I have been blessed today

Today I had a fabulous experience. One I was not expecting and one that I was completely overjoyed with. I had the privilege of hearing the tiny, strong, rapid heartbeat of the baby growing inside me. Now, I've had this experience before--hearing my baby's heartbeat for the first time--but this experience was different. It was a powerful, reassuring experience that life is a miracle and I am ever so blessed to be privileged to carry such a special spirit into this world. I have known I'm pregnant for quite some time now, but it never seemed real until today. I am not a super emotional person, but my eyes welled up with tears as I listened to the miracle that was created out of a special unique kind of love. What a simple thing, a heartbeat, yet it's the most complicated and complex system that allows such a comforting and miraculous sound. I was unsure, until today, when and how to tell the world surrounding me that I had been blessed with such a precious gift. I am not one who craves or cares for special attention, but every baby, every birth, every pregnancy is indeed a miracle and should be cherished for what it is--life. joy.love. Excitement and joy filled my soul as I thought of becoming a mother, yet again, to this unique and choice spirit child of our Heavenly Father. What an endearing, amazing thing it is to be a mother--the hardest, longest, frustrating, exhausting, beautiful, rewarding, and significant calling/job there is. I have been blessed today.

K-Town Arizona

We made a trip to Kingman so that we could visit the family up there. Surprisingly enough, everyone lives up there except Kirk, so we were able to see most of the family for a few days. It was a nice and enjoyable trip. It's always nice to go home and have your mommy take care of you right?? It as a fairly relaxing trip, minus the part when I got locked out of the house for an hour when it was only 35 degrees outside. BRRRR. I'm a wimp when it comes to the cold.



Kirk got my mom and Dad this elephant for Christmas a few years back and the grand kids love it. Acacia thought it was a fabulous toy and she loved to ride on it.

Poor Poor Inky. Acacia mauled Inky like I've never seen before. You'd think with having 3 cats at home she wouldn't be so thrilled to see another cat, but she couldn't leave Inky alone. If Inky was in sight, Acacia would stop doing anything and go chase her and lay on her. I kept having to remind her to "be soft", but it didn't matter too much what mom said, because Inky was Acacia's to have. Inky is 19 years old now, so she doesn't move very fast. I was amazed at how gentle she was when Acacia was pestering her. Inky was my first little girl, so I'm glad my oldest little girl and my newest little girl got to bond.

Acacia gets really excited to put sweaters on because it means going outside. I thought she looked super adorable when she put Luca's HG sweatshirt on. Acacia thought she was something else too because she walked around the room modeling it for everyone.

Grandpa Henry had a fun box to climb in and play with. This occupied Acacia for quite some time. I tell ya, it's the simple things in life that are the best.

A New Experience

Christmas has a totally different feeling when you're a little kid than when you're an adult. I remember the sleepless Christmas Eve nights when the anticipation of the next day was just too much to bear. Boyhow that changes when you're all grown up. But ever since Luca has been old enough get excited about Christmas, it has really brought that excitement back into the holiday. I know that Christmas has a very deep meaning for

most of us, but the excitement on my childrens' faces as they walk intothe living room is priceless. Having these two beautiful blessings in my life has helped me appreciate the simple things in life much more than I ever thought possible. The simpleness of their lives and the innocence of their actions and thoughts make life so much more enjoyable. I am grateful to be a mother and I am even more grateful to watch my children experience the fun and exciting moments of being a child. Christmas is one of those seasons that has truly become more enjoyable since I've had children. I am grateful for our Savior, for his loving example and for the innocence of our little ones as they learn the most important and simple concepts of being children.

This little girl was the happiest about her new bicycle. She couldn't get on it fast enough and we haven't been able to get her off it much since.

Happy Moments

I love it when Luca and Acacia find precious moments to bond. Luca loves to play with his dump trucks and Acacia discovered the joy in the simple things in life. It was darling to watch Acacia climb into the dump truck and Luca push her around for a fun ride. I thought having one child was amazing, but having two has been such a more rewarding experience because of the way they interact with each other. Their bonding is simple, joyful, innocent and so very precious. It's a gift as a mother that I never realized I'd have.

At least I tried

I really wanted to get some cute pictures of the kids dressed up on Christmas Sunday, but try as I did, I was unsuccessful. Neither child wanted to cooperate, but these were the ones that turned out the best. I bought this dress for Acacia a year ago and was eager to dress her in it. I am so grateful for such a beautiful time of year.

Blissful Noise

Luca had a preschool performance that he was very excited about. He is quite the performer and loves to sing loud so that everyone can hear his voice. It really makes my heart happy and puts a huge smile on my face to watch Luca grow into such an amazing little boy. He is so talented and loves people. He's the friendliest little child I know.

Santa Claus made a special visit to the preschool.


Here's Luca singing his heart out. He knew all the words and was very eager to get up and belt out the songs his class was singing.

Just a typical goofball picture of Luca being silly.