Motherhood: An Eternal Partnership with God

"He will bless you and He is blessing you, even- no, ESPECIALLY when your days and your nights may be the most challenging."
After last night, the words in this inspired message were exactly what I needed. I know that I am doing the Lord's work and that He is constantly blessing our family. I love my son, and he really is worth it.

To all mothers out there, "you are truly magnificent."

Baby Caps

I am obsessed with baby hats. If I had more money, I would totally splurge on these cute, boyish beanies and berets.


I love the puff-balls on top. So cute and makes for adorable pictures.

Anything crocheted goes on my list of favorites. This little hat is perfect for the winter, too.

I really like this one. Its so bright and fun! Talmage would look awesome sporting a hat like this :)

Berets for baby boys are hard to find. This one is from the Baby Gap. I think that if I ever see this on the rack it will be an automatic purchase.

These are similar to the beret. LOVE the plaid wool newsboy caps.

And who can resist a baby beanie? So darling!

Which one is your favorite?

"I think I can, I think I can, I think I can"

We just got The Little Engine That Could in the mail yesterday (thanks to Dolly Parton's Imagination Library), and have been reading it religiously. But the title of this post also has to do with my actual post :) I have been feeling this way a lot lately..."I think I can, I think I can..." in regards to more things than one.

I don't cook that often. It's not that I don't want to, or that I don't think I am capable. But whenever I want to cook something new and fun, I persuade myself that the cost of ingredients outweighs the possible good dish that could be the outcome. And now since there is a baby in the picture, the number of reasons not to cook just escalates higher.

Well, I have recently learned to make artisan bread from my paw. He is a bread-making machine, and even with his full-time job and calling in the Stake Presidency, he somehow finds time to make this stuff a few times a week. So I thought, "Hey, I can do this! maybe."

Here is the book that inspired him, which now inspires me.


And here is my dough. (one of the better-looking ones...)


And the bread, fresh out of the oven.

I know that it looks perfect, but don't be fooled. It was undercooked. I still have yet to find the picture combination of oven time and temperature.

I love the short, simple list of ingredients. Even more, I love the crispy, nutty, goodness when it's made just right. And I love my dad for helping me through this process.

In other news, Talmage is a doll:) I got bored today so we did a mini photo-shoot.

Babies, Bottles, and Baseballs

Babies David, Talmage, & Kai


The three faces of America :)

We had a wonderful 4th this year. The best part was Jonathan being able to go to church with us (he had the day off due to too many credit hours). I hate being by myself at church so it was a special treat. Sunday afternoon we left for Utah to stay with my grandparents in Sandy. Monday night was the highlight of our trip...


We got awesome seats right in front of the third base line, and the whole game was really exciting. Grant(my brother) and Christopher(Jonathan's brother) were able to join us.

Talmage was happy too, he got rice cereal in his bottle for the first time. This is not something I would recommend. It was really hard for him to suck it out since it was thicker, and I had to dilute it a LOT. So mommas, when you start on cereal, use a spoon!

After he finished, he slept for FIVE hours. Amazing.
He even slept through the cheering, the wave, loudest section contest, and fireworks. It probably helped that he had these sound-proofing earmuffs on his head.

Overall it was a fun time, and I was treated to some cotton candy, which I haven't had since I was a wee kid. The only sad part was that the Bees lost :( poo.

For the rest of our visit we went to some of our favorite places in Utah, did some shopping, and hung out with family. It was all very splendid but I am glad to be home. Now its back to sitting on the couch with my little boy all day long and watching TLC :) I really do love being his mommy- he makes me laugh and smile like I never knew I could.

...and occasionally frown.

Growing up!

In just a few days Talmage will be 3 months old! It has already flown by so fast, and even though I'd like him to stay a tiny, sweet newborn, it is pretty fun watching him absorb the world around him.

He surprised us one day by pushing up on his feet and standing! Granted it is a very wobbly stance but, it is a start! Now he does it all the time...he will try to push himself up no matter wht he's doing :)


He is also grabbing his toys now and holding onto them! His thumb remains the number one favorite.


During the day he will only take his naps in one particular place. Go figure, its the couch.


He continues to love bath-time. Sometimes I'll just let him hang out in the towel for a while.



Thankfully one thing hasn't changed. He still LOVES sleeping on Daddy's chest :)
Note Jonathan's hunky tanline....hahaha.


In other news, Jonathan's job is perfect for our family. He is back home every night around 6 so we all spend the evenings together. He has gotten lots of overtime, but also some nice LONG breaks. Next week he has four days off in a row (due to all that overtime), so we're going to Utah to have some fun :)
He is also busy at work creating lesson plans for Leave No Trace, which he will be teaching soon! I am so proud of his dedication and patience, and for the time he takes to help take care of Talmage and spoil both of us, hehe.

Have a great 4th of July everyone!