I can't complain...

I get to go the beach anytime I want with my boys.

I get to watch Nolen be an AWESOME big brother.
I get to bathe this little cutie.
Did I mention we can go to the beach anytime? And it's the BEST weather EVER??
I get to LAUGH at the FUNNY faces and things this boy does all day long.
(Nolen LOVES to "buckle" things...and sometimes when he gets frustrated because he can't quite get it, he pulls this face:)

The thing is, I DO complain. A LOT! But as I was going through these pictures I realized that I need to be more grateful for what I do have and the funny moments that happen throughout the day or the beautiful places I get to go with my family. I have it good. I am so blessed.

Fathers.

*Since I didn't write on Father's Day...

I am sooo thankful for the wonderful "fathers" in my life. I of course couldn't have asked for a better dad myself. I don't know how I got so lucky. Everyone that knows my dad thinks he is the kindest man on earth. He is. I LOVE that he "Loves da kids" Ever since I can remember dad has always loved being a dad to all six of us and I also remember the love he had and continues to have for his beautiful wife. Which brings me to my very own husband and father of my children- Owen. I basically married someone JUST like my dad. I am forever grateful that I made the choice to marry Owen for all of eternity and that for all of eternity he gets to be the father of my boys. They sure are lucky!!!

I LOVE us.

4 reasons why I LOVE my husband of 4 years!!!!----

He makes me laugh. A lot. He makes me a better person- like when I am about to loose it in front of our children, he puts me aside so I can get my act together while he takes over the "chaotic moment". He loves our little family- has a hard time leaving us in the morning and can't wait to see us when he gets home. He LOVES me more and more each day no matter the unexpected, trials or crazy circumstances that may come.

Happy FOUR years my LOVE! I've never been so happy:)

*I love this picture of us- even though there is a lady in between us and my mom in the background...

Grateful.

We LOVE our new closest Temple. We went as a family on Sunday to walk around and Nolen just ran and ran around while we oohed and awed at the beautiful grounds. I love how this Temple sits in the middle of one of the busiest areas of Los Angeles. I always wonder what people think when they drive by a Temple. How could you not want to find out more?? It's a lot of fun teaching Nolen about the gospel. Yesterday of course we talked about the Temple and he just lit up when we told him we were going there. He kept pointing to Angel Moroni and saying his name. So cute.

Speaking of the gospel...I am so forever grateful for it in my life. I am so happy to know that I can never deny my testimony. In the hardest, most difficult times, I still know that things will always work out as long as I am living the way I know I should. Ollie has had a lot of health problems in his first 3 months of life. Colic, severe acid reflux, not eating...blah blah blah. Needless to say, it has been a LONG 3 months and very hard on all of us. Just when we think things may being getting better- something else happens. BUT, thanks to a lot of prayers from others and blessings, we have been able to handle it and help Ollie find some comfort. Things will get better- they already have. There have been times when I can't pray because I am too overwhelmed with "life"- but I NEVER loose my faith and hope. I NEVER can because I know if I did that then everything would fall apart. The gospel is true and I am so grateful for this knowledge!!

Today.

Today has been a good day. I took the boys to Pretend City. What a wonderful place for kids! Nolen was in HEAVEN. Really- I was totally ok with him running here there and everywhere too because he couldn't get into any trouble! And they had a nice nursing room- double bonus! We met our good friends there- Elliot and Shannon. We miss them so much but are happy that we can still get together after months of being apart and pick up where we left off. Elliot and Nolen are really two peas in a pod- best buds.

I was so upset with Nolen yesterday I decided after I put him in time-out- I was going to cut his binkie. Woops! Broken!! Now what??? Darn it Nolen- your bink is BROKEN. No more bink for naps or bedtime!!! Yeah- it was a rough night last night to say the least. BUT, its good. I didn't know little things such as a binkie held much worth to me. I was sad when I cut it, broke it. I felt like I had taken part of my first born's "babiness" away. I guess I did...it was just hard to see it go. It will be a SAD day for sure when Nolen doesn't want his blankie anymore. I LOVE that he LOVES it. I think that will be with me forever once Nolen says goodbye to it.

P.S.- The first picture makes me laugh. Not very photogenic in this one-but at least it's an updated picture of what they look like now:)

For Cryin Out Loud.

I'm back. Again. Do you want to know why I am not going to post any pictures on this post? Or why its been 3 months since my last post? Because I am Nolen and Ollie's mom. I'm a busy woman. When I do get the chance to maybe sit down and write on the blog- I choose not to- instead I choose SLEEP. Sleep is my most favorite hobby. So yes, this blog has been neglected because of being a mom and SLEEP. BUT- I have felt lately that I, for myself would really like to start blogging again...it's therapeutic.

When I was a little girl I LOVED to play with my dolls and barbies. I couldn't wait to be a mom. When I was a little girl I dreamt of being married to the most wonderful man and living in a house with a flower garden in the front. I am a mom and I am married to the most wonderful man ever. Nope- we don't have a house yet or a flower garden...someday.... But when I was a little girl I didn't think about how HARD it is to carry on the REAL LIFE task of being a wife and mother. It sure is a FULL TIME JOB. FULL TIME.

Today at church Nolen was taken out of the first hour about 5 times. He was hitting and throwing his toys- and the Ollie freaked out and did his normal uncontrollable screaming. Once Nolen was in nursery he was fine- until about a half hour later when Ollie wouldn't calm down and I heard Nolen crying uncontrollably himself in nursery. Long story short- I had tears too. It was one of those moments where I just wanted to quit. Just for a minute. I just needed a break- I wanted to flash back to the days of having NO RESPONSIBILITY for anyone but MYSELF. We took the boys home- put Ollie down, and put Nolen in front of the T.V. to watch Bambi. Owen went back to church and I just layed on the couch trying to fall asleep. Near the last half of the movie Nolen snuggled up to me and soon fell asleep in my arms. Nolen NEVER cuddles. Right then I mushed. I mushed hard. I realized as I was holding my baby that these hard times/days come A LOT, but oh my how it is worth it. Even though at times I want to QUIT the mom/wife business I can't. I physically, emotionally can't. I know that this is my ultimate calling in life- to be a supportive, loving wife to my best friend and to love and raise my children so that we all can be together FOREVER.

Ollie Gregory Snead

He came! We are very in love with our newest bundle...
Born- 2.10.2011
Weight- 7 pounds 15 ounces
Height- 20 inches
*more pics and news later:)