Summer Fun...

We've been doing everything we can to make the most of this summer! Since our newest addition joins us in August we're trying to cram it all in up front. Lydia is at such a fun age and we are loving every last minute we have with her til we have to share our minutes with the new sissy (I'm so scared and nervous for that, I can't even tell you!?!?)

Some of the fun things we've been able to do so far include; a short camping trip on which Ava and Mitchel accompanied us. We fit a lot of adventure into the overnight trip. We saw 2 momma moose and their babies and we caught about ten fish. We had a little two point buck that hung out in our camp and even slept there. We also had some good cooking, but there is definitely room for improvement in that department.
Next we had a much anticipated visit from Aunt Jen, Aunt Nancy and Cousin Emily. We fit some fun into the week with them that included lots of yummy food, shopping, swimming, game playing, rodeo going, and relaxing. Lydia has been missing her "friends" ever since they left on Sunday. They really spoiled her with attention and gifts. Aside from that we've been doing a lot of swimming to stay cool. Lydia also started swimming lessons with cousin Mitch and is really loving it. She's a fearless little fish!

The fun in photos...

"Belly Laughs"

Last night I was getting Lydi ready for bed and I groaned and said "I can't even bend over...this belly is so big!" She ran over, put one had on my back and one my belly and said, "Here, I help you get that baby out!"

A few minutes later I was settling into her rocking chair to read her a book. I said come sit on my lap and she looked at me and said, "You too big. I sit on the rug." She's right! the chair is not big enough for THREE of us!

Lydi LOvE...

It has been great spending more time with my Lydi-bugs this week. She is so much fun. I hate to think she's actually going to grow up! I wish I could keep her just how she is! Here are some of the funny things she's been saying and doing this week...

-She wrapped her arms around me when I was down at her level cleaning and said "you my best friend." HEAVEN!
-She has been wanting to help with a lot of the cleaning and when I try to interfere her famous words are: "no le-my do it!"
-She has been a little lazy with her eating and will look at me and say "feed me."
-She always wants me to rest with her and she'll say "just for minute, palease."
-When she is upset I'll give her a few minutes to get over it and when she's ready she'll say "I not sad, I just happy now."
-She's usually watching a cartoon while I shower and as soon as she hears the water turn off she jumps up and runs in the bathroom to get me a towel and hands it in to me through the shower door. The funny thing about this is the consistency. She will not miss the opportunity. I used to forget to wait for her and she would get so upset...not anymore, now it's just part of the routine.
-She has been wanting to sleep in our bed at night and it makes for a very lousy night's sleep-especially being 32 weeks pregnant! But she always seems to wake up with an issue in the night and knows she'll get in there. The funniest was "there's an alligator in my bed." The first time it was genuine. She had a bad dream. The next three times...not so much. She's now moved on from that to a mouse on her dresser. She is hilarious.

I could go on and on, and this is probably boring you all, but I have to remember these things to get me through those teenage years that might prove to be less enjoyable!

SURPRISE VISITORS!

Lydi's Pa and "udder" (other) gramma stopped in for a surprise visit on their way to Idaho and they brought this darling baby goat with them. What better to come home from church to?!?

It was a nice Sunday all around! We had grammy over for dinner for our favorite; Ritzie chicken! Then we tested the pool by dipping our feet in and realized it needs lots of HEAT! The water was a bone chilling 65 degrees. We made cupcakes after that and remembered why we don't bake! 24 hours later and 14 of the cupcakes are gone! (Lydia had one) OOPS! We are so thrilled for summer to be here and for our new, more relaxed schedule!!!

To Know a Mother's Love

I've always loved Mother's Day, but it has taken on a new meaning since I've become a mom. The gifts and well wishes are nice, but the best part, for me, is having a chance to reflect on knowing what it means to feel a mother's love.

Mom, Today I'm grateful for you and all that you are. You stand for everything that is good and I'm forever indebted to you for your loving example and selfless sacrifice.

Lydia, You're my world little love bug! I am humbled every time I look at you and think that I've been granted the opportunity to nurture you through this life. I love your snuggles and your laughs and all your 20 questions. I love you to the moon and back!

This poem was shared in our sacrament meeting today. I thought it was worthy of sharing with all of you mothers out there....

Happy Mother's Day!

TEMPLE BUILDERS
-
A builder builded a temple;
He wrought with care and skill;--
Pillars and groins and arches
Were fashioned to meet his will;
And men said when they saw its beauty
"It shall never know decay.
Great is thy skill, O Builder.
Thy fame shall endure for aye."
-
A MOTHER builded a temple;
She wrought with skill and care;--
Forming each pillar with patience.
Laying each stone with prayer.
None saw the unceasing effort;
None knew of the marvelous plan;
For the temple the MOTHER builded
Was unseen by the eyes of man.
-
Gone is the builder's temple;--
Crumpled into the dust.--
Pillar and groin and arches
Food for consuming rust;
But the temple the MOTHER builded
Shall endure while the ages roll; --
For that beautiful, unseen temple
Was a child's immortal soul.

The Coop

I can't take any credit for it..but Gary and Lydia were a great team on this project!

So much catching up to do, so little time (actually I'm just lazy when it comes to this blog!) Here's a little snippet of what we've been up to lately...

Mid-March trip to St. George with Mom, Ava and Lydi Bugs to watch Cole play baseball. His team did awesome and we had a lot of fun. It's always nice to escape to Southern Utah this time of the year. Trip highlights include:
-Grammy taking the girls to the snack machine every night before bed?!?!
-Yummy dinner at The Brick Oven (which Lydia slept through)
-Really exciting baseball games courtesy of the The Utah Horns
-A fun little hike on the red rocks before leaving town
-Easter Weekend with The Cannons who came to watch conference. We also had a brunch here Sunday morning with the Johnsons Aunt Pat and Gigi visiting from Boise.
-Building a chicken coop (OK this one is 90% Gary, but I have helped out on the design committee and with a little bit of painting) Lydia has been a big help to.
-Getting Chicks. They're in an incubator right now, but the coop they're getting is high class. I think they'll be very excited about it. Lydi LOVES them and goes out each day to check on them, pick them up and give them kisses. We're excited for the new adventure of raising chickens. When Lydi is asked how they are doing she replies, "they still alibe" which we are proud to say is true-so far, so good!
-Growing Baby #2, aside from all the busi-ness around here, Lydi's little sister is doing well. She's a kicker. I'm sure she just can't wait to get out and join us and all of our fun! Please enjoy the one and only picture you might get of me this pregnancy. I swear 50% of my weight-gain goes to my face-not cute!