Halloween party

Ok, so this cute couple in our ward loves our girls. They are about my parents age and don't have grandkids of their own yet and are practicing on my kids. Addie loves going to their house and Leah doesn't mind (which is good for how clingy she is). This couple asks to watch our kids. I love it and I am super grateful for them.

Well, last night, they had us over for a Halloween party for family night. She had decorated the house so cute. There were cupcakes to decorate, pumpkins to give faces to, and lots of candy and trinkets. I felt so spoiled, and the party was for my girls! Leah was covered in chocolate. Addie worked very hard on the cupcakes. We chatted about everything and the girls played. 

I figure this is a pay-it-forward kind of thing. Someday, before we have grandkids, we can spoil someone's else's kids. 

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Don't worry...

IAlthough the past few posts have seemed like things are really bad with me, I promise they aren't. We've had some rough days (who hasn't?), but generally we are all happy. I love Mike, he loves me (although I'm sure he thinks I'm crazy:) ). I love almost every minute with my girls. Addie is so sweet and fun, we are just transitioning to a new schedule, which is always hard. Leah just trucks around but is teething (yay for finally having 8 teeth!). I am glad that the colds in our house from last week are gone. Add up some of those harder things with fun PMS (tmi?) and you have some rough moments in the day.Although the past few posts have seemed like things are really bad with me, I promise they aren't. We've had some rough days (who hasn't?), but generally we are all happy. I love Mike, he loves me (although I'm sure he thinks I'm crazy:) ). I love almost every minute with my girls. Addie is so sweet and fun, we are just transitioning to a new schedule, which is always hard. Leah just trucks around but is teething (yay for finally having 8 teeth!). I am glad that the colds in our house from last week are gone. Add up some of those harder things with fun PMS (tmi?) and you have some rough moments in the day. 

But we are good. I really love staying home with my girls. And I love my husband. He is always there for me. 

Lovely Leah

What you can't see in this picture is what is in the pot. She was mixing up her leftover meatloaf and the last of the mashed potatoes, having a great time. Yes, there was a mess everywhere, but she was having the best time. 

Mike and I got to go to the temple tonight. It was beautiful. We did proxy sealings and it was a great reminder of when we were sealed to each other. I love going to the temple because you are able to leave your cares at the door and just focus on the things that are truly important. 

Like my marriage and my daughters. 

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Grateful

At church yesterday, I was sitting there and I realized how grateful I am for certain things in life. 

First, is my family. Last week was admittedly not my best week. Long story short, sick babies, trip recovery and less sleep then I should get added up to lots of grumpy people in our house. But Mike is so patient and loving and he really helped more than he knows. He is always there for me and really does understand what I need, even if in a moment of weakness I tell him he doesn't. 

Also, I am extremely grateful for the little things. Small kisses and bear hugs, cuddling, two girls that like to play together, and girls that are easily and cheaply entertained. I love baby chub and chocolate chip mouths; I have a sweet girl who asks how my day was. 

This week, we are taking it easy. Just enjoying the day and not rushing. And trying to stave off that dreaded 5 pm meltdown.... 

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Pumpkin Patch

We have been trying to get outside as much as we can. I love getting out to enjoy the fall colors and let's be honest, everyone likes to crunch leaves.
I think I might go nuts as the weather starts to get really wet and we can't go outside.
Today we went to our favorite pumpkin patch, Bob's Corn in Snohomish (if you are local, I highly recommend this place!). We went early and beat all the crowds. I didn't take any pictures with my phone because it is cracked.... But I got some cute ones with my real camera. The girls had fun tromping through the mud and touching every pumpkin. This year we took them through the kids corn maze and they thought that was fun. Well, Addie did, Leah crashed out on Mike's shoulder a few minutes in. She missed out on fresh donuts, cider and roasted corn. But the little girl was beat.
When we got home we seriously crashed out and everyone slept from 3 to 6.
Today was such a good, unproductive day that we all needed.


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Long Day

Some days are good, and some aren't as good and that's okay. The past 2 weeks have been great. Really. Everyone was happy and well behaved. Now we are recovering from our trip and me and my girls are just not getting along. I know we'll get back into our routine soon, but today was rough. Sick and tired girls makes for a worn out mom. 

As our day was ending, things were still rocky. After my babies went to bed, I told Mike all about my long day woes. He listened to me and reassured me I'm a good mom. I had the thought, and it's a quote from a general authority and in my tired state, I can't remember who, but it says, "sometimes courage is the little voice at the end of the day saying 'I'll try again tomorrow.'" And that's what I'm reminding myself tonight. Just because today was bad, doesn't mean I have to repeat it tomorrow. 

Tomorrow, we are going to be best buds, and I'm keeping the baby Tyleno on tap. 

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Spud Harvest

This year was our first spud harvest. For those that don't know, Mike grew up on a potato farm. He has missed farming since graduating and moving to the big city. This year we were lucky enough to head to Rexburg and dig those taters. 

Mike seriously loved all of it. He has been so relaxed and really enjoys farming. The girls loved riding in the tractor with dad. Leah was even comfortable enough to fall asleep while digging potatoes. This was just so new to me, and I had a lot of questions and I really enjoyed taking it all in. 

It will be a bummer to head home on Saturday and go back to real life. This has been such a good two weeks for everyone. 

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Yellowstone National Park Pictures

Mike and i took a day trip to Yellowstone National Park the other day. Just us. No kids. It was long overdue. 

We had a great time animal (and people) watching. I loved all the geysers. It was so nice to reconnect. We have been so busy on this trip that we have barely seen each other. 

Also, a huge shout out to my sister and mother-in-law for watching the girls. 

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Ballet

So, we all know Addie looks adorable in her leotard and tutu. She loves wearing it, too. 

BUT.. .

She hates ballet. She came out crying yesterday about halfway through just sobbing and asking to go home. It broke my heart. After a futile attempt to get her to go back, we just went home. I figure if she doesn't like it, I'm not going to force her to go. I just can't figure out why she doesn't like it. I peek through the window and she seems to be enjoying herself. Her last class is in two weeks and the parents can go in and watch and I'm hoping that helps. 

The only thing I can think of is that the class is to long for her. It's 50 minutes and I think she just has a hard time with that. And she has been asking to go to gymnastics. So, I know what we will be doing next time. 

But in the mean time we'll still be doing lots of dancing and singing. 

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Fall

This fall so far has been great! 

Mike is currently in Rexburg digging potatoes and loving it. I have barely been able to talk to him because he works from 7 a.m. until 11pm. The girls miss him a lot, but they are excited to see him and ride on the tractor. 

My MIL has been here and we've been having fun catching up. Already we've been out to eat 3 times and we are going again today and lots of other days following. 

Addie was taking a bath the other night and I was grabbing her PJs. I here her yell, "Mom, get Leah out!" Miss Leah had crawled in the bath, clothes and all. So I did what any good mother should do, I took a picture and let her play some more. 

We leave tomorrow for Rexburg and I'm getting very excited. Especially to see Mike. Plus a change of pace is just what I need. No dog, not much cooking or cleaning. Whew!! I'm excited! 

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