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.