Dashing Through the Snow

Gabe's brother and his family were here visiting this week and we wanted to take the kids sledding. Fortunately it snowed Tuesday night so on Wednesday we headed up to the perfect sledding hill to enjoy the fresh powder. We went at 9:30 in the morning so we were the only people there, all four kiddos cooperated and the sun was shining. It was perfect!

(it was so sunny and white that most of the time I was all squinty like this - ick)

Miles had so much fun! He would get so excited when we got back to the top and was not very patient while we got set up to go again. It was so funny to watch him.

Not only was it a ton of fun, but the views from the hill were incredible! I can't imagine a more perfect backdrop for a family picture than the Wellsville Mountains.

I don't remember ever being a big fan of sledding, but zooming down the hill with a giggly little boy was enough to change my mind.

I don't know about you, but when things are hard I like to do two things...

1. turn up the radio, sing at the top of my lungs and dance around my house like an idiot.

"Hey, don't write yourself off yet

It's only in your head you feel left out or looked down on.
Just try your best, try everything you can.
And don't you worry what they tell themselves when you're away.

It just takes some time, little girl you're in the middle of the ride.
Everything (everything) will be just fine, everything (everything) will be alright (alright).

Hey, you know they're all the same.
You know you're doing better on your own, so don't buy in.
Live right now.
Yeah, just be yourself.
It doesn't matter if it's good enough for someone else."
-The Middle by Jimmy Eat World

2. read my scriptures and look for comfort.

Alma 31:31
"Oh Lord, my heart is exceedingly sorrowful; wilt though comfort my soul in Christ. Oh Lord, wilt though grant unto me that I may have strength, that I may suffer with patience these afflictions which shall come upon me..."

Mosiah 23:21
"Nevertheless the Lord seeth fit to chasten his people; yea he trieth their patience and their faith."

Preach My Gospel; pg 117
"Hope is an abiding trust that the Lord will fulfill His promises to you. It is manifest in confidence, optimism, enthusiasm, and patient perseverance. When you have hope, you work through trials and difficulties with the confidence and assurance that all things will work together for your good."

Preach My Gospel; pg 120
"Patience is the capacity to endure delay, trouble, opposition or suffering without becoming angry, frustrated or anxious. Patience is related to hope and faith - you must wait for the Lord's promised blessing to be fulfilled."

So, if your week (or your year) has been anything like mine I suggest you give these two things a shot.

Family Ties

Miles is quite the character and has started talking so much. He is even starting to form short sentences. It is so fun to watch him learn and be able to express himself (not always pleasantly). He uses his sweet little words to keep Gabe and I in line sometimes.

Tonight Gabe and I had a small disagreement. I have an interview on Monday, Gabe was supposed to have the day off but now has to work, blah-de-blah. Anyway, we were both being unnecessarily grumpy about the whole thing. Before we put Miles to bed, he set us straight.

Gabe, "Miles can Daddy have a kiss?"
Miles replied, "Daddy tiss Mama."
Without dispute Gabe and I kissed.
Then as Gabe was leaving the room he said, "Good-night Miles, love you".
Miles sweetly pointed to me and said, "an Mama"
Gabe, "Yes, and mama."

Sometimes all it takes is an almost 2 year old to help you see how much you really do love each other and realize what's really important. I'm so thankful for my little family.

In My Opinion

I must confess that I have not read Jane Eyre, but I have seen the movie and absolutely loved it. So I went to the Library to find this classic novel and delve into its Gothic themed pages.


Unfortunately, the Logan City Library either doesn't have this book or it was checked out (I didn't bother asking). Since Miles was terrorizing the other literary lovers I decided to grab another Bronte book. I chose, Villette.
I am sad to report that I was highly disappointed. While this book is filled with well developed characters that are at time enjoyable to read about, it fell short for me. There were a few twists and Bronte tries hard to leave the reader hanging on the edge, but most of the secrets were very predictable and Bronte took FOREVER to finally reveal them. I also found the book to be a bit dry, it lacks the intensity, passion, and intrigue of Jane Eyre .

In short, when it comes to classic literature my heart belongs to Jane Austen and Mr Darcy.

I love these!

what can you make with a pair of scissors, 6 pieces of white paper, tape and a few staples?

These super awesome 3D snow flakes.

I think these add a nice touch to my holiday decor. Don't you?
They look pretty cool from outside too.

Go here to find out how to make these beauties.

"Gimme a Head of Hair, Long Beautiful Hair..."

One of our favorite things to do during bath time is play in Miles' thick head of hair. Gabe loves to come up with all kinds of fun do's.

THE PUNK ROCKER

THE DONALD

Every once and while Miles decides that he wants to get in on the fun. He is such a big boy and wants to do EVERYTHING all by himself.

In the Spirit of Thanksgiving

"A grateful heart, then, comes through expressing gratitude to our Heavenly Father for His blessings…"

I've experienced some challenging trials the last few months and have begged the Lord to help me feel peace and contentment. As I have prayed and studied the same impression and theme kept jumping out at me; look at all that you have and give thanks to the Lord thy God.
These short videos spoke to my heart and helped me recognize the tender mercies from our Savior in my own life.

Click HERE for more uplifting resources on gratitude

Happy Thanksgiving

A Few of My Favorite {Seasonal} Things

Made From Scratch Hot Cocoa
(Oh.My.Gosh. My friend Robyn made this the other night and it was AMAZING!
Definitely one of my new most favorite things ever!)Recipe

Brownies
(You should know that I've tried my fair share of brownie recipes
and this may just be the best brownie recipe...ever.)

recipe

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread
(I use this recipe to make muffins...YUMMY)
recipe

Cream Cheese Chicken & Vegetable Soup
(This soup is so smooth and creamy and as far as cream soups go it is
pretty low fat.)
recipe


I know these recipes don't exactly scream healthy, but I'm a believer in the 90:10 rule. Therefore, the occasional brownie is more than welcome.

Halloween Math Quiz

+

=

HALLOWEEN 2010

Need I say more?

Another Year Already!?!

Sunday Gabe and I celebrated our 7th wedding anniversary.

We decided to take a quick trip to Park City. It is so beautiful this time of year!


I love downtown Park City, but during the fall season the mountain trails are the place to be.

We haven't been able to muster the courage or desire to leave Miles home. So we took him with us. He LOVED spending so much time outside exploring new places. He wouldn't hold still for more than two seconds so we got a lot of action shots.

It was more of a quick family vacation rather than a romantic getaway, but we had fun and were glad to have some time together.

Catching Up

I lost the SD card for my camera a while back so I haven't been able to post about some of the fun things we've done this summer. Well, I finally found it so I thought I'd play catch up.

We spent lots of time in the water. Our favorite was playing in the sprinklers at Grandma's house.

We took a trip down to The Living Planet Aquarium in Salt Lake. Miles LOVED the clown fish, but I think his favorite part was playing in the touch pool (sorry no pictures of that).

Here he is all excited about seeing a shark!

After the aquarium we stopped and had a picnic. Miles sure loves spending time with his Daddy.

This is what he looked like at the end of our long summer days.

We've sure loved summer, but I think I'm ready for some cooler weather.

HELLO, My Name Is...

SARAH LUCERO, RD

Well, it's all over. I've completed the last step in becoming a registered dietitian.
I am happy to report that I took and passed my RD exam today!
Whoot, Whoot!

REALLY!?!

Really CDR*, Really?


You expect me to know all of this?
REALLY!?!


*Commission on Dietetic Registration

How cute are these?!

I stumbled across these ADORABLE snack/lunch ideas for kids while googling garnish ideas. LOVE 'EM!

For more fun ideas check out little nummies

Boring

Sorry for the lack of posts and pictures. We've done some fun things, but I either forget to grab the camera or when I do remember it the batteries are dead. On Saturday Miles and I went to first dam with Gabe's parents. Miles took his first canoe ride and loved playing in the water! Unfortunately this was one of the times that I remembered my camera only to find that the batteries were dead - yea I was pretty mad!
Most of our days consist of playing trucks, going on drives to count cows and tractors, playing outside, and me studying for my test (scheduled 10/1/10). So you see, we've been busy but not with anything that is really blog worthy. I've got new batteries in the camera and will try to take some new pictures of Miles soon.

where do R rated movies come from?

I will be the first to tell you that I love (I mean LOVE) movies. In my world nothing beats a bowl of ice cream and a good movie. Like most people one of the first things I check before selecting a movie is the rating. I myself decided long ago that I'm not going to bother with R rated movies. Well, awhile ago the movie Atonement was released. It looked like a great romance and I am a fan of James McAvoy. Since I had decided not to watch R rated movies I reluctantly passed on the movie. Several months later while browsing for a good book to read (I also LOVE a good book) I came across the book Atonement by Ian McEwan (the book on which the movie was based). The description was captivating and touted McEwan as, "the Jane Austen of our time". So, I bought it. I quickly realized that R rated movies come from R rated books!
Ever since this unfortunately realization of my naivety I have wished that books came with rating just as movies do. I am here to tell you that I have stumbled across a gem of a website that does just that - rates books! If you are like me and love a good book with substance, but don't want all the raunchy sex scenes and dirty language check out Rated Reads.

FINISHED!

Yesterday marked the last day of my internship. After my rotation at Logan Regional I went on to spend 4 weeks bouncing between Avalon Hills Eating Disorder Treatment Center and W.I.C. I have a few more assignments to finish up, but aside from that I'M DONE...well mostly. I still have to study for and take the registration exam.
It is such a great feeling to be done; but the best part is that I am now able to be home with Miles full-time for the next few months while I prepare for the exam and look for a job. I want to do lots of fun things with Miles while we have so much time together. If anyone has any ideas of fun things to do with an 18 months old please let me know :).
Yay for school, even bigger YAY for being done with school.

We LOVE summer

I know, I know. I suck at blogging lately. Don't worry. I've only got 3 weeks left and I'm officially done with school...FOREVER! Until then, here are a few more recent pictures of my wonderful, adorable, big boy!

Fun in the Sun

Here are a few new pictures of Miles. He's so dang fun and growing up way too fast.