This is my happy

Last week I was so exhausted. Goldie was sick with a fever, and a sore throat/dry-raspy cough (possibly croup), and Dottie wasn't sleeping, and I was literally losing my mind. Sleep deprived, and crazy from a tired newborn, and sick 22 monther, that just wanted to be held. Let's just say I dumped oatmeal straight in the garbage after opening the package instead of a bowl, and a couple days later I put the cream cheese in the junk drawer instead of the fridge. #winning

This week I'm a new woman! Goldie is better, and happier, and Dottie is sleeping almost through the night! I almost don't want to say that out loud in case I would jinx it... but yay!! Hopefully it sticks. But regardless if I'm sleep deprived or not, I am as happy as I could  have ever imagined, and am so in love with my sweet family. 

Family photos are from Emily check her out on insta (@edevenney) because she was perfect at capturing us. No stress! Even Scott had a good time so.... ;) 

Dottie's Blessing

Dottie was blessed on October 9, 2016. Scott gave her the sweetest blessing. He is such an amazing Dad to our girls. We were surrounded by family and are so grateful to those who made this day even more special.

My parents with Dottie

Scott's parents with Dottie

Four Generations

Goldie didn't want any pictures... just food.

Still sad we were missing Goldie in the picture, but like I said she wouldn't leave the food.

Our precious little Dottie Rae

Easter

Technically it was Goldie's second Easter, but the first one where she could actually participate in all the fun! I did a trail of eggs leading to Goldie's Easter basket, where she found some new sandals, a book about being a big sis, Despicable Me, a sippy, a puzzle, bracelets, and animal crackers! She was pretty excited about the puzzle because it had farm animals... which she knows the sounds to most, so she was saying "bawk! bawk!" in no time. Later that day we went to my Aunt's house for dinner and an egg hunt. Goldie was doing so good at the hunt! She ran and picked up eggs and put them in her basket. It was like she'd done it before! She then got distracted and wanted to jump on the trampoline, swing, and just play outside. She loves being outside... so this weather needs to warm up! Besides the point... but come on! Holidays with kids will never get old, crazy to think next Easter I will get to buy dresses for two pretty girls... probably matching dresses. :)

Easter is one of my favorite holidays. I love any holiday that is centered around the Savior because it really brings such a happy spirit with it. Also why I love Christmas. It gives me the little reminder to see the bigger picture, and realize why I am here, and how much I have to be thankful for. Goldie now recognizes the Savior and will point to pictures and say "jeezus" when she sees him, and loves watching videos of Christ. It's amazing to me that at that young she knows the Savior, and recognizes him, and she's probably closer to him than I even know. I think it is so important for her to know she is a daughter of God at a young age. I hope she always remembers that. I am so grateful for my Savior, His atonement, and His house allowing me to be sealed to my family forever. To me there is nothing more important.

A little groggy after we woke her up, but contrary to her face, she was sooo excited!

Goldie's little cousin Lila... They are both the loviest babies, so goldie was in heaven when Lila would let her kiss her. Sometimes Lila would kiss her back!

The dimple and the teeth. 

Always on the go exploring. It makes for some tiring days, but I wouldn't change this busy girls' personality for anything.

My baby cousin Crew. Goldie was obsessed with him. Wouldn't let go of him, and when he'd try to leave, she'd hold on to his shirt. haha! Crew finally gave in and gave her a love back :) 

California Sunshine

We spent some of last week in Cali for my cousin Erica's wedding. It was a much needed vacation, that went by way too fast! We decided to drive and we were really nervous with Goldie... I mean 10 hours in the car is a long time for anyone, but for an active toddler... SCARY! But she surprised us both and did AMAZING! Thanks to my sisters KarLei and AuBrey, and the Foster Farms chicken commercial with the singing chickens (she loves that commercial!) she was able to keep entertained.

Erica's wedding was so beautiful, I wish I took pictures of the reception because it was a dream. She got married in the San Diego Temple, on the most beautiful, sunny day. We were able to sneak to the beach for a little bit before her luncheon. Goldie was really intrigued with the ocean, we will have to take her back when she's actually able to play and have fun in the sand.

Overall it was a nice getaway and fun to see our California family! It was also nice to be able to swim in the warmth and get some sun on our skin! We are excited for some warmer temperatures!

I have so many sleeping pictures of her, but I just can't handle the cuteness.

We stayed at the most beautiful resort in Escondido, I just wish we were there longer!

Apparently while we were in the temple all Goldie did was get down and smell all the flowers. She is so gentle with them!

We hadn't been back to San Diego since we lived there our first summer married. It was fun to bring up all of those memories of that summer we spent working and playing in San Diego.

Goldie and Dada waving bye to the ocean.

Happy as long as there was food in her hands. 

No place I'd rather be.

Sometimes we get caught up in everyone else and what they are doing, and I find myself feeling bad that I don't vacation in Mexico every weekend, or haven't taken Goldie to Disneyland yet. And I definitely don't look perfectly put together with full on makeup, and long curls, with an outfit from Anthropologie or Free People. Or I don't have a mansion that looks like it's from a West Elm magazine

The truth is... I maybe wash my hair once or twice a week if I'm lucky because I am bathing Goldie. I am usually wearing yoga pants, or sweats, even though I don't work out... ever, because I'm already getting chubby from this pregnancy, and sweats feel better than jeans. I don't always feed Goldie all organic meals, because I throw up like all the time. Sorry to my family for that one... lots of empty carbs. And changing diapers is becoming a full time job.

The reality of it is this is my real life, and I wouldn't change a thing. I love who I get to share this life with, and I love being a mom more than anything. I am grateful Scott has a job that allows me to stay at home with my babies and raise them! I am grateful for our house and that I get to fill it with love and memories. I am grateful to be a mom to the most amazing, smart little girl. I may be biased but she means the world to me. I am also grateful to get the opportunity to be a mommy again, there is no greater feeling.

I guess the point is, no matter what your situation is, try to make the best of it. Then you will grow to love it, and realize the blessings always outweigh the bad.

Thank you to Ali Middleton, an amazing photographer, (check her out) for taking these pictures of my family. They are so us. And I love them.

A couple weeks before these photos were taken one of my good friends Jess Tait did this super cute video! I love how it just shows our real life... toys, ball, and laundry :) there's nothing better! If you are needing a videographer for anything (weddings, missionaries, family shoots) check her out!!