Ode to Winter

Spring is nearly here and although I am excited to plant flowers and a garden, take the kids to the park and play paddle tennis in the backyard, I have to admit; I am a little sad to see winter go.
Here is my list of things I love about winter and will miss:
1. Hot chocolate with cool whip
2. Hot bath every night (and lots of mornings)
3. Cute boots
4. Snow is a great reason to stay home all day in your jammies with the fire on.
5. Hiding your not-so-flat belly behind bulky sweaters and big coats
6. Nice soft feet because they are in socks all day and protected from the elements
7. Bath time for the children is optional since they have been playing inside all day
8. Shaving once a month

Cross country skiing the Alpine Loop

Ice skating in our backyard

Seeing the lights at Temple Square

See, there are so many good things about winter! But HOORAY for Spring. We are so lucky to have seasons. What a testimony that God lives. And what a beautiful gift from Him.

WELCOME SPRING!!!

Happy Birthday GIGI

Today is my sweet Adeline's 3rd birthday. She was born March 27, 2005 at 8pm. We forced her into the world 5 weeks early because I had preclampsia. She was 5 lb. 11 oz. and 19 in. Since I was only in labor for 45 minutes, I didn't have time to get an epidural. OUCH! But she was so healthy and such an angel baby. I have love and adored her more and more each day of her life. Austin nick named her GIGI, which has just stuck, but her full name is Adeline April. I know it's different, but I think it's so pretty.
She is my mini-me (not only because she has bright blond hair that is slow coming). The only problem with that is her 3 year old personality is similar to my 14 year old personality! She is a ball of fire with her own mind. She loves to be a girl and loves to have her way. Life is never quiet or boring when she is around. She has brought us joy beyond measure.
Here are some pictures of her life and on her special day.

She woke up with pink eye, so I only took her to the last 15 minutes of school to share cupcakes with her friends. You can see the puffiness in her eyes. Tim and Shelbie got her a fake make-up set, complete with working blow dryer. She loves it and has not put it down all night. Here she is painting her toe nails with plastic polish
Mom and Dad got her a bike and a pink helmet. I have to admit, I'm pretty impressed with how well she can pedal already.
Gma JuJu and Papa took her to Build A Bear. She picked out a pink sparkly bear and a pick dress. Did I mention she is all girl?
When she was born, she was smaller than a baby doll! So sweet!
Crooked teeth, bald head and bright blue eyes. I love this girl!
She was ready to get in the bath and not willing to wait until mom had a second to get her undressed.
She is just so darling
I love this picture of her. She is beautiful. Those blue eyes melt my heart.

Serious Swim Lessons

I have all three kids in these very intense swim lessons. They are even teaching Bailey to "swim". It's more like teaching her how to keep her head above water by floating on her back. I am hoping this will alleviate some water anxiety while we're in Costa Rica.
This is how they are doing...
Keep in mind, this is only their third lesson

Easter Saturday

Lunch and Easter egg hunt at our house with family and friends. What fun! Here are some pics...

Cute Jonas Kids

Mom and Bailey Boo
Austin on the hunt

Adeline showing off the goods

Todd helping Addie get a well hidden egg

Austina and his friend Bryce

Adeline and her friend Jenna- So proud of their spoils!

Hudson (my brother Tim's baby) on the swing and not screaming. A break through!

To Have Joy and Rejoicing

Just a couple thoughts...
Around Utah I have hear people say "4 is the new 8" referring to the number of children Mormon women are having today.
My mom was telling me the other day that her good friend (Hi Janet) was noting that our generation is so great at savoring our children at their young ages.
My sister Cami recently did a very cute post about her 3 boys and the joy they bring to her.
I think that our generation is really taking seriously the commandment to "have joy and rejoicing in your posterity." This does make it so we don't take "multiply and replenish" as seriously, but it really gives us an advantage to love, nurture, and teach our children the very very best.
I adore my children more than I can even express. I cherish each moment and each stage. I am learning to celebrate their uniqueness and embrace them wholly. I love looking at your blogs and seeing the joy you have found in motherhood as well. It inspires me and gives me hope. Keep on having JOY AND REJOICING! Seriously, have you seen more precious children ever? They, unquestionably, are to die for!

(PS I must say...I don't notice a difference in the generations. I was fully cherished beyond measure by my parents. Their love for me, is truly, what has gotten me here. I knew I was of worth because I knew I was loved. That is all the world to me. By the way, my parents will still do ANYTHING on earth for me, even though I'm supposedly an adult)

My New Love

I have recently discovered this new bra by Victoria's Secret. It's the Ipex Wireless and I think it's about $39. I have been on a search for the perfect bra for most of my adult life. The last bra I had, I spent $80 on at Nordstrom. While, it did it's job well (holding up the girls), it wasn't the most comfortable and I found myself taking it off every chance I got. I would wear it out, but as soon as I got home, I change into a less supportive, but much more comfortable one. I found myself changing 2, 3 or 4 times a day! When I stopped nursing, and "things" changed, I went on the hunt again. I bought this wireless (yet very supportive) bra in hopes that it would be the answer to my problems. I LOVE IT! I never change anymore. In fact, even if I'm just around the house for the day (when I would normally just put of a super comfy bra) I will wear that. The only time I change is to exercise. It's not the cheapest, but it's pretty affordable and it's totally worth it!(This is not an actual picture of the bra. Victoria's Secret didn't have an appropriate one and I wanted to be tactful about this. I hope I was and didn't offend anyone. I am just so thrilled to find something both supportive and comfortable. I had to share!)

Is it warm yet?

Have I mentioned that my children are so ready for Spring? I'm doing ok in this weather. I love all kinds of weather and never seem to be too anxious to get from one season to the next. I think Heavenly Father made each season the perfect length! My children, however, would love it to be 90 degrees outside. Here's what they did today.Adeline wants wear a bathing suit just like the boys (the extra child is Austin's friend Nathan). It's not as bad as my little brother, Tim, wearing one of my bathing suits! I'll have to find that picture and post it.