The Piano Guys

The day before Mother's Day (these catch-up posts may be out of order, oops;) we went on a date to cash in one of Adam's birthday presents...to see The Piano Guys! They were phenomenal. One pianist and one cellist that make a prime pair of entertainers and musicians. They take classical and modern songs and put their own fantastic spin on them, loved every note! And we ended the night by grabbing some In-N-Out on our way home to the kidlets. Love nights with my sweet Adam. :)

Here is one of my favorite pieces from the night...Alex Boye even made an appearance! You can watch more of The Piano Guys' youtube awesomeness here.

Our Rock

From the video, it's pretty obvious that one of Brooks' favorite primary songs is "The Wise Man"...Adam sang it and Brooks did the actions. Goodness those boys cracks me up. :)

I love that we can teach him, even at such a young age, that there is safety in building our foundation on Christ, who is our Rock. One of my favorite scriptures, Helaman 5:12, talks about the concept beautifully. 

Yesterday was a good Sunday, a very good Sunday. 

Thinking of my girls...

I say girls (yes, plural) in the title because I do have more than one. :)

I have my sweet Ava, and oh do I love her!  But today I am especially missing the 30 lovelies I was lucky enough to spend the last two years serving at church.  It's hard to find the right words to describe how blessed I felt to be apart of the Young Women program in our ward (congregation).  One of my favorite parts of the whole experience was being able to watch them blossom...those 12-18 year olds were, and are, changing from girls to young women who know that they are daughters of a loving Heavenly Father.  I laughed and cried with them...had sweet discussions with them...we shared our testimonies with each other...and I still pray for them daily.  I was one of their leaders, yet they inspired me to want to be better.

I first heard this song a few weeks ago, and immediately thought of my baby girl and how I hope I can instill in her a strong knowledge that she is a daughter of God. Then my thoughts went right to my Young Women (I'll always consider them mine;).  The lyrics are so touching, the music is beautiful, and the images in the video are incredible! Every girl/woman is beautiful and unique...and each are known individually to their Father in Heaven.  I hope my Young Women know how much I love and miss them!

"I AM HIS DAUGHTER"
Written & sung by Nicole Sheahan


The photos in the magazines
Don't dictate who I'm supposed to be
The world can't recognize, all that I am inside
But I know in His eyes, I am a part of, the bigger picture,

There's so much more to me
He helps me see that I have so much to offer
I am His daughter
He loves me the way I am,
He's my strength when I stand
He is my King, and my Father,
I am His daughter

The people on the TV screen,
The leaders, rulers, and queens
I watch them shape the world,
And though I'm just a girl, I still know for sure,
That I am a part of, the bigger picture

There's so much more to me
He helps me see that I have so much to offer
I am His daughter
He loves me the way I am,
He's my strength when I stand
He is my King, and my Father,
I am His daughter

And when I'm feeling small,
And wondering if I'll ever, find courage to stand tall
Through His love I remember

There's so much more to me
He helps me to see that I have so much to offer
I am His daughter
He loves me the way I am
He's my strength when I stand
He is my King, and my Father,
I am His daughter

The Fullness

My sweet sister Corrie introduced me to this fabulous band...Lovelite. They write and sing Christian music, and this song of there's is a favorite of mine. Along with a stellar tune, it touches on something that I'm constantly working on: taking advantage of the full, beautiful life God and Christ have to offer me, and giving my whole heart to them. I know that when I have given my thoughts and my heart to them...they help me see outside of myself and I find that I love deeper and I serve those around me with more compassion. I get through the hard times in life, which I know are so few compared to so many others, because of the Hope and Light I find in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

"THE FULNESS"

by Lovelite

Here I am safe at last
In Your arms and in Your hands
My body’s weak but You are stronger
And You will carry me

Because You offer a life that is whole
You brighten my darkened soul
A mystery that I long to know
I am Yours

Here I am full of hope
Not weighed down anymore
Knowing You changes me
Never let me leave

Because You offer a life that is whole
You brighten my darkened soul
A mystery that I long to know
I am Yours

I am Yours
Because You offer a life that is whole
You brighten my darkened soul
A mystery that I long to know
I am Yours

a little real life dancin'

Brooks has really started to shake his groove thang any time he hears music...and I LOVE IT! He bounces up and down, shakes his hips, bobs his head, and stomps his left foot...

hi-larious to say the least!

Last night we had a little dance party to a favorite song of mine...it included a tiny tantrum, some snuggles, dance-dance-dancin', running around, and lots of laughs :)

************************

Florence + The Machine's "Dog Days Are Over" music video is pretty stellar.

It has the most unusual dancing and costumes...I love it. Adam thinks it's the weirdest thing he's ever seen. Opposites attract ;) Check it out here.

I am a child of God

Whenever Brooks is fussy, and I sing him the sweet primary song "I Am a Child of God" he stops crying and will just watch and little to me sing the words...

I am a child of God,

And He has sent me here,

Has given me an earthly home

With parents kind and dear.

Lead me, guide me, walk beside me,
Help me find the way.
Teach me all that I must do
To live with him someday.

So simple. So true. So comforting.

And the video below has people of all ages, in all walks of life, sharing in song their testimony that they know they are children of a loving Heavenly Father :)

ENJOY!

See other videos like this here.

Happy Sunday everyone!

Dear Brooks,

Hi sweet boy! My new friend Britney sent me this video on facebook, and she said it made her think of you and me :) It brought tears to my eyes...you've made me the luckiest mommy in the whole entire world.

If you listened to it, did you just love it Brooks?? Just in case, here are the lyrics to the song...I bolded the words that really made me smile, which is just about all of it :)

"HOURGLASS" by Mindy Gledhill

Little boy, when you speak

I can't help but kiss your cheeks

I love the way you grab my hands

And tell me all about your plans

Rocket high, comets fly
You and I could take a ride
And fly away to Neverland
And give our best to Peter Pan

When you reach for the stars
Don't forget who you are
And please don't turn around and grow up way too fast
See the sand in my grasp
From the first to the last
Every grain becomes a memory of the past
Oh, life's an hourglass
Life's an hourglass

Story's read, prayer is said
Close your eyes sleepyhead
While angels linger in your dreams
And hold you in their feathered wings
Just like you, I was small
Not that long ago at all
I wish you all the happiness
That God gives freely if you ask

When you reach for the stars
Don't forget who you are
And please don't turn around and grow up way too fast
See the sand in my grasp
From the first to the last
Every grain becomes a memory of the past
Oh, life's an hourglass
Life's an hourglass

{ above: tiny, wrinkly, baby legs

below: sweet, chubby, walking legs }

So these two pictures above, they are you! They captured sweet memories of you :) The first is when you were just a few days old...it's one of my favorites of you, you're glowing :) And I love your wrinkly forehead and little legs! The second photo is of you this past week. You love running around with little or now clothing...which is why you're not wearing pants, silly boy. I love how it shows your wonderfully chubby legs and how you've grown since being a tiny baby.

Well sweetheart, tomorrow is my second Mother's Day with you. I've looked forward to being a mom all my life...thank you for making my dreams come true. It is an honor to be your mother. Every memory we've had together is so precious to me, and just thinking of the many more to come makes my heart smile! Each and every day, I thank my Heavenly Father for letting me watch over you. Love you forever son!

Love,

Mom

sippin' horchata

Today after working out, I got a protein shake at our gym.

{I may or may not feel guilty that it was chocolate-pina colada with almond...basically an Almond Joy, liquified}

I let my new pro-sipper take a few tastes...Brooks loooooooooovvvvvveed it :)

And it reminded me of last weekend when we Little B finally caught onto the art of sipping through a straw :) It happened to be from a cup of delicious horchata (Mexican cinnamon rice milk)...and we got a video of it :)

We may be dorky parents...but we are SO proud of our little sipper.

Oh, and THEN it reminded me of this AWESOME song...my sister introduced it to me a while ago...love it :)

packin' up and movin' out

...our kitchen that is!

D-DAY IS FINALLY HERE!!!! (d is for demolition...mwahaha!)

I haven't mentioned it on the blog before because I almost wasn't sure if it was really going to happen...but it is my friends :) We are tearing out our kitchen tomorrow...

Adios cheap cabinetry!

Sionara haneous wallpaper!

Ciao glitchy appliances!

(including a fridge who's door has never been able to completely shut)

Farewell laminate floor!

We've had lots of sweet memories in our kitchen (and we have felt so blessed for what we have)...but it's is time to say our adieus and look forward to a whole new space for culinary creations and family gatherings. Oh it's gonna be good.

The picture above is the innards of our kitchen island counter, on top of the counter (yowza, Iknow). We've pulled everything out of the drawers and cupboards and tomorrow morning I'm going to Costco to get boxes to pack it all up and move it downstairs for the next week...and to get some plastic utensils and paper dishes (trying to be a little green here!). Wish me luck with no kitchen!!

And while doing the not-so-awesome task of gutting our kitchen, I've been listening to this oh-so-awesome song....LOVE.IT. And I want Adele's voice. Badly.

He's got a way

Today I was driving in the car and this classic came on the radio:

First of all, I love Billy Joel's voice :)

Second, I love the lyrics...and I couldn't help but switch them around a bit in my head...so that it was "HE's got a way." As I sang along with Mr. Joel, just swapping the she's for he's and the her's for him's, my heart smiled because it describes many of the feelings I have for my sweet Adam.

Later while cooking dinner, I youtubed the video and played it over and over (I tend to do that with songs, a lot)...and when Adam came home he said, "I sang this song in High School." Of course I about melted into a puddle on the floor thinking of my sweetheart singing those lyrics. Adam then picked up a very happy-to-see-daddy Brooks and he danced and sang to him on the other side of the counter, while I finished prepping dinner. After a minute or two I told him how I actually thought of another version for it..."He's got a way"...a huge, handsome smile slid across his face and then he walked over to me... the three of us danced...it was for no more than 30 seconds, but it was heaven.

I just listened to the song again and typed up the lyrics with those minor changes...goodness they give me butterflies :)

(based on Billy Joel's "She's Got A Way")

he's got a way about hm

i don't know what it is

but i know that i can't live without him

he's got a way of pleasing

i don't know why it is

but there doesn't have to be a reason anyway

he's got a smile that heals me

i don't know why it is

but i have to laugh when he reveals me

he's got a way of talking

don't know why it is

but it lifts me up when we are walking anywhere

he comes to me when i'm feeling down

inspires me without a sound

he touches me and i get turned around

he's got a way of showin' how i make him feel

and i find the strength to keep on goin'

he's got a light around him

everywhere he goes a million dreams of love surround him everywhere

he comes to me when i'm coming down

inspires me without a sound

he touches me i get turned around

he's got a smile that heals me

i don't know why it is

but i have to laugh when he reveals me

he's got a way about him

i don't know what it is

but i know that i can't live without him anyway

My Adam sure does have a way about him...and I love how he has a way with our son. Adam is giving Brooks his bedtime bath as I type this, and I can hear them both laughing :)

in denial that it is not summer

It has been snowing for a couple hours now...but as you can see by my shoe choice, I am most definitely in denial.

And my daffodils by our front door seem to be in denial of this fickle weather too :) They've pushed up through the cold ground and are toughing out the cold. Oh I cannot wait 'til they bloom.

And while driving in the car today, in the snow, I listened to two different songs by John Mayer on the radio ("Daughters" and "Dreaming with a Broken Heart", two of my favorites). John Mayer instantly makes me think of summer...I've been to two of his concerts (he is amazing live), both during the gorgeous, WARM months of summer. So thank you John Mayer for warming up my cold, snowy afternoon with your fantastic voice :)

Below is a video of him singing live in California...his version of "Free Fallin'" is ridiculously amazing. Enjoy and happy friday!

The Healer's Art

A few days ago Adam's sweet sister Mandy gave us this adorable, Columbia winter coat (size 2T) for Brooks to wear next winter. While it drowns him now, I have no doubt he'll fill it out come winter time. I couldn't resist getting a picture of him in it...it makes our big boy look so small :)

I can't get over her thoughtfulness....she is going through such a time of putting back the pieces of her heart that shattered after the passing of her boy, Bennett (who would have fit right into that little coat). Yet, she thinks of others and their needs.

I just finished reading an article from the Ensign titled "The Healer's Art"...and a part of it made me think of Mandy and her family. Through out the article there are the words from the song "Lord I Would Follow Thee," a favorite hymn of mine. Here is a part of a verse that resonates strongly in my heart:

"Savior, may I learn to LOVE THEE,

Walk the path that thou hast shown,

Pause to help and LIFT ANOTHER,

Finding strength beyond my own."

{you can read all of the words to this beautiful hymn here}

Those words remind me that in order to show love to my Heavenly Father and Savior I need to serve others. When we're faced with challenges and trials that cause our hearts to hurt, or even our souls to ache, we can choose to reach out to others. If we think "What can I do to ease their burden?" and then act on whatever promptings we receive, we are following the Savior's footsteps and lettings His love work in our lives. Our hearts will be healed with his pure, unconditional love...as well as the hearts of those we serve.

The Healer's art is a beautiful thing, isn't it?

you're my life's one miracle

From the bottom of my heart, thank you all for you kind words...knowing that you have them in your thoughts and prayers means so much to us. Adam and I were able to visit the Wilkinsons last night...and I told Mandy and Dave of how beautifully overwhelmed I was at the immense love and support I've witnessed go toward their family from loved ones as well as people that don't know them. Tragedies are never wished for, but miracles stem from them. We are humbled and cling to each other for support. Together, through love and understanding hearts of those who share as they have gone through similar things, we pick each other back up. I only hope and pray I can follow any promptings in the future to help ease their burden and heal their sore hearts.

They miss him so much.

******************

I've been listening to Celine Dion's song "Miracle" on repeat the last couple days.

It has been a favorite of mine for a long time...but I treasure the lyrics even more now!

"MIRACLE"

You're my life's one miracle

Everything I've done that's good

And you break my heart with tenderness

And I confess it's true

I never knew a love like this 'til you

You're the reason I was born

Now I finally know for sure

And I'm overwhelmed with happiness

So blessed to hold you close

The one that I love most

Though the future has so much for you in store

Who could ever love you more

The nearest thing to heaven

You're my angel from above

Only God creates such perfect love

When you smile at me I cry

And to save you life I'd die

With a romance that is pure in heart

You are my dearest part

Whatever it requires

I live for your desires

Forget my own, your needs will come before

Who could ever love you more

There is nothing you could ever do

To make me stop loving you

And every breath I take

Is always for you sake

You sleep inside my dreams

And know you sure

Who could ever love you more

And this video is just precious...Anne Geddes is a brilliant photographer...and of course Celine Dion is stunning.

Sunday best

We had ourselves a little photo shoot in our Sunday best :)

As you can tell, we do a lot of modeling. haha

Sunday has got to be my favorite day of the week. It's a day of rest for my body and a boost for my spirit.

I am in love with these handsome boys. So glad they're mine forever :)

And while getting ready this morning we listened to these angelic voices...

We looooooooove the Libera boys choir :)

Well, it's off to church we go! Hope you all have a relaxing Sunday spent with the people you love :)

xmas movie delight :)

So this music video is actually from last Christmas Eve...you can tell because of my baby bump :) So fun to think my little B was in my belly dancing with me!

My parents and 2 younger sisters came from WA & stayed with us for Christmas.

This is my beautiful sister, Corrie (in the red scarf)...she's the best. Adam, Brooks, & I love her to death :) We decided to be spontaneous and provide some entertainment on the Eve of the best holiday ever. We went with the classic Drifters' version of "I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas"...we used COMBS for our microphones and our glasses are 3D. oh yes.

Every time I watch this I laugh so hard I cry...i love it :)

Hope it makes you smile!

Random Thursday

I grew up with a radio station called Rosey 105...and their morning show had "Random Thursdays." I randomly thought about it yesterday, and thought I'd share some random thoughts here.

First, I have a disclaimer for a past post...

Modern Family is my absolute favorite show.

And I'm an ashamed fan...How did I forget to put in on my list?? If you watched last night's [hilarious] episode you'll know what I mean when I say,

"Oh she just bit me, it's like Twilight back here!"

which was later followed by,

"So now I have a daughter that bites, and partner that stings."

and you can't forget,

"Oasis for *spritz* men??"

That show keeps my funny bone healthy & strong.

Next thought,

I'm slightly obessed with all things sweet & SALTY.

And a new favorite of mine, and Adam, is dipping pretzels in Nutella...a heavenly snack! try it :)

{plus little B is in the picture...doesn't get much sweeter than that}

And here are few more of my favorite sweet & salty delights:

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These are actually cashew toffee (how good does that sound?) but I can't get enough of my Grandma's peanut peanut brittle...

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These may seem revolting to some, but trust me, you'll fall in love:

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And lastly, I'd like to share this a.w.e.s.o.m.e.l.y creative music video by Lenka :) After watching it I thought, "so true!" I saw the video on this fabulous lady's blog a few days ago...ENJOY!

PS - Happy Friday EVE :)

Daddy's boots & Mommy's bucket list

Yesterday a pair of boots came in the mail.

Those boots are for the main man of the house...but I couldn't resist taking some pics with my phone & texting them to Adam @ work.

{cheeeeeeeesse!}

And I've added something to my bucket list.

Someday, Adam and I will dance in a flash mob. Somewhere. To some good music.

Much like this i hope:

Temporary Home

This morning I read an account of a tender mother who's baby, growing inside her, was diagnosed at just 20 weeks with a terminal condition that was "incompatible with life"...and how they treasured her short 1 1/2 months in their sweet little family, along with their son Brady. She, Meredith, is the sister-in-law of one of my very best and dearest friends. My friend, Shauna, put a post on her blog about how yesterday would've been her sweet niece's 1st birthday...and she left a link to read the story of Lily Jane. I had read it before, and reading it for a second time brought back the same sweet, tender emotions...it hurt my heart to read about the pain & sorrow she and Craig, her husband and Shauna's brother, went through...but I was uplifted by the way they handled it all with grace, and with such faith in our Savior's plan. Meredith wrote about how they soaked up every moment they had with their little Lily, counting each one a blessing from their Heavenly Father. It's an example and reminder to me to truly cherish each and every day with my sweet little Brooks...And to work hard at making sure we're together forever. I'm so grateful for His plan.

Then, on my way bringing lunch to Adam, I heard a song on the radio that I've loved...Carrie Underwood's "Temporary Home." I still remember the first time I heard it...I was pregnant with Brooks, and the words from the last verse and especially the chorus touched me so much they brought me to tears...(and if you know me well, you know it wasn't just the pregnancy horomones:)

"Old man, hospital bed,

The room is filled with people he loves.
And he whispers don't cry for me,
I'll see you all someday.
He looks up and says, 'I can see God's face.'

'This is my temporary Home
It's not where I belong.
Windows and rooms that I'm passin' through.
This was just a stop,on the way to where I'm going.
I'm not afraid because I know... this was
My temporary home.'

This is our temporary home."

I remember thinking how our house was going to just be a temporary home for my little one (we didn't know if it was a boy or girl, but we'll say he;)...that he would be leaving his Heavenly home to be a part of our earthly family, and we'd provide him with a temporary home until he creates a family and home of his own, and then eventually returns to his Heavenly Father. And I know that while that precious, little Lily was in her temporary home shorter than most, I have no doubt it was a sweet stay. And now she is truly home. Adam and I are doing our best to keep Brooks's home a place of peace, laughter, joy, and faith...time together is so precious. And again, thank heaven for His perfect plan of happiness.

Life's Soundtrack

...you know how when you watch a movie, there are those parts that make you hold your breath because they're so intense, or grab you sweetheart 'cause you're so scared, or laugh 'til your stomach hurts cause it was so hilarious, or cry because you're heart is breaking for a certain character, or *sigh* because it was just so romantic...well, there's always some sort of music in the background during those parts. I love that about movies.

And honestly, I wish that would happen to me in real life. I'd like that very much actually :)

I'd have a song for when I wake up next to my sweetheart,

and a song playing while I am working out at the gym,

and another playing while I'm driving my car,

a song playing while I was doing dishes with my sweetheart,

and I'd have a song playing when my sweetheart would give me a wink and I'd go in for a ridiculously, long romantic kiss (hey, we're married;)

...and there'd be songs for the others ups & downs of life.

But for now, I love it when my sweetheart sings softly in my ear...

or loudly from the shower &/or other room ;) He gets the job done quite nicely.

Life is good. VERY good.

Plus, we have much...

PS - My very most favorite (in the whole universe!) movie soundtrack is from The Holiday...Hans Zimmer is the composer, he's brilliant. Check it out on iTunes, you won't regret it :)

MISSING:

MY OTHER 1/2

So that no one worries: I know where my hubby is

...he's on a business trip 'til Friday.

Now, that is just 2 days away...but like I said, he is my other half...and that's just not healthy to go on living as only one half for too long.

I happened to find this sweet little video (kinda random, but it works) that describes just a little bit of how i feel...

(i LOOOOOVVVEEE Regina Spektor :] She's a very unique music artist...my sister introduced her to me & I'll be forever in debt to her for that) The lines that really touch base with me are:

"I belong arm in arm with you baby"

and

"I miss you soooooo..."

yep, they describe exactly how i feel right about now...