Little Reader

Jade has loved reading from the start. Lately she goes into her room and reaches and whines for the books on her shelves. She wants me to read to her all the time and it's my most favorite thing. I couldn't be more proud to have a little reader on my hands. 

Her Own Two Feet

Jade took her first steps on November 17th, 2013 but decided she liked crawling better, so she stuck with that for a little while longer.  She didn't really start walking regularly till the middle of December.  She was quite the wobbly little walker, but she loved it and thought it was so cool. She was so proud of herself too and so were we. Once she started she hasn't stopped. If she is awake she is constantly in motion. Walking in circles and from place to place. She has really come to master walking this January. She is steady, confident, and quick. She loves to take Razz for walks. I think it's the highlight of her day. We usually carry her around on those walks but we just recently started letting her down to walk for herself and she has been in heaven.  She loves following Razz around and being able to explore on her own two feet. 

The Carousel

She obviously loved it. 

Spectators

Jade's facial expressions always make us laugh and smile. She was pulling some good ones at Aunt Mary Grace's basketball game{that second one kills me}. She loved watching the game- probably because she loves balls and anything that involves people. Aunt Mary played great and we had fun watching! 

New Year, New Adventures

In 2013 we had so many "firsts," new experiences, and milestones for our little family.  It was a year full of fun and growth, hardships and triumphs.  With us still learning how to be parents and Jade learning how to be a human, the year went by too fast. I am always wishing I could slow down time and the best way to do that is to live and enjoy each day. Savor the simple joys of everyday life and let go of concerns that really don't matter in the grand scheme of things. 

Lately, I have been feeling so grateful for my opportunity to be a stay at home mom. I am finally realizing that great privilege and honor is enough.  I don't need to be a stay at home mom and have some booming business or career{something I've struggled with ever since I became a mom- feeling like I wasn't doing enough}. When I was a little girl all I dreamed about was being a wife and stay at home mom and that is exactly what I am doing. I am full on living out one of my greatest dreams and I love it.  In 2014 I want to stay focused on living my dream, letting go of worldly  concerns and pressures, and having a whole lot of fun with my baby girl and husband. I love new years, always full of opportunities, new beginnings, and surprises.  Can't wait to see what it has in store for us.  

New Year's Eve

We had the Coopers and Smiths over to ring in the new year with us.

We had fun chatting, eating, playing wave race, and counting down to 2014.

Christmas Morning

Christmas is so much more magical with your own babies. This year we spent Christmas at my parents' house in St. George. We had so much fun watching Jade check everything out under the tree.  She loved unwrapping presents and loved playing with her new toys. She was spoiled with gifts and love from all of our family. We opened up just a few gifts for Mikey and Jade before we headed to Bart and Teddy Sue's for Christmas breakfast-it was delicious. Once we were through eating and playing a few games we headed back home to finish opening presents. Everyone enjoyed their gifts from Santa. We are so grateful for our families and their generosity and love.

Christmas Eve

We spent Christmas Eve in the traditional fashion. 

My Brothers and I decorated gingerbread houses and then we went to our cousins' house for dinner and games. We watched a mormon messages Christmas message, played left, right, center, and had a gift exchange. That night we went back to my parents house, opened up our christmas pajamas and hit the sack. Christmas Eve is always my favorite.