A card.

So I haven't blogged about this but I'm on the DT for Craftwell again.  I was on it last year but took a break for Jake and moving.  It's nice to take a break from requried duties and make something fun.

This is what I've made this past week and you can see more of it over on the Craftwell Blog.  Lots of fun ideas over there.  This month, we are teaming up with Teresa Collins and her embossing folders that she has exclusively made for the Ebosser.  She even has her own exclusive ebosser machine.  It's pretty awesome.  Hopefully I can showcase what i've made each week here.

Fishing

On Saturday, for Joe's birthday, we went fishing at a lake about 30 minutes from our house.  It took us a while to get there but we eventually made it and had about an hour to fish.  The kids were excited to go fishing until we got there and they saw what fishing was.  They were more interested in the bait than following through :)

Jake was either on the dirt or in my arms the whole time.  (more of the latter)...especially when he explores anywhere he wants, lake included!  So if I had to walk to the van or the bathrooms, Jake came with me.  Our car wasn't close either.  So pretty much the whole time, I was walking back and forth with Jake in my arms.  I counted that as my workout for the day!  Sheesh, that kid is huge.

Luke found my camera and took some cool pictures.

Live crickets!

Fun to go once...as a family.  From now on, Joe will be going solo!

Attitude of Gratitude

So most of you probably know this idea from Stephanie Nielson's blog, the Back to School Feast.  Ever since I read about it way back when, I have been wanting to add that to my own family traditions.

So tonight I finally did it.  It wasn't as long or formal as I thought it would be.  It was actually pretty simple an short...well, except Emma....bless her heart.  (she did this on her own...)


I let the kids choose the meal.  They chose French toast, sausages, & strawberries.  Ok, deal.  I can't say now to that.

Our theme we'll be focused on this year is "Attitude of Gratitude".  This idea was from a relief society lesson a few weeks ago.  I thought that would be a great idea to drill into the kids since they are always complaining and whining about things.  So this is our year theme.  This is what we'll be focusing on this school year, which starts tomorrow (!?)

To make it extra special, I made some crowns for them to wear.  It was my first attempt and there still needs to be some tweaking but overall, I thought they turned out cute.  (no, I didn't just randomly decide to make these.  I had a hidden agenda.  I'm part of the Craftwell Design Team for the next 3 months so this is one of my projects.  2 birds with one stone.)










After dinner, the kids got showered and ready for bed.  Then Joe gave them each a Father's Blessing.  I love when they get them.  I always peek to watch their faces.  Their little faces are  just glowing with love and happiness to hear their dad talk to them with such love and guidance.

I just still can't believe they're going to school tomorrow?!  Way too fast...

I'm excited and nervous about this school year.  Being new, I don't know what to expect with the school they are attending.  The school district has a lot of things (mainly negative) that we're left with and have to deal with.  Supposedly next year, it'll be different and things will change.  So I'm hoping to just be an active part in both their classrooms.  Things will definitely fall into a routine around here, with both my girls gone all day long.  That is going to be weird and hard for me.  I am going to miss them!

I guess now i'll have more time to catch up on this blog since I'm WAY behind....

Get some Lucha Shoes!

I know i've written about these shoes in the past.  And the reason is because I love them. They are SO comfy and affordable!  They come in classic colors that will definitely go with any outfit.  I happen to know the owners too!  I went to high school with the head man.  So I feel like the least I can do is support him in this venture of his!
Right now, through the promo code "Lyssa2013", You can get your own pair of Lucha Shoes for only $20!  They are originally $38!!  That's an incredible discount!  So head on over there and get some of your own!!

Happy Birthday Kate.

How did that happen?!  6 years?!
For some reason, it seems so much longer.

Kate made our little family legit with 2 kids instead of 1.  She made Emma a sister :)
What a delight it is to have her in our family.  She is always looking to help.  She is always easy to please.  She is always with Jake ;)
I love this girl to death and so blessed and lucky she is part of my little family!

Jake at 8 months

I never thought the past month would fly by so fast with everything that was happening.  When I was writing last month's post, I was thinking, wow, by the time I am writing 8 months, i'll be in TN in my new house...and here we are!
Most of this month, we were traveling and everything was a upside down for your little world.  You were either in your car seat or the pack n play.  Sorry about that.  We were moving across the county :/
But you seemed to still have fun the few occasions you were out of your car seat!

This month:

• You started getting comfortable rolling and scooting around the floor.
• By the end, you could scoot back into a sitting position!
• I lowered your crib mattress finally!
• You started chomping your mouth for some real food
• Your sitting skills improved greatly!  No more falling over!
• We finally cut out that dream feed and you are still sleeping through the night :)
• This month, you seems to go on a nursing strike.  You would only eat for like 5 minutes each time.  It was like a wrestling match to keep you eating.  We did not like any sort of distractions!! 
• You are still babbling like crazy
• You love to observe your siblings play (and fight)
• Love  your mom & daddy
• First time you were swimming and was not a fan!

Happy 4th

So.  Here we are.  We have made it to TN.  Many things have happened since the last time I posted...over a month ago.

But since I had these ready to go, I decided to post them up.  

I have a strong belief & testimony of this country and the freedoms it was founded on.  The crazy things going on right now with this country is scary.  But as long as people like me, believe and act on those beliefs & protect them, I hope we can hold out a little bit longer.

I'll get posting soon on the things that have been going on this past month.  

But for now, here are my lil' guys.