Outgrowth bye-bye!

Okay so I haven't colored my own hair is years. I mean I have let other try their best to do their magic on my hair but I haven't tried to do it myself. And tonight since I have no kids, no friends, and no husband to keep me busy I am taking my hair into my own hands. Now this is something that I really am not very comfortable with since the risks of messing up when I can only see 1/10 of my own hair is great I can't stand the outgrowth of black. So wish me luck as I attempt to make myself beautiful this evening. And if the next time you see me I have all one color hair just know I tried. I promise I am much better at coloring others hair then my own.

I'm a big kid now!

So little Isa continues to follow her big sister around wanting to do very thing she does. She follows the good, the sweet and the naughty examples she sees. I love it when they both are in a good mood and play together laughing and smiling. I really don't mind even when they yell and tell me to go away but continue to play well together. But what really makes me have to sigh is when they both roll their eyes at me when I ask them to come over for simple things like to put clothes on. I know that kids like to get naked and run around the house but the girls have now developed a name for themselves when they do it. The run around patting themselves calling each other "naked good guy!" So today Layla like usual (thank goodness) hopped on the potty all by herself and did her business. Next thing I know Isa is trying hard to get her shirt off after already succeeding in getting off the pants and the diaper. She apparently thinks she needs to potty naked i guess. Anyways after about 10 minutes of sitting there with Layla couching her on what to do she runs out to get on a diaper. No more than two second later she is running around in Layla's panties. Layla was so proud of her she gave her a big hug and told her she was a big girl now. When I tried to take a picture of our little grown up Isa she was very shy and suddenly aware that she was barely covered. But clothes or no clothes she is totally a doll. So here is our little shadow all ready to get potty trained if I am ready to take on the challenge. Wish me luck training a 21 month old while still watching a 3 year old and a dog. I guess we will just make it a family event every hour!

Quotes

Here are a few of the quotes that really stood out to me as either things I haven't thought about in a while or really mean a lot to me or those I love. I thought they might mean something to one or more of you so I thought I would share.

Elder Henry B Eyring- All of us have felt something of both union and separation. Sometimes in families and perhaps in other settings we have glimpsed life when one person put the interests of another above his or her own, in love and with sacrifice. And all of us know something of the sadness and loneliness of being separate and alone. We don't need to be told which we should choose. We know. But we need hope that we can experience unity in this life and qualify to have it forever in the world to come. And we need to know how that great blessing will come so that we can know what we must do.

Where people have that Spirit with them, we may expect harmony. The Spirit puts the testimony of truth in our hearts, which unifies those who share that testimony. The Spirit of God never generates contention. It never generates the feelings of distinctions between people which lead to strife. It leads to personal peace and a feeling of union with others. It unifies souls. A unified family, a unified Church, and a world at peace depend on unified souls.

President Spencer W Kimball- One comes to realize very soon after marriage that the spouse has weaknesses not previously revealed or discovered. The virtues which were constantly magnified during courtship now grow so small and insignificant during courtship now grow to sizable proportions. The hour has come for understanding hearts, for self-appraisal, and for good common sense, reasoning, and planning. The habits of years now show themselves; the spouse may be stingy or prodigal, lazy or industrious, devout or irreligious; he may be kind and cooperative or petulant and cross, demanding or giving, egotistical or self-effacing. The in-law problem comes closer into focus, and the relationships of the spouse to them is again magnified.

The success of [the marriage] depends upon the two individuals- not upon one, but upon two.

In a marriage commenced and based upon reasonable standards as already mentioned, there are not combinations of power which can destroy it except the power within either or both of the spouses themselves; and they must assume the responsibility generally. Other people and agencies may influence for good or bad. Financial, social, political, and other situations may seem to have a bearing; but the marriage depends first and always on the two spouses who can always make their marriage successful and happy if they are determined, unselfish, and righteous.

There is nobody who should argue with the Lord. he made the earth; He made the people. He knows the conditions. he set the program, and we are not intelligent enough or smart enough to be able to argue him out of these important things. He knows what is right and true. We ask you to think of these things. Be sure that your marriage is right. Be sure that your life is right. Be sure that your part of the marriage is carried forward properly.

"getting to know you... getting to know all about you"

1. What time did you get up this morning? 8:15
2. Diamonds or Pearls? Diamonds
3. What two things do you always have with you? phone and baby wipes
4. What is your favorite TV show? Lost, we are totally hooked!
5. What do you usually have for breakfast? 1/2 a grapefruit
6. What is your favorite book? Mere Christianity
7. What is your middle name? Michele
8. What food do you dislike? Sushi
9. What is your favorite CD? Ben Folds Five
10. What type of car do you drive? Corolla
11.Favorite sandwich? Chicken Salad
12. What characteristic do you despise? Liars
13. Favorite item of clothing? Jeans
14. If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation, where would you go? Fiji
15. What color is your bathroom? white walls with red accents
16. Favorite brand of clothing? Simply Verna
17. Where would you retire to? Midwest
18. What was your most recent memorable birthday? 21st
19. Do you make friends easily? Friends no not really but aquentences... I'm actually really shyAnyone who wants fill out and tell us just a little more about you... it's fun!
20. Favorite saying? "The day you stop trying is the day you loose but until then you are just somewhere on the journey!"
21. Are you a morning person or a night person? Night
22. Pets? Mini Poodle Sophie
23. What did you want to be when you were little? A princess... that is why I just laugh at my girls they are totally just like me!
24. How are you today? Happy and surprisingly well rested!
25. What is your favorite candy? Hot Tamales
26. What is your favorite flower? Violet Roses
27. What is a day on the calendar you are looking forward to? April 3rd
28.What church do you attend? The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
29. What are you listening to right now? Layla singing along with Enchanted
30. What was the last thing you ate? Bowl of salad
31. If you were a crayon, what color would you be? carmel
32. How is the weather right now? apparently 50 but feels like 30
33. Last person you spoke to on the phone? My husband
34. Favorite restaurant? Manny's in KC MO
35. Hair color? Brown with a splash of blond
36. Sibling(S)? 3 - 1 sister, 2 brothers
37. What was your favorite toy as a child? Barbies but only to dress them up and make them a pretty house... then I was done playing!
38. Summer or winter? Summer
39. Hugs or kisses? Kisses
40. Chocolate or Vanilla? Swirl
41. When was the last time you cried? two weeks ago?
42. What is under your bed? random stuff that has no place!
43. Favorite smell? Clean Laundry washed with apple mango tango
44. What are you afraid of? spiders and the dark
45. Plain, butter or salted popcorn? butter
46. How many keys on your key ring? 3
47. How many years at your current job? 3 years as of November!
48. Favorite day of the week? Saturday
49. How many towns have you lived in? 3
50. Who do you tag... anyone who wants to let us know a little more about them!

Easter Sunday

We didn't really do too much to celebrate today and of course I didn't get pictures of the girls in their church dresses. We were in a mad rush to get out the door on time today and then after church I snuck out to go to my best friend's baby blessing. He seriously is such a cute little boy, ahh one day, on far off day maybe we will have a little fella too! I am definately not in any hurry but it sure would be nice to have another man in the house! Anways here are some pictures from our lazy Sunday!

My little photographers!!!

The girls thought it would be fun to take turns taking pictures of everyone. I think they did a really good job for their first time don't you think!?!

Play Group Egg Hunt!

For play group my friend Ashley was kind enough to let us go to her parents gymnastic studio to have an Easter egg hunt and play. The girls just love to go there and play in the big foam pit. They were go cute and well behaved which was wonderful! Here are a few highlights from their day!

Happy Easter!!!

As a tradition in my family we celebrate the Easter bunny part of Easter Saturday or in this years case Friday. that way on Sunday we can concentrate on Christ and not be distracted with all the candy and eggs. Anyways so since the girls really wanted to see their grandma we thought we would celebrate today since Brian wasn't working. They did so wonderful finding the eggs, sharing and not having to eat it all at once. So here are some pictures of our little egg finders.

DON"T PLEASE PEOPLE DON"T!!!!!

Okay you know how when you look in the mirror you realize that there are a few thing that you really don't want people to see you in. I mean right now a bikini is the last thing I am going to strut around in. I have come to the conclusion that most of the U.S. either is missing this part of the brain, you know the part that tells you that you just are not looking good or they don't have a mirror. To illustrate what I am talking about please check out the following link to pictures snapped across the globe! I have to warn you it aint pretty but sure is funny!

What were they thinking!

Homework!!!

Okay so by now you know that my mom just visited us here in good old Rexburg. We had a wonderful time and I miss miss miss her terribly. Anyways while she was here she gave Brian and I some homework to work on. She is currently teaching the Marriage and Family relations class for I think the seventh time and wanted to share the new things she is learning with me. So she brought alone her lesson handouts and outline for the class. She challenged us to go through the class together with the class book and her notes.


I am proud to say that we have gone through two lessons and are really enjoying the time we are learning together. We have taken this class before but like everything you read the more you go over it at different times in your life the more you learn. So for the next month I will probably be randomly posting the important things that we have learned or remembered learning from going through my mothers assigned homework! I couldn't have asked for better parents and am glad that they never stop teaching me!

Easter Egg Princesses!

Today we colored eggs for Easter. Nana gave the girls a princess egg coloring kit fully equipted with princess crowns and faces! They invited their best friend Addie over to help and had a blast. Here is Layla with her favorite princess egg!

Next is little Isa who did a great job for her first time coloring eggs. She however now refuses to look at the camera when we want her to so this is the best we could get of her with her very own princess! (She actually did all of it herself!)

And last but certainly not least is Addie with her prize egg. She didn't quite want to smile for the picture but hey at least she looks at us unlike Isa. I love that the girls have a best friend so do everything with. It is going to be so hard when one of us finally moves on to the next stage in life and leaves Rexburg.

Family Home Evening

Our wonderful friends the Clews invited us over for dinner yesterday and FHE. The girls had such a great time with the little activity. For easter they made little treat bird nests with eggs. They thought it was wonderful and are so proud of their work! Here are their creations!

Must be doing something right!

Every once in a while I watch the girls and see the little people they are becoming. Today we went to Walmart and Broulims to get re-stalked on food and must need items. And it was walking in all holding hands in a line (Me-Layla-Isa) that I realized how much they love each other. They both watched each other very closely and if one got behind or just a set ahead they would say "Watch out you be careful, just stay with me." Isa of course mumbled her version of that since she isn't quite up with Layla and her sentence structure. But once we got inside that totally took care of each other. One good days they share, hold hands, dance together, laugh, hug and nothing means more that to watch. So after all the tears, stress, worry and every other emotion possible I realized that I must be doing something right for these two to be so wonderful.

Just hanging out with the girls!

Today was the first day with just mom since Nana left. The girls seem to be getting back to our normal boring winter scedule. They only asked for Nana about a dozen times today. But luckily Layla remembers that she had to go home to take care of Papa so that is what she told Isa over and over today. They sure are growing up too fast. I love how when they get along they are best friends. Isa is pretty much a minature Layla. If Layla looks left so does she. And when we play there MUST be two of every toy so that Isa can play with it EXACTLY the way Layla does. I love to watch how much she looks up to her older sister. I just pray everyday that they stay this close forever. I never grew up with my siblings this close. We all kind of did our own thing since we were 4 years apart. But with 19 months they are inseperable. It is probably the most trying thing to keep sane everyday but for moments like this I wouldn't do it any other way!

The homemade slide

Brian came up with a great idea to made a slide in the living room to entertain the girls on Sunday night. We are starting to get creative trying to keep the kids busy during this long winter. Hopefully spring will come soon but until then wish us luck with our wacky ideas to keep the girls busy and happy!

Goodbye lunch with Nana!

Okay so I have a wonderful and totally sad story. My little Layla is growing up and finally is understanding enough to get her little heart hurt. Saturday we all got ready to head to the airport to send Nana back home to Kansas. Layla asked where we were going and when I told her the airport she just started to cry. She told me that Nana didn't need to go home, she needed to stay and be with Layla because she lives to far far away. I tried to explain that she needed to take care of Papa but she simply responded that Papa is just fine and she will miss her too much if she leaves. I don't know how many of you miss your parents as much as I do but saying goodbye is hard enough without knowing it is hard for little Layla too. Anyways I got her calm and we headed out to lunch. It worked out great though because we left the girls with Brian at Chili's while I dropped off my mom. I had the car running so for the first time I dropped her off without breaking down saying goodbye. I did however breakdown walking out the sliding doors headed to my car but at least my mom didn't have to see me sob. It was so WONDERFUL to have her here. She really is by far the best mother in the world. I know you probably think your mom is but no My MOM wins the award hands down!

All put together

So as most of you know by now my mom is totally craft and a wonderful interior design specialist who I get all my inspiration from! Anyways while she was out she helped me finish off the girls room finally! I painted the walls a nice neutral green because we wouldn't be here too long and figured it would go with anything. But the long we stayed here the long the room looked so blah. So Monday we headed out on a mission to get stuff to finish off the room. Thankfully Kristi loaned us her sewing machine and about 4 hours later their room is done! We made the quilts, curtains, ties, the works and I am so so happy with how it turned out! What do you think?

Love Bird Tag

1. Where did you and your husband meet?When we were 14 and 15 years old we both went to our first Youth Conference for church. I met Brian the very first opening dance and thought he was just so HOT! The next day we had a service project where we went to sing at a nursing home. On the bus and at the activity is when BRIAN thinks we met. Luckily I have a very detailed teenage journal that tells that I am RIGHT!
2. First thing you said to each other... Wanna dance? Ahh sure!
3. What was your first date? If you count a date as an approved date outing then it was Brian's 16th birthday we went to see TITANIC in the theater. I think it is probably more accurate to say we went to listen to Titanic while we made out! Ahh to be 16 again!
4.Where was your first kiss? Our first kiss was on what we think of as our first date. It was just a couple weeks after we met we organized a big group (NONE DATE) to go to the local amusement park Worlds of Fun. It was there on a bench in the middle of a thousand people that we had our first attempt at a kiss. We both were nervous and I moved my head right as Brian came in to kiss me so he missed my mouth and only caught the corner. But have no fear he made up for it later as we kissed heading up a ride, on a ride, in line for rides, you get the picture!
5.Long or short courtship/engagement? Courtship is funny because we were really off and on for a while. We "went out" for a year. Then were friends for a 3 years. Then on and off for another year. I friends who loved each other for his two year mission. And then once he came home we were quickly engaged for a short 4 months! For a grand total of 6 1/2 years.
6. Where did you get engaged? Well the first proposal was from me in his bedroom about 4 hours after Brian was released after him mission. I thought since I had been dating someone EVERYONE thought I would marry I had to explain RIGHT AWAY that it was him I loved and wanted to be with. Two weeks later after thinking it over sitting on the Salt Lake Temple grounds we excepted. And last he proposed with a ring two months later at his Grandpa's house in a desperate attempt to stop me from crying. (Emotional time poor guy)
7.Where were you married? I grew up in the Midwest and the only temple I saw often was the ruins of the Nauvoo temple. And as a little four year old I didn't understand that I couldn't get married in that temple for obvious reasons. But by the time I grew up I was lucky enough to be able to watch my favorite temple get built and then get married there! Dreams do come true!!!!
8. Where did you honeymoon? I will tell you when we finally go on one! We got married poor, had kids quickly and become more poor and now with two kids and heading to med school we are still poor. But have no fear next year when Brian graduates and the girls are old enough to stay with Nana and Papa for a week we are really going to enjoy our trip where ever if may be!

New game!

I am always surprised with what kids think is a great new game to play. Yesterday after naps Layla was climbing into Nana's suitcase. After a short time it turned into a ride. Isa was too shy to get in for almost an hour however she did ride on top! Oh the things that kids find fun... why do we buy them toys again??? If you notice Layla fits perfectly inside. You wouldn't know she was in there if it wasn't for her tiny little toes peaking out!

My Pride and Joy!!!

NANA has finally arrived!

So this week we are really excited to have my mom out visiting us. The girls are really funny because they are very specific about us calling her Nana NOT Grandma. Apparently Nana is my mom and Grandma is Brian's. I love that they remember who she is though so I'll teach myself to call her whatever they want! Anyways like always Nana is obsessed with shopping for the girls and putting them in matching outfits. Here is my new favorite outfit for them!

The three most important ladies in my life!