving. I realized how unneccessary my 'wish list' was and that I honestly didn't need anything. We are so blessed with all that we have. Next year I want to focus December on serving and giving. The story of Christ being born and the life that he lived. I was so proud of Liam when he spent his birthday money on Candy Canes for his friends in his Church Class I gave him the idea and he was totally ok with it. I was also proud of Liam and Daddy going out on a cold winter night to deliver presents to our wonderful neighbors and friends. I really want to do more of that stuff next year. Christmas really is wonderful for those reasons. A way to show love for those who mean so much to us.
Don't get me wrong Santa is wonderful and is always welcome down our chimney. But he is a part of Christmas not all of Christmas. He adds magic to season and smiles to children's faces. One of my fondest memories of Cheyenne was Uncle Cale reading, "The Night before Christmas" and the children hearing sleigh bells outside. You should of seen their faces. It was priceless. I love the anticipation of what Josh gets me (this year P90X) and a new pair of slippers each year. The neat thing about the gospel is we get to focus on Christ all year long. Every Sunday at church and throughout the week as we study our Scriptures. Christmas time is a time of giving, celebrating our Savior and "magic". Next year I want to focus not so much on getting but more on giving. Merry Christmas to all!!!

Our life at the Moment

I consider this blog our family journal so here is the latest. Liam just finished Gymnastics which he loved along with everything else about his life. He plays swords all day everyday but sadly, loses the privledge a little more then he would like. The other day he asked if Santa wouldn't come so he could keep his Birthday presents and was very excited when I told him he could have Christmas presents and Birthday presents. He melts my heart when he out of blue he gives me a hug and tells me he loves me so much. I love him so much!
Layla is still her little self full of spice. I wish I had some of her determination. When that girl gets her mind set on something there is NO compromising. She has the sweetest laugh. She loves her little stuffed dog. She is enjoyinng her new forward carseat and smiles/laughs the first few minutes she is in it. She catches on very quickly to what adults and big kids are doing. She wants nothing to do with being a baby lets just put it that way. Layla was in the 25% for height and weight which total threw me for a loop. What in the world? My family is always in the 75% and higher for height. I couldn't figure out why she was still wearing 6-12 month clothes. I thought they started making them bigger. Guess not. I feel so blessed to have her as a daughter. Layla, I love you so much!
Josh and I are convinced Liam has my personality and Layla has Josh's. Liam loves people more then anything. He will talk to anyone and give them a thumbs up. The other day he was in his room all morning "cleaning" not in trouble just doing his chore. He was happy as a lark and got nothing done. He would put one toy away while discovering another one. I checked on him and asked if he was cleaning. He said with a huge smile, "Ohh forry Mom I forgot, do you want to play with me in here?".
Layla is determind and hard working. She will sit and figure anything out. I sometimes have to remind myself she just turned one. She seems so much older some times. She loves to make people laugh. I love her 4 teeth. It feels like she has a new word every day. I admire her determination,
I love being at home and keep myself busy with our two young kids. The love I have for our children far exceeds everything else. It feels like we are always doing a craft, making a meal, cleaning, etc. Not enough time in the day. I never thought I could be soooo busy or tired. At least the busy is full of love. I have enjoyed making little girl bows lately and love time with my sisters and friends. Love to shop (some things will never change) and to get dolled up. Movies in bed are my favorite. Going out to a good resturant makes me very happy. I love living near my Dad and Leslie and am mad that my sisters and Mom aren't closer. I am also mad the Monk (my favorite TV show) is over but felt a little better when I found a book series. I love it when my sisters let me dress them and love my Moms new haircut. My parents are my heros. The gospel is my foundation. I have a strong testimony of our Savior and The Book of Mormon. My life will always be wonderful because I have the gospel. Maybe not easy, but wonderful. I have gratitude for the many blessings our Father in Heaven has blessed me with.

Thanksgiving

We loved Thanksgiving this year. We had the opportunity to go to St. George.. Both of my sisters were there. It couldn't of gone better. I know my Dad and Leslie did a ton of work to make the whole thing happen. It was really I wonderful memory. My Grandpa and his wife were able to come all the way from Kentucky. The kids got to play and parents visit. It was a blast. Layla slept better then I had ever seen and Liam loved being around everyone. He still talks about the George house and wants to go back more then anything. So do I.
I have so much to be Thankful for. I am grateful we are getting by in the economy at this time, for the support and love of many family members. Most importantly I have the gospel as a foundation in my life and the opportunity to love and care for my wondeful children. They are amazing. I don't know what I would do with out them.
More pix to come...

Liam LOVED Lolly. We heard it the whole time very loud, "WOLLY, WOLLY, COME HERE WOLLY, WOLLY!"

Happy 3rd Birthday Liam!!!

Liam really is the perfect 3 year old. He is full of life, the happiest kid I know, bright and so darn cute! He prefers to wear only his undies, loves his sword and hook, monsters, aliens, pirates, and dinosaurs (everything he is suppose to fear), loves to wrestle/tackle, misses his sister when she is asleep, avoids crying at all costs, will try anything, loves his cousins (hugs), his best friend Austin, he lives to see his Grandparents/Aunties and enjoys life more then anyone I will ever know. It is safe to say he never stops going. Jumps out of bed the second his eyes open and goes until way past his bedtime. All with a smile on his face.
Liam is so special. Even at his young age he has been such a strong example in our home. I can see why our Father in Heaven sent him first. He is a leader who seeks good feelings and things. He is so quick to apologize and is always willing to help. I like to flatter myself and say his personality is a lot like my own. The reality is I wish to be like him. His attentions span did come from me however. You should see how long it takes this kid to clean up 5 toys. He just gets distracted easily.
Liam, you mean so much to our family. You have blessed our lives with your presence. You are strength to many and will do wonderful things with your life. I just know it
Love you,
Mommy

Here are some pics from his birthday at the Pirate Restaurant:

Happy 1st Birthday Layla

I think I make this same face when I eat anything sweet




Birthday Cake outfit


Cupcake Birthday Outfit

"Sugar and Spice" is what I would use to describe my little Layla. I love this little girl more then words can say. She has more personality in her then most 16 year olds. She has been such a blessing to our home. Here are a few of my favorite things:
How happy she can be
How easy it is to make her laugh
Her determination
Her big blue eyes and long lashes
How she will rest her head on me when she is tired
The way she hums herself to sleep while playing with her hair
If I pat her back while I am holding her she pats mine right back
How much she loves her brother
How excited she is to see her Daddy
How she reaches for me any time someone else is holding her
How she tries to be big kid
How she loves to eat
Her clothes
Her girl toys (I am really pushing some of my favorites on her)
Her face while she says "Ohhhh"
She can get out of any buckle and climb on anything
She really is perfect in every way. She has made this past year a wonderful year for all of us. She is as sweet as sugar. Loves to give hugs and kisses. She's got spice as well. I have no doubt this little spirit will stand up for everything she believes in. Not to mention she has a big brother to back her up. This past year has been exhausting. I never could of imagine the point of exhaustion I have felt. All of those sleepless nights are replaced with our favorite little girls first step, her sweet smile, her sloppy kisses, her sassy personality, and those beautiful blue eyes. Layla I love you more then words can say. You and your brother mean the world to me. Happy Birthday Sweet Pea!!!

Always Laughing

Ready to play in the first snow. Josh cracked up when he saw this picture.


Liam decided to color green all over Layla the other day. Here she is in the bath. I asked him why he did it and he said, "Marcie, because she wants to be an indian". I guess I should of known that.

Halloween 2009

Layla and her boyfriend. Birds of a feather stick together... Maybe we can use this on their wedding invitation :)

These two are the CUTEST pals. Best Friends for sure!

Toy Story 2... Which is the real BUZZ???

Trunk or Treat

I made our costumes. Sadly I ended up having no where to wear it to. We weren't able to go to our friends party due to the swine flu.... Maybe it was the bird flu :)

We went to Papa's house first. Weslee had some yummy cookies to decorate. We LOVE having them near!

Is it time yet?

Daddy's Work party

These two LOOK the same! All josh needs are some pink feathers and a binky and you wouldn't be able to tell the two apart.

It fits! I glued a beak on Layla's binky. It worked great!

I really LOVE Halloween. I feel when it is taken lightly it can be a GREAT family holiday. There is nothing more darling then seeing a bunch of dressed up kids running around getting candy. The cutest is their reactions to other kids costumes. I remember when I worked at a Preschool the first 10 minutes of the party were the kids just sitting in a circle looking at each others costumes. They loved it and sat perfectly still and quiet with a big grin on their face. It is even cuter when it is your own kid.
Josh and I were laughing at the smell of Liam's halloween bag. It brought back all the memories of childhood. Take a swift of your kids. You will recognize it, promise.