my motherhood mantra

I found this thought on Pinterest...

It's so true.
I do put my kids happiness over my own (most days).
I do try to teach them the right thing (most moments).
I pray every night that I can do a little bit better because I feel like I'm doing it all wrong.
And then I remember how my mom raised me- in an easy-going, active and fun-loving atmosphere.
....And how Preston's mom raised him- in a hard working, faith-building and loving atmosphere.
And then I tell myself we are both pretty great (at least I think so), take a deep breath
and realize that I just need to trust my own instincts and go with it.
Afterall, my mom and Preston's mom didn't have Pinterest.

I guess I just love these little midgets so much...

and want them to think one day that I did a pretty darn good job at being a mom.

This week they will because we are off to Disneyland!
I'll forgive myself for all the mistakes I made this week- let the magic begin!!!

Stepping up to the plate...

Henry's first at-bat for coach pitch baseball...

What a slugger!

Makes a mom proud!

Scrapily Ever After...

I feel like as a mom most of my hobbies get pushed aside.  Reasonably so.

But thanks to my wonderful hubby and awesome babysitters, I do get away

a few times a year to devout a few days to scrapbooking our family's lives.

It's one of my favorite things to spend my time doing.

It's relaxing, it's creative, it's productive and it's fun to do it sitting amongst friends.

This past weekend was no exception.

Here's some of my work...

Last night I realized that my 2 days of scrapbooking every few months goes by faster than any other 2 days of my life. Time flies when you're having fun, so I guess I was having a blast!!!

{Instagram Week 18}

4/29/12

{Henry says he's ready for church!}

4/30/12

{NOT a good way to start the week}

5/1/12

{I didn't make dinner, but I did make these...}

5/2/12

{Cool Kids}

5/3/12

{While her brother goes potty...}

5/4/12

{Stella's first black eye...she doesn't seem too upset about it}

5/5/12

{Scrapbooking the weekend away}

City Slickers

We paid a visit to our Capitol City, Salt Lake City, last week.

Just a little afternoon trip to take pictures with Flat Stanley for a friend's school project.

First stop: The Capitol

James was so proud to have Flat Stanley!....Henry has hogged him for the last few weeks.

The kids were happy to be out of the car and running.

They wanted to go inside, but we thought that might too much of a ruckus.

Instead, James taught Stella how to roll down the hill...

Next Stop: Temple Square

The Tabernacle...

The Visitor's Center...

And, the Conference Center (at least the fountain anyway)...

Note: 3 children in one spot and one running away (that was the typical set-up- Allie burnt some calories!)

It was one of my first outings without a stroller, and Stella did pretty well...

I had to carry her a lot but she was happy to walk the stairs and ride the escalator.

It was so nice to take the afternoon with friends and explore the city.

We had no agenda and the kids loved leading the way.

We ended with a Coke and a treat, of course.

Now Flat Stanley is on his way home to California!

Stella's Scriptures

One of our favorite family activities is listening to Stella "read" the scriptures.

See for yourself below...

Keep up the dedication, Stellie!

{Instagram Week 17}

4/22/12

{Snow White on a walk- at her request}

4/23/12

{Productive Day- included conquering this closet}

4/24/12

{Cram time- Book Club tonight- highly recommend this one!}

4/25/12

{Great day to swing at the park}

4/26/12

{"There's Jesus", insists Stella- visiting Temple Square}

4/27/12

{Game Face On!}

4/28/12

{Late night swimming calls for a Fourth Meal from Taco Bell}

Springing into Sports!

We've suddenly become busy with 2 boys playing Spring Sports this year!

It's a welcomed family outing, especially since the weather has been so warm!

Preston is Henry and James' soccer coach this year.

He loves soccer and is glad that his boys do too!

a league of their own

James started t-ball a few weeks ago.

It's hilarious to watch and requires a lot of hard work, guidance and patience from his coaches.

3 and 4 year old's on a baseball field is kind of crazy!

Let's play ball!

James at bat...

A common problem- hitting the tee and not the ball...

And, he's off to first...

High five from the 2nd base coach (they need one at each base)...

Happy to be running the bases...

More tips from the 3rd base coach...

And, a smile for Mommy's camera...

He's SAFE! (I guess he thought he should slide)...

Stella runs around between innings...

Henry and Daddy play ball on the sidelines...

James' typical defensive stance (can't quite call this "ready position")...

Or, he can be found playing with his hat...

Or, he comes to the fence to ask Mom a question...

Or, James and his cousin, Davis, have a conference at the mound...

I'm pretty sure they are planning their next play.

Actually, I'm 100% positive this discussion had nothing to do with t-ball.

And that is little league t-ball for you!

We are grateful for dedicated and patient coaches!

James is so excited to play sports like his big brother

and is always asking when his next game is!

{Instagram Week 16}

4/15/12

{A quiet house=time for cake and DVR}

4/16/12

{My first time grilling alone- almost as empowering as natural childbirth-almost}

4/17/12

{Story time at the SLC Library with friends}

4/18/12

{Girls play nice}

4/19/12

{My sweet boy missed me at his playdate}

4/20/12

{Driving alone at sunset near the mountains= bliss}

4/21/12

{Perfect way to end a near perfect day- Oreo Cheesecake Bites}