Childhood with Sprinkles on Top

“Play is the highest form of research.” 
― Albert Einstein

Buttermilk pancakes that taste good AND are good for you!

 I have been trying to eat very healthy. I go through this, I think we all do. Where we are in a good groove. We are taking care of ourselves and we feel great. Other times we slowly slip because we have some fun junk food at a party or during the Holidays. I think balance is key in life, and I will leave it at that. 

A 3rd birthday party to remember!

Londyn, of course, turned three last month. As if I haven't made a big enough deal about it. Her birthday was simple and PERFECT. Let me tell you why- It was about HER! 

I made the decision that I wasn't going to do too much for her little party. I did a lot more for her 1st birthday party and specifically remember being stressed that day. I recall being so happy when her party was over, the guests had gone home, everything was cleaned up and we could finally focus on her. And what a concept. I mean that is what a birthday is all about, right?

This year, I knew I had to put some work into it and make it special, but I wanted to have the right balance. I wanted to be relaxed and just enjoy my little, growing, beautiful princess.

I am so pleased with how the day turned out.

The morning of her birthday she woke up and was a little shy about the start of the day. I mean she had been looking forward to her special day for at least a month before it came. Everyday she would talk about her birthday and what she wanted. Every store we were at she would ask for special things… for her birthday of course!

The Tongue of Angels

I feel slightly compelled to write on this subject. As a mom, as a woman, as a wife. There are a lot of responsibilities that go a long with all of those callings. Tonight as I read an exceptional talk written by Jeffrey R. Holland, I just sad and cried. I am throwing all pride aside, feeling embarrassed as I type. I cried because I am so far from perfect at what I am trying to do. First and foremost, my responsibility as well as priority is to be a lover, a comforter and a "happy place" for my children and husband. I feel that I do very well at my "job" quite often. But, too many times I fail. Too many times I find myself feeling far too incompetent to do this job well. I want to be perfect. Who doesn't? But, I really just want to be perfect for the ones I love.

Free Inspirational Lighthouse Download

While doing part 2 of our Cancun vacay I thought… "I should really use this lighthouse picture for something." And so, here you have it-- a favorite quote of mine on this awesome lighthouse picture I took in Cancun. 

Fiesta Americana Grand Coral Beach, Cancun, Mexico (Part 2)

Let's just say that part 2 of our Cancun adventure is the better part! Not because our site seeing wasn't incredible. We loved every second of the whole trip. BUT, because I am focusing on the resort we stayed at in this post. 

Fiesta American Grand Coral Beach.

A mouth full? Yes! But, worth having to repeat it all week. (For transportation, when you meet cool new friends, etc.) Go to Cancun and stay in this resort. It is a bit pricey but if you are going to do it… go big! (That's what we say around these parts.) This was the most incredible hotel I have ever stayed in. The food. Ohhh… the food. I can't hardly begin to explain HOW AMAZING the food was. If you love Mexican food. They have some of the best…maybe the very best I  have ever had. The breakfast buffet, the dinner buffet, the restaurants- all incredible! This hotel is located at the very tip of the Yucatan peninsula. It shares the tip with a couple of other resorts. It was within walking distance of some other restaurants and some shopping. 

Take a look at some of our pictures and if you are looking to plan your dream vacay you may want to look into this resort.

This photo was taken at a restaurant away from the hotel. He's my hunny. How I love that man.

Xel-Ha, Isla Mujeras & Tulum- Cancun, Mexico (Part 1)

Last Christmas, in 2012, Sam was away. It ended up being a tough day for me. But, Christmas morning I was able to talk to him (as he was going to bed in Afghanistan) and he told me of a surprise. Now, this was a surprise that he had done a lot of work on. He would think of this surprise often and it would help get him through his days because he new soon enough he would be spending a week in paradise, alone with… Mwaaaaah. 

Grilled Zucchini Pizza

Baked Egg Muffins

A balanced, healthy meal. YUM! You better believe I scarfed this down after snapping the photo!

Boys Rule! (free printable)

She turned 2 in 2012

I know, I know. I will make this quick. I decided to do a post on Londyn's second birthday. It was sweet and simple. Since Sam was in Afghanistan I didn't feel motivated to do a big party. We spent the day with family in Utah and my little sister and Mom pulled through and gave her a little mini bash. My sister did the balloons, cake, everything… it was at her house in Provo.

Londyn still plays with and loves the Mermaid her Aunt Jade and Uncle Josh gave her and she still wears the pants my little brother gave her… and a lot of the clothes my parents gave her that day. Amazing how some of it lasts.