roller coaster of emotions

this week totally played with our emotions!

we were all over the place... here are just a few examples

Ryan's basketball team was a true cinderella story! they won 2 games to even get into the state tournament (none of which they were favored) and THEN beat the number one seed to advance. we were flabbergasted. and so proud of the coach :)

 spending Laura's last day together.

we met for pedicures and lunch, then she was set apart as a missionary!

 the morning Laura left for the MTC, we had a french inspired breakfast, and bid farewell to one of our favorite people. we'll sure miss her-- but we are so happy to see her go.

Camden wants to serve his mission in Paris, too. he is even saving his pennies...

getting ready to head down to Cedar City for the basketball state tournament.

me and my buddies.

on the way down, (around Scipio) Camden spotted a large radio tower of some sort, he immediately shouted out "mommy! mommy! look, the Eiffel tower! we are in Paris! Laura Lee is here" he was SO excited...I didn't have the heart to correct him.

 in between games, we got to stop and see grandma and grandpa Judd.

Turner loved grandpa Judd. he even said "ampa" for the first time!

 (Ryan's team lost their first game, and made it to over time in their second--then lost by 3, but his team played really well, and he was so proud of them. what lucky boys to have him as a coach. win or lose, he loves those kids and is the best role model)

my baby is growing up. sigh. it's inevitable.

but, i do love his little personality! he sits on his knees and plays with his toys, exploring each piece with full curiosity... kills me. 

 Camden was lucky enough to go to the Jazz game with Papa Judd.

Daddy painted his face, and I made him a sign...and let me tell you, he was excited!

Especially when he got up on the Jumbo tron-- 

this week was a crazy one-- chock full of events and emotions.

some hard, most good, and all memorable.

last night

last night, around 3:00 am, I woke up to the sound of Turner crying.

I went in his room to check and see why he was awake, and it seems there was no reason.

I don't think anything was really wrong. In fact, now that I think of it, I think he was crying for me. not crying for his mama, but crying for my benefit...

after I picked him up, we sat in the rocker, and I sang softly to him. he didn't immediately fall back asleep, but just remained still. he laid his head on my chest as I stroked his cheek. 

time stood still. 

It was so quiet and peaceful.

just me and my little babe. 

I have struggled the past few weeks. no reason in particular, but I have just felt "off".

overwhelmed. 

and time and time again, small things (like last night) have happened. 

I am grateful for this time in my life, for these sweet boys, and the lessons I continue to learn.

I'm grateful for the opportunity I have to grow, learn, and explore.

I'm grateful for the ability and opportunity to serve others.

and I'm extremely grateful for being awakened at 3:00 am, sometimes it sucks, but nights like last night remind me why I'm blessed.

feeling it

feeling the love...and the sickness.

Valentine's day had all sorts of plans.

involving a heart themed breakfast with friends, cookies for neighbors, a painting for daddy, dinner that was all pink and red...you know, a day straight from pinterest. 

then we ALL got sick with some freak nasty cold, and Turner got RSV.

so, all Valentine's plans were cancelled, and we sat at home--cuddled up with movies, trying to will our bodies to recover.

however, Ryan being Ryan, he put together a cute little scavenger hunt for us to do while he was at work...

it was perfect (especially for Camden)-- and we ended up playing with Camden's gift (a buzz and zurg nerf gun set) all afternoon.

 in our jammies, of course

before our whole house became sick, we did get some Valentine's pictures snapped--

and sent cards to family.

Happy Valentine's Day

getting us through

winters are long.

and when you have two rambunctious little boys, the house seems to shrink as the day goes on.

so, we try to do our best to get out (and stay sane)...

playdates with friends.

whether it's McDonald's or a friendly mall playplace, we need some diet coke and girl talk just as much as they need a place to run and burn some of that energy! 

 spending as much time as we can with this girl.

before Paris gets her for the next 1 1/2 years...

 visits (and gifts) from grandma & grandpa Nelson.

Idaho is too far away! we love when we get to see them, even just for a day.

 Jazz games.

they may not be doing so hot, but we are not fair weather fans!

Go Jazz, go!

lots and lots of baths.

bath time saves me. these little guys take the longest baths, and LOVE it!

plus, who doesn't love little baby bums?

scenes from the week

cookie baking.

trying to kill sickness with fun!

 hanging out with these hoodlums.

2 girls + 2 boys= besties for life.

there really is never a dull moment :)

 a birthday dinner for one of our favorite people, at one of our favorite restaurants!

(Laura Lee and Ekamai)

 Feeling Valentine'sy over here...

inspired by love.

 wishing for spring.

hoping for warm weather.

sigh.

soon little buddies, soon.

snow day!

Remember the mornings when it was freezing and a nice layer of snow coated the world outside? The mornings that you would have the radio on as you slowly (and half heartedly) got ready, just praying that they would announce a snow day? 

Yeah, that dream became a reality. Only it was a text from his boss, and it was Ryan that didn't have to teach school... but I still felt that exact same giddy feeling. We were granted an extra day, and one must not waste an extra day!

We began our snow day with brunch and hot cocoa at Mimi's Cafe.

Then did what would only be appropriate for any snow day...

Camden was in heaven.

Fearless, I tell ya!

How I wish we had more "official" snow days.