Update #2. Winter 2014!

2014 is looking to be an interesting and yet fun year. For some reason, we got a ton of weird and unusual weather. The first few times is fun, but after the third or fourth time, you're done. Yes, one day it would be 65 and warm and then the next day it would be 34 and snowing. ?? What?? Well, we survived and actually had some fun at the same time. Hannah is getting to be at the age where she is more interactive. We love it! She loves to be outside, and playing with any kids her age.  Here are some pictures of the fun times!

Update #1. Christmas 2013!

Now that the potty training is done with our daughter, we were looking forward to Christmas! This year we stayed in town and did Christmas with our families. It was so nice. As usual Rachel came into town, and had a blast seeing everyone. Since Hannah has made some huge milestones, turning two and using the potty, we thought it would be fun to get her a new room, with a new bed and dresser! She now loves it! It is her favorite color too! For Christmas, Dan and I got each other a new AC unit, so as for other gifts under the tree, they were minimal, which was really nice actually. Looking forward to a new year! Here are the pictures from our festivities!

Potty training, successes and woes!

We have now entered the realm of the potty training, and soon-to-be diaper free! I have very mixed emotions here though. I admit I am a perfectionist and a mild germaphobe. So allowing my want-to-be independent two and a half year old to control each and every aspect of the situation is hard. Most days, we are still in the early terrible two stage where if she gets frustrated/doesn't get what she wants, she throws a huge fit and cries like a banshee.  I find myself in a rock and a hard place between the two polar opposites. Most 2.5 year old's are out of the really "terrible" part at halfway and are somewhat willing to learn new things and listen to you because they want to please you, right? So why am I doing this I ask myself constantly? Because I do see signs that she is physically and mentally capable, so I made a go for it. I am trying my best to relinquish some of my control and relax because I have to for this to be a success.  The perks/hopes that keep me going is soon I will have an independent and confident toddler, and be saving money! Yes, there is the occasional accident of either #1 or #2, now mostly #2, and the cleaning up of either one is getting old. So I just pray that the next few weeks, that I can keep it fun for my daughter's sake and mine, so that I can celebrate with my confident 2.5 year old when she finally reaches that milestone! Here are few pics of our adventure! Wish me luck!

Summer happenings and Forced Family Time at the P&L Reunion 2013!

I realize its been a long while since I have posted anything. Mainly, because I don't like to be busy, so there isn't much to blog about. My Primary calling keeps me involved and I love the fact that most of our church doctrine is truly taught in Primary, the rest is learned/taught from going through the temple, and going on a mission. I really feel like the kids are teaching me most days. It's been such a blessing and joy so far to work with young kids. I see children in a different light, truly special and unique to our Heavenly Father's plan. It really does bring the scripture in the New Testament," a little child shall lead them" to a whole new meaning. The Primary Program is coming up soon, and I am even a little excited to see how well the kids remember the things that were taught. I know I have learned a ton! Anyway, in the midst of my fun calling, we had a family reunion for my parents and my siblings in Utah. This year, we made reservations on a house up at the famous Bear Lake! It was a blast despite the fact that I got real sick. Dan, Hannah and I flew out for a total of 11 days! The first weekend there we stayed with Brian and Heather at Heather's parent's home in American Fork. So nice of them and such a nice place! Visited some friends like Candiss and her husband as well as Robert Kuder, a friend of Daniel's from his mission. The next few days we're spent up at the cabin; boating, swimming, and spending quality family time. The last weekend, we attended a cousin's wedding, visited with some of Daniel's family, and toured some different areas of downtown Salt Lake City, much thanks to my wonderful sister taking us on a personal tour. Eventually I got better, and a special blessing allowed me to actually make the flight home :) Since then, life is getting back to normal. Once a week, I get to plan a get together for the mother's in the ward I attend. It is loads of fun, catching up with them and our kids getting the opportunity to play. Fall is on its way, I can't believe this year has flown by. Hannah turned two this year, and we had fun celebrating with a small party with just family. She is becoming a kid overnight it seems!One day she is crying and blabbing like a baby and the next she is talking almost full on sentences, and you can actually understand more than half of what she says! People were right when they told me that they grow up fast, and to enjoy it when they are young. I am working on that still some days. The other thing that has come quickly for me is my 30th. I can't really say too much, because I hardly feel that old still. Maybe its because I haven't changed that much since high school. I did find a few grays but a few is better than many right? I am also trying to enjoy my age and my time here on this earth. Recently, I had a friend of mine that passed away  in a tragic accident. He was in my home ward growing up. The hardest part of his death was that he was only a few months older than me. The reality that life is short has hit me hard. So, to honor my friend, I am doing my best to not be idle, tell the people I love that I love them, and making a resolution to be more aware of those around me.   Well, here are some pictures, because I know that you don't want to read a whole book. Enjoy!