The cheapest therapy...

One day while Kara & I were canning, conversation turned to The Office. I told her I couldn't wait for Season 7 to come out because I was in desprete need of "new material."
She looked at me and said, "Em, it's out!"
"Shut up" I squealed. "I've been meaning to check online for the release date, I just never have!"
"Yeah, it's out, we just bought it (but then returned it because she has a way better consious than I do!)It was $ 39.99."
I ran to the computer, hopped on Ebay, found a new one for $ 24.24 which included shipping and bought it that second without hesitating, (and no, I didn't order it from China again, although I could have saved $ 4.00 by doing so- but the lingering smell of noodles that incased my boxed set was so unsettling to me last time I opted for the sold-in-the-USA version this round.)
I knew 24 bucks was a small price for the months of relief it was about to bring into my life (and I missed a Dr app and had the $)
It arrived a few days later and I'm on Round # 3 of watching the entire Season already. Yeah, I know I have issues & yeah I know there are 24 episodes plus bonus footage that I have induldged in for hours for the third time- but I simply adore it. When the day has been incredibly long, the kids especially difficult, when dinner hasn't turned out and the laundry seemed to explode throughout the day- I know that after the kids are asleep and my chores are done- I will have sweet, sweet relief when I see Dwight's handsome face staring back at me!

Bigger than the world...

I had to write this one down quickly before I forgot it. Less than a hour ago I was taking a picture of Grace sleeping- you know, just one of those Mommy momments. She opened her eyes (probably due to the flash) and said, "Mommy, I love you."
I smiled and said, "I love you too Grace."
"Bigger than the world?" she asked.
"Yes, bigger than the world, twinkle toes." I replied.

"Bigger than the atonement," she asked.
"Just as much as the atonement." I answered with a smile on my face.


Afterwards I had one of those moments were I was completely overwhemled with gratitude for the gospel in my life. I am beyond grateful for the sacrafice Jesus Christ made for each one of us. He died because he loved us and because we were worth it.
There were several General Confrence talks that really sttod out this past weekend, and I walked away realizing that even if I don't believe it as much as I should- I am important. I am seen. I am loved. I am heard. I do matter. My life does count & I am a remarkable woman.
I am truely grateful for the atonement in my life and for the postive example of Christ's life we have to look to. I am grateful that we are teaching our children what we belive to be true. In a world were so many people do not believe in God or his son, I am so thankful I have the knowledge and testimony that they are very real and very much apart of my life.

Happy Birthday Sweet girl...

I can't even tell you how much I love this girl! It is so much fun watching her turn into a little person. She loves:
sugar
kitties
doggies
chicken noodle soup
baths
baby dolls
bubbles
being wrapped like a burrito at bed time
putting clothes on
going for walks
pinecones, bugs and rocks
playing at the park
getting potty treats

What were you doing 2 years ago?

This is what we were doing!! Welcoming Little Miss Willow into the world! Here's a peek back...

Willow's silly cake...

Call me cheap, but I refuse to spend $ 20.00 on a cake. I always make cupcakes, but today after General Conference, we decided to make one for little Miss Muffet. Trav had to leave for the Priesthood session, so we have yet to eat it or sing happy Birthday to Willow- but tomorrow is another day, right? And thank goodness because today has been one of those days I seriously contemplated running away for a month by myself!
Happy Birthday Willow!

Canning is complete...

Canning was done a little bit ago, but I still had a few apples and peaches lingering around and because didn't want them to go to waste- I canned 7 more quarts of applesauce and sliced & froze bags of peaches. I think I am offically done, it's always so bitter sweet. I look forward to it all year, it comes, it's fun and wild and crazy and exhausting and messy and wonderful and time consuming yet so worth it. It's amazing how much your feet can ache too!

Guess who's 2...

Somehow our baby girl grew up. It's crazy to think it was 2 years ago already!