Long Overdue Update

Looking at the last blog post from JUNE...wow!

I have been neglecting to post about us because well, Ayla has kinda taken over the "us" these days...no complaints but I feel boring and dull compared to her crazy and ever-changing schedule. 

However, a few weeks ago I managed to make a quick getaway to California and visit my sister Amy for a few days. It was a much needed break and perfectly timed- my birthday weekend! So great to be turning 31 again..... ;-)

Ryan was awesome enough to spend some solo 'daddy-daughter' time with Ayla while I was away and sacrifice sleep (he still works nights).  

 Once in CA, I woke up to the morning greeted by a delicious homemade chocolate cake, CD and personalized mug. 

 Amy and Tim totally spoiled me while I was visiting and I ate and ate and ate....with no regrets! 

 We spent most of our time wandering the sidewalks of Pasadena, eating, and lounging at home in our pajamas catching-up (also more eating). It was truly lovely to wake up when I was finished and not to an alarm clock or dagger-ended Ayla heel digging into my back. 

Amy and Tim are excellent hosts and I was sad to leave the warm weather and head back home, although I did miss my sweet girl and Ryan and eager to see them!

As for what we are doing: still the same.

Ryan works during the nights and I work days so our schedules remain opposite: Ryan arrives home around 7am and I'm headed out the door at 7am....a quick "hello!" and "goodbye"! until I'm back home around 6pm. We get a few hours together then it's off to bed and work and the same verse repeats. The best part is that Ryan has Friday and Saturday nights off so we can at least see a bit of each other on the weekends. :-) 

Our church callings and responsibilities have recently changed so Sunday's and during the weekday requires a bit of juggling and compromise. It's never a dull moment for sure and at times, there is not a free evening to spare! Sometimes when it feels like we're being pulled in too many directions, it's necessary to sit back and remember what our real purpose on earth is....which can be easier said than done but it's perspective all the same.   

Seth Graduated? Already?!

My little brother Seth, graduated from High School in Utah in May. By 'little' I mean my six-foot-three- brother who in my eyes, is still at the age of twelve-years-old. :-) I don't feel that much older so how can he possibly be graduated already?

So proud of him as he graduated at the top of his class and gave a funny, short speech which made us all laugh. Excited for what lies ahead for him in beginning a new chapter in his life! 

It was a fun mini-road-trip and my sister and dad were able to fly out from Wisconsin in support. Love family gatherings and catching up!  

The family crew.

We spent the next few days visiting, touring and shopping in Salt Lake. It's time like these that I miss our family not living closer together but how sweet it makes for reunions! 

A-Z Poster

Me? Crafts? Oh the horror of it!

In preparation for the upcoming March of Dimes walk, we were invited to an event where Team Families created a poster with their pictures and story to be displayed along the walk. This poster was to depict why we walk and support the March of Dimes Program.

Those who know me understand my lack of craftiness and creativity as it pertains to making cute stuff- it's just not how my brain is wired.

However, after slapping some glue and crafty-paper-looking- stuff to a poster board, it didn't turn-out too badly! 

In other news: we came home with a binder (yes, a BINDER) from Ayla's therapy clinic titled, "Tips and Tools for Challenging Behavior for Toddlers"....haha! Little Miss Ayla has developed quite the feisty attitude and we need all the help we can get to re-direct and channel some of those naughtier ones. 

She's such a joy and has a wicked sense of humor but some days....are a challenge.

She has her mothers temper and her father's non-stop energy and teasing....can you imagine the crazy fun (or crazy battles) we have? 

She's always such a great help around the house, especially when the vacuum makes an appearance.