Stuart

Tonight I am missing Stuart. My pet tortoise passed away on February 20. She had been in my family for 16 years. I can still remember picking her out at Smitty's pet store and being so excited to bring her home. My dad and I were getting baptized that weekend and he let me count out his change jar. $100 in quarters later she was mine. She was perfect. A tiny little sulcata that could fit in the palm of my hand. I dreamed of her being large enough to ride and knew one day my children would be able to. Stuart would rome my room, the backyard, and even the house sometimes. She had such a personality for a tortoise, almost like a more self maintained and less cuddly dog. She had quite a few adventures in her time. She first moved into the back yard under our lemon trees in Lake Elsinore when she was 5 years old. Then after quite the growth spurt and moving to Logandale we let her take over the entire backyard. After our first year or two in Logandale she ran away. I think she was gone for about 3 months when finally one day our neighbor came strolling down the street with Stuart in a stroller. She had made her way out the back gate and across the alfalfa fields to the Staheli home. She managed to find a play house where she was used as a stool by the neighbor kids who thought she was a giant moving rock. I was so happy to have her return. I couldn't imagine her being gone forever back then. And i still can't now. 

It breaks my heart that my kids wont know her and that she wasn't able to out live me. I wish there was more i could have done for her, or that i would have known how sick she was. My heart breaks every time Leighton has asked for turtle this week. The day that Stuart passed away Leighton walked in my parents backyard and headed straight for Stuarts hole saying she was going to look for the turtle. I took her to see Stuart for the last time and she didn't want to leave her side. I loved how my mom said it today after she was buried. Rest in peace gentle giant.

Five Years

Kaden and I celebrated our fifth anniversary on Valentines day. In some ways i can not believe it has already been so long and in others i can't believe it has only been 5 years. In 5 years we have lived in two states, moved 4 times, bought a home, bought a car, attended school, finished school, had several different jobs, visited San Francisco 4 times, Disneyland 7 times, Mexico, Seattle and Nashville once, had three pregnancies and two beautiful daughters. We are so much more in love today than we were the day we said yes to spending eternity together. It is almost silly to think i knew what love was when i was only 19. We were obviously smitten by one another and couldn't stand the thought of not being together forever, but we have truly grown so much over the past few years. We are best friends, we are lovers and we are parents. Kaden works so hard to provide for our little family and make sure we are happy. I hope my loving husband knows how absolutely sure i am that i made the best decision 5 years ago when i committed to an eternity with him by my side. 

She is Blessed

Emersyn Hope Leavitt

was given a name and a blessing on February 9.

Kaden blessed our sweet girl in our ward surrounded by family and few close friends. 

The things that were said were so perfect for our dear Emersyn. She smiled through out her entire blessing and had every man surrounding her smiling back. Our little girl is still so fresh from heaven i can't help but feel a little closer to the Lord every time i hold her. Her blessing said a lot about her testimony and her helping her families testimonies to grow.

Emersyn is 3 Months Old

Happy very late 3 months to Miss Emersyn! 

Seriously she is almost 4 months old now, but these pictures were taken the day she turned 3 months

This dark haired blue eyed girl has two hobbies... blowing bubbles and eating.

Her days consist of sleeping, smiling and being picked on by Leighton.

She is currently working on sitting up and pushing herself up.

Em still loves being swaddled and rocked to sleep.

She is the biggest mommas girl and I am just fine with that.

Emersyn loves cuddles, kisses, and of course Tiffany. 

Those two have really good staring contests. 

She is so strong and has the sweetest spirit. 

 My only wish right now is that she could stay this little forever. 

Her thigh rolls melt my hear and morning smiles make early days so worth while.

Disneyland

I am sure i have at least 5 other posts with the same title, but we went to Disneyland. Kaden started planning this trip months ago, after we decided to move and after he heard about Superbowl weekend being empty. Our move has now been postponed a few months but we still knew we were in desperate need of a fun little family trip and to do something to celebrate our 5th anniversary.

 A few of Leighton's favorites

Melt my heart! Leighton held my hand while we rode the carousel.

This girl just chilled the entire time.

It really was a magical weekend. Leighton was in heaven with all of the music, characters, rides and parades. The first morning we walked into the park for breakfast and Leighton literally danced her way down main street. There is something special about little girls in princess outfits at the happiest place on earth. My family and Uncle Jimi's family were able to come to Disneyland with us and help make the trip that much more fun. We can't wait until both girls are able to enjoy the park together.