"why are you growing up?"

That is frequent question around our house - "Why are you growing up?" Darla is most definitely 2 and 1/2. Emotions (happy and sad) are flying around our house. She is amazing and I love how well she communicates - it is so helpful in moments of tears.  The other day I said, "Darla you are so cute and dainty." That night when saying her bedtime prayers, she said, "Heavenly Father, thank you that I am dainty." I love it. Bennett is starting to realize that sitting is boring. He's not quite crawling, but is determined to figure it out. Erik celebrated another Father's day - this time with two beautiful children to claim. What a great dad he is! Truly he is incredible. But being the dad or the mom will certainly remind you that you are growing up. Hopefully as we grow, we will all become.

summertime

I mainly just wanted to post a few pictures. I don't have much to say - besides the fact that I LOVE chocolate chip cookies. Anybody have the "perfect" recipe out there?
Bennett is 9 months old! 24 pounds and 30 inches. I love it.
Things are good around here. What a life.

Really?

Masters

Well he did it! GOOD JOB ERIK! We had a wonderful weekend with Erik's parents (Nunu and Grandpa) and Mindy. We went on quite a few adventures around the Twin Cities. We loved having visitors.
The best part was as Erik's name was being read at the graduation, Darla started cheering and jumping up and down. While jumping her mouth bumped the chair in front of her so she started to cry. Bennett then started crying because he was worried about her. So I pick up both kids (that's 24 pounds in each arm) and head for the door which happened to be the door right where Erik was exiting off the stage. He kissed Darla as he headed back to his seat and I headed out of the auditorium. Of course everyone was crying at the moment we should be jumping for joy! Gotta love it!

those were the days

on the beach, every day, all day long, not a care in the world.

Motherhood = Guessing Game

Last night I was trying to figure out why Bennett kept waking up. Today when rocking Bennett to sleep I had this thought, "Come what may and love it" (Elder Wirthlin). My life will be full of many different seasons. My season right now is to raise my children with as much love, patience and dedication as I can give them. So instead of getting frustrated with a waking baby, or an emotional toddler I am going to try, to strive to love it. Don't get me wrong, I do love it. I LOVE being a mom, but just like any mom would tell you it is the hardest thing you'll ever do. But I guess that is what makes it so worth it.

staring at me

This is the little face that stares at me while I make dinner. I am in love with Bennett.

New Address

Just wanted to update you with our new address -

1021 29th Ave SE APT F
Minneapolis, MN 55414

Love to all!

It's About Time

Tomorrow we move to our three-bedroom apartment. Yesterday we celebrated Erik's 26th birthday. In less than a month Erik will be graduating. Every day Darla, Bennett, and I are outside playing in the sand, sun (and wind), while trying to keep Bennett from eating the grass. We're happy as can be.
Bennett isn't crawling yet, but he can basically fold himself in half when trying to reach for toys that have moved a little bit too far away. He has four teeth (three on bottom, one on top). Very pleasant little/big guy.
Darla is two. That is for sure. The other day she said, "Mom, I was born in the 70's". She loves to look for "antlers" (anthill's) when she is outside, and LOVES playing with her friends. She's been very helpful with packing. We're excited to be moving her into a "big-girl bed" when we get into our new place. Bennett will finally be in a real crib. Amazing. What a life, right?

tired?

I was quickly picking up after putting the kids down for naps and later noticed what I had done. May be I need a nap.