Oh Utah. Oh to have 10 temples within an hour of each other. I miss the temple. I wish I could get up and do an early session while the kids ate breakfast with Jacob. Seriously love that place. Happy Sunday.

Did you miss us?

We're back! Very burnt out and a bit disoriented... but things are slowly but surely getting back to normal. Here's a little bait to keep you coming back for more... when I get around to it...

For Me?

I woke up Sunday morning to find cute little post it notes all around the house. Some from Jacob some from Luci. Including one on the toilet paper that read, " Thank you for being such a good mommy and for wiping away our... tears." I really like secret love notes :)

(Luci can often be found in the background making silly faces)

I enjoyed a completely gourmet meal thanks to my sous chef, Jacob Dean. Although I will probably be the sous chef pretty soon here. Can you tell that is a balsamic reduction sauce smothering my steak and mushrooms? (!) Grilled asparagus, baked onion rings, and creamy garlic mashers. The crust-less lemon and strawberry cheesecake he made left me speechless and begging for more. Mmm.

I totally milked mother's day this year. I slept in, got lots of naps, and the Mr. even drew a bubble bath for me while he cleaned up after dinner. Ahhh, thank you to whoever thought of Mother's day. I love getting to adore, love, and play with my little stickies while my hubby takes care of the other important household duties. Thank you to my Mr. I love you.

And I truly love being a mama.

Pictures

Trying to catch butterflies...

Waving to daddy in the morning...

Creepy Easter Bunny that both kids loved...

Uncle Deelio!!!! We love you...

Now I have to give up the computer for a whole two weeks cuz Jacob has finals... for the last time ever! I can't believe it went by so fast :)

Things I Am Loving

The blessings that come from this wonderful place.

Eating healthy and still enjoying every bite. It's so fun to be creative and find ways to eat healthy and still love everything I eat. It's challenging in so many ways... you have to figure out how to afford it, you have to find good recipes, and you have to avoid all the seemingly 'good' things and hold out for the best! These muffins are seriously the best. We ate the whole batch in less than 24 hours...

I love sharing, my kids, and Luci's hair in the humid weather.
My kids are so into sharing these days. Luci even shares her coveted ring pops that she got from a friend for her birthday.

I loved this conversation while at the grocery store.

Luci: Mommy let's get some watermelon
Me: Well, that sounds good, but it will be better when it's in season... in the summertime we can get some.
Luci: Oo Oo I see it, please!
Me: Sorry darlin'
...A few minutes later as we're walking past the pudding...
Luci: What's that mommy? Is it chocolate?
Me: Oh, that's pudding.
Luci: Oh, yeah PUDDING! Let's get some mom! Pudding is in season mom, it's always in season mom!
...She says as she is nodding her head in a very convincing way

And, I loved going out on the town last night with Mr. Dean.

Look at That Red Hair

Happy Birthday Luci!


VERY slowly enjoying Graeter's Black Raspberry Chocolate Chip


Decorating birthday cupcakes with friends.


Crazy hair, birthday french toast with whipped cream and sprinkles, and the most requested treat ever... hot chocolate.

We can't go one place without someone commenting how beautiful Luci's red curly hair is. She always touches her hair as if to say, "who me?" And then she says thank you. She's my little pal. Some of my favorite moments with her happen while she is sitting on the potty. I wish all of you could have the chance to sit there with her while she talks and talks and stares into your eyes while her long flowing eyelashes flutter above her curious eyes. (I am so poetic ;)

Luci's Favorite things are:
Her friends
Helping me in the kitchen
Having people over for dinner
Family Home Evening
Fancy Nancy
Smoothies
Porridge (cream of wheat)
Marshmallows
Shopping
Pears
Hummus
FOOD
More FOOD
The temple
Nursery
Grandparents
Daddy Dates and purple ice cream
Staying up late to play games with the mommies and daddies
Planning and going to pretend parties
Skirts
Headbands("No pink tails, or pony tails, or braids mommy")
Scripture story: Korihor
Writing and sending letters

We definitely have our power struggles, but most of the time she is one sweet, obedient, funny little girl. Last night I asked her to pick up her room and get her jammies on while I put Elijah to bed (since Jacob wasn't home yet). When I came out of Eli's room I was pleasantly surprised to see her room completely picked up with everything in it's correct place. She had gotten her 'footie' pajamas on by herself, and was attempting to floss.

Love you Misses McGuilicutty...
(Pa Paw calls her that and she thinks it is hilarious, especially when she says it)

Wiser Too

Elijah is ONE!

He continues to be a sweet, chill guy. He is a silent little destroyer. We always knew where luci was because she is sooo loud! But Eli is a sneaky little guy. For example, I found him in the pantry silently eating a bag of mini marshmallows.

He loves to cuddle too...

I love my little man.
Some of his favorite things are...
His blankie
His mommy
Oranges
Being Outside
Smoothies
Putting things in and out of containers
Swings and Slides
Peek a boo
Oatmeal
Stairs
Blowing kisses
Leading the Music (every time we sing)

Here's the Re Cap of the Party

I posted the Banapple Cake Recipe Here
We had fruit, nachos, and homemade animal crackers.
There were lots of friends and family and we were so glad it was warm enough for the kids to go outside!



Blueberry Panckaes with whipped cream and sprinkles :)


Very cautiously thinking about touching his cake...


Loving Grandma and his presents too.