Just another day in paradise!

Changing Every Day!

I love how he is figuring out how to hold things... like his hands! I'll catch him holding blankets up to his face when he's tired, or he'll pull out his binky and just hold it :)


Fire Station With Dad!

I just know he's going to love this more and more as he gets bigger! We have one really cool dad!



I Heart Mama!

5th Recipe's The Charm! FINALLY

Banana bread recipes are NOT created equal. It took a long time before I found one that is hearty, healthy & tastes exceptionally good! After literally weeks of looking and testing, I have finally found a decent recipe and "Dr.'d"(like my mom always says) it up! Amos was entertained!

Jumper Boy

I'm so proud of my thumb sucking, jumper boy! He is getting the idea of jumping! I always cheer for him when he throws a jump into his wobbly, swinging, dancing routine in his Johny Jumper so he knows when he does the right thing... he's picking up on what mama gets excited to see! Jumps!!

I love this cheesey smile!!

My Chubber Baby!

5 Guys!

Poopin on dad! WahooOoo!

Weddingness!

Happy Wedding Day Tal!
I was lucky enough to go up to Salt Lake with Amos for Tal's wedding a few weeks back. Boy was it wonderful! I was almost just as excited to be Fearsome Foursome again as I was for Tal to marry Tanner, but there's not much that tops a marriage-if anything! I just love these gals that much! I was thinking this morning about how in-debt I am to the good people in my life, because they're the reason I am where I am :) These girls will always be my best friends! Time cant change nothin when it comes to FF! Kirk called the Cedar City airport to delay the entire flight for me so I wouldn't miss this! And the amazing part was that they did! We took off 10 minutes later than scheduled and they let me board the plane on the runway, after greeting me in the parking lot to take my bags..... now if that aint advertising "Best Friend" all over the place, I don't know what is ;)

The DeVinny's! Ta Da!

Anxiously awaiting the beautiful bride! Before the flood of tears came, of course!

What's a Lady-In-Waiting for anyways?! Gotta live worthy of the position of course!

FFF

Gosh, how I missed my Bug. Becoming a mother will do that to you... I had a terrific day, but nothing beats coming home to your baby [and husband]. Tals luncheon was at the Joseph Smith Memorial Building, so it was timeless-lovely-beautiful-need I say more?! And her reception was in her parents back yard. The same back yard we had sleep overs in, ice skating at, high school hang outs, a mini bridal shower for me, ect ect. It was perfect.

This was all in all, beautiful. It helped me re-live my wedding day...

I'll never forget the day I was sealed to Kirk. I love him more and more as the years go by. I really have such a hard time being away from this man of mine, he fills a special part of my heart that no one else can. He is the One I will always keep falling in love with, forever. I love my life with him as my husband. Together we have everything...
Many people didn't hold back their opinions when we got married (for getting married in the circumstances we did) but watching our life unfold, we know why it felt right. One day I'll forget the things that hurt us, and perhaps one day we'll share how we have been blessed for making that choice in the timing we did, but until then...
When you realize you want to spend the rest of your forever with somebody, you want the rest of forever to start as soon as possible.
I will never forget feeling this way. And I wish I could have said it this perfectly back then...
I have learned many things about myself, and my individual roll in this life & eternity, the day I fell for Kirk.

"TRUE Love-Stories never have endings..."

now we're talkin!

Here we are! Our very first trip to the lake! I have to start by saying I feel prettty bad that I wasn't more excited for this like I should have been. It turned out to be SO fun, but geez! I was grumpy at times this weekend! Nevertheless, Gunlock was a blast! We took the pooch, Lib (my cutest little sister EVER was in town!!!!!), Dani and pretty much rocked out on the beach.
Amos was so cute! Kirk gave him a little dip and it was so cute!!! He loves water... He's such a little stud, like his dad. They just know how to touch my heart.
It was really fun to watch Mo play fetch with Kirk and the girls. They were so cute. They all jumped in the lake and swam all over the place like it was no ones business! It was so fun to watch them that I don't know who was happier, me or them! I just thought it was tooo cute of them to all hold hands and jump off the dock, practice diving off the big rocks, pushing the dog into the water... they were so happy hanging out together! I love them! I love how fun and 'up for anything' my sister is. She makes everything so much more energetic! I love how happy and enthusiastic my husband is to be around family. He knows what's up. He is going to be the funnest father to our kids as they grow up, and such an amazing leader.
-So whenever we'd be out with our family, my parents would always say things like "It's so fun to watch you!" And of course, I'd think to myself 'yeah-okay. Instead of watch, why don't you join in?!'.... but I totally get it now! It's so fulfilling! Seeing my family be happy, there's just nothing better. The older I get, the deeper I start to understand how very blessed it is to be part of a happy, loving family. You really do have it all when you have a family. I appreciate them more and more all the time.

If only that handsome dad could jump into my thoughts at times like this... he is just so dang cute.
We took Lib and Dani to the BEST.best.BEST burger place in the entire world, Five Guys, on Friday. As expected, it was absolutely delicious and they outdid themselves once again! As we were walking out, Libs cute friend Dani said, "Woah! Did you see that girl checking out your husband?" DUN Dun dun. I could have drop kicked her on the spot. I sarcastically replied with, "For real?! He's carrying a baby AND a diaper bag! Where is she? I'm gunna killer her!" Kirk just laughs. And he would. Then Dani said something to the effect of, "It's really attractive when a guy takes good care of his kids." Holy compliment up the ying-yang. She is so right. Kirk is everything I wanted in a man, and is turning out to be everything I've ever wanted in a father.... I knew he would always be that man but he really is a dream come true. When I talk to Amos I don't forget to tell him how lucky we are to have such a good daddy, because lots of other babies aren't as lucky as we are.

My cuteness!! He is such a cute little guy! I just want to kiss his little cheeks off! ALL THE TIME!

• He is one noisy baby boy! He talks so much! And is getting sooo loud!!!! It couldn't be cuter. He use to only talk to Dad, but oh boy has that changed! I love to hear him...he is so awesome.


• He's discovering those little hands!! He has been holding onto his little blankies and starting to cuddle them up to his face, or eat them :) He has started to hold onto his ears, because it's something to hold hahah and clasp his little hands together. Oh man-I love him!


• He's in size 2 diapers and 6 or 9 month clothing. Sometimes 12 month, depending on the brand. He's my chunka baby!


• He's a slobber blobber! He gets those little goopies everywhere now! Time to break out the bibs!


• I've been going on morning walks everyday with him and a few neighbors, he loves his stroller! He loves to look around and hear all the outside noises! He just gets funner and funner everyday. Seriously!

I love my sis! She is seriously the cutest thing. As we've both grown up we've become best friends. It grows stronger every time we're together too! I'm so lucky to have a sister like lib. I can't say it enough!

Lib is seriously the funnest aunt! She just showers Amos is presents! This is the Utes jersey she bought him so they could match :) It's nooo wonder why she's going to be the favorite! She's young, doesn't have her own kids, is hyper, and spoils Amos! She bough Amos so many clothes while she was down here! Not to mention all the treats. When he gets bigger he is going to love her so much! I can just see it already. Having kids at a younger age has been so fun for Kirk and I. Life just rocks right now! We are so blessed. It all comes together when you're living the best you know how.

The Start of Something WONDERFUL!

What's the one thing that can make Amos's bath time happier/funner/exciting-ier :)/better?!??!! Me climbing in with him! And just when I thought that was the best it could be... an unexpected SPLASH landed dad right in there with us!

This was much needed for it was the day of Amos's 2 month shots! Aw man. The good news is that Kirk and I are raising a giant! He was 13 lbs 11 oz and 24.25 inches long! That's 90th percentile for weight and 93rd percentile for height in his age group! What a good boy we have been blessed with!

And even more good news...we wouldn't have discovered our feet kickin/water splashin/knee slapppin of a good time in the bath with A if we didn't have a reason to look for it! It is a blast!

Blessing Day

Kirk blessed Amos on June 17th. It was such a killer day! Not only was it so fantastic because of the special ordinance, but because we were able to do it in Salt Lake with our family and closest friends. The thing that stood out to me soo much about this blessing was that Amos was blessed to be able to "Stand as defender of Truth." Many things that were said that kept taking my attention to what a different world we are raising children in. This blessing was one unlike I've every heard in reguards to these Latter Days. These blessings wouldn't have been needed 10 years ago...Awh, the priesthood is amazing. I'm so grateful for my wonderful, loving husband who is worthy to hold the Power of God and protect our family. Amos was also blessed to recognize the works of the adversary in a confusing world, to be able to find a career that will support his family and many other wonderful things....

Thanks again to my sweetheart for being In-Tune and Faithful. I love you!

Even MORE of the McAllisters!

Another trip to Mountain Meadow!

Amos loves this little vibrating chair from Grandma F! I took the dangling toys off for the pic, but thats his fav thing about it!

Never enough pictures!

Amos loves his daddy like crazy! He is all smiles and coo's around dad!

Stretcccchhhhhes!!

Cutest thing in the world!

Stronger every day!

More of the McAllisters!

Amos's first hike! We didn't last super long but it was a good start! Uncle Brad and Aunt Leah came too! They spent the weekend at our place and it was a BLAST! We love those guys!

Uncle Brad and Aunt Leah! They are the cooooolest! Leah and I went shopping while the boys went shooting. I had so much fun! I haven't been shopping with a girlfriend in forever!! And she must be good Karma because this was the start of a few shopping events for me! Thanks again sis! Anytime you wanna go to the mall -I'm your girl! Love you guys!

Sunday afternoon! I love taking Amos to church! He is so fun! And I have a great time watching Kirk show off his son! We also have 3 other babies that were born within 2 weeks of Amos so I enjoy socializing with the new moms. Makes me feel so much more apart of our family ward!

Did I tell you about our kick-butt walk!? 1hr and 55 minutes! You can kiss those mommy chubs goodbye Catharine! Just gotta keep this up! We went with Haven and Axel, who is 4 days younger than Amos. It was some awesome Mom/Son time! I'm so glad they bought their house (instead of renting) so there will be kids the same age as our kids! Haven and her husband are our age and Axel is their first. Lots of fun times ahead!

My cute jumping boy! It took us some time to teach Amos how to jump... but now I'm not sure who has more fun with this thing- him or mom & dad!

This is what my little Buggy does when he's SUPER EXCITED! Hahha makes me laugh just thinking about it. He's the best

Cute sleeping boy!

GO UTES! I don't want to ever forget this Little Guy's expressions... his yawns, his smiles, his pee-pee face, his little lip smacks. Love them all!

SoOoOo-

I want a gun for Christmas.
-Better yet! my BIRTHDAY!


I got this urge 2 days ago when a police officer came to our door to tell us to lock up! I was shocked! In our neighborhood?! We live in the safest town in Utah, and in the safest area of the town at that! He told us to take extra precautions for burglars. Needless to say, I slept FABULOUS that night. For police officers to go on foot, door to door to every house in our neighborhood, I guess we can take them seriously! Seeing as we leave the keys unlocked in our cars, front door unlocked and often leave the garage up.... I guess the time has come. Scary huh?!

So, now I want a gun! And I want Kirk to teach me how to use it! (I think I also got excited about it because we watched Rango 3 times in 2 days.) If that officer would have come to our door a year ago-no biggy, but I'm a Momma and gotta protect my babies! Especially when Kirk is away at the fire department all night!

Would I ever shoot someone? Eh. I'ld shoot at them! I'd mostly try to scare them and/or injure them unless they were really extra scary...

I'm actually super excited! I'm going to be the best gunner lady yet! It'll be way fun for Kirk and I to do together!

I love the smell of fresh laundry!

I FINALLY fit into my smallest pair of shorts!

Not to mention, I have a sligggggghhhhht muffin-top. Awesome. But the important part is that people really AREN'T telling you lies when they say, "With time you'll go back to normal!"

What Heaven See's in You

I love being a mother... I can't say it enough. My cute little Amos-Buggy is growing so fast. We were walking around at Dillard's the other day looking for clothes for him and we passed the newborns... I couldn't believe that he was that small baby! A tear rolled down my cheek...Time goes so fast! He's still little but so big! Now when I nurse him he's so long that even when he curls up to me his little toes are still hanging off my lap. It's so fun! I love all the changes that seem to be bursting right and left! He has become quite a little squirmy worm lately and his wiggles make me smile from cheek to cheek! I can't help but laugh a little when he is trying to nurse and get those wiggles out at the same time... just makes me melt! It is so fulfilling to be his mom.

I also adore when women I don't know look at me during these fun times and we exchange a special glance...it's as if they're smiling with their eyes and remembering what it was like to be at the stage I'm in. It's a dead-giveaway that they're mommies too! There's a special bond between moms that automatically eliminates the "stranger" in us. I bet that's what Heaven is like...

You know how everyone always talks about how close to Heaven babies really are? I am in love with those quiet, sacred moments when I'll be cuddling my baby or nursing him and something catches his attention and he turns into all smiles! He'll smile at Heaven as long as he can. I use to think that mothers commenting on their baby "smiling at angels" was just their wishful thinking. I've really been searching hard inside myself since Amos was born to figure out if I believe that too. I think my husband knows that I've been doing that soul searching because when he asks Amos 'what Heaven is telling [him]', or 'Who's visiting [him]', I get quiet and don't participate in the conversation. Well I figured it out for myself!

...I do very much believe that the Veil starts thin with newborns and gradually grows.... And a thin veil = seeing spiritual/Heavenly truths. Agreed? TaDa!
Now, (I'm going out on a limb here), I believe that the Baby Blues/Postpartum Depression come because our soul recognizes very quickly how separated from Heavenly Things we have become.... When these new babies come into our life we ache for the same Closeness that our spirits sense they still have with Heavenly Father and His Glory. Our spirits want those happy spiritual experiences again soooo greatly, it makes us miserably Homesick. Or at least, that's what it did for me. I believe that when Amos's gaze is fixed on something, that he is seeing Heaven. That maybe, just maybe, Someone is giving him a pep-talk about how wonderful this life can become, and not to worry. Maybe Heaven is telling Amos about silly things his earthly parents have done, or telling him how much he is loved, or singing him songs he sung to Heavenly Father...Maybe teaching him what's expected, or just doing whatever They can to make him smile because they know how much his parents love his smiles..! I can only imagine the glorious things Amos's pure little eyes have seen, and if he could-I wish he'd spill the beans :)

My insides burst like fireworks when Amos gaze brightens up to the skies. It's an instant yearning within me to want to know what he is thinking. ...I wonder if that's how my mom felt when I was going through this stage... I don't want it to ever end. I don't want it to end for me, but also for him! This is such an amazing step in watching him grow up!!