receiving blanket quilt

This receiving blanket quilt took about two months to finish. Being the sentimental person that I am, I couldn't bring myself to give away and or toss out Alara's receiving blankets. I do not have an infinite amount of storage space, so I knew that I needed to do something special with the blankets. And after many hours of cutting, sewing, and more sewing (and many episodes of Gilmore Girls) I finally finished. 

It's really soft, cuddly and I'm in love.   

Arizona Road Trip Day #3

It's our final day in Arizona. We spent the morning at Oak Creek Canyon at Slide Rock Park. We hiked around the park, swam in the creek and made mud pies. After lunch under a lovely apple tree, we drove to Sedona. While in Sedona we went to the Red River Crossing Park and enjoyed more swimming, walking and beautiful views. We left earlier than planed due to an incoming thunderstorm, and made the long drive home to California. 

Thanks for the memories Arizona, till next time.    

Arizona Road Trip Day #2

I had a hard time narrowing down which pictures to post. The Grand Canyon National Park was gorgeous! The weather was perfect - partially cloudy with a high of 80something and a cool breeze gently moving about. The views were stunning. The air was clean. And the wildlife was abundant.  

We started at the visitors center and hiked the Rim Trail from Mather's Point to the Village. Then after lunch we picked up the trail again and hiked up to Maricopa Point where we boarded a shuttle bus to Hermit's Rest. As much as I wanted to hike the whole trail, the kiddos were getting tired and it was getting harder and harder to push the stroller on the uneven trails. However, even from the shuttle bus we were able to enjoy the stunning views of the Grand Canyon. 

To get back to the Village from the Hermit's Rest we took the shuttle. Alara was not a happy camper. It was seven miles of pure cranky, angry, hangry, fussy baby time. She was not happy. I avoided eye contact with everyone on that bus..including the driver...and I'm certain that several of the young childless couples sitting nearby suddenly decided that maybe kids weren't such a good idea. 

Ahem. 

Once we got back to the car, both kiddos fell asleep and we were able to enjoy a quiet drive around the park. Our journey ended at the Watch Tower where we all got out and watched the start of the sunset (kids didn't want to sit still) before heading back to Flagstaff. 

Good way to end a long day. 

Arizona Road Trip Day #1

 After spending about four hours confined to the car we all needed to get out and stretch our legs! The Lewis Kingman Park in Kingman Arizona provided the perfect opportunity for rock pile creations, a picnic dinner and for burning off a little energy before continuing to our final destination in Flagstaff. So far the kiddos have done well. Alara slept most of the way through the desert. She did get fussy towards the end of the trip, but that is to be expected. I came prepared with snacks, toys, books and audio CD's - the VBS soundtrack and a kids Star Wars audio-book. Both are favorites of Lucas's. 

I'm making a mental note that for our next road trip I need to have more variety in kid's CD's. I have the Fruit of the Spirit song stuck in my head and The Empire Strikes Back memorized! 

There wasn't much to do or see in Kingman. Lots of train exhibits and trains. But since we live near train tracks that wasn't too interesting for the kiddos. Kingman does have one nice Starbucks, the world's smallest JCPenny, and the world's largest K-Mart. (These amazing facts presented to you may or may not be true...I've yet to confirm). 

Tomorrow we head to the Grand Canyon. 

PSR Alumni Sabbath

On Sabbath we took the kiddos to see where it all started. Although the weather was horrible, we had a fun day walking around camp, visiting with old friends and making new ones. The evening ended at the Campfire Bowl where Richard once again picked up his infamous guitar and played silly songs. Hearing him play brought back so many memories. I'm thankful for those memories. Those memories made me the person I am today. Today I got to share new memories with my family - and for that I am thankful.

...till next year...

Philippians 4:13

Being a stay-at-home-mom has its rewards and its challenges. This week I feel as if there have been more challenges then rewards. The kids have had too many long days and late nights in a row. They are tired, cranky and in need of a solid nights rest. 

...or maybe I am in need of a solid nights rest...and Jesus...or both.  

When I am tired, I get emotional.  And a tired emotional Mama + tired cranky kids = meltdowns all around! 

Hurray for early bedtime!! And Jesus. 

Last night during dinner, offspring #1 had a huge meltdown. Apparently his royal highness did not care for the cuisine chosen for the evening. His meltdown effected offspring #2 causing distress all around. Instead of handling things like a rational loving person, I found myself becoming rather ragey. It wasn't my best moment as a parent. But in my defense offspring #1 had been having meltdowns all afternoon and offspring #2 was feeling particularly clingy. In addition, my husband had called earlier letting me know that he was stuck in traffic and would be late. 

Later that evening I couldn't stop thinking about how I should have handled the dinner meltdown differently. I replayed the events in my head, analyzing what I should and shouldn't have done. I started to compare myself to other Mamas. I allowed my insecurities to take over. 

It is in the moments like the "Great Dinner Meltdown of 16'" when I just need to stop, take a deep breath and repeat Philippians 4:13 out loud over and over again. 

"I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength" 

It is easy to become overwhelmed as a Mama of two little ones. I'm sure one day I'll look back and laugh and even miss the crazy dinnertime chaos.

Until then...

I'll keep pressing.

I'll keep praying. 

And I'll repeat Philippians 4:13 as many times as needed. 

Good Night. 

wedding weekend wrap-up

This weekend my beautiful cousin-in-law got married! The wedding festivities kicked off Thursday night with a traditional Haldi Mehendi party. Thanks to Dadi, my kiddos looked adorable in their traditional outfits. Lucas was the Bible boy and he took his duties seriously! We hung out before the wedding processional taking pictures and talking about proper Bible boy etiquette. My favorite moment was when he gravely informed one of the flower girls that she shouldn't run down the aisle. After the ceremony, we all went to the wedding reception for a night of good food, good company and lots of fun!