Our National Park Adventures

We have been a pretty busy family this summer. And even though I have tried to keep up with the blog I have failed at sharing our fun summer adventures. Now that school is back in session (yes, even for me) its time to say goodbye to summer and finally post all the outings that never made it on here.

At the beginning of the year Kaden and I talked about how fun it would be to go to a lot of national parks this year. We only really made it to two but we loved them and so did Leighton.

Our first park was Bryce Canyon.

Leighton asked to walk on every wall and Kaden let her, even if it about gave me a heart attack.

She also started a large rock collection. Grandma was very patient with her when she collected about 20 rocks at one point and tried to carry them all herself.

The second park was Zion. I have been wanting to go there for a long time and this park we did with my entire family and Uncle Jimi, Aunt Heather, the boys and even grandma.

I am so glad we were able to visit a couple of the really beautiful places that we live so close to before making our big move to the south. 

Motherly Advice {Pregnancy Perspective}

It has been quite a while since my last "Motherly advice" post i figured its time for another one.

In the beginning of this pregnancy all i could think of was how badly i jinxed myself in sooo many ways. Every time i heard of someone getting pregnant for the 4th time in 3 years or the 2nd time before their baby was 1 i would roll my eyes and think "what in the world is that woman doing, doesnt she ever want to have a life, or they should really have been more careful." Then guess what?! Bam when i swore off another child until Leighton was 3 so I could have a life someone else decided to give me some perspective. So even though i was running, i was nursing, we were "careful", i didnt have a cycle and it took 2 years and lots of clomid to get Leighton, I was pregnant. With all of the odds against us it happened. Every thought i had about other women ran through my mind but apparently nothing besides being abstinent was going to stop us from having a baby. So from then on my judging has mostly stopped.

Now i have had to learn what being pregnant for a second time is like. It really isn't any easier than the first. Don't get me wrong i do not have hard pregnancies. I have an average amount of morning sickness and i feel tired pretty often but something happens when i am pregnant and i feel like i have way more self control. I tend to eat way better and exercise harder and more often. Mentally i try to stay sharp and spiritually i try to grow stronger in my beliefs. If you have ever been pregnant though you know being pregnant is not fun. Some girls can not wait to have a baby bump or the pregnant glow but me i worry constantly over how healthy the baby is or how much weight i have gained and some pains that my body goes through growing this little human make me want to just curl up in bed all day and hide.

Instead of focusing on all of the negative though i tend to look at how positive of an experience this is. I include Leighton in all of my pregnancy activities like running in the mornings. She loves it, if we miss a day she will go to the door at least 10 times and ask to go or climb in her stroller and tell me she is ready. I tell her about the baby in my belly not that she gets it at all but she sure does love my belly and somehow i think she knows its special and not just because it looks like hers. When i rock Leighton at night she snuggles close to my stomach and can feel the baby kick, they already love each other.

Sweet things like that do make this second pregnancy nicer than the first. I was so involved in Leighton's pregnancy and learning everything there was to know and now i am involved in preparing Leighton for the new baby and myself for her as well. Knowing more of what to expect takes some of the edge off and really seeing once again what i am capable of is nice too. Pregnancy really does tend to put life into perspective for me. With Leighton it was the not getting pregnant part that made everything seem like such a miracle. I really learned not to take anything for granted and that things happen when they are supposed to. With little girl number two, again things do not happen on our time it is all up to the Lord. What an eye opener that there are more things in store for Kaden and I than to be selfish and save money and travel and have an easy couple years of doing whatever we wanted to do. Having a baby is so much more special than that so i don't know what we were thinking anyways.

So my advice out of all of this. Try to learn from everything that comes your way. I have posted about pregnancy and timing before but besides that life throws a lot at us and we are expected to do so much. When things are easy love it and when they aren't grow from from it. If i can run 4 miles pushing a stroller while 27 weeks pregnant i know i can basically do anything. Find something in your life that tells you that, because it is true.

                                                   

Grandma Karen

Grandma Karen passed away suddenly last Thursday, July 25. Karen was Kaden's Grandma and one of Leighton's three Great Grandmas. I always thought Leighton was such a lucky little girl to be able to grow up knowing three Great Grandmas. I can only remember one of mine and very vaguely. I think i remember her more just because we talk about her and i have seen so many pictures of her. It was very surprising to have Karen pass away. Although she was 76 she was very energetic and still loved to be very independent. Besides being independent she took care of everyone around her. She literally was the care taker for her sister Diane who needed full time supervision and needless to say is not very easy to be around but Karen loved and cared for her anyways. She had lots of grandchildren who all adored her and tons of great grandchildren. I remember when i first met Karen i couldn't believe how much she did. She was a snow bird and spent her winters in beaver dam and most of the year in Cedar. She golfed all of the time and still drove her trailer to family reunions. 

Last year when Kaden worked full time and i was in one of my last full time semesters at school Karen watched Leighton for us. At first i was a little skeptical only because i knew Leighton was a handful and i didnt want her to have to worry about Leighton screaming or anything. Some days were not as easy as others but Karen absolutely loved spending time with Leighton and was so funny with her. I would get there to pick her up and she would have her in her lap with a pile of interesting things to play with. Leighton really did love her and Kaden and I both love that they had that time together. The more i think about Karen being gone and what that really means the sadder i feel. I know she is at peace and that she is with her husband and that she is watching over everyone in her family and that we will see her again one day but my heart breaks just a little that she wont get to meet our new baby and that Leighton won't really remember her except for when we tell her how much her great grandma loved her. All three of us will miss her so much but we are so unbelievably grateful for the gospel and the peace it brings into our lives knowing where Karen is and that we will meet again. 

After her passing we found a journal entry that she had wrote just a few days before and it was such a sweet earthly reminder of why we are here and that there is a bigger plan for all of us. Karen wrote a simple and sweet testimony of her faith and that she knew she would be with her husband again. I don't think there is anything more special that can be left behind than a reminder to your family of what you believed in. We are so grateful for the simple birthday cards she never failed to give us, that she attended the temple with us on several occasions, including when we were married and that she so willingly watched Leighton and was so proud of her. We will think of her often and always keep her in our hearts, until we meet again.

Dear Leighton {2}

4th of July 2013. You loved playing in the rain.

Dear Leighton,

            Tonight is my second time ever being with out you. I am sorry to say but i am really looking forward to some sleep. Someday when you are a pregnant mother of a 1 year old you will understand. This week you have been trying out some new tricks. By tricks i mean wines and cries and ways of making me crazy. You refuse to say all done when you want out of your high chair or the bath tub, you refuse to nap in your crib and will only sleep on dads pillow during the day. You kick me in the stomach as hard as you can when its time to change your diaper. You pull my hair and laugh when i am not giving you what you want right away. You wake up in middle of the night and scream if i leave your crib side usually i stand there for an hour. Then in between all of this craziness that you never have done before because you have always been an almost perfect child up until this week. You pull my face towards yours to give me kisses. You ask me to tickle you and laugh so hard. You pick raspberries in the backyard and share them with me. You try to hold tiffany's paws like they are hands and wrap your little arms around her. You hug mannequins at the store because you think they are kids. You bring Tiffany on car rides with us. You ask to go on walks and sit nicely in your stroller during runs. You cuddle up with your dad and and fall asleep in his arms. Even though this week has been crazy and some days you make me want to cry, thank you for being generally being so sweet. I am sorry that you have been so sad. I think your 1 year old molers are growing in and i am sure they must really hurt. I love you so much Leighton. Even when you are being a little stinker. I am so grateful for you and already am so proud of you. You make everyone around you happier (most of the time). You have taught me so much and continue to everyday. This week i have been working on patience, if we both survive your teeth coming in i think it went well. I hope you are enjoying your night with Dad. I will hold you again tomorrow.

XOXO
Love,
Mom

Little Things {2}

Loving

- Spending an entire week with my mom
- Playing with Leighton in the creek
- Having my running partner back
- Making major progress on the backyard
- Drinking fresh amazing carrot and berry juice

Not Loving So Much

- migraines
- the heat (i'm a wimp)
- the smoke from all of the fires

A Week of Traveling

A few weeks ago we made two quick trips out of town. First we headed to Salt Lake for a few days so Kaden could do some training for work and then we quickly came home, washed clothes, repacked and headed to California.

Salt Lake

While up North we got to see my cousin and his wife (Brian and Tiffany). It was really nice catching up with them. We have been so busy that we haven't seen each other since before Leighton was born.

Leighton and I did way too much shopping but how could we not with all the amazing stores calling our names at City Creek and Fashion Place malls.

It was a hot week but Leighton is lucky enough to have a dad who loved running through the splash pads with her.

California

We made the drive to California from Cedar in one day and went straight to Soak City water park.

Kaden instantly turned into a little kid again running from slide to slide with his brothers.

Leighton enjoyed swimming around all of the little pools and i am sure everyone else loved seeing this pregnant lady in a bikini still.

Our second day we headed off to a seriously PERFECT day at Disneyland. There wasn't anyone there, we never waited longer than 30 minutes in a line and the weather was sooo nice being in the 70s to 80s.

Leighton danced of course to every song she heard, took a few naps, and was in awe with the rides.

Kaden had a much needed stress free day and I LOVED eating every single thing that i saw.

Little Things

I wanted to start a new weekly post about little things i am loving and not loving so much lately.

Loving

- running in the mornings
- chasing Leighton in the grass
- watering our flowers
- feeling babies kicks
- wearing maternity clothes
- eating zucchini brownies

Not Loving So Much

- having pain in my knees and ankles
- watching the lorax for the billionth time
- having tons of organizing to do
- not being able to sleep on my stomach
- not being able to sleep at all

Dear Leighton

Dear Leighton,

Somedays I just watch you in amazement. You have such a unique personality and you are only 1 year old. I laugh when I try to imagine what parts of you are from me and what parts are from your dad. Besides your blue eyes and your cute nose you are completely your own person. Auntie Maymay says your a little human. You are communicating so well using baby sign language, a few words and lots of screams. You throw the funniest fits and I never give in to them so I'm not sure why you keep trying but they do make us giggle. You have your own language filled with hey, hereyougo, tigletigle, pease, and mmm mmmm. Lately you have been very clingy and will stand on my toes and hold my legs when I do the dishes or make breakfast. Then you laugh and show me your toothy smile when I walk with you that way. I hope to always remember everyday that we get to spend together alone and that I never take them for granted. You melt my heart every morning with your tired eyes and messy hair and again each night when you have both a baba and Binki in hand and rock to sleep to my singing. I love you so much and am so blessed to have you for a daughter.

XOXO
Love,
Mom

Surprise!

Lived, Learned, and Loved.

I think I've mentioned a few times now how crazy of a year this has turned out to be and how much crazier it will be getting. If you don't already know let me start to tell you. (Everything at once might just blow your mind.)

Due 10- 30-13

Back in January something happened that made me realize I wanted some "me" time before ever having another baby. Part of it may have been that winter is never an emotionally easy time for me but another part loved having the freedom to travel and play as much as Leighton and I do.

After coming home from my first Seattle trip I told Kaden "I refuse to have another baby before Leighton is 3 years old." I think he was in shock but knew I was serious and every form of birth control was started.

After coming home from my second Seattle trip Kaden walked in the house and I said with a mixture of laughing and crying "I am pregnant!"

If you follow the blog at all then you would know that my second trip to Seattle was in February. So we have kept baby number 2 a secret for quite some time now.

This pregnancy has been very similar to Leightons. During the first trimester I had morning sickness everyday along with a migraine and acne. This time it was nice though because I didn't have any classes to go to and I didn't have to leave the house for work. Poor Leighton went a little stir crazy but somehow we both survived.

The second trimester has been good to me. The sickness is all gone and I feel amazing. So far I've gained more than I would have liked but its probably better since I have not slowed down on running and working out at all. I thought I was active when I was pregnant with Leighton but I've kicked it up a notch this time. The baby has been busy kicking around since about 16 weeks and so far everything seems to be healthy and great.

 We Are Having A Girl!!!

Kaden really went through a thing of not wanting to find out the sex of the baby. As this is my second pregnancy and i have been so busy and excited with other things and loving my time with just Leighton i felt a little less connected with the baby than i felt like i should be, i thought finding out the sex of the baby would help this.

At our 20 week ultrasound the tech asked if we wanted to know the sex and Kaden said "might as well i already know its a girl." I laughed because honestly i thought it might be a boy but Kaden was right.

We are all three very excited to invite our new little one into our family. Leighton helped me pick out a blanket and stuffed animal just for our new little one. With all the changes coming our way it only seems to fit that we will be having a baby as well. Even though Kaden and I thought we wouldn't be having another child so soon we know the Lord had a different idea in mind for us. When i was in shock with finding out, Kaden calmly said "We are obviously meant to have this baby for a reason. It took us two years and a lot of help to have Leighton and this baby came while we were trying everything possible not to have a baby." I was so grateful for his reaction and for how excited he has been through out the entire pregnancy. Only 20 weeks to go and our little girl will be here and Leighton will be a big sister!

Motherly Advice {A Little Loving Support}

Loved

Or should i say marriage advice...?

Kaden has been working like a crazy person ever since he got out of school. When i say crazy person i really mean it. 100+ hours a week is not what any sane person would work. Especially if they worked at a job where they weren't treated well, ever given enough credit, or paid nearly as much as any other person in their same position. (Can you tell the mine is not my favorite place?)

Sometimes it is really frustrating to go at least 12 hours a day with out seeing Kaden and with Leighton running around the house asking for Dada. To add to the frustration I tend to work all day every day as well. I may be home with Leighton but i am usually on the phone with her pulling at my legs or trying to find a high enough place to sit where she won't bang on my computer while i'm sending emails.

So anyways once we finally sit down to dinner at 8:00-9:30 at night we have to take the time to talk and ease one-anothers day, even if it is only for a few minutes. Kaden comes home soooo tired but always willing to help with Leighton and listen to me talk about all of the things i did through out the day. I can not even tell you how supportive it is to me.

What makes Kaden feel supported? I took a few days off of emails and most calls and deep cleaned our entire house. Honestly our bedroom has never looked this good. With the house so spotless it is so much easier to keep everything put away and cleaned during the day. So when Kaden gets home the house is clean. He is honestly somewhat of a clean freak and it makes him so much more comfortable when he walks in to a clean space, especially because he feels like work is such a dirty place. The other thing that he loves is having dinner ready. He is one cranky guy if he is hungry, eating first thing keeps the cranky away.

We are not perfect in this area but we are definitely doing really well in it. We sat down awhile ago and actually talked about what the most important things were that we appreciated from one another and what the things were that we felt were hard for us to deal with. Ever since we have both made such huge efforts and have seen such a difference in how much happier our marriage is and how much easier it is to do things for each other, we only wish we would have thought to do this sooner.

How to support each other?
- do not complain about each others jobs.
- talk about what would help you to feel better everyday.
- make a solid effort to do whatever will help each other overall.
- make time for each other every day.

Why support each other?

To me a marriage is a partnership. Both people need to be willing to do their part to make it work. As much as we all like to think marriage is about being googley eyed in love. It really isn't. No matter how much Kaden and I love each other we would never stay together if we didn't commit to one-another every day to make our marriage succeed. Supporting each other in all of our endeavors is what makes our marriage succeed. When one of us feels a greater weight on shoulders than the other we tend to become frustrated and overwhelmed only causing us to argue more often and have contention in our home. We have come to realize supporting each other is key to our marriage being happy and strong. It helps us to feel like equals in both work and family matters and allows us to communicate more and best of all love more as well. When we were first married i would always say i need to feel more loved and Kaden would say the same thing. Little did we know that our definition of love really meant we needed to feel supported.

Summer Time

Lived

We are loving this summer season so far and can not get enough of the sun! Leighton and i find any excuse possible to hang out in our swimsuits and shorts. Cedar City has blessed us with some amazing weather, i think it is trying to convince us to stay. (hint hint)

Last week we visited Logandale for a few days. Minus melting in the heat we enjoyed our time there. I could have lived in this pool if my life didn't consist of sitting in front of a computer, iPad, and two different phones. Side note, how in the world does anyone work out in the Valley? I woke up early every day to run and it was way too hot. 

Leighton is such a little fish! She loved being in the water so much she even convinced Grandpa to take her swimming. Can you believe it, this little red head still hasn't been sun burned. I am so grateful and so crazy about sun screen.

Motherly Advice {Get out of the house}

Leighton and I spend a lot of time outside. I tend to get depressed if I'm sitting in the house for too long. During the winter this means we are running a lot of errands and making a lot of unnecessary trips to cute little boutiques around Cedar. During the summer we find ourselves at a different park every other

day, at the gym and at the city pool.

Not only is this for my own sanity but for Leighton's as well. My little 1 year old is too smart for her own good but really I wouldn't have it any other way. She is so interested in the world around her I feel like I need to support that now so she can continue her joy for learning later.

We dig in the dirt, color with chalk, slash in water, dance to any sound that resembles music, climb whatever should be and look at everything.

The more we get out of the house the easier it is to do things in the house. I tend to keep the house cleaner, make meals more often and do more educational and productive things with Leighton and for myself (read more, play more, watch way less tv).

I highly recommend trying it. Take the next week to spend time outside. Now that its summer go soak up some vitamin D, learn something new and become happier at home.

Our Life

Lived

I started out the year with a goal of blogging twice a week and really doing well at writing down our family adventures and my personal thoughts and feelings. Needless to say that didn't even last two months.

Life got away from us is an understatement. I am not sure where mid February to the past week went. Everyday seems to pass faster than the last and all I seem to accomplish is getting out of bed, working out, chasing Leighton around the house and answering work calls and emails.

Somewhere in between I did pack quite a few suit cases and go on plenty of trips. Sadly I didn't keep a very good record of them though.

Learned

In these crazy few months I learned not only about my personal strength but my families as well. I don't know if we have ever been so close or so happy. Kaden and I have been communicating better than ever and both of us have supported each other in ways that we only read that we should in the first three years of our marriage.

Loved

I've loved finding something that honestly I have a true passion for. I've loved all the opportunity that we have been given this year and loved that everything about this year has been completely different than what Kaden and I originally planned for. This was going to be a year of staying in Cedar, saving all of our pennies and figuring out what we wanted to accomplish in our lives. Instead... It's rare if we are home and its only going to get worse. We are spending every dime we have and then some, and well we are going to go ahead and start that life sooner rather than later.

This year has been full of so many blessings that we never even thought to ask for.


Sorry if this a little vague. More details to come in the next few weeks.