Lessons learned

White clothing on my kids plus my mom equal TROUBLE. I don't know if all grandmothers are like this my mom is. She just can't resist feeding them. Which is fine, but inevitably after whisking them away they are usually returned 'slightly' messier. This is probably because they are having much more fun than they would with me. I'm sure I will be just like this when it is my turn being grandma.

Tonight as I was hand washing an outfit of Max's, I was suddenly taken back 5 years ago when I was probably doing that very same thing as a missionary in Bolivia, where we had to hand wash ALL our cloths. By hand. One piece is fine, but doing a whole load is another story.

Living among such humble people taught me a lot and it helped me to be grateful for everything I had. I saw people living very simple lives and were still happy. No dishwashers, no washing machines, no cars, no refrigerators, no microwaves, no computers, indoor plumbing and I could go on. Everyday I take these things, and more, for granted.

While it was only five years ago it, at times, feels like a lifetime away, like a dream. But I know how lucky I have it and I am so grateful for all I have and grateful for what Bolivia taught me.

Bolivia taught me the kindness of strangers.
Bolivia taught me to work hard. Real hard. This is a chapel that was built in an area I served in for a long time. It was a small, rural village and while we attended church in a tiny upstairs room with often less than 20 people, at times I would wonder if we were making a difference, if the hard work would pay off. Though it was hard and sometimes seemed hopeless, we kept talking to people, sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ, knocking on doors, and doing whatever we could to fulfill our purpose as missionaries. Toward the end of my mission I was able to see the dedication of this building, built big enough to be a stake center one day, which I don't doubt will happen. Now it is thriving and the members are strong.

Bolivia taught me that prayers are answered and inspiration is given to those who seek it.

It taught me that people can change, no matter how much it might appear they won't or can't.

Bolivia taught me to be flexible, things don't always go how you think they will. We found this puppy, wet, shivering, dirty and sick just outside our doorstep as we were leaving to begin a VERY busy day. We could have just left it and went on with the day as planned but we didn't. We got it taken care of though it took a good hour or two and still had a great day. Now little "Pequena" is doing well and I hear is a grandma.

It taught me that change does not come all at once, but is a very slow gradual process.
Bolivia taught me of service. This is Mauricio a grandson of one of the members who cooked lunch for us. I wonder how much time and love went into those meals. When ever we asked anything of the members they did all they could to sacrifice for the work of the Lord. They never ceased to amaze me.

I learned to be happy and the way to be happy is to make others happy. Thank you Sister Medina
It taught me to be humble. This is my companion, Hermana Vargas, and I at a baptism. I can't say it was easy being with a companion 24/7 for a year and a half. There were times when I wanted to run away to be alone for just one minute. But by being forced to be with someone who didn't always share my opinions, who had a different personality than my own and who had their own background, I learned how important it is to be humble and that for any relationship to work there needs to be a lot of give.

Bolivia taught me the gospel through diligent scripture study.

Most importantly, Bolivia taught me to love.

I am so grateful for the year and a half I spent as a missionary in Bolivia. I know it has changed me in ways I don't even know. And I thank all those who helped get me there, because I know I couldn't have done it on my own.

Two weeks

It's been about that long since I posted last, and the few that I have done in the past month have been fairly quick. Oh well! You do what you can.

I don't know why but the past couple weeks have been BUSY! This is funny because if you were to ask me what I was going to be up to two weeks ago I would have said "not much". After taking inventory I found that I had, on top of my 'normal life', I:

Made and delivered lots o' Valentine treats
Took the wallpaper down in our bedroom and worked on getting it ready to paint (still a WIP)
Attended a RS activity
Did some work in the yards because the weather has been SO beautiful lately
Went to a 'Tea Party' with my visiting teachee's and friends
Jogged a 5k
Sang a solo in sacrament meeting
Organized a birthday dinner for my grandma and made a cake
Did the back of two baby quilts, quilted said quilts and finished them
Finally finished the binding of my BYU quilt and Clifford quilt (both WIP for a LONG time)
Went to the movies with my sweetheart
Picked up a missionary at the airport (which Levi LOVED, had I known an airport would have been so entertaining I would have taken him there long ago!)
Had a consultation with an electrician. We're getting new lighting in most of the house, I'm SO excited
Did a sealing session at the temple with friends and family
Signed up for MY VERY LAST CLASS of my undergraduate collage career!
Traveled to Washington and back all in 2 days
Sang at my step brother in law's baptism (where my wonderful, well behaved, especially in church, two year old screamed THE ENTIRE TIME)
Redesigned the logo to my Etsy shop and made a couple new pieces

Looking at it all I think that's a TON! And I know none of it would be possible with my sweet husband who helps me in everything I do.

Almost everyday I take a look at what I got done and think I have done very little when in reality I was able to accomplish a lot, sometimes I just need to take a step back and remind myself of it.

Very Observant

Levi had a stinkbomb of a diaper today, and lately this has not been an unusual occurance. So I grabbed a diaper, some wipes and laid him on the floor like I normally do. Just before changing him he looked at me and said "You don't like poop." All I could do was smile and say "No, I don't." Ahhhh.... to be the mom of a toddler!

Delicious and Nutritous

Our littlest prince just ate dirt. He is now starting to crawl. Well, it is more like he gets up on all fours and dives forward or does push-ups dragging his feet behind him. It's pretty funny to watch. While daddy-o was putting up the baby gate, he scooted over to a plant (on the floor) and thought it would be a tasty treat. I guess we have a lot more baby proofing to do.

Eight Months

A little past due but still good, at least enough time before he is nine months.

My littlest prince is eight months old, that's 2/3 a year! And I just can't imagine our life without him.

Who wouldn't love this little face? With such big brown eyes and dimpled chin, he is impossible to resist and I can't kiss him enough!

You are almost ready to crawl and can almost get yourself up on your hands and knees. Now you'll finally be able to play chase with your brother and dad.
One of the funnest things that has happened in the past month is that you have really learned what it is to play with toys, you LOVE them! And you're not too picky about what kind either. Pretty much whatever is next to you, you love to play with it. Other favorites: the remote and any cell phone. Our little techno baby.

When it's time for you to sleep you love to grab your blanket and snuggle it up to your face and sometimes over your head, turn on your side and have your face right up next to the side of the crib. It's so cute to see you all snuggled up in the corner!
You know how to use those hands of yours. They are great at grabbing and feeding yourself, which you LOVE to do. You'd like to feed yourself with a spoon if we'd let you. Mr. Independence.
You are a such a goofball and so quick to smile and giggle, especially at that CRAZY dad of yours.

One of your favorite people is Levi. You love to get near his head and 'get him' which means putting your hands on his face, holding an ear, some hair, whatever you can grab. Levi LOVES playing this game with you and you are both usually in giggles by the end, it makes everyone in the room smile when you two play together!

You now have two bottom teeth and you still have a great disposition, nothing can bring you down!
We love you little Max-o!

You're so cute!

At least three times a day (usually more) Levi will go up to his little brother and say "Baby Max, you so cute!" Now THAT is cute!

That is usually followed up by a "Elmo cute too" and when asked, insisting no one but Max and Elmo are cute (not even me!) Yes Elmo is cute, but in this mom's opinion, he is no where near a cute as my own two little monsters!

So good!

Jason loves two things: Oreos and Reeses Peanut butter cups. So when I saw these recipes I HAD to try them for his birthday.

These are called Oreo Truffles and whoever dreamed them up are now a hero of mine. They are amazing!
I made them for Jason and brought a plate down with one candle in it and we sang to him. Everyone loved them and took a couple, what he didn't know was THIS was just minutes away:

The Ultimate Chocolate Layered Reeses Peanut Butter Cup Birthday Cake

One word: rich. Double chocolaty devils food cake, peanut butter drizzle, cream cheese frosting and Reeses on top. It made even the biggest sweet tooth stop after only half a piece.

These two are definitely going in the recipe box.

Here is the link for BOTH recipes. Enjoy!