brief update

I think a lot about things I would like to blog about and how I would love to share more than just a picture and quick note here and there. I have realized though that if and when I actually sit down to write something, Bailee is instantly at my side and wa+nt+i+6n+6g+6 to "help"... as you can see in the word wanting.... I have often wondered how many mothers of multiple children keep a regular blog that is extensive and has crafts and activities that I can only dream of doing..one day... Most only get as far as being on a board on pinterest for me. Now that Dave is gone from 8 am to 10 or 11 pm and comes home for about an hour for dinner, I have realized how much I depend on him for support and strength. As our family dynamics have changed with him in school, we knew things would be tough and we wouldn't have as much time together, but I can see how our relationship as a family has grown stronger and we really make the most of what time we do have. We are grateful for the many blessings that have come as well as the challenges in being here right now. Overall we love it and just continue to rely upon our faith in the Lord each day.
Bailee is at an age that is busy, entertaining, and explosive in her understanding of the world around her and we love it. One of my favorite things lately is to walk by her room after putting her to bed and hearing her "read" her books by the light of her night light. Once she is asleep and I come into her room to make sure she is in her bed, I find books sprawled out on her bed and floor from her late night "reading" :)
Dave is doing well in his nursing program and amazes me with how little sleep he can function off of. He goes to bed after me and wakes up before and has not gotten sick! Coming here on COMPLETE faith for the program he is in, was never a concern for us and now that we have seen how great it is, we know that the Lord has guided us here for more than just his education. We are grateful for this time to be far from those we are comfortable with (although we do miss family and friends) because it has allowed us to break from our shells a bit more and grow in our relationships with one another as well as our Heavenly Father.

Relaxing on the porch

 

Zoo

 

One of two favorite activities this summer. This was one of few times Dave was able to go with us.

Bailee's other favorite activity right now. She LOVES to draw and always wants
help and daddy is great at drawing animals for her :)

 

Day date!!

Today Dave and I had a much needed date! We went to the rain forest cafe because Dave had never been and had an appetizer and dessert. I think I will do that more often so I can actually enjoy a dessert because the one we had was amazing! We shopped child free in the mall afterward and it was so nice. It is funny how once having children, doing simple activities child-free is a desired date. We loved being able to shop together and when Dave saw a man sitting with a stroller and bags he said he was grateful that wasn't him this time :) it was so nice to get out with my hubby before his super busy schedule starts next week with school. Dating is needed more once you are married and we are so grateful we have awesome young women in our ward here so we can get out more often :)
Bailee even benefited from our date with a new shirt and dress :) she is a huge Minnie fan right now

Mommy-daughter shopping

Just a few pictures from the day... Bailee insisted on leaving the house and even going into the store with her sunnies and hat on... I managed to convince her to leave the ball in the car but the rest went out into the world...oui oui... She even made a mother crack up in the store with how she looked :) I heard the lady laugh and I turned to her and asked if she was laughing at Bailee and i explained that she was persistent to wear the hat and glasses.. she pointed to the three teenage girls behind her and said " I had 3 and you will have many more of those days :)" it was quite entertaining. Later we went to another store and she loved carrying her bag of clothes. It was our little mommy daughter outing and I loved being able to focus on her while shopping and loved that she gave me an opinion :) we ended up with a swimsuit and 2 pairs of sandals that she was excited to show off to daddy when we got home :)

Getting so big!

I have had these jammies in Bailee's closet thinking they are still way too big. Since all of her other warm jammies are dirty, I was planning to just put these on but they fit her! How can my baby be a 2T! She has also been saying prayers at random times and I will post a video soon :) As trying as this age can be sometimes, I think it is also the very best because of how much is absorbed and understood :) it is fun to watch the changes and rapid growth!

Today I am grateful!

Kid friendly carts at the grocery store are such a wonderful thing! I went to 2 grocery stores today (only because they are right next to each other so I might as well shop both sales) and both made the outing 100 times better than previous visits. I don't know why I haven't thought to look for these carts before but it made me enjoy taking Bailee to the store... Honestly for the first time I think! Usually Dave and I both have to go or leave Bailee home with the other because she is so curious and wants to "help" shop which makes it hard to get in and out in a timely manner. It was just wonderful and I had to share :) and I tried getting her to look at me in the pic but the sun was right on her both times...

This was what I needed to read today...

“As you create a home, don't get distracted with a lot of things that have no meaning for you or your family. Don't dwell on your failures, but think of your successes. Have joy in your home. Have joy in your children. Have joy in your husband. Be grateful for the journey.”
― Marjorie Pay Hinckley

A quick post...

We are slowly getting settled and Loving this area! We have had a few set backs with our apartment that have added some extra work on our part as well as maintenance but the problems are gradually being taken care of and we are feeling more at home here :) I will post more pictures soon, but I had to share this one... A wonderful leader and friend from my home branch gave me a beautiful gift of 3 plates with sweet and simple messages and this one is my favorite! I love the simple reminder that has a perfect spot in our new home so I can see it daily :) we have felt so blessed through this process of moving and are excited for the adventures to come here in Tennessee :)