TINY HANDS IN THE KITCHEN

As Carter got older, he got more interested in helping me in the kitchen. I always imagined cooking with my kids but I didn't realize how much patience it would take, especially in the toddler stage. Inevitably, Carter would randomly dump salt out of the "big hole" into something that did not need salt, break a few eggs, tip over the olive oil bottle, etc... A lot of times I was relieved when he would choose to play with his toys or books or even watch a show instead of ask to cook with me.

About a year ago though, I came across this sweet video. After I watched it, I had a strong impression that I should be better about letting Carter cook with me. I remember taking a deep breath and thinking this was going to take a lot of patience since dinner time is already hectic and the messes his busy, tiny hands could create were quite daunting!

These days, it's become routine that at some point he comes and helps me make dinner and he always bakes with me. 

Every night at dinner he proudly exclaims to Daron, "Daddy! I made dinner for you!" 

{Somehow he forgets about me, haha!}

Last Friday, we made these pumpkin chocolate chip cookies together and we had the best time. I loved watching him say, "Mom I love making cookies!" and "Mom, look how strong I am." It was so cute to watch him be so proud of being in charge of the mixer and don't even get me started on the way his cheeks droop as he is concentrating(!!!!)

Friday was one of those days where I got to witness progress. It's rewarding to see how small efforts can turn into big things. Now, it's official that I have a little helper! For the first time, I think we finished things faster because he was helping me. Cheers to that!

Now onto figuring out how to make my house not look like a bomb went off after we bake. Anyone have any tips on that?

The random recipe we used {from Pinterest of course here}

OCTOBER GENERAL CONFERENCE 2015

We spent last weekend at my parent's house so that we could be with family while we watched the October General Conference. This is definitely one of my favorite weekends of the entire year. I've had a little bit of "post-Conference blues" since we came home. I actually planned ahead this year {so proud of myself} and made something yummy and festive for breakfast. We had pumpkin waffles with fresh peaches and bananas to go on top. In between sessions, we took advantage of my parent's jacuzzi and pool and wore out the kids so that they would both sleep during the second session.  

Sunday morning we woke up to the coziest fall weather. Carter helped my mom as she made breakfast for everyone and then we spent the rest of the day listening to the inspiring messages of our leaders. I was soaking in every second. Between sessions, we took a walk around the neighborhood to get some fresh air. 

The week before conference, Daron and I wrote down different things that were on our mind and different questions we had regarding our family, our marriage, and spiritual well-being. I was blown away with how perfectly our questions were answered. It was a great reminder of the peace that comes from listening to the prophet and apostles and other leaders of the church and that God is perfectly aware of me.

{My favorite talk from Conference here.} 

MY CARTER LEE

Well, I'm pretty sure the fastest summer of my life just flew by me. The summer of 2015 will forever be engraved in my mind as the summer of getting to know my sweet Naomi, being on a baby high and wearing a robe for about 3 months straight.  

I'm finally out of my robe and maybe someday I'll get around to writing about the past few months, but right now, I have to write a little post about my oh, so lovable Carter. 

A few things he has said as of late:

"Mom, do you feel it? Do you feel my heart beeping?"
"Mom, does Naomi want to talk to me yet?"
As I'm doing laundry, "Good job, Mom. Good job."
As I am taking a picture through a window in our house, "Mommy what's that? A beautiful day?"
As he is randomly opening and closing his mouth, "Mommy, I'm eating the wind."
As we are leaving the random stranger who is letting Carter pet his dogs, "Bye! I love you!"
As he hands Daron his water bottle, "Dad, put this in the fridge and cold it, k?"
As we are talking about what is appropriate to do during Church... 

Me: "Do we play with toys, Carter?"
"Nooo."
"Do we yell?"
"Noooo."
"Do we pick our nose?"
"No, we pick our nose at home!"

And my personal favorite, "Mom, Jesus died while standing in the street."
Me: "Oh, is that right, Carter?"
"Yeah, a white car hit him and he died."
{No idea where this came from, but Daron and I have some serious teaching to do!}

And if he wants to be naughty...
"Mom, go away."
{HA!}

I wish I could write on here every hilarious thing Carter says but thankfully, that's what I use this awesome book for. 

Carter, 

In a few months you will be 3! 3!!!!! 

I can't believe it. 

I never want to forget the way you throw your head back when you laugh, your current "gargoyle smile" and how it feels when you, out of the blue, wrap your arms around me and tell me you love me. Your enthusiasm for life is contagious and you love to put on a show. I love how you wave to every car that passes you in a parking lot and say "hi" to strangers as we walk by them. Your personality brings joy to so many, but most of all, to me and your dad! 

I hope you always know how very special you are. 

I love you! 

-Mom

{An older post about a few of Carter's daily antics here and credit for the photo above is here.}

LIFE SINCE NAOMI ACCORDING TO OUR PHONES

Just a few of the billions of pictures we have of life since Naomi on our phones. Most of the pictures are very representative of life right now-- the 3 of us hangin' around the house with no where to be. We've managed a few outings for Carter's sake {and mine}. Getting out of the house has been especially helpful on the days when it feels like Carter has been in time out 600 times before noon and he's using the breast pump bottle as a megaphone...

Thankfully, someone I admire "virtually" reminded me a few years back how important it is to not rush the different seasons of our lives. Her words stuck with me and have helped me to embrace the newborn stage a little bit better this go around. It's a unique time and like everyone says...

it rushes by all too quickly! 

6 WEEKS

6 weeks ago today, our sweet girl made her big debut. Below are a few of my favorite photos since she came {and by a few...you know of course I mean a lot ;) }

I know...I know...this sounds totally cheesy, but guys--I really mean it when I say it's hard for me to remember life before Naomi came. It's been incredible {and a little strange} to feel like I have known her forever since the moment I met her. So often, I look at her and think, "Heyyy, I remember you!" 

She is wildly familiar. 

It's made the transition to two kids so different than I thought it would be. I was expecting it to rock my world and throw me for this huge loop. But instead, it's been more like--oh yeah, hey Naomi. What's up. You're finally here. Great. Okay...moving right a long. It reminds me of when you get to see your husband naked for the first time. There is so, so much anticipation for the moment and then it happens and it's so...normal and almost weird how normal it is.  

{Bet you weren't expecting that comparison were you? ;)}

Welcome to the fam, Naomi! We're smitten with you.

A NEW LOOK!

We've updated! Can you believe it!? I was feeling a little like the newest addition to our family is in this picture about the blog...the whole thing was {yawn} boring and embarrassingly outdated! I'm thrilled that our little space online is representative of our growing family now. 

Hopefully next week I will find time to write about our sweet baby girl. To say we are in love is an understatement. The past 5 weeks have been some of the best weeks of my life. Newborn heaven is real and I feel so lucky to be experiencing it! 

Until next week!