I won't lie....

Sometimes I miss this place (this place being the huge picture at the top of my blog)---going to work in a crazy, charming city where no one knows you, and then coming home to the stillness of the forest and the AMAZING smell of the beach. No street lights, no fast food, no people. I think I thrived there--it's where I conceived Lyla and had the most amazing pregnancy. *sigh* Maybe one day Nate, Lyla and I will embark on another adventure.....or maybe I just need to get out of the house :)

Real Simple

I am still working on my spring cleaning list, and am trying to maximize nap time...thus the reason for this post (haha). I am really obsessed with my latest magazine discovery---RealSimple. I absolutely love their tips for organization, and they have some really yummy recipes. I just like that it has tips for household, beauty, relationships, kids and decorating. I think you can get a free issue if you go to www.realsimple.com. Maybe I should hint to the hubby that I'd love a subscription for Mother's Day....


I'll post cute pics later...Lyla is sick (soooooo sad!!!), but still acting totally funny.

P.S.--Ashley A.--thanks for the GREAT tip on the magazine. :)

TGIF!

Lyla is napping, and while I should be cleaning, I am instead looking for a new pair of shoes for my gal. Last night, she discovered that her shoes can come off simply if she pulls on the strap. Now I have no way of keeping her socks on her feet...and am thus looking for shoes that either tie or slip on tight enough to secure socks.

On another note, Lyla knows how to clap, say "dada," and can get into her toy box with relative ease. She's definitely growing up. I don't know if I posted this, but she is crawling EVERYWHERE! I have to be on my toes, especially since yesterday Lyla knocked down all 3 bar stools in our kitchen. Get serious!

Finally, I am kind of stressing because I applied for that Challenger position but haven't heard anything. I only have another month before my current nanny job ends...the girls I watch will be gone all summer, and I presume when I get back that they won't really be needing me much since the girls will be 16 and 11. Lame!!!

Spikes and Puffs

I know I should be getting ready for work, but Lyla just looks TOO CUTE! I tried to spike her hair a little since there is still not enough to put in a barrette, so this is how it came out. I kinda like her little mohawk....also notice the TWO teeth and puff in her mouth, they are her fave.

Here is another picture of Lyla and Dallin from yesterday. They are so funny together, and Dallin always tries to take care of his little cousin. I love that little man!

Off to work! :)

Spring Cleaning

Over the last week or so, I have been TRYING to get my house super organized and ready for a fun summer. Only, with an active 8 month old, it has taken me a little longer than anticipated. I finally got around to hanging up Lyla's adorable 6 month photos, and thanks to Ashley and Rodworks, I have a cute wall!

I really love the saying "We may not have it all together, but together we have it all." I think it applies to every part of my life. Nate and I certainly don't have it all together, and we have struggled (sometimes still do!), but at the end of the day, I have a husband who loves me and makes me laugh. I also have an amazing daughter that has already taught me so much. I have also been going through some hard times with my own family, but I really feel that when it comes right down to it, my big crazy family really does have it all.

And Lauren, if you're reading this, I love you, I miss you, and I hope I can talk to you soon. Please know that I am always thinking of you, and my heart and home are always open to you.

Wishin' and Hopin'

So I just applied for my first job that will potentially take me away from Lyla. I actually haven't done anything besides nannying since we moved back to Utah last summer. I am really excited...it's a Quality Assurance position at Challenger School. Basically, it's an entry level teaching position that will give me a bunch of training, and with any luck, one day I will be a teacher. I am not interested in going back to school to start over for a teaching degree, so maybe I will get a call. I am just really stoked about teaching, and would love to have my own classroom of 4th or 5th graders one day. The great thing about this job is that it can be part time or full time...so maybe I won't be away from Lyla too much :) Wish me luck!

St. George and much, much more

Over the weekend we decided to ditch the lame Salt Lake weather and head to St. George. I can honestly say that I don't recall ever being so excited for a vacation in my life (Nate is apparently thrilled about the trip)! We left Friday afternoon and Ashley and I went to the Colbie Caillat concert at Tuacahn. It was so amazing, and it was great to finally go on my first date with Ashley :) Everyone there was either 13 or on a date, so we felt a little out of place. Nonetheless, Colbie was wonderful, and the weather was perfect.


Since the concert was the highlight of the trip, we spent the rest of the weekend just chillin' out. We rented a condo, and it ended up being a way better deal than a hotel, and we got a pool/playground for the kids. We took the babes to a rec center nearby, and we had way too much fun doing crazy poses off of the diving board (and P.S.--Ashley can do a front and back flip. Get serious!) The boys played golf, and we stayed up late watching comedy central and laughing.

Husband and I---so cute!

So I was really sad to come home, seeing that it is going to SNOW today. Lame! However, I will have plenty to keep me busy. Over the weekend, Lyla began crawling. It's only a few steps at a time, but she's getting the hang of it pretty fast. I also woke up this morning to find her trying to pull up on the side of her crib--I guess I will be dropping the mattress down today! She also just pulled herself up on the chair I am sitting in while writing this post, and bumped her head. Ah, she's growing up!

She looks proud

And finally, Lyla has started making this really funny "crunchy" face at people. She thinks it's so funny, and will often make the face until you do it too. She cracks me up!

Maybe this is where Lyla learned "crunch face." I have never seen 2 kids who love each other more!I had to add this picture--Nate and Lyla are so sweet together! How cute is this?