Life is funny sometimes.

I recently had something from the past resurface after YEARS of not thinking about it.  It then proceeded to consume my dreams and my thoughts when I wasn't really thinking about anything.  I knew that the decision I had made back when I made it was the right decision but for some odd reason when it resurfaced I was filled with doubt.  I kept trying to push the memory away thinking it would just go away.  Well after almost a month of it not going away I dropped to my knees and asked Heavenly Father to take away these thoughts.  I again prayed to know if the decision I made was in fact the right decision and I was filled with peace.  I am so thankful for a loving Heavenly Father who is always there to take away my doubts and unwanted feelings.  I'm thankful for the chance we have to move on with our lives and grow and become better people.

Stuff

Emma got into my make up and totally denied it.

Who knew that a "dinger" from the game Pit could provide so much fun!

Fun with a blanket tent.

Sweet girls

The love of my life!

"Snoooooooow"

That's right.  Linnea has learned a new word.  Emma is in love with the snow and Linnea was out in it for about 2 seconds and has vowed to never go back out in it.

Chuck E Cheese

So Emma's friend birthday party was on the Saturday before her birthday.  On her actual birthday she wanted to go to Chuck E Cheese so that's what we did.  Here are some pictures from that.

How to Eat a Cupcake

Strike a pose!

Silly girl

Such a goof!

Halloween Festivities Part 1: The Pumpkin Patch

A bit late, but better late than never right?  I'll let the pictures speak for themselves.

The Royal Birthday Party

Emma had a princess birthday party.  The deal I made with her was if she had a princess party this year we weren't doing one next year.  (I'm SO over the princess phase... it IS a phase right??). I had zero ideas for a cake, decorations or games.  So I bagged the game idea and just had the girls play.  They all came dressed up in princess attire and we had a yummy and pretty healthy lunch.  Lunch consisted of PB&J sandwiches cut into the shape of a heart.  Celery with peanut butter, strawberries, bagels with cream cheese and strawberry milk.

The cake... was a disaster.  I had this vision of a full sheet cake with a round cake on top of it.  The round cake would be transformed into a castle and the sheet cake would serve as the court yard.  Brilliant idea right?  Well When I put the round cake on and frosted it it started to slide off.  I should've secured it with wooden dowels but I didn't.  Then the more I tried to make it look cool the worse it looked.  So in the end I took that cake off.  I didn't make enough green frosting for the grass and I didn't get all the crumbs off of the cake so there was cake mixed in with the frosting.  But don't worry, I found a way to cover that up.  Despite all the set backs the cake tasted super yummy and Emma thought it was beautiful.  It's not by any means my best work and I have debated putting it up for the whole world to see, but I'm going to to show that everyone has their bad cooking days.

Can you tell where the castle used to be?  I made up a strawberry filling and injected that into the cake as well.  It was awesome.  Here are some more pictures from the party. I never did get a group picture of all the cuties but oh well.

4 years old!

Today my baby turns 4!  Jacob and I were blessed with the most beautiful, kind and loving daughter anyone could ask for.  Emma shows so much concern and compassion to those around her.  Her love for others radiates from her.  Emma is very soft spoken but very opinionated. She's independent but still needs her mommy sometimes. I love the morning snuggles and kisses I get from a happy girl every morning.  I hope they continue into her teenage years (but I won't hold my breath). 

It's so wonderful to have Emma as a daughter and a friend. She has a sweet and simple testimony of Jesus Christ that is consistently shown through her actions towards others. Emma is a wonderful example to her little sister of how to share, how to eat at the table, how to fold your arms for prayer and so many other things.  Emma, you are truly a beloved daughter of our Heavenly Father.  He loves you even more than I do which I don't understand how that could happen.  You bring happiness and laughter everyday.  Always remember that you are a child of God like you told me the other day while cooking dinner.  I am humbled and honored to be your mommy.  I loved you before you were born and that love continues to grow with each passing day.  I honestly don't know what I would do without you.  You help me in so many ways and I am so grateful for that.  Always keep your head held high and know that you can do anything if you are willing to put in the work.  Love Eternally: Mom