Stake Conference

Over the weekend, I had the opportunity to go to my parents house for their stake conference. My dad has been the stake president for the last 9 years. It was time for him to be released. My whole side of the family came. It turned out that Elder Nelson of the Quorum of the 12 Apostles was the visiting authority. On Sunday, we were sitting in the front. When Elder Nelson was speaking, he had all the primary children stand up and sing, "I Am a Child of God." Well Kelli loves "I Am a Child of God," so she sang her heart out. While she was singing, Kelli kept waving at Elder Nelson. After the song was over, Elder Nelson motioned for Kelli to come up on the stand. I would think that any other child would be scared to go up there, but not Kelli. She went right up there and Elder Nelson picked her up and gave her a big hug. After Kelli went back down, Elder Nelson said, "That's President Anderson's granddaughter. She and I have been eying each other the whole time." I thought how awesome that was for Kelli to get that opportunity and of course I had to record it. It's not very often that you get to hug an apostle.

Another incredible thing happened. Back in 2005, I did a study abroad in Nauvoo through BYU. One of my leaders/floor parents/teachers, were the Pinegars. Sister Pinegar had been the general primary president. Brother Pinegar had been the MTC president and a mission president. You can tell that they are an amazing couple. They were wonderful teachers, speakers, an incredible example and great friends. Well now they are the Manti Temple president and matron. And because Manti is so close to my home town, they also spoke at the Stake Conference. It was a treat to also hear them speak again and I got to talk to them for a little bit after wards. I just love those kinds of experiences in life.

It was also wonderful to be with my whole side of the family and be able to see my dad as the Stake President one more time. I have always looked up to my dad and have known him to be an amazing person. My mom and dad are right behind Elder Nelson in the picture below.

Winter of 2011

This year we have gotten so much snow. Our front yard is north facing, so the snow just keeps piling up. Last week, I built an awesome snow tunnel for Kelli, but then over the weekend, we got dumped on again and the snow tunnel was ruined. It was a sweet snow tunnel. Unfortunately I didn't get a picture of it. My husband is the scout leader in our ward. They are trying to plan their winter camp out. I keep joking with him to just have it in our front yard.

Anyway, here is a great picture of Kelli out front with our mountain of snow.

Look Who Got Her Ears Pierced!

Kelli has been asking me for a while if she could get her ears pierced. Finally I decided to let her. I warned her over and over that it hurts. I also told her that I needed to put medicine on her ears every day and that she needed to let me twist her earrings around. She told me not to worry and that she would be brave.

Last weekend Chris and I took her to the mall to get her ears pierced. She didn't back down once or show any signs that she was scared. Kelli picked out the earrings she wanted and sat down in the chair. When the ladies pierced her ears, she cried a little bit, but when they held up the mirror for her to see, she lit up. Kelli has been so excited about her earrings and has been wonderful in letting me put medicine on her ears and twisting her earrings. And I also have to say that they look so cute on her.

6 Months

I can't believe my baby is 6 months old now. Carson is growing so fast. He is super long. Just a couple of days ago he finally decided that rolling over is something he is interested in. He is already starting to sit up on his own. That happened at about 5 1/2 months. Carson got his 2 bottom teeth in. The 1st one came in when we were in Hawaii. Yeah he was a pain for a couple of days The 2nd one came in when we got home. Talk about wonderful timing.

Carson used to be the best sleeper. The 1st 3 months of his life were wonderful to me. He slept through the night. Now he wakes up whenever he wants. Sometimes he will sleep through the night. Most of the time he wakes up 1 to 3 times during the night. I have tried everything to get him back to his schedule when he was a newborn. I've let him cry it out several times. I've just fed him. I've held him and rocked him back to sleep, but he still feels like he can wake up whenever he wants. Hopefully it will get better when I start him on cereal. He has his 6 month appointment in a few days and I'm sure his pediatrician will give him the ok to start on cereal. Yikes! I can't believe how fast he is growing.

As of right now, Carson does not have a schedule. I think he is transitioning from 3 naps a day to 2. I don't really ever know when he is going to take a nap, nor do I know how long he will sleep. It can vary from 30 minutes to 2 hours. He is just full of surprises. One thing for sure is that he loves to smile and laugh. It is so cute and he screams when he is excited. He loves to get his clothes changed, his diaper changed and loves to take baths. His most favorite toy is his binky. His 2nd favorite toy is his sock and his 3rd favorite toy is his new toothbrush I just bought him. His favorite person is his mommy. Lucky me.

Carson, you are so much fun. I just love you to pieces!

Here is a little video of him sitting up at 5 1/2 months.

Family Pictures

When we were in Hawaii, Chris' mom hired a photographer to take family pictures. The photographer did a great job. It's not very often that you can get professional family pictures taken in Hawaii.

Hawaii

The day after Christmas, we had the wonderful opportunity of taking a trip to Hawaii. Chris' parents took their whole family. The plane ride there was long, but our kids did really well. Coming from freezing cold Utah and stepping outside into perfect 80 degree weather was wonderful. It was great being able to wear shorts, t-shirts and flip flops.

Our hotel was on Waikiki beach. It was absolutely beautiful. We a few times playing in the ocean and building sand castles. We also went snorkeling, we went to the Polynesian Cultural Center and took a hike to a waterfall. We also visited the north shore and watched surfers on like 40 foot waves.

Carson chilling on the beach.


Hanging out on the north shore.


The Polynesian Cultural Center.


I just loved getting pictures of Carson in his stroller.

Cool boat.
Cool statue.
Hang Loose.

Snorkeling at Hanauma Bay. This was so much fun because the fish were so bright and colorful and we got to swim with a sea turtle.



Kelli and her cousin Porter
Just chillin'.
Beautiful scenery.

Hiking to the waterfall. The hike was a lot of fun and also treacherous because there was a ton of mud which was the most slippery mud I have ever been on. We were constantly slipping and sliding the whole hike.
More beautiful scenery. The mountains in Hawaii are incredible.The waterfall. This picture didn't turn out like I thought it would. The waterfall was a lot prettier than it looks in the picture.

Kelli on the beach.
And I just loved this picture of Carson with his grandma.
We flew back home the night of the 3rd and got back home the morning of the 4th. We were exhausted, but the trip was well worth it. We came from beautiful beaches, spectacular mountains and wonderful weather to freezing weather and 2 feet of new snow at our home. One extreme to the next. Thanks again Kory and Darlene for such a wonderful trip! We had such a great time!

Oil Painting

I started this oil painting a few years ago. It has been a tough painting and so I have slacked. There have been days where I have been so frustrated with it, but I feel that I have pulled through and got it to where I am satisfied with it. I painted this picture from a photograph that was taken on the day of our wedding. As you can probably tell that it was a beautiful morning that day. Soon I will get it framed and hung up in our house.