2014…

cam is at such a fun age, and her little buddy hannah is such a great friend.  they baked chocolate chip banana bread together, and it was amazing, of course i ate too much of it.  love having girls that like to bake and cook!

2014…

our girls are loving meeting new friends, and building relationships.  it’s so great when they find someone they play so well with.  grateful for good friends.

2014…

i absolutely love peonies. for they are such a great vintage flower, with lots of depth and layers.  love them.  and was completely ecstatic when we had bushes of them growing in our yard this spring.  so awesome, and something i’ve wanted to grown and haven’t, so there it was, check it off my list. 

2014.

so we decided, or i decided, and everyone was great in following, no sugar for a month.  we ate meat, fruit, veggies, and almonds for a month.  there were a handful of times we did have some chocolate, because frankly, i thought i would die without it.  but we did awesome, all six of us.  we are already gluten free because we have to be, so not having bread wasn’t hard.  no i just crave delish meals like these…

2014.

when we moved into this new area, new house, new ward, we had no idea how much we would love it.  we have loved the people here, the location, and this awesome house so much.  we feel very grateful, especially having lived in very interesting places in the past…i won’t mention them as to not offend those people.  but nevertheless, here we are, happy.  finding a “mature” home has some great perks…we have an apple tree, established yard, and lots of character with the home.  we have a great sized yard too, lots of wildlife, and good neighbors!  thankful for this good move!

june.  2014

i love it when i get a makeover i like…and i can never figure out how to replicate it at home though.  what the heck.  but if it turns out, i’ve got to share. 

may.  2014

when i was asked to make gluten free cupcakes for the r.s. women’s birthday celebration, i said, heck ya.  i love cupcakes.  i love them so much.  and i love the cream cheese whipped frosting on top.  it’s addicting, and therefore only can be made on special occasions.  they turned out delish!  chocolate cupcakes with cream cheese frosting, and lemon cupcakes with blackberry cream cheese frosting.  let’s just say, if you need cupcakes, i’m your gal…gives me a good reason to make and eat cupcakes.

may.  2014

i have heard a lot of mother’s over the years say they don’t like mother’s day, because it reminds them of all the things they fell short in as a mother.  well i say, don’t look at it that way.  here’s how i look at it.  it’s a day i get to spend with my family, being served, not having to clean up, being waited on, and having a day for ME where i catch a break, because, as we all know, being a mother is a blessing and a never-ending job.  so if i get a day off, so be it!  bring me my crumpets i say!

i have never seen such sweet cards from my kids…warmed my soul and made me feel so good.  good thing we are focusing on the good things mother’s do today:)  gives a good motherhood booster.

chicken and artichoke hearts…so good.

may 2.  2014

wow, i can’t believe madison is 13!  the days of hospital rooms, feeding tubes, and daily therapies still feel like a few weeks ago.  she has come such a long way.  she has such a sweet and tender heart, we are so blessed to have you!

in this last year, madison is getting better at math, learned she loves volleyball, loves to serve, had a blast at girls camp ziplining and water rafting, even though is small-can hike and kick hiney-never complaining and never giving up. 

this year was a friend party.  madison’s day started with bird watching with nadia, hanging out, opening family gifts, having friends over, taking them to play racquetball and swim, eating pizza and cake and opening presents.  it was a fun filled day!  now i need a rest.

april 29.  2014 nadia is six.  our little feisty, smart, reading at three-years-old little girl who loves science and history.  she is a bit sassier than our other girls, but i’m hoping that wears off…soon…nadia loved having new friends over and celebrating her special day, starting with french toast, a treat around these parts.  i especially loved nadia’s invitation that she colored…i heart it!  

nadia face-timing with her birthmother.