One of the simple joys of laundering for little girls:
Pink Dryer Lint
"Now ye may suppose that this is foolishness in me; but behold I say unto you, that by small and simple things are great things brought to pass." -Alma 37:6
Tuesday, February 24, 2015
Friday, February 20, 2015
The 14 and 15
Forgotten Post... pretend you're reading this at the end of December. :)
***
Can we really be just a few weeks out from 2015?? It's amazing to me how fast time goes the older I get. And I'm not even old! Just imagine the hyper-speed I'll be feeling 20, 40, 60 years down the road. I don't know how older people do it. :)
Well, it's time for my annual list... I revisited The 13 and 14 and it's fun to see how the year has turned out compared to what I envisioned. This was an idea sparked by one of my dear high school girlfriends and I think it's a tradition I will continue over the years and as our family grows.
Without further adieu, The 14 and 15.
Memorable Things from 2014
1. Blake starting work at BNSF Railway in January, and being transferred to a fantastic department in September. Seeing him love his job is one of the best things in the world for me.
2. Falling in love with Texas. I love the area we live in. I love the fields and the open space and the sky and the cows and the fast highways and the rolling hills. I only wish Texas were an easier drive to Utah.
3. Getting pregnant with Baby Girl #2.
4. Closing on a house in May and gradually settling in and making it 'home.'
5. Being embraced by our 'Texas Family.' Both the relatives we have out here in Texas, and the ward family who has welcomed us into their lives with open arms.
6. Visitors and vacations! We enjoyed Mom and Dad Briggs in March, Kyndal in April, Mom and Beth in April, Mom and Brynn in June, Quinton over the summer (on internship at BNSF), and Dad Hull on multiple occasions on business. Come see us anytime! We also loved getting a late-summer vacation to Utah for me and Eliza, and returning to Utah as a family for Thanksgiving.
7. Extensive personal growth from the callings that we've been in. Blake is currently working as the Executive Secretary and I'm blessed to be in Primary with 100+ primary kids.
8. Going to the BYU-Texas game. Probably our favorite "Texas Adventure" from the year. (Thanks, Dad!)
9. Having Quinton in Fort Worth on a summer internship--hopefully he brings himself (and a wife!) back in 2015 after he graduates!
10. Reading the Book of Mormon.
11. General Conference, especially the October sessions. It's my favorite holiday second only to Christmas!
12. Christmas for the first time on our own. It has been delightfully simple and meaningful--just as Christmas should be.
13. Lots of growing experiences that come with home ownership.
14. Game nights and dinner parties with Matt and McKenna and friends in our ward.
Things we're anticipating in 2015
1. Welcoming Baby Girl to the world. (Hopefully on my birthday!)
2. A momentary slow-down of life. The last few months have seemed to be too much, too fast for me. I'm hoping when the baby gets here, that I'll have the opportunity to regroup, reground myself in my little family, and refocus on what is most important, without other pressures and expectations muddying up life. (We'll see if this was just a fanciful idea!)
3. I'm excited to see what Eliza has in store this year. She changed so much last year and I can't wait to see what she's going to learn, do, and say next.
4. More opportunities to learn how to balance and prioritize in life.
5. Potty Training. Roll up your sleeves, my friends...
6. Continuing to make our house a home. Finding my niche in decorating.
7. Weddings? (I'm looking at you, Aaron, Beth, Quinton, and Courtney...)
8. A vacation in Texas. San Antonio?
9. Blake starting grad school in the fall. BNSF is offering him tuition reimbursement for his MBA! Even though it's a little daunting to contemplate returning to the student life, this will be a wonderful growth opportunity for all of us.
10. Encouraging Eliza in her development. Reading together, facilitating new learning experiences, etc.
11. Having a chance to hold and mother a baby with the knowledge I gained the first time around.
12. Reading the Book of Mormon.
13. Setting and achieving goals--individually, as a family, and as a couple.
14. Another Texas Christmas at home. Perhaps with some visitors? :)
15. Taking our budgeting up a notch. Oh how I love me a good, purposeful budget!
We'll see where 2015 takes us. Life can be crazy, but it's a pretty neat ride!
***
Can we really be just a few weeks out from 2015?? It's amazing to me how fast time goes the older I get. And I'm not even old! Just imagine the hyper-speed I'll be feeling 20, 40, 60 years down the road. I don't know how older people do it. :)
Well, it's time for my annual list... I revisited The 13 and 14 and it's fun to see how the year has turned out compared to what I envisioned. This was an idea sparked by one of my dear high school girlfriends and I think it's a tradition I will continue over the years and as our family grows.
Without further adieu, The 14 and 15.
Memorable Things from 2014
1. Blake starting work at BNSF Railway in January, and being transferred to a fantastic department in September. Seeing him love his job is one of the best things in the world for me.
2. Falling in love with Texas. I love the area we live in. I love the fields and the open space and the sky and the cows and the fast highways and the rolling hills. I only wish Texas were an easier drive to Utah.
3. Getting pregnant with Baby Girl #2.
4. Closing on a house in May and gradually settling in and making it 'home.'
5. Being embraced by our 'Texas Family.' Both the relatives we have out here in Texas, and the ward family who has welcomed us into their lives with open arms.
6. Visitors and vacations! We enjoyed Mom and Dad Briggs in March, Kyndal in April, Mom and Beth in April, Mom and Brynn in June, Quinton over the summer (on internship at BNSF), and Dad Hull on multiple occasions on business. Come see us anytime! We also loved getting a late-summer vacation to Utah for me and Eliza, and returning to Utah as a family for Thanksgiving.
7. Extensive personal growth from the callings that we've been in. Blake is currently working as the Executive Secretary and I'm blessed to be in Primary with 100+ primary kids.
8. Going to the BYU-Texas game. Probably our favorite "Texas Adventure" from the year. (Thanks, Dad!)
9. Having Quinton in Fort Worth on a summer internship--hopefully he brings himself (and a wife!) back in 2015 after he graduates!
10. Reading the Book of Mormon.
11. General Conference, especially the October sessions. It's my favorite holiday second only to Christmas!
12. Christmas for the first time on our own. It has been delightfully simple and meaningful--just as Christmas should be.
13. Lots of growing experiences that come with home ownership.
14. Game nights and dinner parties with Matt and McKenna and friends in our ward.
Things we're anticipating in 2015
1. Welcoming Baby Girl to the world. (Hopefully on my birthday!)
2. A momentary slow-down of life. The last few months have seemed to be too much, too fast for me. I'm hoping when the baby gets here, that I'll have the opportunity to regroup, reground myself in my little family, and refocus on what is most important, without other pressures and expectations muddying up life. (We'll see if this was just a fanciful idea!)
3. I'm excited to see what Eliza has in store this year. She changed so much last year and I can't wait to see what she's going to learn, do, and say next.
4. More opportunities to learn how to balance and prioritize in life.
5. Potty Training. Roll up your sleeves, my friends...
6. Continuing to make our house a home. Finding my niche in decorating.
7. Weddings? (I'm looking at you, Aaron, Beth, Quinton, and Courtney...)
8. A vacation in Texas. San Antonio?
9. Blake starting grad school in the fall. BNSF is offering him tuition reimbursement for his MBA! Even though it's a little daunting to contemplate returning to the student life, this will be a wonderful growth opportunity for all of us.
10. Encouraging Eliza in her development. Reading together, facilitating new learning experiences, etc.
11. Having a chance to hold and mother a baby with the knowledge I gained the first time around.
12. Reading the Book of Mormon.
13. Setting and achieving goals--individually, as a family, and as a couple.
14. Another Texas Christmas at home. Perhaps with some visitors? :)
15. Taking our budgeting up a notch. Oh how I love me a good, purposeful budget!
We'll see where 2015 takes us. Life can be crazy, but it's a pretty neat ride!
Living on Purpose
Once upon another time, I had a roommate Melissa. I will love that girl to my dying day, but I'll have to save my Ode to Melissa and Suzy post for another day. One thing Melissa introduced me to is the Day Zero Project. It's a perfect heaven for goal-obsessed individuals like myself. The basic idea is that you make a list of 101 things you want to accomplish in 1001 days (just under three years). Big things, little, things, important things, trivial things... Back in 2010, I didn't make a full list, but I remember some of the goals I had thought of that would go on my list if I had one.
I recently made an account on dayzeroproject.com and I'm working on compiling my own list of 101 Things. It's amazing to me just how different they are from the list items I had brainstormed four years ago. Most items pertain to things I want to do as a wife and mother, many of which are seemingly insignificant. But they reflect just how much I have changed and grown since my single, college self.
Voluntarily leave the house every day for a week. Oh how I love my dear little hermitage. This goal will be a blessing to Little Lizie who dearly loves adventures.
Make a music video with my daughters. Eliza's current song choice would undoubtedly come from one of the following fine cinematic masterpieces: Mary Poppins, Enchanted, or Tangled.
Make my mom's carrot cake.
Achieve a weed-free lawn.
Nothing all that magnificent, but just little things that will remind me to live my life on purpose. I want to be a "drag a chair to the counter and let's make cookies together" mom. I want to be a "let's go on a picnic somewhere we can see a temple and sing primary songs" mom. I want to be a "let's take on a home project together and create something beautiful" wife. I want to be a "let's have a garden this year" wife.
Most of what I do in my day-to-day life sometimes feels rather uneventful. But my life really is living. And it's rich, beautiful, dynamic living. Sometimes I just have to remind myself.
I recently made an account on dayzeroproject.com and I'm working on compiling my own list of 101 Things. It's amazing to me just how different they are from the list items I had brainstormed four years ago. Most items pertain to things I want to do as a wife and mother, many of which are seemingly insignificant. But they reflect just how much I have changed and grown since my single, college self.
Voluntarily leave the house every day for a week. Oh how I love my dear little hermitage. This goal will be a blessing to Little Lizie who dearly loves adventures.
Make a music video with my daughters. Eliza's current song choice would undoubtedly come from one of the following fine cinematic masterpieces: Mary Poppins, Enchanted, or Tangled.
Make my mom's carrot cake.
Achieve a weed-free lawn.
Nothing all that magnificent, but just little things that will remind me to live my life on purpose. I want to be a "drag a chair to the counter and let's make cookies together" mom. I want to be a "let's go on a picnic somewhere we can see a temple and sing primary songs" mom. I want to be a "let's take on a home project together and create something beautiful" wife. I want to be a "let's have a garden this year" wife.
Most of what I do in my day-to-day life sometimes feels rather uneventful. But my life really is living. And it's rich, beautiful, dynamic living. Sometimes I just have to remind myself.
Blake's Girl
So I've been a truly dismal blogger. Now that that's out of the way, let's move on to more meaningful blogging in the future.
You know when you just need some time to veg? Both girls are down for naps, and I found myself perusing online, looking for SOMETHING to numbly ingest. None of my fellow bloggers had any updates, and after jumping on facebook for the ump-teenth time I decided, "This is ridiculous. Why don't I use this time instead." So here is me trying to re-train myself into a healthier, more wholesome form of vegging. I will write. I will create.
Blake and I watched a movie last night. Neither of us had seen it even though most people we know deem it to be a "classic." It was a complete waste of our time and an hour and forty-five minutes that we'll never get back again. BUT, the lame movie gave way to some light-hearted conversation that continued and morphed into something really wonderful that lasted well beyond our normal bedtime. We just kept talking together--not about anything important, in fact, it was all completely trivial. But we continued just talking and laughing and bouncing ideas between the two of us, all while snuggling on the couch. Although we have a one month old and a toddler, we suspended our stage of life for just a few hours and let ourselves just be Blake and Annie. It was wonderful. After doing a late feeding with Sarah, we finally made it to bed and as we were going to sleep Blake said, "You know, it's been really nice to act like young, crazy college kids staying up half the night." And it was. The sleep that I lost was well worth it. Worth it to go to sleep as the big spoon feeling like I wasn't spread too thin or being too much for too many people. Last night, yes I was still a mom and a daughter and a sister, etc. etc. But really, last night I was just Blake's girl. And I'd say it's probably my favorite role.
You know when you just need some time to veg? Both girls are down for naps, and I found myself perusing online, looking for SOMETHING to numbly ingest. None of my fellow bloggers had any updates, and after jumping on facebook for the ump-teenth time I decided, "This is ridiculous. Why don't I use this time instead." So here is me trying to re-train myself into a healthier, more wholesome form of vegging. I will write. I will create.
Blake and I watched a movie last night. Neither of us had seen it even though most people we know deem it to be a "classic." It was a complete waste of our time and an hour and forty-five minutes that we'll never get back again. BUT, the lame movie gave way to some light-hearted conversation that continued and morphed into something really wonderful that lasted well beyond our normal bedtime. We just kept talking together--not about anything important, in fact, it was all completely trivial. But we continued just talking and laughing and bouncing ideas between the two of us, all while snuggling on the couch. Although we have a one month old and a toddler, we suspended our stage of life for just a few hours and let ourselves just be Blake and Annie. It was wonderful. After doing a late feeding with Sarah, we finally made it to bed and as we were going to sleep Blake said, "You know, it's been really nice to act like young, crazy college kids staying up half the night." And it was. The sleep that I lost was well worth it. Worth it to go to sleep as the big spoon feeling like I wasn't spread too thin or being too much for too many people. Last night, yes I was still a mom and a daughter and a sister, etc. etc. But really, last night I was just Blake's girl. And I'd say it's probably my favorite role.
August 2011
Just married and about to get our first rental car on our first adventure as husband and wife.
This is exactly how I felt last night:
Thursday, December 18, 2014
A post because I'm feeling conversational and Eliza is napping...
Hey friends,
Have I mentioned on this blog that I'm pregnant?? I know... I'm a great one for secrets. I'm actually quite pregnant, as in I'm dilated 2 centimeters, 75% effaced, and I'm 36 weeks today. I can hardly believe it! You'd think 9 months would give you enough time to wrap your mind around it, but sometimes it doesn't feel like I've had any mental prep time at all. But ready or not, Baby Girl #2 will be making her debut sometime soon. And we'll be ready. :)
My Texas family threw a baby 'sprinkle' for me this week, because "every baby deserves a party and every baby should be celebrated." I felt a little funny about it, especially since she and Eliza will have been born a month apart so all of the clothes should fit seasonally, but it was a wonderful opportunity to get together with a bunch of women in the ward that I love and just have a fun girl's night. I also co-celebrated with my friend and neighbor, Meghan, who just had her own little girl Margot a few weeks ago, so it was nice to share the spotlight with a dear friend and cute baby. :)
This week has been full of music practice. I mentioned I was put in charge of the Christmas program. Well, pianists are scarce so I'm also accompanying most of the meeting. This has been a challenge since I don't have my own piano to practice the difficult pieces. But I have really great friends who have welcomed me (and Eliza) into their homes on many mornings and afternoons this month to practice and get the music solidified before the program on Sunday. This week has been a lot of practicing with those I am accompanying and it's so comforting to see how Heavenly Father just helps things come together. As long as the meeting is rich in the Spirit, we will have been successful.
Have a happy Thursday!
Have I mentioned on this blog that I'm pregnant?? I know... I'm a great one for secrets. I'm actually quite pregnant, as in I'm dilated 2 centimeters, 75% effaced, and I'm 36 weeks today. I can hardly believe it! You'd think 9 months would give you enough time to wrap your mind around it, but sometimes it doesn't feel like I've had any mental prep time at all. But ready or not, Baby Girl #2 will be making her debut sometime soon. And we'll be ready. :)
My Texas family threw a baby 'sprinkle' for me this week, because "every baby deserves a party and every baby should be celebrated." I felt a little funny about it, especially since she and Eliza will have been born a month apart so all of the clothes should fit seasonally, but it was a wonderful opportunity to get together with a bunch of women in the ward that I love and just have a fun girl's night. I also co-celebrated with my friend and neighbor, Meghan, who just had her own little girl Margot a few weeks ago, so it was nice to share the spotlight with a dear friend and cute baby. :)
This week has been full of music practice. I mentioned I was put in charge of the Christmas program. Well, pianists are scarce so I'm also accompanying most of the meeting. This has been a challenge since I don't have my own piano to practice the difficult pieces. But I have really great friends who have welcomed me (and Eliza) into their homes on many mornings and afternoons this month to practice and get the music solidified before the program on Sunday. This week has been a lot of practicing with those I am accompanying and it's so comforting to see how Heavenly Father just helps things come together. As long as the meeting is rich in the Spirit, we will have been successful.
Have a happy Thursday!
Monday, December 15, 2014
My Joy and My Song
I've been working on a project this month, but between orchestrating the Christmas program and practicing the piano for the pieces I'm accompanying, my time hasn't quite been my own. But over the weekend, Blake helped me finish my project, and it has completely changed my December.
We decided to decorate our Christmas tree with several names of the Savior this year. We finished late last night, and it has been such a blessing to me in the hours I've been awake to see the tree. We think and talk of Jesus Christ so much at this time of year, but generally we think of Him in the context of the baby in a manger, or even some of the names from wonderful Christmas songs: Wonderful, Counselor, King of Kings, or Lord of Lords. But every time I pass the Christmas tree, an ornament catches my eye that makes me think of and appreciate my Savior in a fresh way that feels very real and very powerful.
The Mighty one of Jacob...
Advocate...
Founder of Peace...
Lord of the Vineyard...
Redeemer of Israel...
Bread of Life...
I want to share my testimony that The Way, The Truth, and the Life was born in a humble stable and came to redeem all mankind. I testify that the Only Begotten of the Father will return to the earth in glory to reign as King of Kings, and that in that day, just as the shepherds knelt to worship him at his birth, every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus is the Christ.
We decided to decorate our Christmas tree with several names of the Savior this year. We finished late last night, and it has been such a blessing to me in the hours I've been awake to see the tree. We think and talk of Jesus Christ so much at this time of year, but generally we think of Him in the context of the baby in a manger, or even some of the names from wonderful Christmas songs: Wonderful, Counselor, King of Kings, or Lord of Lords. But every time I pass the Christmas tree, an ornament catches my eye that makes me think of and appreciate my Savior in a fresh way that feels very real and very powerful.
The Mighty one of Jacob...
Advocate...
Founder of Peace...
Lord of the Vineyard...
Redeemer of Israel...
Bread of Life...
I want to share my testimony that The Way, The Truth, and the Life was born in a humble stable and came to redeem all mankind. I testify that the Only Begotten of the Father will return to the earth in glory to reign as King of Kings, and that in that day, just as the shepherds knelt to worship him at his birth, every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus is the Christ.
Friday, December 12, 2014
Share the Gift
So I've been failing miserably as a blogger. That's okay; there are more important things to be successful in. But recording our little family's history and keeping in touch with my family is important to me, and I figure that maybe I ought to try a different approach to this blogging business and see if I can be any more successful.
Enter the Moment of the Day. I'll attempt to share something random from our life on a multiple-times-a-week basis (see how I didn't say 'daily'?... Realistic goals for the win.). Even if it's a bunch of trivial stuff, you'll still be getting more from me than you have thus far!
Here was a really happy moment today:
I've been feeling pretty stressed this Christmas season. In mid-November I was given the assignment to coordinate the Christmas Program by December 21st. It has proven to be a challenge and an extreme test of my patience and "good will towards men." (A test which some days I pass and some days I fail...) I feel that as I've been channeling so much of myself, my time, my patience, and my stamina into the task at hand, the things that are most important to me have been neglected. Namely, Blake and Eliza. [May I just interject and say that Blake has been an absolute CHAMP. All. Month. Long. With him on my team, nothing's impossible.] I think that is what has been the most difficult thing for me: feeling a severe imbalance in my life at a time when, if anything, the balance scales should tip towards family, not away from it.
All of that is the long way of saying that I've been a little bit of an on-edge, stressed mess sporting sassafrass cranky pants. Not exactly the picture of "Christmas cheer," you might say. But today, this video was able to cut through all of the frustration and stress and pierce my heart. It felt so good to feel myself soften as the Holy Ghost testified of the reality and divinity of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
What a truly priceless gift. And how wonderful that we have the opportunity to share that gift with others. #ShareTheGift
Enter the Moment of the Day. I'll attempt to share something random from our life on a multiple-times-a-week basis (see how I didn't say 'daily'?... Realistic goals for the win.). Even if it's a bunch of trivial stuff, you'll still be getting more from me than you have thus far!
Here was a really happy moment today:
I've been feeling pretty stressed this Christmas season. In mid-November I was given the assignment to coordinate the Christmas Program by December 21st. It has proven to be a challenge and an extreme test of my patience and "good will towards men." (A test which some days I pass and some days I fail...) I feel that as I've been channeling so much of myself, my time, my patience, and my stamina into the task at hand, the things that are most important to me have been neglected. Namely, Blake and Eliza. [May I just interject and say that Blake has been an absolute CHAMP. All. Month. Long. With him on my team, nothing's impossible.] I think that is what has been the most difficult thing for me: feeling a severe imbalance in my life at a time when, if anything, the balance scales should tip towards family, not away from it.
All of that is the long way of saying that I've been a little bit of an on-edge, stressed mess sporting sassafrass cranky pants. Not exactly the picture of "Christmas cheer," you might say. But today, this video was able to cut through all of the frustration and stress and pierce my heart. It felt so good to feel myself soften as the Holy Ghost testified of the reality and divinity of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
What a truly priceless gift. And how wonderful that we have the opportunity to share that gift with others. #ShareTheGift
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