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! 

a letter from Natalie: "Do I laugh or Cry"

     Hi Everyone! So here is another letter from this beauty...

“The only way to get through life is to laugh your way through it. You either have to laugh or cry. I prefer to laugh. Crying gives me a headache” 

Man so many things are going on its crazy to think another week has flown by but I'm so grateful for it all. When thinking of this week I don't know wither to laugh or to cry. Because it has been so wonderful but so sad at times also. But before I dive into all that I want to tell you all that I love you so much and how grateful I am for the gospel. It makes the difference. I know it's true and I'm so grateful to be sharing it with everyone. It's amazing. I love you all so much.

   I told Veronica thank you for this but I want to quote it..."step by step I'll climb the steepest mountain step by step I'll cross the raging sea their is nothing I can't do doing it with you dear Lord stay step by step ahead of me....be there Lord please stay with me. Be my help my guide my friend. I'm lost if I'm alone I can't make it on my own i will follow step by step behind you Lord....." Okay I love that song! But it's because it's So applicable to this life and work.

I can't do anything without HIS help. And this week I saw HIS hand in so many things.

    One being yesterday with hermy having to give a talk last minute notice Saturday night at 10. That was a great way to hit he pillow.....but she did amazing and was completely guided by the spirit that the words as the promise says were given to her in the moment she needed. She spoke of alma 5 and receiving HIS image in our countenances. It was amazing. Plus that's a great song also:)

    Okay we did a split this week for 5 hours with some other sisters and it was really good. The were English speaking and well we just walked from place to place all 5 hours it was really good talked to lots of people and just really got to see Wauchula from a walking view. One of the people I saw while out was a lady named Engracia and she is adorable I just love her to pieces. And well she's completely Spanish so I was on my own for this stop. And at first not gonna lie I was worried. But as I sincerely wanted to know what she was saying and what to say back. Since my understanding is better then my speaking skills. But the spirit again brought the words  and as I opened my mouth it was filled. What a miracle. No one else in the room may have known that I had a hard time with speaking Spanish. But I knew it and I knew that it wasn't me speaking.

    Following that amazing experience I was also able to find an old friend a cute young mother we used to see. Since we were walking she pulled over and told me of her new address and asked that we come by this coming week. It was a miracle.

    .."meet me in st. Louie Louie meet me at the fair..." Well we can't go to st Louie. But we did go to the harder county fair and it was fun. We took some recent converts and less actives with us. And we talked with everyone there. It was the best! And coming this coming week is pioneer park days and people were asking us if we'll go. YES!

But it was a great experience at the fair. We got a caractercher done and it was funny but we talked about the gospel the whole time with this guy and explained how we have a prophet on the earth today etc..it was a wonderful experience. Plus one of the best things was we saw so many people! Lots of people who we have been teaching and some we haven't been able to get ahold of. Just a lot of little miracles throughout the whole time.

      We watched the prophet of the restoration with our recent convert that was wonderful! We had a family home evening with some recent converts and their buddies. We chased a lady we knew who was on her bike. ....haha just kidding she had rode by us and stopped we just ran to catch up. :) we shared the Mormon message earthly father Heavenly Father with lots. I love that one cause it reminds me that HE is my FATHER. We gave service to people and helped them with their different activities. Just lots of various things.

    So I laughed lots this week and it was wonderful. But near the end of it all I cried hard. As one of our recent converts told us he just isn't sure he can do this anymore. It was the absolute hardest thing I have ever heard and I just wanted to cry. And I did. I think it caused me to sleep badly to because I woke up in the middle of the night gasping and crying from a nightmare not wanting to go back to sleep I just layed in bed crying and praying to Heavenly Father for help eventually I drifted off to sleep. I know HE. Heard my prayer.

    I love you all so much and hope all is well with you your in my prayers. Please keep these people in yours they mean so much to me. I love you all lots. I know this church is true. I know HE. Knows and loves each of us and that through living the gospel we will find peace and healing. I know it.

Love always and forever hermana wuthrich