Date Night

Matt and I went on our first real date in I don't know how long. Our sweet friends traded us and insisted on taking all of our kids to give us a night out together. We went to a new BBQ place called Worth Ranch that is super close by and shared their tasting platter. It was perfect, yummy, and so nice to be together. I wish we had a picture of us since we both wore our Australia shirts without realizing it.

Horseback Riding Lessons

Matt surprised me on Christmas with a month of horseback riding lessons. He gave them to me as a Christmas gift as well as a surprise for finishing my associates degree. I absolutely loved my time with Taeya (the horse) and love that my husband knows me so well to come up with such a fun gift.

Exercising & Sunshine

This is the view outside our front door. I've always thought this area was beautiful, but after years of drought followed by the weeks of rain it has gotten this year, everything is so green and lush. It's gorgeous. I feel like it's our own little Hobbiton. #beautifulworld #gratefulforsunshine #gratefulforrain

This guy needed the sunshine and snuggles more than ever today. He even thanked me for taking them on a walk. I told him the sun had special magic powers that made us happy, and I believe it with all my soul. #grateful #sunnyandwarm

"SOOO BIG!" Love this peanut. Even if she is our worst sleeper ever and had me sleeping in the pack n play with her last night.

Do you ever have those days or nights when you feel like a complete and utter failure as a mom? I'm pretty sure Tanner won't be the only one crying himself to sleep tonight. I'm not fishing for anything--- just letting you know you're not alone if you have a strong willed child (or five) that sometimes makes you feel like you're doing everything wrong. It was a good day gone bad and dinner and bedtime have drained me of everything I have. I couldn't throw him in bed fast enough, but now I just want to hold him and make sure he knows how much I still love him. #hardestjobever #istrugglewithpatience #mysweetboywasrottentonight 😔

Sienna's Recorder Concert

Sienna had her first recorder performance. She did so great and was so cute.

Sunday Curls

Jelly Belly Factory!

Everything is wet, but we wanted to get out of the house. Jelly Belly Factory tour (free!!!) followed by Chick-Fil-A (yum!!!)! Happy Saturday.

Sleep Struggles

She mocks me.

It is tiring and sometimes frustrating, but as much I'd love her to be a more consistent sleeper, I'm sad to lose these moments in the near future.

I also know these are the moments I dreamed of since I was a little girl, and so many long for still. 

The year we spent trying for a baby and not knowing when it would happen for us was the most trying year of my life. I know a year is nothing and quite normal, but being a mom was the only thing I ever knew I wanted to be. I cried everyday for months. 

Looking back, I'm so grateful for that experience. I am also grateful for my miscarriage and ectopic. These were not fun moments, but they help me empathize better with those that long for children or have had them and lost them. They also help me savor the moments when nothing will soothe my baby except cuddling up with her in her pack n play. Lastly, they help me rely on the Lord and strengthen my testimony of Him and His plan for me.

#findingjoyintheinsomnia #babydontgrowup #Godstiming #undeservinglyblessed #grateful

Popcorn Popping

Sadie was in charge of the treat for FHE tonight. I decided to teach her one of my childhood favorites. Anything with marshmallow is a win in my book. Most of the kids were huge fans.

Cookies for Our Neighbors

I had the best helpers in the kitchen with me today. We made (and ate) a lot of cookie dough and baked a lot of cookies for our neighbors and friends.