Bryce Canyon Adventure

This past weekend was the annual Rogers family trip. This year we ventured down to southern Utah to experience some outdoor fun. We rented a beautiful cabin in a small town called Duck Creek Village about 40 miles away from Bryce Canyon National Park. There was a lot of fun things to do....
Our first day we ventured into Bryce Canyon. Our first hike was the Navajo Loop Trail. It was amazing. You begin on the canyon rim and descend 550 feet down to the bottom surrounded by rock walls. It is a total of about 1.3 miles. I was ambitious enough to tackle this baby at 33 weeks pregnant! I was pretty impressed with myself. I started to get pretty tired on the way up. There are a lot of switchbacks, but I did it!
Our next hike was a pretty easy one. It was the Mossy Cave trail. It led up to a small little waterfall that all the kids loved. My brother-in-law even decided to bathe in it.

Breathtaking Bryce Canyon

Hiking down Wall Street in Navajo Loop

Douglas Fir reaching to the sun

Tree huggers

33 weeks pregnant and hiking

Throwing rocks on the Mossy Cave trail

Beautiful Hoodoos

 On our second day we all took it pretty easy. Unfortunately, some people came down with a stomach bug and were down for a little while. The lucky ones who were feeling good went to a lava shoot cave nearby and climbed around. It was called Mammoth Cave. It was really neat. You climb down into a hole in the ground and just explore these caves that lava flow carved out thousands of years ago.  We had to go in with headlamps. At one point we all turned off our lights. You couldn't even see your hand in front of you. Harrison was hoping to see some bats, luckily we didn't. I am not a huge fan.
That night we went back into Bryce Canyon for the Night Sky program. The rangers set up high powered telescopes in the parking lot. Bryce Canyon is the ultimate place to look at stars and planets. We were able to see Saturn, it's moons and the nearest star, Vega. It was really cool. Harrison loved it.

The entrance to a lava shoot near Duck Creek Village 

Inside the lava cave. 

 The next day we took a cool hike to Cascade Falls, a waterfall that comes out of a rock. The hike had some amazing views. Beautiful trees, red hoodoos and perhaps the most unique was the polygamist family who had their children riding on ponies. It made me nervous because there were some pretty narrow parts with a big drop off on the side. It was a really neat hike. By the end, I think I had used up all of my energy for the trip. I was so tired.

Stunning hike to Cascade Falls

Cascade Falls- unique waterfall that comes out of the rock

30 and 30

*late post...only about a month 
Well, it happened. I have officially kissed my twenties goodbye and entered my thirties! When did I grow up? Sometime over the last 10 years, I went from single girl to wife and mother. My thirties don't scare me too much. I think they are going to be some amazing years with lots of good things in store.
My birthday was pretty low key. I didn't want anything too grand. My mom took me to get a pedicure and then we went out for dinner. My sweet husband took me out to dinner and a movie. Then surprised me with a slice of birthday pie. It was a good birthday.
In addition to turning 30, I hit 30 weeks in my pregnancy. I can't believe how fast time is flying. Only a couple more months until our family grows by one. It makes me realize that I need to get things ready. Time to get the baby things out of storage.

Harrison picking out my birthday pie

30!

Motherhood- the best job!

Being a mom is one of the most trying and rewarding things ever. There are those days that you think you've messed up so much that your child will need therapy for the rest of his life. You wonder if what you're doing is really worth while. Then there are those wonderful days you get to spend together when everything just goes perfect. Fun in the sun, no tantrums. But most days are somewhere in between. You deal with tantrums, but there are those moments that just make it all worth while. I heard this quote and it summed it up perfectly. 

So thankful to be my little guy's mom. He brings me so much joy. He lights up my life. Here are a few of his new "things"-

• Bringing me flowers he picks. Most of them are dandelions, but I love them just as much as a rose. 
• He is always telling me he loves me. "Mom, I huv you." I get to hear those sweet words probably 20 times a day and it never gets old. 
• He loves to give hugs. He especially likes to hug his little brother inside my tummy. He wraps his arms around my belly and gives it a kiss. 
• He cannot wait to meet this baby. He tells me all the things he's going to do to help me once the baby comes. He'll feed him, hold him, give him his binkie and even change dirty diapers. Quite a list, isn't it? 
• Harrison is really into the human body. He looks at a body atlas we have and has a million questions. His favorite is the heart. He listens to our hearts beat and thinks it's the coolest thing in the world. He even tells me that his heart pumps blood in his body. Smartie Pants. 
• He is really into cooking. He loves watching cooking shows. "Mom, want to watch the cooking show." He loves to help cook dinner, which mostly means he stirs things. 

Mothers Day 2013

Making a wish

24 weeks along

Why does pregnancy have to be so long? I guess I can't complain. Elephants are pregnant for almost 2 years! Poor elephant mamas! This pregnancy has been challenging. I've been more sick and for much longer than with my first. I am just barely starting to get over morning sickness. At 13 weeks, I had a break from it but then it came back with a vengeance! My doctor gave me some meds to help with my nausea but that came with it's own set of side effects that I won't get into. My energy levels are still first trimester low, but I am trying to get a little more done each day. I'm also struggling with body image. The first time around, I remember being really excited at seeing a little tummy. It was so cute to have a little bump (that eventually turned into one gigantic mountain). But this time, all I can see is a gut. I think I am just really worried about not being able to lose baby weight after he comes. Brian tries to remind me that I don't have a gut- it's a little person in there. Logically, I know that he is right. Emotionally, all I see is a lump of goo. Just another thing to work on.
But the best part of being pregnant are those little glimmers of light. Last week my doctor snapped this little beauty during the ultrasound.

Getting to see my little boy's face makes all the sickness, exhaustion and backaches worth it. It puts everything into perspective. This little miracle is growing inside of me. He relies on me to live each day and make it the best that I can, despite the challenges.

It's a Boy

I had my 14 week appointment and it's a boy! I am really excited to be having another little prince. I can't believe that I am going to be surrounded by boys!! But, as my sister-in-law pointed out, I grew up that way! I have 3 older brothers- no sisters. I can handle it. I'm so excited for this baby to come. Time is flying by. Can't wait to meet this little guy- too bad I have to wait 25 more weeks!

13 weeks and counting

Morning sickness has been having it's way with me. Since week 5 in this pregnancy I have been down and out. It's not the same morning sickness that I experienced with Harrison. This time around, I am nauseated all day and can't even manage to get anything done. With Harrison, morning sickness didn't start until week 8. I would have some morning problems, but then I would manage and push through it. But this time, constant nausea since week 5! That's two months of laying on the couch most of the day.
My poor little guy is suffering the most. Mom can't play, cook good dinners and give him the attention that he needs. I know that it's also been rough for Brian. He works a full day, then comes home to a messy house, a pile of dirty laundry, a little boy who wants to play and one sick and needy wife.
But something miraculous happened on Thursday. I hit the 13 week mark and had the best day! I'm afraid of writing all this, I may jinx a good thing! Since that wonderful day I have been feeling pretty good. I've had a few moments here and there, but for the most part, I am feeling tons better. I've even managed to start cleaning the house and getting more done. Don't get me wrong, I'm still exhausted a lot of the time. But, I know as I get into my second trimester, I'll have more energy.
I know that when I look into my sweet baby's face, it will all be worth it.

A Fabulous New Year

2012 is out and 2013 is so in!!
This year is proving to be wonderful for my little family. Here are a few things happening:
#1- Harrison is now a Sunbeam in Primary. I was a little worried about him adjusting to a new class, but he did amazing. I sat with him the first week in Opening Exercises. He tried to sing along to songs he doesn't know, led the music from his chair and he just loved it when the kids gave talks. I was one proud mama. I can't believe he is officially in primary. I love that little guy.

#2- Brian got a new job! He is now the Business Development Manager at Marketstar here in Ogden. He has only been there a couple of weeks and he is loving it. Last week he travelled to Las Vegas for the annual CES show. This job came at just the right time for us. I know Heavenly Father guided us to this job. So grateful for blessings.
#3- Our family will be a family of 4 this Summer! I am almost 12 weeks pregnant and due on August 1! We are so excited to bring another little child of God into our family. No one is more excited than Harrison. He is constantly looking at the ultrasound picture and wanting to watch the DVD of the ultrasound. His favorite part is hearing baby's heartbeat.

I am so excited for all the wonderful changes that lie in store for our family this year. I know that trials will come, but we'll get through them together. We've been through a lot of rough times in our 6 years together, it's nice to be able to relax... even if it is only for a little bit. I hope that your 2013 looks bright. 

Happy 2013!!!

The Art of Marriage

"The Art Of Marriage" by Wilferd A. Peterson  Happiness in marriage is not something that just happens.
A good marriage must be created.
In the art of marriage the little things are the big things... It is never being too old to hold hands. It is remembering to say "I love you" at least once a day. It is never going to sleep angry. It is at no time taking the other for granted;
the courtship should not end with the honeymoon,
it should continue through all the years. It is having a mutual sense of values and common objectives.
It is standing together facing the world. It is forming a circle of love that gathers in the whole family. It is doing things for each other, not in the attitude
of duty or sacrifice, but in the spirit of joy. It is speaking words of appreciation
and demonstrating gratitude in thoughtful ways. It is not looking for perfection in each other. It is cultivating flexibility, patience,
understanding and a sense of humour. It is having the capacity to forgive and forget. It is giving each other an atmosphere in which each can grow. It is finding room for the things of the spirit.
It is a common search for the good and the beautiful. It is establishing a relationship in which the independence is equal,
dependence is mutual and the obligation is reciprocal. It is not only marrying the right partner, it is being the right partner. It is discovering what marriage can be, at its best.

Beautiful words that are a good reminder that marriage is work and a work of art. So grateful to have a wonderful husband who is also my best friend! 

Potty Training

Potty training- my biggest parental fear.
I had been putting it off because my little one is very strong willed. Would I say he is a typical 3 year old? Yes, but with a little bit more spirit. On the other hand, I am a laid back parent. I know what you're thinking - he must walk all over me. He doesn't. I pick my battles carefully with him. Potty training was one battle I was putting off. But one day I decided that I was just going to get the job done!
My sweet friend sent me an ebook called, "The Three Day Potty Training Method." I read it and got freaked out! It sounded like a lot more work than I was ever wanting to do. (I just sounded super lazy just then, didn't I?) But, it had to be done. If you're not familiar with the method, here it is in a nutshell. Your little one wears nothing but undies. You are focused on him at all times, just waiting to catch him having an accident. No doing housework, "me" time or anything. You are attached at the hip to your child. When they do have an accident, you rush him to the potty. They eventually get the idea.
So on Monday, I began! Things were a little rocky at the beginning. Harrison did not want to put on the big boy undies. I had to show him that Spongebob wears tighty whities. That really sold him. I finally got him in them. Then we put all his animal friends in some.  There were accidents, but he was getting the idea. When Brian got home, he put some goldfish crackers in the potty. Harrison learned to pee standing up! He just needed his dad to teach him. Since then, things have been easy breezy.
He has done so good! I am amazed at how it has gone for him. I am so proud of my little guy. I sometimes still think of him as a baby. But I need to remember that he is 3 now and can do it! He hasn't had an accident since day 2! I also need to remember that I am pretty strong willed myself! I can do this. Heavenly Father has given us moms the patience, strength and love we need to raise our little ones. We practically have superpowers, am I right? Yes, yes, I am.
I am so thankful I get to be the mommy to this wonderful little person. He lights up my life. I look forward to all of the lessons we'll teach one another in the years to come.

Here he is with all his friends, in big boy undies!

My little shutterbug

Fact: Kids love to take pictures.

I was constantly wasting film in my parents' camera when I was a little girl. Luckily today we have digital cameras. No harm done.
Anytime chance he gets, Harrison takes as many pictures as he possibly can.
Here is some of his work. I call this collection, "Impressions of the dog".

And finally a self portrait of the photographer

It's been a while....

I can't believe that it's been such a long time since I posted! I'd like to tell you that I have been super busy doing fantastic, exciting things... but I would be lying. We've been up to the same old stuff. Truth is, I haven't posted because I didn't think anyone really paid attention to my little blog. But I decided that it's more important for me to post for myself. It's about recording memories of my little family. Life is about the journey. I need to make sure that I remember it.

Caterpillars

Harrison just loves bugs. He is always searching for some, but since it's still a little cold out we can't find any. So, for Easter, we got a live butterfly garden hatching kit. You get baby caterpillars and you get to watch them grow and then make their chrysalids and turn into butterflies. I have been more excited than Harrison to look at how much our caterpillars have grown each day. They actually grow quite a bit, I was surprised. I can't wait until they begin their transformation into butterflies. I'll keep ya posted. 

I am an Addict

I have a confession to make to all of you.... I am a nail polish addict.

I've always loved doing my nails... but my addiction has really escalated. Over the last few years, I have built up my stash of polishes.  Now every time a new line comes out, I think I need all of them. It reminds me of The Little Mermaid and her collection....

Look at this stuff, isn't it neat?

Wouldn't you think my collection's complete?

Wouldn't you think I'm the girl

The girl who has everything?.....

I've got purples and oranges a-plenty

I've got reds and pinks- galore

You want blues and greens?

I've got twenty

But who cares? No big deal. I want more

*Lyrics changed

That's how I feel about nail polish.  Here's my collection... I want more!

I change my nail color about once a week. I would totally do it more often if I wasn't chasing a two year old all day. I just love it! I like to change it with my mood. It's the perfect accessory that you can constantly change.
So, if you're ever sick of your polishes and want to try something new, or want color advice.... you know where to go!
I know what you're thinking, "How could this girl write an entire post on nail polish?" You can only understand if you're an addict.

Oh, and have you seen OPI's Spring/Summer collection, Holland? I love them all!

family

I am just so grateful for family. Brian and I are both so blessed to have amazing, supportive and loving families. They are always there for us, there is nothing they wouldn't do. We're so lucky to have these loving people in our lives. I just couldn't imagine life without them!

Midnight Kisses

The cutest thing happened last night.  I was laying in bed trying to fall asleep, when I felt a few taps on my shoulder. Then Brian's hand turns my chin towards his face and he kissed me. I thought it was the sweetest thing.
I asked him about it today and he didn't remember it at all. He sleep kissed me! Some people sleep walk, Cameron on Modern Family sleep clowns, and my man sleep talks and kisses. He's sweet even when he is sleeping.
As I thought about this midnight kiss, I thought about how ingrained into each other's lives we are. We do everything for one another. Our lives have become one and we never hold back. It's true romance to love someone so much that you kiss them unconsciously. I love that our relationship grows stronger everyday.

I hope there are more sleep kisses to come.

True Beauty

As women, we are bombarded with images of the perfect woman. We are brainwashed into thinking that we have to look exactly like what we see. Having these 'canons of perfection' everywhere we look can make us feel terrible about ourselves. But we need to remember that true beauty is so much more than what is on the surface. 

I recently read about 2 absolutely beautiful, amazing inspiring women:

I'm sure you know who Stephanie Nielson is by now. You might know her as Nie Nie. 

In 2008, she and her husband were both severely burned when the light plane they were in crashed in Arizona. She escaped the plane with more than 80 percent of her body burned. 

After months of excruciating pain and recovery, she finally decided to look at her face. Holding a mirror, she started at her neck, not recognizing it. The reaction was the same from her chin all the way up to her eyes. 

"I looked at myself and I saw God in my eyes," Stephanie said. "It was as if he was looking right back at me, and he was saying, 'Everything is just fine. You can see yourself, and I can see you. I know who you are, and you're beautiful to me."

Nie Nie is truly beautiful. To read more about her story, visit www.nieniedialogues.com

The next beautiful woman is Irena Sendler. During WWII, Irena worked in the Warsaw Ghetto as a plumbing/sewer specialist. Irena smuggled Jewish children out; infants in the bottom of the tool box she carried and older children in a burlap sack she carried in the back of her truck. She also had a dog in the back that she trained to bark when the Nazi soldiers let her in and out of the ghetto. The soldiers wanted nothing to do with the dog, and the barking covered the kids’ and infants’ noises. Irena managed to smuggle out and save 2500 children. 

She eventually was caught, and the Nazis broke both her legs, arms and beat her severely. Irena kept a record of the names of all the kids she smuggled out and kept them in a glass jar buried under a tree in her backyard. After the war, she tried to locate any parents that may have survived and reunited some of the families. Most had been killed. She helped those children get placement into foster family homes or adopted. 

A couple of years ago, Irena was up for the Nobel Peace Prize. Unfortunately, she lost to Al Gore.

Now that is true beauty. Someone brave enough to stand up for others. You can't tell me that when you look at this sweet woman, you don't see true beauty.

My purpose in this post is to just remind all of us that we shouldn't get so caught up in image and vanity. True Beauty is inside of us and is one of the most important things we an possess. I am grateful each and every day for a Father in Heaven who loves me and has given me talents and gifts to share with others.

Remember that beauty isn't in your measurements, it's not how long your hair is or how thick your lashes are. True beauty is what is inside of you. It's how you live your life, how you treat others and how happy you are. 

"Beauty is not in the face; beauty is a light in the heart." -Kahlil Gibran

Trick-or-Treat

Can my little Harrison really be old enough to go trick-or-treating? Going around with him from house to house was the cutest thing. I loved watching him pick out his own candy- he never chose what I wanted him to. Watching him walk up the sidewalk just put a big smile on my face. I look forward to the many more Halloweens to come with my little guy.

Oh, and here is Brian as Slash. Nailed it.