Birthday Girl

My Baby Girl is 2 years old!! We were looking forward to this past weekend for two reasons...to celebrate A's birthday with the added bonus of beautiful weather, which we definitely took advantage of by going to the Zoo on Saturday. It was a lot of fun and tiring both Z & A were worn out by the time we got home. That evening we went to some friend's house to have dinner and the kids absolutely loved being there. Quite the eventful day!

They are becoming such good friends

Z loves beeing silly in pictures

Z and "his Boy" (that is what he calls Daddy)

Wouldn't be a trip to the Zoo w/out a Carousel ride

Lovin' the Tortoise & Monkey

One of the favorite animals

Sunday we went to church and this was the 1st Sunday that we didn't have problems with either Z or A going to Sunbeams or Nursery...YEAH we have definitely made progress with that hurdle. After church we baked A's cake, she chose Elmo, and while they were taking naps Mommy decorated it. Of course yummy dinner and the best part of all....presents and cake & ice cream. A even started singing to herself as we sang "Happy Birthday" to her. It was a great weekend and we all loved the time being together as a family.

Mixin' the cake

Best part of helping with the cake



The finished product

Birthday Calls

Crocheted beanie from Papa & Mo
(btw - we can't keep hats on her head...notice the rest of the pics!!)


Openin' presents

Enlisted help from her Big Brother

Helping Daddy put together the Vanity

Z liked it as much as A

"Happy Birthday" 1-2-3 blowout the candle

Sneaking some frosting (of course that's the best part)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BABY GIRL....

WE LOVE YOU!!!

1st Outing

Between the weather and then a rotation of the flu we have been stuck in doors...but this past weekend we were able to go out for the first time since moving!!! We wanted to take the trolley around the city and into downtown but after a 1/2 hour wait and still NO trolley we decided to go back and get the car. Z kept asking where the bus was and was not happy about having to ride in the car so we will have to take another opportunity to ride! We went to a ceramic studio where the kids were able to choose something to paint and walked around the different boutiques located there. After we stopped for lunch at a YUMMY burger joint! It is always enjoyable to spend time as a family.

Getting ready to walk to the Trolley stop

Z chose a train (surprise, surprise)

A chose a Teddy Bear

Daddy helping Z & A paint

Willy the giant's rocking chair

Mommy rocking her "babies"

Enjoy the Journey

Have you ever had those days...sometimes even weeks or longer that you just can't get it right? I've never been one to outwardly express when I am having one of those but it just seems like the past little while I have been struggling for whatever reason and haven't been able to put my finger on it. As you know we recently moved and have been getting settled into our new place. Sure that alone can be overwhelming and a stress all it's own but it seems to be more than that.

Sunday we attended our new ward and were welcomed with an outpouring of love, just what you need in unfamiliar territory! During Relief Society we had a lesson on Finding Joy in the Journey by President Monson. As the lesson was presented and comments were made I realized... that is exactly what I have been lacking. The fact that I take simple things for granted not realizing that "opportunities come and then they are gone." All too often I am too busy with the things that I think are important that I miss out on those that truly are. President Monson quotes, "You pile up enough tomorrows, and you'll find you've collected a lot of empty yesterdays." As a mother, moments of overwhelming inadequacy and frustration often get in the way of me recognizing how truly blessed I am to have two healthy, beautiful children who I love more than words can describe yet I don't show it like I should. They truly look past all my flawes and weaknesses with unconditional love and patience, no wonder we are taught to become as little children. "Our realization of what is most important in life goes hand in hand with gratitude for our blessings."

I guess I needed to write my thoughts down to better help me understand that I need to enjoy each day as it comes and although yesterday may not have been perfect I can only work on today so tomorrow will be!!

GoodBye NC.......Hello TN

A few moments of free time....allowing me to catch up a little on Sizemore happenins'.

We found out near the beginning of December that we will be moving to Tennessee!!! Mike received a promotion and along with it came a transfer. It is truly amazing how the Lord has directed each step and decision we have made the past few months. In the Spring we were hoping to purchase a house but nothing seemed to work out. So for over 6 months we have wondered what to do. All along the Lord was preparing the way for us to be in TN. Can you imagine the hassel of trying to sell a house with the way things are now in the economy?! This is not the first time I have directly seen the Lord's hand in my life but am sure grateful that he is mindful of me and my family. We are so excited to be going there, we have heard nothing but positive things. Mike has already started his new position and the kids and I will be headed there next week so we can find a place to live. Then in two weeks we will pack up the truck and officially move!!

It has been almost 4 years since moving to NC and we have met some amazing people who will remain forever friends. Change is not always easy (especially for me)but starting this new chapter of life will be an adventure of its own.

What's New...

I know it is a "bit" late. I don't think I have gone over a month without a post but what can I say? We had a good time at the few different Halloween events this year. We went to two Trunk-or-Treat activities.




Then on Halloween night we camped out with friends. It was something unique and different than the usual trick-or-treat stuff...Z & A absolutely loved it. There were about 7-8 families so instead of going from house to house for candy the kids had to make their way around to each tent which had a game or some kind of activity for the kids to earn the candy. With a hayride and ghost stories around the campfire...it was quite a fun and exciting night (not to mention FREEZING) but definitely worth it all. There is nothing like a hot breakfast after the chilly night and no food tastes as good as when it is cooked outside. While breakfast was going on, Z was standing around the fire and tripped, he fell backwards into the fire, which covered him from the top of his head just past his bum. I can not believe how quick M got to him and pulled him out without any hesitation. Z was extremely blessed at that moment. He had a slight burn on his hip but nothing more. I know without a doubt that he was watched over by our Heavenly Father, to not have received worse.














One more bit of news....Baby #3 is on his/her way!!! We are due June 10th. Z & A talk about the baby in Mommy's belly all the time, yet I don't think they quite grasp the whole thing, not yet any way, maybe as my belly grows bigger!

It's the Great Pumpkin

I just love the Fall. It is my FAVORITE time of year. The weather is becoming bearable and we have a bit of time before the cold really sets in. Also how can you not love & enjoy the view from color changing leaves all around. What a sight to see especially here where there are trees...EVERYWHERE!!! I must say that is all wonderful but the best part of it all are the farms, pumpkins and hayrides:)

This weekend we went to Hill Ridge Farms and had a blast. The weather was great, not too cold-not too hot and the time (of day) we chose to go was perfect. Just as we arrived the majority of the people were leaving! So we had a private hayride (pulled by a tractor which Z absolutely loved) a pretty personal train ride, lots of yummy Kettle corn and a pumpkin patch all to ourselves.

It was also a little B-day thing for M ~ Happy Birthday "M". ~ He was out of town all week and had to spend his birthday alone in San Francisco so we thought we would celebrate with him @ the Farm.

~Mazes

~Swings

~Slides
( black "tube" slide/tunnel down through the inside of a hill-A didn't care for this too much)

~Corn Playland
(huge sandhut full of corn! It was about 12-15 inches deep)

~Train rides

~Tractor pulled hayrides

~Pumpkin patch

~Farm animal feeding

~Yummy food and treats

As you can see they have a lot of activities for the kids to enjoy (as well as the adults) and it has become an annual family outing which we look forward to every Fall!!!

Happy Harvest & Autumn Blessings!!