happy new year

I love General Conference. Whether or not I am looking for answers, it is uplifting and refreshing. I always feel like the next day is New Years because I am beginning new resolutions to try to make myself a better, happier, and more Chirst-like person. This time I did have questions going in, and I was not let down as I listened for answers. A lot of my questions had to do with Sweet G, and what I need to do to help with his health issues, but it's more complicated than that. I was able to get several answers about it from pieces of different talks. And, as usual, all the talks inspired other things in me I hadn't thought of before. I am so grateful for the restored gospel, for living prophets and apostles who are such wonderful windows into what God wants me to hear right now.

You can watch it or pieces of it here.
Happy New Year everyone.

mother-in-laws are amazing

My sweet mother-in-law has been here all week helping out, it has been a lifesaver.

My foot has had well-needed rest.

Boys have had well-needed play.

The house work has been done.

Disorganization has disappeared.

Boys have been carried up and down stairs. 

Everything that had been building up because of my hurt foot was taken care of.

She saw our need and came to rescue us. 

Everyone needs a mother-in-law like mine.

Melanie's wedding

A sweet girl from church was married and I had the pleasure of doing her wedding cake.

It was a hard week to do it, turns out my 10k, though wonderful, gave me a stress fracture in my ankle.

It was a very hard week.

Very hard.

But with help from kind friends, my boys were taken care of and the cake was made.

I love it.

Sweet G was not impressed.

Jelly Bean was disappointed the cake was not for him.

But the five cupcakes he ate at the reception might have made up for it a bit.

Her mother made some amazing decorations.

The bride was beautiful and happy.

Two of my darlings at the reception
(the third entered cupcake heaven shortly after this and was barely seen the rest of the night)

As soon as we got home I slept.

I think I slept all weekend.

trains

This little railroad is gold.

For fifty cents a ride, we go around a quarter mile track twice, with a tunnel and railroad crossing.

Bean's favorite part is the tunnel, he screams with joy and raises his hands.

Going with friends is the best part.

Sitting on the floor so he can look through the window

We always go when sweet G should be sleeping, poor thing, but he enjoys it anyway.

He just cuddles up all relaxed

Bean's little voice makes me happy.

my cute little family makes me happy.

little G

G is One.
He walks with an adorable uncertainty.
He says mama, dada, baba (for brother), and book.
He is incredibly stubborn.
He adores his brother. 

Love him.

riverfest

Every year our town has Riverfest, a free family friendly weekend party.

This year I entered the 10K and ran my heart out.

I'm pretty sure I got last place, but I enjoyed it.

When I neared the finish line, they announced my name and although I knew no one there everyone cheered and clapped.

I loved it.

I took Bean to the parade.

When they threw candy our way the kids around us noticed that Bean wasn't allowed to run in the street toward it and they brought back candy for him, every time, without their parents telling them to.

We didn't know each other, they were just kind kids.

We stopped by Barnes & Noble so the boys could play trains.

They were in heaven.

Bean loved the inflatables, the music, and the dancing.

When Bean dances, strangers laugh, smile, and tell us how adorable he is.

We know. 

carnival wedding

My friend Margaret designed a beautiful carnival wedding, held at the carousel museum in Leavenworth, for her best friend.

Margaret asked me to do the wedding cake.

I was in love with the idea but concerned I wouldn't have enough time, so I hired an apprentice to help with the baking - best choice ever.

I loved designing a wedding cake that was fun but still appropriate for a wedding.

The cake fit in perfectly.

The pinwheels and hand carved carousel horses are my favorite.