viva las vegas

Taking my six year old to Las Vegas for her birthday sounded strange when I didn't preface it with the fact that her closest cousins (my sister's family) lived there now. I had never been there so it was both our first times. We absolutely loved it. I can see why she enjoys living there. We saw so many fun things. I REALLY wanted to see the Venetian hotel and take gondola rides so that may have been my favorite thing. We saw a cactuses galore, red rock, and did some fun family stuff-- did I mention my brother in law is a helicopter pilot so we got to check some of those out too! I took some family photos of them as well (which I LOVED all of them!) so my next post will be of those photos. I just need to narrow down my favorites! Enjoy!

Baby Blessings

It is safe to say everyone has off days. My husband would probably admit I have far more than anyone else knows. I also might mention I have a ton of issues sleeping and started having back issues to add to the list of ailments that I finally made myself go see my doctor for. Long story short, my back issues are most likely due to the fact that I basically stopped working out 5 days a week back in June and quit eating healthy. And when your doctor tells you to get your butt back in the gym it's a smack in the face.

So you would guess I went back to the gym-- no I came home and ordered pizza. I sulked mostly and avoided doing much. I actually turned it into an off week. I got a little grumpy with all the loving, helpful people around me. Even as I'm writing this I'm a little embarrassed of how I've acted. I guess writing things down really makes you see a wider scope right?

I decided I needed to just spend some time with my kids. Get my mind right before delving into clean eating and 6am gym wake up calls. So today I quit life and didn't even get dressed. I hadn't even planned on editing a single photo. While playing with my youngest daughter, Emily and Jason flashed into my memory. This couple who had been trying to get pregnant for a very long time. And she finally had-- but she wanted to surprise him. So we told Jason that I was doing a couples project having both couples write what they loved most about each other. Except when he turned around he would read something else:

I have a huge smile on looking at these photos. It's easy to see why. (PS they are having a girl! Yay girls!) So now I'll eat my pizza and relax with my family-- and plan my attack on tomorrow! Thank God for baby blessings and tomorrows. 

Forever Friends

There has been a few times in my life that I've met someone and instantly knew I'd know them forever. Lisa and Chuck are those kind of people. You fall in love with their family. They just do life right in so many aspects. 

I started off babysitting their kids far too many years ago.. they literally found me through an online babysitting service. We stayed in touch-- And I love all their real life posts. It's like when Im struggling with marriage she'll post some epiphany that completely applies to my life. And when the kids are driving me nuts she'll say something so encouraging about motherhood. I don't even know if they realize what great parents they are. I truly am honored by the example you both set. (I also can't wait till your kids are babysitting mine!) 

Making friendships last is no easy feat and some things I've learned along the way are: 
1. Know Yourself, which should always be step one. 
2. Always be kind, it matters how you treat everyone.
3. Be genuine, friendships are built on honesty.