Cropper Crew: January 2012

Sunday, January 22, 2012

Want to Enjoy these Moments

I was just thinking the other day that I’ll never be at this same stage of life again. What are the things I want to remember?

That to a 4-year old and a 2-year old, being a Ramen Noodle Gourmet Chef is Enough
That some of the sweetest words are “Thank You Mommy!” And “I didn’t give you a morning hug yet!”
That I am cool enough to spend day after day after day with
That a nightly tetris battle with your husband really can be a lot of fun
That being what the Lord NEEDS is the most important
That placing the needs of my children and husband first really do bring the most rewards
That a trip to the park or the dinosaur museum are – in a child’s mind – like that trip to Europe that I’m dreaming of.
That I don’t have to do large things to make a difference
That laughing, running, and tickling are worthwhile activities
That it’s really okay if my house is not spotless. My children are happy
That surrounding myself with good people is worth so much
That the Lord loves me. He knows my name. He loves me. He gives me reminders through my husband, my children, my family, and those around me.

Friday, January 13, 2012

Happy Birthday Lillie!!

I seriously cannot believe it has been 2 years already since this princess joined our family!

Her spunky, fun personality is really so much fun. She is also really stubborn, which sometimes wears the patience down, but we still love her as much as can be!

Some things about Lillie:

She loves almost any food that involves rice. Especially if we have stroganoff or chicken sauce with it

Her nickname is “Little Miss Repeat” because she is always saying whatever she hears, and talks all the time. I’d make a list of words, but there are too many. Some of my favorites that she says though are “Awesome!” “Applesauce” and “Thank you mommy!”

I love that she’s really starting to communicate and will let us know what she thinks, with phrases like “Steven! Stop shouting!”

She loves to play with Steven, and I think she enjoys pestering him as well. Must be a little sister thing Smile

She loves playing with friends, and her memory is incredible. My friend came over the other day, and Lillie smiled and said, “Micah’s mom!” She’s good at connecting people and remember correct names for people.

She sleeps in a big girl bed

She’s well on her way to being potty trained and this week has gone potty several times, and even went poopy yesterday morning. All her idea. I’m definitely open to following her timeline since I wasn’t expecting this this soon.

She absolutely loved her birthday! When she first woke up and I wished her a happy birthday, she kind of looked like she didn’t care. However, after Steven was excited for her all morning, her friends were excited for her, and we blew up lots of balloons, she totally caught on. Then when she saw her cake, her first word was “AWESOME!” Then she just would get so excited when she saw it and would say, “BIRTHDAY!” We had a fun party with Grandma’s and Grandpa’s and my sister. She got very spoiled and absolutely LOVED everything she got (Which was a relief since she didn’t like a thing we got her for Christmas). I’ll leave you with some pictures first of the dress I made her for her birthday, and then of my pride and joy of the day (Her cake) and some fun party pictures. Smile

Tuesday, January 03, 2012

2011–2012 Just another Chapter

I suppose I ought to review my 2011, if nothing else, to chart my progress on how I’m doing with my life.

I found my posted resolutions for 2011:

Get to the ideal weight for my height
Read the scriptures 30 minutes a day
Become a more patient mommy
Be a more optimist mommy and wife
Take time for myself
Exercise 5 days a week
Make it the temple once a month

I didn’t reach my ideal weight goal, but I’ve seen progress in my fitness goals and personal wellness. I took the time for myself and exercised 5 days a week from running to aerobics. I lost 2 pant sizes, and feel better about myself than I have in a long time. I feel like I’ve become an athlete, and I am strong.

I did pretty good on my scripture reading, but I know that’s something I definitely want to improve upon this year. I’ve set simple goals for myself to immerse myself when I do sit down to read the scriptures and try to take one thing each day to think and ponder on, to help me better remember my Savior.

Sometimes the patience thing is great. Sometimes my near 2-year old gets the best of me. But overall, I think I’m doing okay.

I did make it to the temple once a month this year, and that definitely helps me out. Having that quiet peaceful time to myself is worth so much. I was able to take many dates with my husband to the temple, which I always love, but I was also able to make some trips with some of my best friends, and also my sister. Such a blessing.

2011 has also been good for me in having the peaceful feeling come from the spirit letting me know that I am where I’m supposed to be. I had a really hard time when we first moved into this area making friends, but I definitely have made some great friends out here that have made me a better person. I know that that many blessings come into my life by surrounding myself with great people.

As I think about 2012, it’s hard to pinpoint any specific new goals, but I just think of goals I continually want to work on and become better at throughout the year. We’ll post some anyway

Keep up my fitness routine, and work on keeping good eating habits
Keep running. I had an epiphany a few weeks ago after running one morning. I’m a runner. It is no longer a forced form of exercise, but it’s now a part of who I am. That’s something I never thought would happen. But I think the challenge of it makes it that much more important to me. The few races on the horizon also help the motivation stay active
Put more money into savings
Spend my time just playing with my kids, and forgetting about the housework. It will all get done at one point.
Thoroughly enjoy the 2012 olympics. I have my London calender already, and am counting down the months
Make some cute birthday cakes for cute kids
Continue to build friendships
Become closer to the Spirit so I can be where the Lord needs me when He needs me

Here’s to a new year! Hooray!

New Years

We headed to Richfield to party with the Rowley’s. We had our Christmas then, with all the food and fun like we weren’t a week late on that holiday. Then we partied it up and stayed up late for the New Year.

And on the way home on Monday, we drove through Gunnison, UT. As we were driving through we stopped so Steven could meet Mater. It totally made his day. I wish I could’ve captured the look on his face when we told him to look out the window. It definitely was a priceless moment.

On Christmas Day in the Afternoon

After church on Sunday, we headed to Springville to enjoy the day with the Croppers. Lillie has always been enamored by her cousin Ella, and was pretending to be Ella for a bit. Smile

Lillie and Steven got to play Joseph and Mary for the family nativity

And of course, presents are always fun too!!

Thanks Croppers for a wonderful Christmas Day!

On Christmas Day in the morning….

The festivities started with pajamas on Christmas Eve. I think the kids like their PJ’s. They certainly look cute though Smile

Christmas morning. Steven was So excited! It almost killed him when I said he had to wait till I could go get my camera. Mean old mom. Lill DSCN2320

Lillie with her dress ups from Santa

Steven had a tough wish list this year. Cars 2 and a Woody and Buzz. Luckily, Santa was able to remember all that and kind of wishes Steven would always keep his simple 4-year old requests Smile