Let it be Magical!

Let it be magical!

To be totally honest, I have been debating on whether to post this or not, because I don’t want to embarrass my amazing parents… or say that what you do to celebrate holidays in your family is wrong in any way shape or form- BUT… because this is something that is so important to me and has impacted my life unknowingly until know.. I am going to share with you my own little personal “magical” holidays with you!

For those of you who know my family and I know that for the majority of my childhood (up until I was 11 years old) we lived in a two bedroom duplex- in this cozy little place we loved to call home- lived my two incredible parents and 5 children (including myself). We were snug as a bug- without much room for privacy or secrecy when it came to the holidays because lets be real… where on earth would Santa or the Easter bunny be able to hide their plentiful stash for us little ones… not to mention- how on earth could they be ever so sneaky as to set up and lay out all of the gifts and goodies each holiday without waking any of us anxious and excited children up when we were just a few feet away? Well my friends that, is where the magic all happens!

Growing up, I, in all innocence, had no idea of the hard work that and sleepless nights that were behind the scenes of it all. This magic that surrounds the holidays- was just that, magical! There was no way of explaining how things happened, they just did! I lived for these magical moments- lets be real, I still do! These were those perfect little moments in childhood that you believed everything- and it was all truly remarkable! Well as I got older obviously things changed- this is not to say that there was any less work being done behind the scenes- because if you know the Santa and Easter bunny like I do- these were some busy bees 24/7- no matter the age, belief, or holiday for that matter- they were bound and determined to make every holiday just as magical as ever.

It wasn’t until this past Easter however, that I came to fully understand and realize what this magic truly was. This magic isn’t something you can merely believe in, its not something that you gain by watching holiday movies, or even the little traditions (however- all these things do contain their own magic and wonder). The magic that I now realize made every single holiday so incredible- is one simple little thing.

It is the magic of love.

This was Keller’s second Easter. And he was so excited to take part in every activity you could think of from making cookies and decorating eggs to Easter egg hunts and story time. We.. (okay I talked and he jibber jabbered …) but we talked of the reason we celebrate Easter and of how because of the incredible sacrifice our savior made, we get to be together for all eternity. Of course he didn’t understand everything I was saying- or why all of these activities were being done- but he loved every minute! His excitement and eagerness to participate made me as a mom even more excited for all of our holiday festivities! Even in his innocent young age, you could see that excitement and wonder in his eyes- as well as every child’s eyes as they talk of the Easter bunny and the traditions that they get to have with their own families. It is truly an incredible thing to listen of their love of their savior and their excitement in all of this magic!

Well as Easter quickly approached us this year with Kurt wrapping up school (one more week!!! Ahhhhh) and me still working full time training a replacement for while I am on maternity- life has been a bit hectic to say the least! So as the night before Easter snuck up.. I was far from ready… this Easter bunny didn’t quite know it yet- but she was in for a duzy of a night.

After tucking little Keller  bug in for the night and finding my hard working hubby sound asleep on the couch while studying for all his test I sent him up to bed as well. The poor guy with little resistance was also soon sound asleep. So there it was me and my sleeping boys… this Easter bunny was now on a mission to get stuff ready before collapsing herself from the exhaustion of the day.

The eggs were stuffed, baskets prepared, outfits layed out … including the bowtie that was made last minute! But it turned out pretty cute if I might say so myself! Well everything was ready- this little bunny was quite proud of her work and at after ONE in the morning headed up to bed only to hear little Keller calling for mommy… he was still new to the whole big boy bed deal so nights had been pretty rough as of late. So There it was almost 2 am and even though my body ached and I wanted nothing more than to feel the comfort of my lovely pillow I instead crawled into bed with my little Keller bug as his little arms wrapped tightly around my neck  he almost instantly fell back to sleep, holding tightly to his mommy- I laid there, snuggling Keller, feeling my baby girl kicking like crazy, and couldn’t help but to think of how many nights my own parents- totally exhausted spent holding and snuggling me when they wanted nothing more than to sleep. I laid there and cried- not sad tears, but happy tears. Grateful tears. All these years I knew nothing of the true magic behind each of these holidays- all these years I knew nothing of the sacrifice- the hard work- the sleepless nights. All these years I never knew that it all boiled down to own thing- LOVE!

Words simply cannot express how grateful I am for my parents and their incredible example to me. All those years are now flooding my mind with the true magic of each holiday! Because of all they did and sacrificed I was able to soak in the innocent magic of each and every season- because of all they taught me- I am now able to celebrate each holiday with my own children- I am able to help create that beautiful magic I so often looked forward to with eagerness and bright eyes!

Holidays are truly a magical time for any age- any belief- and any person. Holidays are what we make them out to be, so I say- MAKE THEM MAGICAL!! I am not saying that you have to spend tons of money or go all out in ways you otherwise couldn’t. BUT- spend time on the little things- take time to snuggle, to love- take time to make believe- and most importantly take the time to celebrate the true meaning of each holiday! This my friends is where that true magic lies. Let it be magical!!!

XOXO

dying eggs.... painting blocks... and heck why not paint your belly too?!?

way too much can change in one year.... This little buddy needs to quit growing up so fast!... Keller's first and second Easters! 

 checking out his new Easter goodies with daddy at grandma and grandpas house! 

these two disappeared for a bit.. they were just chatting away playing with the duckies in grandma's playroom! 

counting out the eggs with grandma

sugar crash after church! hahahahaha

my little Easter buddy! just stopping to smell the roses...err ummm dandy lions!! 

"ooooo mama 'sniff' sniff' " haha he loves to smell his special flowers! hahaha I love this little man and his incredible imagination!!

The best Easter picture I could get... this little man just didn't want to smile for the camera! Good thing he's still cute right?!? 

what goes in must come out.... WHY?!?!?!

Okay so we have all heard the term what goes in- must come out... right??? But when it comes to the flu.. or any sickness really I have but one question... WHY?!?!?? don't get me wrong.. I get it- and I know that it all must be "processed" one way or another but seriously I feel like when you are pregnant cleaning up your baby and hubby's sickness non stop life just looses all sense of fairness!
Okay now before you think I am just writing this little blurp to complain let me stop and assure you that, that is simply not the case- I am writing this to actually show how extremely grateful I am and how sometimes you just have to sit back laugh and be humbled... even if that means a whole lot of clean up duty!
It all started last Tuesday... my poor little keller bug suddenly started throwing up every half hour to an hour.. trust me when I say there was a lot of barfin' goin on... it was quite the day! to make things a bit more entertaining... I had my cute nieces over Addie (3) and Emery (1).. and emery had recently.. as in that same morning.. mastered the art of stairs.. who knew it would be such an eventful day! After a busy afternoon and a long night of snuggling we thought little Keller was on the mend... little did we know our fun had merely just  begun!
Wednesday seemed to go by fairly smoothly while grandma hung out with Kell for the day.. but when he got home he wanted to try and eat some milk and food other than pedialyte.. so we let him.. bad idea! The poor little guy to make things a bit more pleasant to read... had multiple blowouts... gross pure liquid poop blowouts... TMI so sorry! but you get the idea... a whole lot of YUCK!! and now it is the following Monday.. and the blowouts have continued! However after talking with Kellers doc and getting this little kiddo.. who wants so badly to eat his normal favorite foods again without all the other crudy side affects (literally) .. a bit of a strict diet for a few more days and tons of water and pedialyte should have this kiddo back to normal in no time.. and that means he can once again have his MILK... yes you would think I am the meanest mommy ever lately because we cant let him drink his favorite thing ever... milk.. this kid could seriously be one of the biggest dairy farm supporters with the amount of milk he usually drinks- so needless to say, telling him that he cant have it- makes us terrible and so mean! It is heartbreaking!! Soon enough though- he will be ready to drink up!
Also on the plus side- the flu only lasted for 2 days with Kurt! yay.. and we are hoping and praying that I can somehow miraculously avoid the wretched flu! and so far our prayers have been answered!
but on the trying to be grateful and humbling side.............
I dont know if you are LDS or if you are not but either way- I believe that our heavenly father provides us everyday miracles. Whether those miracles are obvious and miraculous or small and easily unnoticed they are there. I know it. I've seen it. I believe it. and I have felt them in my every day life! Especially during motherhood!
Tuesday as I sat there holding my poor baby boy helpless as he continually vomited regardless of what I did- I wanted nothing more than to be able to hold him tightly- kiss him better- and tell him that i would fix it. But I couldn't I could hold him and kiss him- but magically curing him- no- i simply dont have that power. But I can pray- and I did. I prayed not only for healing- but prayed for him to be comfortable and thanked my heavenly father that I was able to be there while he was sick- as hard as it was to watch and be there threw- I would have been heartbroken if I wasn't there to hold him and comfort him- this was a small miracle to me- this could have easily happened any other day when I was working- but it didn't- I was there- I was home- holding him, kissing him and telling him he would be okay. I know that everyone has trials and I can only thank heavenly father daily for the blessings that come along with those trails! I am so very grateful for a normally healthy baby boy! a sweet healthy growing baby girl- who we cannot wait to meet! An incredible husband who works hard each and every day to provide for us- even when I know he would much rather be playing and relaxing!
This past weekend with my boys by my side, we were able to watch and listed to general conference- can I just tell you how much I love this time of year!?! I love listening to the words that I know I need to hear- the prayers that I needed answered are answered right there! It is truly a remarkable experience!
 All in all, as much as I would love to cure every sickness and make it so that I never have to see my sweethearts (big or small) sick or in pain- it is in these times that I love them even more- I am able to turn to my heavenly father and pray- and thank him. I am so blessed with all that I have been blessed with and even though it totally stinks in more ways than one to be on that clean up duty- you get to realize that what goes in must come out... but it doesn't always have to be bad!
So here is to staying positive.... and fingers crossed that we will be back to normal in no time in our house!
XOXO

graphic? I know.. sorry!! but look at that face.. "eww mama"

one worn out little kiddo.. day one :(

day two... I love that he snuggles his "beeebees" and loves his daddies old hockey pillow case! haha

does this not break your heart?!?

this is the first day... he was wide awake and exhausted just moaning by the bathroom door- he didnt want to move a muscle- poor baby boy!

lots of baths = lots of lotion.. luckily he LOVES lotion! yay!!

coloring in a box... little did we know that within seconds- that very box would save our carpet from a horrendous blowout!! 

hangin out in jammies feeling baby sister kick! 

telling his baby sister he loves her! and just laughing at moms big ol belly!

two sickies making breakfast... 

when you're sick you come up with all sorts of activities to entertain.

focusing with daddy!

daddy's little helper

okay so this was a big no no on my part- but how to entertain when you are sick for days and days.. the kid loves to cook... but..... 

he also loves to eat.... however this led to lots of throwin up! bad mom moment!! but how could I resist... he is just too cute!

lots of pop and puke= lots of baths and hand washing! and he LOVES being able to play in the water!!! 

this is the look I got today when I told him he couldnt have a cookie cause he is sick... broken heart! 

cutest sick kiddo I have ever seen! 

he woke up from his nap today and headed straight to his hockey stick! 

and thats all for now folks..............

Some Pics from Natty loo whoo!

Kitchen's are Awesome!

Okay lets be real for a second… sometimes you have a to do list that seems infinitely long and sometimes just as infinitely boring… so what do we do instead????

Mid way through our to do list we decide that we have worked hard and need a snack!!

Sound accurate to you??? haha maybe not but me and this little fella just needed a little pick me up- so what better way than to make our fudgey mint brownies?!?? Yes I know… no healthy individual in their right mind should eat these on a daily basis… but once in a blue moon wont hurt.. so pick up your feet…  head to the kitchen.. and get bakin!!!

Simple Homemade Brownies:

1 cup melted butter
2/3 cup cocoa powder
2 cups sugar
4 eggs
1 1/2 cups flour

Mix butter, cocoa and sugar. Once nice and stirred, add the eggs and mix well. Then add the flour.. and whalla you are ready to bake!!

Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes. Let Cool J

OKAY!! Once the brownies are in the oven-you are ready to prepare step 2 – the mint layer! I personally am a huge fan of Cutler’s  cookies in Bountiful and stumbled across their delicious mint frosting recipe some time ago and even though you can use any mint frosting you want.. I like making mine from scratch using their recipe especially because it is SOOOO EASY and super tasty!

Cutler’s Mint Frosting

1/2 cup butter, softened
3 cups powdered sugar
1 to 3 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon mint extract
green food coloring

Mix the butter and powdered sugar. Add only enough milk to make a smooth consistency; I personally only used 2- but it is best to start with 1 tablespoon and check to see if it needs more.

Add mint extract and enough food coloring for a light green color. The frosting should be thick, not runny.

Once your brownies are nice and cooled gently spread a nice layer of mint frosting over top J

And now for the final layer… the chocolate topping. Okay let me just pause by saying you have two options here… you can do a hardening chocolate glaze type layer or a thick chocolate frosting layer. Both are super delicious but today I opted for the frosting- as I made another recipe last week with the glaze… ya ya ya I know I said you should only eat like this once in a blue moon but let me clarify… this little baby growing inside me LOVES random sweets.. and after one piece I am done! haha which is not good for the hubs or Keller because that leaves them up to eat the rest… and neighbors and family too… I will soon make you all fat!!! Hahahahaha just kidding 

Okay back to work…. The final layer is totally up to you! I will include both options below… but only use ONE not both – I do not want to be responsible for any heart attacks.. or gym membership fees!! teehehe

Cutler’s Thick Chocolate Frosting

1 cup butter, softened
4 - 1/2cups powdered sugar
milk (as needed)
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa
1 teaspoon vanilla

Beat softened butter, cocoa, and powdered sugar together until smooth.

Add the vanilla and a splash of milk (just enough to make a good spreading consistency) and blend well.

Once nicely mixed, layer those brownies with this chocolaty goodness and they are ready to eat!

………….OR……………..

Hardening Chocolate Glaze Topping

1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup butter

Melt the chocolate chips in the microwave or on the stove… (I prefer the stove so that I can watch and make sure not to overcook the chocolate) STIR OFTEN!

Once the chocolate begins to soften and in the butter and finish melting the chocolate… mix well.. and you are done!! **note- you do not want the chocolate too runny!

Once melted, pour evenly over mint layer and allow to sit and thicken- once slightly hardened, you are ready to cut and eat!!

And taaadaaa.. after all your hard work on those deliciously healthy   minty chocolaty brownies you are ready to eat! So grab a fork and dig in!

Okay and while I am at it, can I just say that if you know me- you know that I have always loved cooking and baking and lets be honest- this is a little more difficult once you have kiddos- BUT…. It is so much more fun with them!! One of the reasons I spend more time in the kitchen now is because of this little man… He loves the mixer… and helping… and finishing… yup he is by my side for every step and I get tons of hugs- kisses- and clapping while I bake yummy treats! What could be better- seriously though- Rachel Ray, you  got nothin' on my little audience! :) For real though... any excuse to dance and sing .. while cooking... you better hurry and get on that!!!  

And on a more sentimental note- I just want to give a huge shout out to my mom! I still have memories of her helping me cook and bake- teaching me and simply loving me! There is no way to even begin to describe the endless hours we spent in the kitchen together- cooking, baking, canning, etc…  I learned so much and now as a mom I am learning even more… who knew how much patience was required when you have little helpers!  I cherish every memory – even the ones that consist of me being stubborn and burning food when I was to stubborn to listen or read instructions! The kitchen was a fun place to talk, to vent, to cry, and to giggle! Growing up until I was 11, we had 5 kids in a 2 bedroom duplex which thinking back now- amazes me and I dont know how we did it! but back then- it was perfect- we were forced to be nice and close all snuggled in our cozy little duplex- even when we didn't necessarily want to be! and I know you are wondering how on earth that has to do with a kitchen… well let me tell you… you know when you tell your kids that they cant have a treat unless they can be nice and behave… ya well.. now let’s move that little scenario to the kitchen… when we would want to make cookies my mom would help us get everything out and then even if we were upset or would fight over who got to add what ingredient.. by the time you are mixing up flour and dough and giggling making a HUGE mess.. you are not about to be frowning! In the kitchen we learned a whole lot of love and a whole lot of teamwork!! We learned how to work together- even when it would have been easier to work alone. We learned how to listen.. and we ourselves learned patience... because we all know that the 20 minutes it takes for cookies to bake is an eternity when you are little!

Thanks mom for having all that patience with me and for teaching me how much fun you can have when you work together! I love you to the moon!!

Now.. do you see what I mean… kitchens are awesome!!

But even more awesome are the ones who eat those yummy treats with you!

XOXO

Sugar Crash!!! hahahahahaha!!! Baking is rough work when you are a little tike! 

okay let me assure you that my child did eat a healthy lunch before all of this sugar! ohh... and he only licks the paddles when we are done with them so if we brought you brownies you do not need to worry! hahahaha I promise they are slobber free!

This kiddo loves his brownies.. cakes.. cookies... FOOD IN GENERAL... yes that may be part of the reason he is off the charts in height, weight, having a big head! haha just kidding! He is perfect and I love him!!! 

I couldn't resist... I was laughing sooo hard! this little guy gobbled up his brownie and crashed mid bite! 

Being a mom...

Being a mom is the greatest miracle ever. PERIOD!

Why??

the late night feedings? the little boogie noses? crying? sick days? no sleep? messy houses? stinky diapers? crumbs galore? tantrums?

YES! all of that and more!

Being a mom isn't always easy... it isnt always pretty... and it isn't always perfect BUT it is motherhood!

It is hugs and kisses! play time! giggles! snuggles! story time! little hands! little feet! smiles! singing! dancing! and much much more!

Being a mom is staying up late, being totally exhausted- to simply soothe your teething little one back to sleep- and through all the chaos realizing that you in that moment are needed- you are their hero, their best friend, and their mommy! 

Being a mom is rocking your baby boy as he falls asleep in your arms- against your chest- and feeling your baby girl kick in your womb. It is a miracle- a blessing- it is a personal heaven on earth!

Everyday an adventure! everyday a new experience! everyday a mother! everyday a mom!!

motherhood is something you witness everyday- it is something you once dreamed of- prayed of. it is something you thought you knew everything about but realize daily  you were so so wrong! it is something that makes you weak from giving it all but makes you strong from giving more than you ever thought you could! 

Being a mother - being a mom is the greatest blessing I could have ever dreamed of!

From the moment I held you in my arms, my whole world changed! my world went from great to incredible!! Keller bug mommy loves you and cannot believe how blessed I am to have you for ever and for always and I am soo excited to welcome your sweet little sister to this world- to our family! I look forward to each new adventure. each new experience. each new smile and giggle. each new day! 

Time, you are a funny little thing!

2 years ago around this time we were keeping a secret... we were beaming with excitement... we were terrified... we thought we were the happiest in our lives... we were pregnant with our first child! pregnant with our sweet little Keller! fast forward two short fun filled years later and we are once again more thrilled and excited then you would ever believe possible! we cannot believe that this little miss will be here in less than 20 weeks!

time- you are a funny little thing!

Keller @ 9 weeks 

Baby girl @ 16 weeks 

Once upon a time I was a little girl who always heard "you are growing up too fast" I would smile politely and secretly roll my eyes - these crazy adults! what are they thinking?!? too fast? me growing? they were all nuts... and then it happened!

I met my sweetheart- we fell in love- we were sealed for time and all eternity- and we started our little family. and that folks was when that little thing we like to call time began to fast forward... now I know what those crazy adults all meant!

my little Keller bug is growing up faster than you would ever think possible! our lives are on a constant fast forward and everyday I think can we really do this? are we crazy? and then I look at Keller and I know- yes we might be a little crazy- BUT we are happy- we are blessed- we are a family and we can do this!

I have never been happier- I am not only blessed to be the mother to one little angel but two! everyday is different, everyday is an adventure- everyday is a blessing.

snuggling my sweet little Keller while he sleeps listening to him breath, feeling the gentle clasp his little fingers have on my hair- laughing that I am now that crazy adult praying for time to slow down on a daily basis! snuggling today is extra special for me because I get to feel not only Keller's little movements and snuggles but I get to feel my sweet baby girl inside turning and kicking. It is funny but I think these two already have a sweet little relationship! My tummy gets more kisses than I do now and if I ever want to feel her move.. I just need to snuggle Keller and our sweet little girl gets very excited! I don't know how she knows it is him but if I am snuggling him it is almost  certainty that she is jumping, flipping, and twisting with excitement. Such a precious little miracle! 

she is growing more and more everyday but every little movement when I get to feel them is a blessing- a miracle. I know that these perfect little moments won't last forever and I know that far too often I take each one for granted. I know that these little moments that sneak by ever so quickly are the ones that once past are missed greatly! These little moments are tender mercies that Heavenly Father has blessed me with to help me know why I do the things I do. these little moments are when I know that families are forever!!  I know that I can't freeze time or even slow it down- BUT I can live in the moment- I can thank my father in heaven for these little snipits in time these precious little moments that I will love and cherish forever! 

this was a toy we bought for a birthday present... keller clearly didnt care that it was pink.. and he clearly did not want to give it away!! 

grandma got him a valentines day surprise.... including a little jake and the neverland pirates toy- somebody was a little bit excited!!!! 

watching Thomas the train on Netflix.. he is growing up way too fast!!

18.5 weeks with baby girl! 

Keller loves baby Berklie!! (Lance and Atalie's baby.. not mine.. even though I would love to keep her as my own!!!)

our little climber! ..and goof ball!! 

hockey player.. and a scholar! hahaha!