Tuesday, October 2, 2012

September: a month of surprises

It's a little scary when I think about how fast time is flying by. I celebrated my 25th birthday last month and I still find it hard to believe, that me, the baby of the family is that old! Crazy. On my actual birthday, Jordan and I had some meetings to go to, so we had a family dinner and decided to celebrate on the weekend. Mike and Dejah watched the girls for us and we went out to eat and did a little shopping. It's always a BIG treat to go on a date, just the two of us. Sometimes I feel like we have to try really hard to have a conversation when the kids are around because it is just so loud. I love being out with just my husband.
    All month long we had been waiting for the anatomy ultrasound. I think everyone figured we were having a boy since this pregnancy has been incredibly different than the first two. I felt like it was a boy. My doctor even said she thought it was a boy (when they did an early ultrasound), so I just assumed that was the baby's gender. We were in the office for less than a minute when the doctor asked "Do you want to know the gender?" "yes!" then... "It's a girl!" I think we were a little shocked and we just kind of laughed. It still hasn't really sunk in. This baby sure had us fooled! Luckily, we make cute, funny, happy, crazy, smart, amazing little girls...so we are happy another one will be joining our family. I'm confident we will have sons one day- gotta fill that hole in my heart =)
We decided this baby's name will be Andie/Andy/ We are still working on the middle name...well narrowing it down between two.
   On Saturday, my sister Arwen took me out for a pedicure for my birthday gift, and when we came home I was greeted with a surprise party!! It was awesome. I have never been thrown a surprise party before! This was the best time to do it to because I had several clues to figure out what they were up to but I guess my pregnancy brain made sure I was oblivious to everything. I do have to say I'm proud of everyone for keeping it a secret because, I am really very sneaky at finding things out. Ha!
 It was a great month, even though it flew by. I love my family so much. It met a lot that they did that for me and I even had a pinata, yes, at 25 I still wanted one.

Friday, August 31, 2012

I want to win!

I don't normally blog about contests, but I really want to win this pack and play. We really need one since February isn't too far away and this baby will be sleeping and getting changed in our room.  The cute blog, 4 Men 1 Lady is giving away the Breeze play yard. this pack and play looks so awesome.  You only have to push a button and it's all set up...hence the name Breeze! It's also a changing station and a bassinet...perfect. I think we should win!

For more information check out 4men1lady.com 
Or the Breeze by 4 Moms

Sunday, August 19, 2012

Puj Snug

We had the opportunity to be product testers for this awesome company, Puj. They recently came out with a spout cover for the bathtub- something every parent should have to prevent injuries in the tub. The Puj Snug comes in three colors, Aqua, Kiwi, and White. The girls loved the fact that it was an elephant and loved the softness of it. One thing I really like about the design is that it is cute but it is subtle enough that the girls don't think it's a toy. The cover comes off easily, but we keep ours on all of the time because it is designed so that we can switch the faucet to either a bath or a shower without always having to take it on and off. It is a simple product, but a great product. For more information on this company and their products, check out the link below.


pujbaby.com


Friday, August 10, 2012

Already In Love

I love being a mom. There are so many great things about it.  Seeing this sweet little baby fills me with so many different emotions. All good ones of course. 12 weeks in and it's amazing how much I love this little squishy. We found out I was pregnant the week of Father's day. I was feeling pretty sick even before I took a pregnancy test. That same sick feeling has lasted these last 12 weeks. I think I officially am out of foods I can eat that I haven't thrown up. It's all worth it though. Jordan has been awesome and really has stepped up taking care of the girls when I am lacking the ability to do so and family family that is always willing to help out is just and added bonus.  I had an ultrasound yesterday and got to watch baby move around for a little while. It was so cute! We are thrilled to meet this little baby and have our little family grow by another adorable, amazing child.

Thursday, August 2, 2012

A Sweet Little Moment

We have been having a family prayer every night. Kennedy is usually really eager to say the prayer and is understanding what she should include but Harley usually lets go of our hands and babbles during the prayer. Tonight however, was different...it was special. We told the girls to come say a prayer and Harley says "hands" and reaches for mine. Then she bowed her head and said her own little prayer which included Jesus and amen. It was all we could understand and it was short but it was one of the best moments of parenthood so far. I guess our trying to make it a habit has paid off. She is such a sweet girl.
Harley @ 17 months.

Tuesday, July 3, 2012

America

To be honest, I often have a difficult time feeling patriotic. I feel like America is not what it used to be, that it is no longer great.  People don't have pride in the right things, our constitution is an ongoing battle, the minority opinions are controlling the majority of decisions that are made, being righteous and loyal to our Father in Heaven is becoming an act offensive to many, and apathy and lack of respect for what is true is on the rise.  I think of all of the things our ancestors have fought  for and is saddens me to think how much things have changed. I recently was watching a speech of President  Roosevelt and he mentioned many times how God was leading the country and how God had blessed America. Could you imagine if that was said in any kind of speech today?  In trying to feel more like celebrating Independence Day, I thought I would look up some quotes by our modern prophets. I found a great page  of Ezra Taft Benson quotes specially on America.  There is a lot of good stuff so I will only share a few


And if the time should come when you are associated with groups that take delight in tearing down our American way of life, then they seem to enjoy pointing out the weaknesses of our free enterprise system – and it has weaknesses; it has weaknesses because it’s operated by men and women who are full of weaknesses – but when those times come, when our system is criticized, just keep in mind the fruits of the system, the great blessings that have come to us because of our American way of life. No group of people have ever attained the standard of living which is ours. And so let’s become acquainted with what has been accomplished. It’s all right to criticize; it’s all right to try and improve our American way of life; but in doing so, 1et’s not surrender, let’s not give up, let’s not jeopardize that system which has made America great.
It’s a great blessing to live in America. It’s a great blessing to have the opportunity to enjoy the freedoms which are ours today. I have seen people, thousands of them, who have lost the freedom which is ours, where they can no longer meet, as we meet here this morning, and express themselves as they see fit, where they no longer have freedom of movement, freedom to select their own jobs, their own educational opportunities, freedom to speak their minds, to write what they wish – freedom of enterprise. In many parts of the world today these rich blessings of freedom no longer exist.



Will we be prepared? Will we be among those who will “bear the Constitution away from the very verge of destruction?” If we desire to be numbered among those who will, here are some things we must do:
1. We must be righteous and moral. We must live the gospel principles—all of them. We have no right to expect a higher degree of morality from those who represent us than what we ourselves are. In the final analysis, people generally get the kind of government they deserve. To live a higher law means we will not seek to receive what we have not earned by our own labor. It means we will remember that government owes us nothing. It means we will keep the laws of the land. It means we will look to God as our Lawgiver and the Source of our liberty.
2. We must learn the principles of the Constitution and then abide by its precepts. We have been instructed again and again to reflect more intently on the meaning and importance of the Constitution and to adhere to its principles. What have we done about this instruction? Have we read the Constitution and pondered it? Are we aware of its principles? Could we defend it? Can we recognize when a law is constitutionally unsound? The Church will not tell us how to do this, but we are admonished to do it. I quote Abraham Lincoln: “Let [the Constitution] be taught in schools, in seminaries, and in colleges, let it be written in primers, in spelling books and in almanacs, let it be preached from the pulpit, proclaimed in legislative halls, and enforced in courts of justice. And, in short, let it become the political religion of the nation.”
3. We must become involved in civic affairs. As citizens of this republic, we cannot do our duty and be idle spectators. It is vital that we follow this counsel from the Lord: “I, the Lord God, make you free, therefore ye are free indeed; and the law also maketh you free. Nevertheless, when the wicked rule the people mourn. Wherefore, honest men and wise men should be sought for diligently, and good men and wise men ye should observe to uphold; otherwise whatsoever is less than these cometh of evil. And I give unto you a commandment, that ye shall forsake all evil and cleave unto all good, that ye shall live by every word which proceedeth forth out of the mouth of God” (D&C 98:8–11).
Note the qualities that the Lord demands in those who are to represent us. They must be good, wise, and honest. Some leaders may be honest and good but unwise in legislation they choose to support. Others may possess wisdom but be dishonest and unvirtuous. We must be concerted in our desires and efforts to see men and women represent us who possess all three of these qualities.
4. We must make our influence felt by our vote, our letters, and our advice. We must be wisely informed and let others know how we feel. We must take part in local precinct meetings and select delegates who will truly represent our feelings.
I have faith that the Constitution will be saved as prophesied by Joseph Smith. But it will not be saved in Washington. It will be saved by the citizens of this nation who love and cherish freedom. It will be saved by enlightened members of this Church — men and women who will subscribe to and abide the principles of the Constitution.
http://www.latterdayconservative.com/quotes/ezra-taft-benson/
-End of Quotes 
 Sorry, I know that was a lot to read, but I really could feel the importance of these things as I was reading them.   I am so grateful to have modern prophets who know what is coming, who have seen the last days and can provide a sense of security if we follow their counsel.  Something my dad has always encouraged us to do before voting is prayerfully  decide how we will vote and get as much information on the matters at hand. I don't think too many people do this.  Anyway, this is quite a different post that what I normally do, but I guess I felt something nagging in me to do it. Hopefully it was expressed as intended. 
                                                                                    Happy Independence Day!!!! 

Monday, June 11, 2012

May

 It started off with the Watermelon Festival. Everything was free or .25 cents! It was so much fun!!


                                         They even had free pony rides. The girls loved it!

 Then we went to Jordan's cousins wedding reception. It was gorgeous, and the weather was beautiful.

 Next, we headed up to Mike and Dejah's house to stay the weekend for their memorial day party.          Harley discovered that she loves sand, especially to eat it.
 We had a blast. We swam and played, and made s'mores

                                                                      Jordan is silly.
                                                         Cute Harley sitting on a bench.
                                                      This girl can eat....and eat....and eat
                                                 Kennedy playing with great Grandma Pitt
                                                                    Peek- a-boo Harley

                                                         Guess who loves ice cream?!
                                    Then we took a little day a trip to the beach with my siblings-lucky for Harley        she is surrounded my sand. (Runny noses and sand do not mix so well)
             This is one of my new favorite pictures. Oh to be a kid again without  care in the world!

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

A glorious name- Mother

 Do you ever wonder how they did it? Our mothers. They are amazing.
There are days where I feel like it is impossible to raise kids and keep my sanity. My girls are crazy.
Lately I have been reflecting on just how much you have to do as a mom. I realized that my mom and my mother in law did so much more than any mom I know today.
     My mom is wonderful. She is beautiful. While I don't have as many memories as a child as I would like to,  the ones I have I cherish. She has always been creative.  She was an amazing artist. She is kind, and loving and patient. She is everything I strive to be as a mom. Life hasn't been easy for my mom. I know she gets frustrated with her MS. She can't do things she wants to but I know that it has been a blessing for our family, she just took the blow for us. My siblings have talked about it many times and feel that if it wasn't for this trial, we wouldn't  be the family we are today. We wouldn't be each other's best friends. We wouldn't have learned to be independent. We wouldn't have learned to serve and love it.  Her trial has made us so much better and I am so thankful for that. I love my mom's sense of humor, her wisdom, and her gorgeous red hair that we have all tired to have! I love and appreciate her faithfulness and her endurance. She is an example to me in every way. We recently watched the video of one my sisters being born and my mom became my hero all over again. She looked like she was sleeping through it all-with no epidural! She is Strong! She raised 5 kids to be happy and good people. that is not easy to do in this world.  I have always felt a  special bond with my mom. She was the youngest in her family and I the youngest in mine. She calls me her little germ. I know she has done so much for our family, and I'm sure there are plenty of sacrifices that she made that I will never know about. Thank you for everything, mom. I love you!!

Then there is my mother in law. Everyone that knows Sheryl loves her. She was one of my favorite people long before Jordan and I were married. Her kindness in infectious. I remember being at girls camp and crying on her shoulder because I was homesick and lonely.  She was one of my favorite leaders in my youth because she was always so happy and she knows how to make people feel special. I can't imagine having 8 kids in ten years but I know it met sacrifice and never having time for yourself. I've heard plenty of stories from all of her children about how she had served them or taught them. She is always happy, always has something sweet or encouraging to say and is always serving. She raised the amazing man I am married to and for that, I am forever grateful. I remember when my sister was marrying Mike and I told her she gets to be related to sister Holmes! I'm glad I get to be her daughter in law. She does so much for us and continues to be a great example of what a beautiful woman of God should be. There are so many traits in Jordan that I know he has learned from his mom. She is talented, selfless, kind and thoughtful. You are an amazing person and I love you!!

I think of all the ways these two women have been an example to me and my heart is full. I feel like they are the pioneer mothers who did it all! I want to be like them. I love to watch them being grandmas because I feel like I can get a glimpse back in time and get a small taste of the love they have for their own children.
                                                            Happy Mother's Day!

Monday, April 16, 2012

Easter







This was a fun easter! Jordan made a yummy after church breakfast for all of us ( Mike and Dejah stayed here for a few days!), then we napped, had an easter egg hunt here for the girls, then we went to the traditional Pitt family easter egg hunt. I taught Kennedy about easter and Christ's resurrection. I'm not sure how much she understood, but I was happy she could at least say "resurrection". Watching Kennedy and Harley on holidays is so much fun. It really makes holidays enjoyable.

Thursday, March 8, 2012

Sea World

We had the chance to take a family trip to Sea World for less that $25- of course we couldn't pass this up. The girls had fun. We thought Kennedy would enjoy the shows more, but she didn't really pay attention. Her favorite part was the Sesame street play area, minus meeting Elmo in person...she gets scared of things like that. Harley, on the other hand loved every thing (surprising, right?...she is always happy). She loved watching all of the fish. I think she would love to sit in front of an aquarium all day. She has such a love for animals. It is so sweet and I keep trying to convince Jordan that we need to get a puppy or kitten. He likes to remind me I am allergic. Any way, Harley was really excited to see Elmo and Zoe, she even got a kiss from them! It was a fun day and on top of that Kennedy was diaper free and did not have any accidents. I think it is safe to say, this girl is potty trained!! Sometimes it is stressful to take the girls out somewhere, but it is worth it for the smiles we get from them! I really love my little family and I want it to keep growing.













Monday, February 27, 2012

Before and After

I thought I would post some pictures of our room since we just had a small makeover and I love how it turned out. The first two are the before...not so pretty. Jordan and I made the headboard. I was fun staining it with him. We got new bedding and new curtains. It's awesome making our house into our home.





Monday, February 13, 2012

Happy 1st Birthday, Harley!!





I love her so much! This beauty joined our family on February 13th 2011. I can't believe she is already a year old. She has been such a blessing to us. Her sweet little spirit makes our home happy because she is always happy. Even though she is teeny tiny she has such a big personality and is always doing something silly. She love her big sister, Kennedy and I like to think of her as my little buddy. This girl can eat! Seriously, she loves food. She is always on the move... now that she can walk. I call her Harley Bean the walking machine! She has been a little mover for as long as I can remember. She started rolling at three months old; I 'd set her down and she'd be across the room. We used to call her our little ninja. She loves music and loves to dance. We have been noticing that she tries to sing nursery songs with Kennedy. I am so proud of her. She will do many great things in her life. I know she will always have this sweet spirit about her. She is my little bean bean. ( I have been calling her bean since before she was born...it just works) Happy Birthday,Harley! I LOVE you!

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

smoothies and rainboots

I've been making a lot of smoothies lately and the girls love them. I even made one with a lot of spinach and they couldn't get enough of it. I had to take some pictures because i think they look so cute drinking them.





Rainboots: Every time Kennedy wants to go outside, I tell her she has to go get shoes and she ALWAYS come downstairs with her boots. Funny thing is, I love these shoes too. I remember when I bought them. It was the night of the senior-dinner/dance (12th grade). I needed a little sweater for my dress, so I stopped by Old Navy. Even back then I always shopped clearance. I happened to find these cute little rain boots for a $1.97! I knew I'd be a mom one day, so I snatched them up! I love seeing them on my girl. I tell her she needs pants to go outside, but that gets lost when she's looking for her shoes I guess.








I am in love with these pictures of Harley. She is such a little beauty. Look at those eyes! She has loved being outside lately. I caught her in mid-walk. She can walk, she has done it plenty of times and is doing it more and more, but she knows she can get to where she wants faster if she crawls.