June update......

Well, it seems to be easiest if I update about once a month, so this may be an ongoing pattern. The month of June has been dedicated to spending time with friends and family. I also had a chance to reflect on my spirituality and individuality. I spent 4 days away from Terry and Isabella at Young Women's Camp. What was even worse, I had no contact with them, but for a short phone call each day that was less than a minute. Before leaving for camp, I just had so much doubt that I could get through it. Even when I was getting in the car, I was talking myself out of going. Before I left the house, I said a prayer for strength. When I got to camp, I had confirmation that I would be ok and so would Terry and Isabella. I had only a few small moments before going to bed when I cried to myself. Despite those small moments, I was able to focus on the girls and their time at camp. My testimony was strengthened and I was able to bond with so many people there. It was a great experience that I am so grateful I had the chance to go through. We celebrated my birthday, on which I got a new camera and got extremely sick. What a lovely day! Here are some pictures.....

Oliver's BDAY!

Coop and Alicia's visit!

Daddy and Bella at the park...

Beach day!

Farmer bella

Young Women's Camp

My dear ABBY!

Can you tell I am about to puke and it is way past Bella's bedtime??

Soakin' up the Sun!

I decided to put away the laptop and soak up the time Terry, Bella, and I had to spend together. Since he was home for 6 weeks, we have become so much closer and I have cherished that time. Now, he is back at work and our regular routine is back in order. Bella wakes up the same time every morning: 8:30 am. Did I ever mention I love having a routine? It makes things so much easier and she has been sleeping in her own crib for nap time and takes a 3 hour nap! These last few weeks we have had wonderful moments as a family. We have celebrated 2 birthdays, spent many hours at the beach, celebrated my 2nd Mother's day, swam in the pool almost every day, and got to meet our dear friend from Tennessee at the Disney Boarkdwalk. We have enjoyed every minute!

We celebrated Abuelo's birthday

Beach time!

Happy Mother's Day to me!

Pizza at the Boardwalk

Eating at Texas de Brazil

Happy 27th Terry!!!

I love my shoes.. but, after having a baby, my feet will only last from the parking lot to the restaurant while wearing high heels.

Yummy cake..

We love the pool!

Dear Mother

What a wonderful day it is!!!! I am so blessed to be given the gift of being a mother. I woke up today forgetting that TODAY is my day too. I have been thinking only about my own mother and what an amazing example she is to me of how a mother should be. Being a mother is so surreal. When I was younger I dreamt of this time when I could have a child and teach her and watch her grow. I tried to imagine how my life would be and what my children would look like. It is NOTHING like I thought it would be... It is so much better. I couldn't have imagined how much joy I would feel when my child kisses me or even when she says, "MOMMA!". I couldn't have imagined how difficult it would be to leave her for only a little while. I couldn't have imagined how special it would be to look into her eyes for the first time and for her to wrap her fingers around my finger. And I can't imagine how many more precious moments I will share with her. I love being a mother and I owe it all to my own mother for showing me how wonderful it is...

There is a talk by Jeffrey R. Holland about motherhood and I love to listen to it when I feel down or when I am having one of those days when I feel like just giving up. He says, "May I say to mothers collectively, in the name of the Lord, you are magnificent. You are doing terrifically well. The very fact that you have been given such a responsibility is everlasting evidence of the trust of your Father in Heaven has in you. He is blessing you and He will bless you, even -no, especially- when your days and your nights may be the most challenging." What confidence this gives me to know that my Heavenly Father trusts me to raise and teach one of His children here on earth. It is an eternal paternership with God. I am truly blessed.

Just to show how awesome my mom is.......Last week, my mother saw a rat snake crossing the street and she pulled over on the side of the road and caught the snake to bring home. She surprised us when we woke up!

Easter Weekend

After this weekend, I feel so blessed. I have been really pondering my Savior and all that he has done for me. He led an amazing life, being the true example to all.

We went to my father-in-law's play on Friday and were a little late. The play was about Jesus Christ and as we were walking in trying to find a seat I watched as Jesus Christ was being beaten and mocked. I thought to myself, "Jesus knew this would happen. He knew Heavenly Father's plan for him and willingly volunteered to be a part of it." I was crying to myself exclaiming in my mind, "What a marvelous person He is to choose to be the ultimate sacrifice!"

We shared some quality time with family on Saturday and had so much fun. Bella is doing so much better with her walking! I am so grateful for my family and the wonderful gift that the Lord has given me to be with them forever!

                                                        Abuela and Bella

                                      Bella's persuasion to walk... the princess ball!

What a big girL!!!!

Bella loves the swings!!

After sliding down, she kept climbing back up to do it again herself!

Bella's Easter basket...

Bella in her Easter dress!!!!!!!

Yes.. I gave her chocolate... and there is more where that came from....



Splish Splash

It was a wonderful day. Terry, Isabella and I went to the Lakefront and played on the splash pad and in the lake. What a great time to share as a family. Most people might take these moments for granted, but I soak them up. I just love to be with my husband and daughter. We haven't been able to have many moments like this because Terry is usually so busy with work. We cherish our togetherness.
Bella loved the water today. I am working on my tan! Terry sat back and enjoyed the moment. He isn't able to do much. He is still pretty limited with his mobility. It doesn't matter... as long as we are together.

 

Chillin and Grillin

Today started out a bit stressful.. it is almost always stressful every Sunday morning trying to get ready for church and get there on time... but it is always worth it. We had the Romero's over for dinner and I must say I did a pretty good job with the meal. The burgers were DELISH and it was so nice to spend time with family.

Now on with the big news.... ISABELLA TOOK STEPS TODAY.. yes that is plural. She took three steps. My wish for when this day came was 1. Terry and I to both see her take her first steps and 2. Get it on video. Welp, the most important wish came true---Terry and I were both sitting and watched her take those precious steps. I will never forget it!

What a week.....

This past week our litle family has been so busy! I will just tell you with pictures....

We stopped by the Ward Easter Egg Hunt... Bella would not let go of her eggs!

Notice anything different?? Bella is finally in her forward-facing carseat!!!!!!!! She loves it, but I think Terry and I love it even more!

Bella and Oliver had so much fun at Stella's circus party!

Happy Birthday Stella!

In the mix of all the chaos we stopped by Christy Ofria's for a photo shoot of the family. This was so much fun, but I wish Bella would have been in a better mood!!! I guess you can't predict these things! (if you only knew that she was screaming during this picture)

 The Kulick's had a cookout for Cassi and Norman's return! They just bought a beautiful house on Alligator Lake....

Nana and papa with the 4 grandkids... (calvin is hiding under Nana's arm)

In the mix of all this I gave Bella her last bottle of Mommy's milk and completely stopped nursing her :( I swear I was crying while pouring the bottle. This milk is like gold to me. I am so sad to be finished. She still sticks her hand down my shirt and is completely attached to me.

Terry had surgery on his meniscus. Bella is still wondering why Daddy is home all day! She is a little jealous of the attention Mommy is giving Daddy, but is willing to share, as long as Daddy gives her food!!

The nurse marked the knee that would not be getting cut into! I'm glad they are extra cautious about these things!!! They asked him about 15 times before they put him under which knee was the correct one.

This is how we feel by the end of this week.. we are exhausted. I am so happy to have Terry home with us, even if it means he had to get surgery! It is our little vacation!