Middle Names

We have decided to give our girls middle names. That may seem strange since they are almost two years old, but here is the story. When they were born we went back and forth a lot with the idea of giving them middle names. We eventually just couldn't really come up with two that fit for them, so we opted for no middle names. A few months ago I got thinking about it again and for some reason felt strongly that I wanted my girls to have a family name to carry on. Family is one of the most important things to me and I think there is something so special about having the name of one of your forbears. It gives you a special connection with that person and it gives you someone to look to as an example and a reminder of where you came from. I love both of our girls names and think that they have definitely grown into them just perfectly. I wanted to name Madelyn "Maddie Sue" after her grandma. Then it hit me that Bella should be named after my aunt- my mom's only sister, Joan. As I thought about these two names I really felt a type of spiritual confirmation that they should have them. I wrote the girls a letter that they'll someday read that explains why these two sisters are the perfect namesakes for them. My mom (Sue) and her sister (Joan) are two of the greatest women I know. They are both generous, loving, service oriented, enduring, and most of all they have a great relationship with each other. I want all of these same things for my girls. I could go on and on about these two wonderful women. I hope that my girls will have opportunities to learn from them and get to know them well. I love you both!
We officially changed the girls' names on their birth certificates, so we now have a Maddie Sue and a Bella Joan. They know those are their names and they love to say them! They point to each other and say their full name and giggle and repeat them over and over. We feel so good about our decision to add these middle names. It just fits for our girls and we are so grateful for Grandma Sue and Aunt Joan.

Joan and Sue (age 9 and 4)

The girls with Aunt Joan and Grandma Sue in Utah.

The girls didn't want their pictures taken so we had to bribe them with Jelly beans- that is why they are making the funny faces!

Random...

Today after another sunday of working in the nursery I came home EXHAUSTIFIED! (I know that isn't a word... still one of my favorites.) We had 14 kids in a small confined space for two hours today and I just realized how much I miss "Church." I know that we all sacrifice and take our turns in these types of callings, but it isn't easy! I spend every day of the week with my cute girls singing songs, playing with toys, having snacks, overcoming tantrums, etc etc, and then sunday comes and I miss out on that spiritual boost I desperately need as a young mom. I am so preoccupied keeping my girls entertained and quiet during sacrament that I'm lucky to even have some clue of what the speaker is talking about. When we finish that battle I head off to keep everyone else's kids happy for two more hours. It is a constant juggle to keep everyone from stealing toys, pushing other kids, escaping out the door, spilling snacks, having meltdowns... WOW! We're moving in two weeks and I've only been in nursery a couple of months, so I really can't even complain. There are lots of people who do it forever! They are real heros! When we move to Cleveland I' m just praying that my girls will suddenly get over this "mommy clinginess" and stay in nursery alone! (yeah right!) You'd think they'd do okay since they have each other... not these two. What parenting mistakes have I made to make these girls so clingy?
Okay, now I'm done being a complainer... thank heavens the girls are napping right now! I get 2 to 3 hours everyday alone while they nap! It is so nice! How can I complain about that?

We have had some CRAZY thunderstorms lately. I've never heard anything like it. The other night the thunder was so loud it felt like our whole house was shaking. The lighting was nonstop too. I'd watch out the window and the whole street was lit up over and over. The rain has been pouring down. I can't remember the last time I actually felt scared during a thunderstorm. I laid awake until 3 am the other night because it was impossible to fall asleep (of course not for my narcoleptic husband or my girls who slept right through it.) We've experiened some pretty crazy weather here in the midwest. It is sad to see all the flooding going on in some of these small towns right around us. We've been blessed to avoid all the tornadoes and floods that have hit this area so frequently the past couple of years.

We had a good and busy weekend. We've started packing, and our move will be here before we know it. We played games with friends on friday and we always have fun with Scott's study buddies and their families. The girls and I went to this little museum with some friends and the got to pet a snake and a turtle. We went to the farmer's market, and the big "moving away" student garage sell. We went to Maeva's darling bubble birthday party. We watched Addie and Noah so the Roos' could go out for Tobey's Birthday. (We love you Tobey! Hope you had a great day!) Things are hopping around here and life is fun. The next few weeks will be equally busy as we try to finish things up around here and start a new adventure in Ohio. It is definitely bittersweet!

SCOTT!

After all these fun travels and great vacation time the girls and I have had, how could I not pay a little tribute to my cute Scott? All I can say is he is a CHAMP! Seriously amazing. He has been studying like crazy for months and months. All day every day he has worked so hard and I just don't know how he does it. The boards were last week and HOORAY that they are over. We felt bad to leave him all alone for a few weeks, but knew that it was good for him to be able to really focus. I'm so happy for him that his first two years are nearly over. He's done an incredible job of balancing his priorities and making time for all his responsiblities. He has done great in school and I'm such a proud wife. I'm excited for him to get out of the books these next couple of years and start doing rotations. We got home so late the night before father's day that I didn't get a chance to give him the credit he deserves. We had a great father's day just being together as a family though. The girls have been so happy to play with him. I couldn't ask for a better father for my girls. He's a wonderful example to me as well. He is the best and I love you to the moon Scottie Hottie! :)

Had to post these cute trip pics

Arabesque

High fives.

Playing with John and Sydney's cute kids! Its so fun to have them right next door. We got to see Sarah and her family quite a bit as well and I've just realized I don't have any pictures with them! Hopefully she does. We had fun times with the Bradley's in their yard, the park, the pool, the zoo (okay well we got totally poured on at the zoo, but still). It was SO great to be with my sisters. We loved being with all of you.
We had the best trip and were spoiled as always! Thank you to all of you for being so good to us. We were happy to come home to Scott but miss our wonderful families already.

Sun Fun

We got to see the Hinton's a couple of times! Leash and I go way back. Her kids are darling. We all loved swimming in Grandma's pool.

Maddie!

Taking a drink break.

Taking turns is hard!

Still more pictures

We went to the Dinosaur park in Ogden with my mom and sisters Sarah and her kids, and Christine and her kids. The girls loved it.

Here they are coloring with their cousins. They were really more worried about collecting all the colors of crayons than anything else.

We headed up to play with the Jackman's in Logan and here is the crew loaded up in the car. We loved seeing all our cousins and it was great to spend time with Christine and Jeff. Ashley and the girls were doing some great cheerleading routines! We went to this little Zoo/Park and that was a highlight.

More travel pics

We went to the Hilton's house in Temecula California and loved seeing all the cute Hilton girls. Maddie and Bella had a ball dancing with the girls and copying whatever they did. Maddie had fun talking on the phone with Jessie.

We were so lucky to be in California for Annie's baptism. It was such a special day. She was darling. Maddie and Bella have been talking about Annie getting baptized ever since. They even were telling this guy on the airplane all about it. It was funny.

This is a picture of Maddie's first black eye. She was having a blast jumping on the trampoline with her cousins and got a little bump.

We got to go visit Grandma Rynearson. What a great lady. She gave the girls some little bears and they adored them. We were so glad we could see Grandma.

Where have we been?

We have been all over the place the last month! We had the greatest time visiting Utah and California the past few weeks. Scott studied his brains out for the boards (which were last week), so the girls and I headed on a trip to see family. We were gone for quite a while, but as always the trip flew by! We crammed so many things into our vacation and we loved it! The girls are still talking about their grandparents, aunts and uncles and cousins. They did great on the airplanes as well. They are such good travelers and I'm so grateful for that. This was my first time flying alone with them and since we had a direct flight it really wasn't bad. I was relieved. A big bag of new toys, treats and surprises always does the trick!

We got to hang out with all our family and some friends as well. It was such a treat. I love being in Utah. It just feels like home. It is so familiar and comfortable. It gets me excited to someday live closer to family. It was great!


We made a stop at the BYU bookstore and got the girls their first creamery ice cream! They devoured it of course.

We headed down to St. George for a fun weekend with the Rynearson's. We swam in their beautiful new pool and jacuzzi and the girls loved it. We had a great time hanging out with Scott's family. Thanks Lace for driving down with us! Here are the girls feeding Dora the turtle at the neighbor's house. (Rynearsons- can I have copies of some of your pictures? You are all so good about taking lots of pictures so I never take enough when I'm with you all! I just figure I'll get copies of them all later, but I know that is a pain! But, I want some of the girls with all of you and the ones by the pool etc.)

We went with Grandma Sue and Grandpa for a day at the beach in Camp Pendleton. The beach there is gorgeous and the girls loved swimming and playing in the sand. They were covered from head to toe! Isn't that cute of Grandma and Bella?

There was a great area for swimming that didn't have a current or waves so the girls loved that.

Kodak Moments!

Future pianists?

I thought this was cute with their little feet dangling! (Maddie pulled out her pigtails so that is why her hair is so crazy!)

Reading silly stories with Dad is one of the girls' most favorite activities!

April showers bring...

May Flowers!


A small town circus came through Kirksville the other day so we took the girls. They loved it and haven't stopped talking about the tigers, the camel, and the balloons!

Mama's Day

I've had a wonderful mother's day. Scott kept telling the girls all day to say "Happy Mama's Day." They would say it and then say, "Party? Presents?" Thanks for everything you did to make it a wonderful day Scott! You have so much going on with finals this week and you are always so good to me.

Sometimes I can't believe that I actually have two girls of my own. I still feel like a little girl a lot of the time. I can't even describe how much joy I have felt in being a mother. I always knew that becoming a mom was what a wanted most. When I was growing up and we were supposed to tell people what we wanted to become I'd say a teacher or a fashion designer or an artist or a florist or a dancer... I think I even had a phase of wanting to be a horseback rider! Inside I always knew though, that I wanted to be a mom and not have to work outside the home. I'm incredibly thankful that this dream of motherhood has come true. Since our girls were born almost two years ago our lives have become "them." Everything we do revolves around naps, or meal time, etc. etc. I wouldn't trade it for anything and feel so fulfilled with the important job I get to do. I'm amazed at how much my girls learn and that they truly do soak everything up. I love teaching them things and watching them grow up. Every stage is exciting and rewarding.

I've learned a lot about myself since becoming a mom.

-I've realized that I'm not as patient as I want to be. When I lose my temper with the girls I always feel bad about it immediately after. It is a good thing they are so forgiving!

-I've realized that I expect a lot of my girls. Sometimes I forget that they are so little and when I say, "No dumping the bath water all over the floor," they might not comprehend that I REALLY mean it!

-I've realized that at this stage of life I'm just not able to get a whole lot out of Church. Between the snacks flying everywhere, the girls battling for my lap, and us trying to teach them how to whisper we are happy that we make it through the 3 hours every week!

-I've also realized that even though everyday with little kids is different that I thrive on keeping a sort of schedule and structure.

-I've realized when the girls are happy mom is happy, but if Mom is happy the girls stay happier too.

-I've realized what a big responsibility motherhood is. Sometimes I feel overwhelmed that I've been entrusted with 2 smart and beautiful daughters of God.

-I've realized that I can't do it alone! What would I do without my Scott, our families, good friends, and of course the guidance of the Spirit and the love and blessings from our Savior and Father in Heaven?

I've also realized that...

-I can go on little sleep.

-I can rock crying or sick babies all night long.

-I can nurse twins for a year.

-I can put my girls needs in front of my own.

-I can push a grocery cart and pull a stroller at the same time.

-I can sing primary and silly songs over and over again.

-I can come up with creative ways to keep the girls happy.

And most importantly, even though I make a lot of mistakes I can love two little girls more than I ever imagined and I'd do absolutely ANYTHING for both of them.

Before we were putting the girls to bed Scott was playing the piano and I was holding the girls on my lap on the rocking chair. They held still enough to snuggle with me for a few minutes and I was overwhelmed by the tenderness of being a mom. I had flashbacks to when they were babies and I would rock them in that chair and wait anxiously for Scott to come home from school and help me. What precious times these are. Thank you Maddie and Bella for letting me be your mama!

Happy Mother's Day

Scott and I have incredible mothers and examples in our lives.
I love my mom sooo much and can't even explain how much I appreciate all she does for my family. She amazes me with her generosity and love for others. I hope someday I can be as good of a hostess as she is. She throws a great party. She is a supportive wife and it seems like nearly everything she does is for her husband or one of her children or grandchildren. She is the rock of our family. That lady has done a lot of good for a lot of people. I love you mom and hope to be more and more like you!



Scott's mom is also amazing! Melanie is so happy and spunky and a definite go-er. (is that a word?) She is fun to be around. She makes others feel good about themselves. She also amazes me with how hard she works for her family. When we are in St. George she spends half of the time cooking everyone's favorite foods. She's also a wonderful labor and delivery nurse. Moms who get to have her as their nurse are so lucky! I love Melanie and couldn't ask for a better mother-in-law. I will be forever grateful for the wondeful son she raised.

Where would we be without these two women? We owe so much to them and we realize that we are only starting to understand the sacrifices they have made for us, the tears they have shed for us (both happy and sad) and the love they feel for us. We are grateful for the wonderful role models they will be for our girls and we know Maddie and Bella are blessed with the two greatest grandmas ever.

Lately...

So what have we been doing lately? It is amazing how the time flies by some weeks. Here it is May. Sometimes I don't really know what we've done the past while. Regular life I guess. We are enjoying our last few months here in Kirksville. Scott has been busy studying for his classes and the boards coming up. He's starting to feel the pressure and I'm so proud of him every day. He's such a hard worker.

We are loving the warmer weather and have already enjoyed lots of picnics at the park and walks. I love meeting Scott for lunch at the park and letting the girls play. Scott really does an amazing job of spending as much time as possible with the girls. He usually comes home for lunch everyday which makes me feel like we see him even more. He also comes home for a few hours at night and plays with them. The girls really look forward to this Daddy time. Scott amazes me at how well he can balance everything.

Maddie and Bella are as cute as ever. They are talking a lot and repeat pretty much everything we say. They always try to say big words and it is really cute. They are so smart too! They pick up a lot more than I realize. They have both started saying (actually shouting) "NO WAY" when they don't want something and it is driving me crazy. I keep trying to tell them that we use nice words, but it just isn't clicking. I've caught myself saying "No way" to them though, and that is why they are saying it! I didn't even realize I was doing it. I never yell "NO WAY" at them or anything (okay I usually don't :) We do have moments...) but sometimes if they are doing something naughty (like coloring on the walls or furniture for example) I'll say, "No way, we don't do that," or something to that effect. We'll see if I can "undo" this one.

They currently have an obsession with "rella" (Cinderella), but they've only seen the singing parts with the Mice and birds etc. We have to skip ahead in the Disney movies because there are a lot of scary parts. The other obsession is "Barbie Fairies." I have the cartoon version of Barbie and the Nutcracker and they love to watch the opening credits that has two little barbie fairies flying around. It lasts about 20 seconds but they love it and want to watch it over and over again. Then we skip ahead to the very end where barbie and the prince do the grand paux de duex (sp?) and they like to watch the pretty ballerina princess dance. I knew we'd have little dancers ;). Their very favorite books are Fancy Nancy and Alice the Fairy. We read both of these over and over again. When we get dressed for church or when I try to put bows in their hair I tell them they look like Fancy Nancy and they get so excited. They are both getting a new tooth, which may explain some of the recent crankiness, but also I think they are just getting to be two year olds who want to do things by themselves. I'm trying to be more patient and let them do things on their own- like climb into their own carseats for example. It feels like it takes 10 minutes each time we have to get in or out, but they are much happier and then we avoid screaming fits. :)

Some of my favorite moments are when I'm in the other room and then I hear them laughing hysterically about something. I peek in and usually they are sitting together making funny noises or faces back and forth and laughing at each other. It is so neat to see their bond already. They battle for toys and mommy's lap, but they love each other so much. I like to see them taking care of each other. When I give one of them her bear, she asks where is the other's bear etc. They are little sweethearts and I love them so much!

Other noteworthy news is that we are closing on our house on Tuesday. Then we will officially own our first home. It is exciting. We're so grateful to my parents who have helped us a ton as we've been trying to figure out all the ins and outs of everything to do with home ownership. They help us and support us so much in so many ways and we look up to them and appreciate them more than they'll ever know! Anyway, the amount of paperwork involved in buying a house is amazing! We are still so happy about it and can't wait to decorate and settle into life in Cleveland. It is definitely bittersweet though. We'll miss our friends here in Kirksville a lot.

In my down time I've been learning how to knit and working on a friendship quilt- that I'll post more about later. I also spend my free time looking at decorating ideas and online shopping ("window shopping" really). I'm hooked on Dancing with the Stars, American Idol, and yes I must confess... The Bachelor. (Thanks to my BYU roomies for that one...)

We are doing well and happy with our little life. We are finding joy in the day to day- most days- let's be honest here. :) We have so much to be thankful for and we can't believe the blessings that we have in our life. Love to our family and friends.

Dad and the girls watching "rella."

RACES

Maddie and Bella love to have races! They have a lot of energy and since they weren't able to go outside for months we had to come up with some ways to get the energy out! It is finally warming up a bit so we can play at the park somedays! We can't wait of the wading pools and aquatic center! Anyway, most days we have races from the kitchen to the family room. Then we do dancing. I'll have to take some pictures, because it is darling. The girls can do all sorts of ballet moves! The love to have Dad come home and play ball or wrestle and tickle. They are pretty fast little runners! They like to jump off the couch and on to the big bear and they always get up after and say, "CRAZY!"


Our little girls are growing up so fast!