Well as once again I have neglected this blog. I have had so much going on that I just simply put it behind me for awhile. Mike got sick with a cold and lets just say he passed the love. Levi and I developed it and are still trying to overcome it. We went to Seaside Oregon with my best friend Gena and her husband, Troy. We had a blast. I love vacations. It is nice to get away from the normal every day life.

Our room was fabulous. We stayed in a studio apartment. We had a kitchen and a excellent view of the ocean. 

We went to Mount St. Helens on Tuesday. It snowed at the top and rained a lot. The mist and clouds were so thick that we did not get to see but the base of the mountain on the way down.

Gena and Troy had a car issue for which we were really sorry about. They had their bikes though and were in great spirits. Mike went fishing on Wednesday and caught a 30lb sturgeon.

He was very excited about that. It was his father's day gift. He rarely gets to fish as much because of his little family. We then went to Tillamonk on Friday. That was fun. We drove to the lighthouse at Cape Meres and then went to the Air Museum which was really cool. We ate lunch there and drove back to Seaside.

On Saturday, we went to Astoria and climbed 162 steps up the Column. I about passed out. We flew wood airplanes off the top. The views were spectacular from up there. We then drove and saw the houses in Goonies and the elementary in Kindergarten Cop.

Back to Seaside to play Settlers of Catan with Gena and Troy. We drove home Sunday and Monday.

Here are some fun pictures taken at other times! I love Vacations!!

Crazy

Well once again life has been a bit crazy. This month is flying by. We are gearing up for Levi's birthday this week. I am so excited for him. I can't believe he will be one this week. This year has certainly flown by. My little baby is aging. We have invited parents, friends, and my brother's family over for the birthday bash. I was going to make a duck cake but it is not looking so hot. I tried to experiment but to with no luck. My cake just tore so I may have to do something else to make it cute. We shall see. We also have lots going on this week so life will be a bit chaotic. I am getting my hair cut tomorrow. I need a change. Hopefully this will help.

A quiet day

I looked to see that I have not written on here for awhile, but it has been relatively crazy of late. I have been busy taking care of my brother's kids and keeping house. It has been a slight adjustment but overall is going well. Lately, I came across a website called dinnersmadeeasy.com which has allowed me to experiment and cook. I love it. It gives me ratings from others who have tried the dish and I also get a picture of what it looks like. I like the fact that the reviewers make suggestions of things they did different.

I just made a bbq chicken dish that was fabulous. Mike asked me to make it again last night for the missionaries. I was happy to because it is relatively easy and very yummy. The missionaries loved it or so they said. I was very excited about it. Hopefully, it will be a beloved recipe for years to come.

I am still managing to do crafts. I painted some new signs for the living room. One says Home..is where our story begins. The other says..A day without laughter is a day lost. It is fun to be creative. I love decorating the house. I have also done some wall art. I feel like the house is slowly becoming our home.

The Return

Mike and I took Levi to Elko this weekend. We had a lot of fun with the family though it was definitely busy all the time. Levi handled the trip just about okay. He was tired and cranky a good part of it. I can't say that I blame him a bit what with him not having his crib to nap in.

We went to dinner Friday night with my brother and his wife. I had a lot of fun catching up. I am glad that we got to see them since we missed Thanksgiving out there.

The one regret that I have is that I missed a lot of General Conference so my goal is to read to up on what I missed this year. I also learned some things about motherhood this weekend. In a way, it opened my eyes to a bit of understanding on things. I am grateful for that as well.

Our Test in Mortality

“Our challenges, including those we create by our own decisions, are part of our test in mortality. Let me assure you that your situation is not beyond the reach of our Savior. Through Him, every struggle can be for our experience and our good (see D&C 122:7). Each temptation we overcome is to strengthen us, not destroy us. The Lord will never allow us to suffer beyond what we can endure (see 1 Corinthians 10:13).

“We must remember that the adversary knows us extremely well. He knows where, when, and how to tempt us. If we are obedient to the promptings of the Holy Ghost, we can learn to recognize the adversary’s enticements. Before we yield to temptation, we must learn to say with unflinching resolve, ‘Get thee behind me, Satan’ (Matthew 16:23).”

Robert D. Hales, “

Flying By

This week is going by so fast. I looked on here to see when I last wrote and it has been over two days since I wrote. As always I am staying busy. I have done my workout for the last two days... 2 miles on wednesday and pilates on thursday. Levi is making it more challenging now that he won't take a very long nap. So yesterday I took him down with me and put him in the saucer while I worked out. He seemed to enjoy it. He is definitely becoming a mama's boy.

It was real cute yesterday. Mike and I were at Kmart and he said mom several times. Made my day especially since yesterday was a difficult day. I really think he is teething because he was so cranky. I still love my little one though.

Last night I got some cleaning done while Mike watched Levi. I changed the living room around just a smudge. I think Mike thinks I am crazy to rearrange all the time. It's in my nature. I enjoy a fresh change. It keeps everyone guessing.

Good Times

Today was a great day! I woke up to Levi babbling as usual. I went about my normal routine. I worked out doing pilates this morning. I did all three segments so I am sure I will be sore tomorrow. I did go to Bountiful today to have lunch with some former co-workers. It was nice to chat but I do not miss the work place. I have to admit that I felt that what I was doing is where I needed to be at this time. It's nice to have confirmations.

After that, I went to pick up my sweet husband. He left work early to be with me. Tomorrow is his birthday and though he is another year older, he gets more and more handsome. Sorry the sappiness came out but it is true. I am grateful everyday that we have met.

Traci came over tonight to visit and it was nice to chat with her. I do enjoy our friendship. Now it is off to bed. Goodnight!!!