He's back!!!

Wow. We made it! Parley is back safe and sound and we are so happy that he is home. We went to the airport last Friday (17th) to pick him up. Parker was so excited to see his daddy and to "nuggle" (snuggle)! When Parley finally got off the plane, Parker hesitated for about 2 seconds, then he decided it really was his dad and he's been attached to Parley ever since! They've been having lots of fun together playing outside, camping in the backyard, reading stories, playing with blocks, and snuggling a TON! Parley has loved finally getting to hold Paige and getting her to smile and coo for him!

At the airport--happy to see each other!

My favorite hubby and favorite Paige!

I'm so grateful to be married to a man who loves me and our children so much. He was in a hard environment, but he stayed true to his morals and values and I am so grateful. He is also so kind and it has been such a pleasure to watch him interact w/ our children! He is a wonderful support to me and such a loving companion. I have missed him. I love him and it is marvelous to have him home!

Thank you to everyone who kept Parley and the rest of us in your prayers. I know that we were strengthened, protected and immensely blessed!

Reading "Hop on Pop" (Parker's favorite)

Family Tummy Time

Setting up the tent in the backyard

What cutey-pies!

In my dreams

In my dreams this is what life looks like!

(Sorry, I have no idea how to insert the video into my blog so you have to click the link to it)
Anyway, Parley always likes to tease me because he knows that I really do wish that people just randomly burst out into song and dance. I constantly find myself thinking "Oh [insert song name here] would be perfect for this moment." And I even occasionally allow myself the privilege of bursting into song, but only at home; I try to contain myself in public (I never dance because I'm no good at dancing). Needless to say, I was thrilled when I saw this cute little video! Call me dorky, but it nearly brought me to tears (although the late nights and raging postpartum hormones could have something to do with that).

Just watch the video. Then you'll understand my dream world!

So some updates...well since I'm lazy, I haven't uploaded any new pics/videos of the kids, but they are just as cute and fun as ever! After my excited post about Parker using the potty, he didn't go again for over a week. I finally got some stickers to use as bribery and those are barely doing the trick. But I'm not trying to push the issue since he is not even two. *it would just be soooo nice, but don't worry...I won't ruin my child* So I guess I don't have a potty-genius on my hands!
Exciting news about Paige: her baby acne has finally decided to leave! yipee! She is such a happy baby and she loves to coo and smile. I just love it! She had her 2 month check up. Here are her stats:

Weight: 11 lbs 14 oz (75%)

Height: 22" (50%)

To give you a good idea of her rolls you just have to hear what the doctor called her: "Michelin Baby." That's my girl! You gotta love the rolls! I'll try to get a pic of her on here soon, but until then, this will have to suffice!

And I will have some really happy news in just a bit, so keep watch *if any of you had the pregnancy thought come into your mind, delete. delete. delete. please!*
Watch for the happy news coming soon!

A little inspiration

Last night I was reading a General Conference talk by Elder Lawrence E. Corbridge entitled The Way and it was just the inspiration I needed. Lately I have felt like I keep making the same mistakes over and over. And I felt as though I was doing a horrible job of "following [Him]" (Mark 8:34). However, Elder Corbridge reminds us that although "...the invitation to follow Him is the highest of all, it is also achievable by everyone, not because we are able, but because He is, and because He can make us able too." This brought me so much peace. I needed the simple reminder that although I make mistakes and I stumble rather frequently, our Savior and Redeemer has provided a way for us that does make it possible. I can follow Him!
In the words of Elder Corbridge:
"Life is hard, but life is simple. Get on the path and never, ever give up. You never give up. You just keep on going. You don't quit and you will make it."

It inspired me!

"Mommy wow...

...I'm a big kid now!"

Parker has been showing periodic interest in using the toilet. So today while out shopping, we got him a mini toilet! The rest of our time in the store and the whole drive home he kept saying "potty?!" We came in side and set it up right away in the bathroom and he wanted to sit on it right then! So he sat...and he sat...and he sat some more. I kept asking if he was done *in a non-pressuring kind of way* and he kept telling me he wasn't. I had a few things to take care of, so I stepped out for a few minutes. And to my surprise when I came back, he had urinated! *I still can't decide what word to use* I was so sad that I hadn't been there to witness it happening but I made a huge deal out of it and then called someone he admires and loves very much and she made a huge deal out it! He was so happy! I'm sure this is not the end of it, but it was an exciting milestone!

On Saturday Parker was climbing up on a chair next to the couch and it tipped over and he nailed his cheek on the edge. But he was such a trooper about it. I'm sure it hurt so bad!

I love the way he's looking at me in this shot!

He is such a sweet brother and I think Paige has already developed complete adoration of him!

And I took these pics today of Paige. She's 8 weeks old!

Cute little smile

And last but not least by any means...

does this say "country" to you?

I'm trying to add color to my house *color makes me happy*, but I am not so much of a "country" kind of girl. I guess I'm going for a relaxed beach cottage look, but not w/ a nautical theme. I just want to bring in vibrant colors combined w/ the cottagey look...?...maybe...I am challenged in the decorating department. I'm also still trying to decide if I should use black and white to make the picture frames or more color (pic frames are in the top right and bottom left).

Sorry for all the rambling. If any of you more decorative/creative people have suggestions, let me know!