my husband, superman.

I had just tucked Ethnie into bed and changed into my jammies. I came back out to the living room, turned the corner, and found this: my husband passed out at the dining room table trying to get some homework done. It was 8:30pm.
Yes, I left him there to sleep.

Matt jokes around often about being Superman and being able to do anything or lift anything, but I'm starting to think he is a superman. He is working full time to support our family, going to graduate school, making time to be with me, and making time to be the best father he can be. His plate is so full, yet I feel at times he's willing to pile more on top of it. How does he do it? He still comes home calm and with minimal complaints.
I am so grateful for Matt and all he does for our little family. He is such a hard worker and I know he will be rewarded for it. I only hope I can be successful like him so I can also provide for our family too some day!

special moments.

I've been doing a lot of thinking lately. Mostly because I'm on the brink of turning 30 (gulp) and I don't feel ready. hmm. But, how do you get "ready" to turn 30 anyway? It's a mental game I've been playing with myself for the last year and I need to get over it, right? 

I've been doing a lot of reflecting on the past 10 years. I have been blessed with so much and am so grateful for every little experience and thing I have. I found some pictures that I consider to be precious moments in my life. They are through my eyes and are a part of my happiness. The crazy thing is that I remember each of these moments like they happened yesterday. They are so clear in my mind and I hope they stay that way forever!

tying the knot :)

 graduating from the U of MN. (I was also pregnant and feeling very sick!)

pregnant and finally NOT sick at 8 months along! definitely a kodak moment. my dear friend and I took her daughter trick-or-treating at the mall as the 3 little pigs. :)   

becoming a mom. so worth it.

picnic at como park.

too sweet for words.

watching Ethnie smile as she opens gifts.

watching a father loving his daughter. one of my favorite things to witness. 

talking to Ethnie about waterfalls.

just a couple of days before this picture was taken, I found out I was pregnant with Emmett.

my boy.

watching Ethnie becoming a big sister.   

       

making sure Emmett has toys and a blanket for the car ride.

getting ready to nurse her baby so she can be like me.   

proud moment when Ethnie danced on stage for the first time.  

first Christmas morning as a family of four.

playing picnic on a warm early spring day.

most special mother's day. first one with both of my kids.

reading 

A lot has happened in the past 10 years, but I guess you could say I'm just getting warmed up. :)

Hope you all have a great week full of great moments!

play date.

Emmett had a fun little play date yesterday with two friends. Two of my oldest friends, Camille and Kate, brought their little boys over. It was fun to catch up and let the boys play! It's so great seeing good friends having their own families. Baby showers are always great excuses for getting together. :)
I took a few shots of the kids playing; it was hard to get a good one because they were very busy with toys and my camera battery was about to die. 

 Owen!

 Henry!

 

 such a loud toy, but always a favorite

  silly buddy

Thanks for the play date girls! Emmett had a fun time!

time for me.

 

I had a really great weekend. A REALLY. GREAT. weekend. I spent it relaxing with my mom! 

These pictures are from Glacial Waters Spa at Grandview Lodge. My mom and I were here all day Saturday getting facials, manicures and massages. It was so nice to spend time with my mom - just the two of us. I love this place. It is truly a sanctuary! During my massage, I felt like a floating ball of play-doh being sculpted into a brand new body. The relaxation room is dead quiet and the staff is very nice. It was a blissful, peaceful experience that I didn't want to end.

We also went out for dinner and spent time relaxing and watching movies at the house. I loved every minute of it. 

I am so grateful for my mom and everything she does for me. She is always thinking of me and ways we can spend time together. She is such a sweet, loving woman and I am very blessed to have her as my mom!

I love you mom. Thank you. :)

latest lit #7.

 

I finished this book awhile ago and have been meaning to write about it! I thought it was a very special book. There is something amazing about reading about an experience from such a young child. Hearing everything that was seen through this boy's eyes really proves to me how innocent and pure children are. It is a very fast, easy read and spiritually uplifting!

Colton describes what Christ looks like in the book. Here is a picture of Christ that is closest to his description. also in the book.