Motherhood

There is no role in life more essential and more eternal than that of Motherhood.

Recognize that the joy of motherhood comes in moments. There will be hard times and frustrating times. But amid the challenges, there are shining moments of joy and satisfaction.

-Elder M. Russel Ballard

I read this talk today and it was such a good reminder of how important the work of motherhood is.  There are definitely difficulties but the shining moments of joy make it so, so worth it.  

National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day!

I found out a few days ago that today, May 15, is National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day.  I love any excuse for a party so I baked my favorite Whole Wheat Chocolate Chip Cookies (recipe here) and we had a cookie party!  I am planning on making this an annual tradition at our house.  We can't wait until next year when Claire can participate in more than just the picture taking!

Happy 24th Birthday Bryce!

Bryce turned 24 years old on Tuesday!  He chose Buffalo Wild Wings for his birthday dinner.  We ordered 50 wings to go--lots of leftovers :)-- and ate at home while we watched 'The Secret Life of Walter Mitty'.  

 

 

We finished off dinner with a homemade oreo cheesecake that I made for him.  We're continuing the celebrating on Saturday with plans to go to Scheels where Bryce will pick out his birthday gift (he's very indecisive and still hasn't chosen what he wants).

Happy Birthday Brycer!  I hope I get to spend at least 50 more with you!

Like Mother like Daughter

^Claire^

^Me as a baby^

I was looking at a few of my baby pictures the other day and found this one I had to post.  Claire obviously has way more hair than I did, but I don't think there's any doubt she's my daughter.  We've found a few pictures of Bryce that kind of look like her too, but for the most part she seems to have taken more after her mom....and I won't lie I kind of love it :). 

Claire Olivia Week by Week: 16 Weeks

Claire turned 16 weeks old yesterday.  She keeps getting more fun!  She's gotten a lot noisier.  She squeals and coos all day long.  She giggled a few more times this past week too.  I can usually get her to giggle right after her bath.  I tickle her and blow raspberries on her tummy while I'm drying her off and she bursts into the cutest little laugh.  I'm so happy Claire made me a mom.  I got to celebrate my first Mother's day yesterday and Claire was my favorite gift :).

A Name & A Blessing

"And [Jesus] took a child ... in his arms [and] said ... "Whosoever shall receive one of such children in my name, receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me, receiveth ... him that sent me." 

                                                          -Mark 9:36-37

Yesterday we were finally able to bless Claire.  It was such a special day for our family!  I was proud of myself for crying only twice, even though I felt like crying (happy tears) most of the day :).  I made the dress and flower headband she wore and Bryce gave her a beautiful blessing at church.  It was nice that we each got to take part in different ways on her special day.  We kept it small and just invited our siblings, parents, and grandparents.  After we blessed her at church we went to a park and had a dessert table for refreshments.  It was so fun having all of our family there to celebrate our little girl with us.

Claire with her grandparents on the top row and great grandparents on the bottom row  (We are missing a picture of her with Bryce's grandpa since he wasn't able to come to the park but we will make sure to get one another time).

All day long our hearts were so full of gratitude for our sweet daughter and for our wonderful family.  Even after we were home and Claire was exhausted (until she finally crashed and took a three hour nap) we couldn't stop beaming and talking about how much fun we'd had.  It was a perfect day that I will never forget. 

Claire Olivia Week by Week: 15 Weeks

 Claire turned 15 weeks old today.  We also finally blessed her in church today so she got to wear her blessing dress for this weeks pictures.  There isn't much to update other than her blessing day which will be in a separate post, so this week's post will just be a bunch of cute pictures :).

**I realized after I posted this a huge thing did happen this week!  Claire giggled at me for the first time.  It was the cutest thing ever.  I was fixing dinner and Bryce was holding Claire.  She was tired and getting kind of fussy so she was kind of crying.  I brought out dinner and swapped Bryce for Claire.  As soon as she saw me she got the biggest smile on her face.  I laughed and started talking to her and she giggled, and then kept giggling for about a minute.  Bryce and I couldn't stop laughing.  It was so dang cute!  I can't wait until her giggles and laughs become regular occurrences.