Our Typical Life... a mom, 3 girls, & a camera

Wordless Wednesday - sunny January days.

2012-01-25T19:31:00.000-08:00

It has felt more like Spring then Winter these days.

No complaints.

We did get a little bit of snow in our front yard and the sun was out.

It was beautiful.

And the girls, played a little in the snow and rode their scooter's they got for Christmas.

The crisp fresh air felt nice...

And baby loved being outside for a change.

linked up with: Jenni from the blog, and then, she {snapped}, and naptime Momtog

xoxo,

Shannon

blah, blah, blah & Stella instagram style

2012-01-24T18:52:00.000-08:00

I'm just realizing tonight that my baby will be 5 months old tomorrow!

I really don't want to believe that.

It's crazy. But true.

And I know, I say it every month and I'm sure I will continue to in the coming months cause I just do...it's crazy!

I haven't even prepared or thought of her 5 month post yet. And pictures I have none. Maybe tomorrow?

Days just go by so fast that I can't hardly think.

I've tried to sit down and blog lately and every time I get writers block. I don't even know what to say. And I stop trying to think of something to say and get back to whatever I left doing cause there is always something. Lets just face it!

I see it like this: Every day holds a list of things to do (bathing kids, brushing teeth, making beds, laundry, cooking, vacuuming, running errands, homework, paying bills, ect.) And every new day you face that same similar list. And some times a new day can be hard and you don't feel like tackling that list of things. And it all starts to feel mananas. Not fun.

Do you ever feel this way?

That is how I have been feeling lately.

It's been weighing me down.

Obviously, there are things you must do everyday, but I'm starting to force myself to let a few things go and not stress about it. If the dishes didn't get done...forget about it. It can be done later. Things like that.)

I'm learning.

I'm changing. I'm not saying I'm a perfectionist by any means, but I've always liked the feeling of things in order. Its made me feel better, i suppose. But, I am learning that while raising my girls there is only so much you can do and that there will be plenty of years later after they are raised to keep a house clean.

The most important thing to me right now, is that my girls will remember a fun mom. A present mom. A mom that will get down and play with them and a mom that takes the time to plan fun activities. And a mom that puts aside cleaning or finishing up the laundry to snuggle instead.

That's the kind of mom I want to be! Not that I don't do those things...but hopefully you know what I mean. I could always be cooler! :)

Okay, so I most likely just bored you all to death, and if you haven't x'd out already and you are still with me...here is all of my instagram photos of Stella. (basically from about 2 weeks old to five months) Since I don't have her 5 month post close to being up, I thought I'd share these! I love instagram!

Seriously...look how she has grown!

xoxo

find me on Instagram: simplyusarcher

xoxo,

Shannon

Wordless Wednesday's...

2012-01-11T04:45:00.001-08:00

Stella hanging out on Mommas bed....I think she is a little infactuated with the light on the ceiling. :P And I am envious of her snugly warm PJ's that we picked up for $8 at Babies R Us. I wished they had them in my size. :)

Happy WW everyone!

xoxo,

Shannon

Linked up with And then she Snapped, Live Out Love Out Loud,

Naptime Momtog and the Daily Wyatt

"Everyday Life" link up

2012-01-10T22:04:00.001-08:00

One of my favorite things as a mom and someone who loves to take pictures is capturing my girls in our normal everyday life. I just love it and I know they are just snapshots, but they seem to mean the most to me. You know when they are being completely themselves while at home.

I ran a crossed Faith @ Sweet Violet photography + Life and saw she had a link-up this week titled "everyday life" so I thought I'd share a picture from this week of Stella. She is getting so good at grabbing things and playing in her little saucer. I'm so glad we have this or I don't think I could ever get dinner made or the laundry done. And check out her sweet smile. She's so happy!

Xo,

Shannon

I love this little person.

2012-01-10T10:10:00.000-08:00

Oh-so-much.

xoxo,

Shannon

Once again I had my SIL over for more Pict's. Stella is changing so so SO fast. So it was time. She smiled and did her thing naked and all! :) I couldn't ask for a more beautiful baby to smooch and love. Happy 4 months Stella!

lately.

2012-01-07T10:10:00.000-08:00

I have totally missed posting Stella's 4 month post. Where is the time going? She turned 4 months on Christmas Day and we have been pretty much busy since then so I guess that's my excuse! We have been enjoying lots of family time through the holidays and it's been great! I wish it didn't have to end.

But things are now starting to settle back into normal routine for us....

All the holiday stuff is all put away.

Cambree is back to Preschool and lovin' it. She keeps on passing off her books and proving to us that she can read. It's pretty awesome and weird all at the same time. Just the thought of having a child that can read is a little strange. She keeps growing up.

(This was Polar Express day at school (right before Christmas break) and she was excited to wear her PJ's to class and have chocolate milk and cookies with her school friends.)

Dad is back to leaving bright & early in the mornings to go to work. Yuck! We enjoyed the few days that he was off to veg and play with us.

I'm back to my normal mommy duties and taking care of my three babies.

Sienna is back to her normal routine as well, waking us all up way to early in the mornings eager for her bowl of cereal and morning cartoons. Bless her heart!

And Stella is as sweet as ever! She had her 4 month well check visit and she is growing right along and is now a whoopin' 14 lbs. 10 oz. You heard that right! I don't think my other two weighted that much until they were closer to 12 months. It's crazy. If I remember correctly both Jo and Si weighed about 16 lbs. on their first birthdays.

Stella really is starting to show her personality too and I love it. She still is such a happy baby and still just goes with the flow. I love that about her.

I took a few pictures of her the other day while I was giving her a bath. She likes to chill in her tub. This is one of my favorite times of the day. Bath time. She likes to suck on a rag and kick her little chubby legs.

I will leave you with just a few :)

And really I love just kissin' that cute little bald head all day long!

xoxo,

Shannon

Goodbye 2011.

2012-01-01T20:55:00.001-08:00

I have had the itch to reminisce just a little more through our last year before we are all flying by in 2012. I've spent the last two nights going through my archives at all the pictures I took in 2011. There is a lot. Most of them that have just sat untouched. I'm so glad I have them though. So many wonderful memories.

2011 happened to be a pretty good year for us, considering the things that we have had to face. We defiantly have had our challenges through the year, but mostly those challenges have left my husband and I a lot closer.

It's weird how it works like that.

There was a lot of times I felt so defeated in so many ways, but looking back those struggles have left us a whole lot stronger and I'm thankful for that. It actually feels good to actually have to work together for things and for us to get back on the same page together. It's helped our marriage and has taught us a lot of lessons we will never do again.

We've had a lot of laughter and fun times too. Bring Stella home in August, watching Sienna become a big sister. This summer was the best even while being pregnant and it being pretty hot. We didn't have any big trips planned, but we had fun doing a lot of little things together as a family. Lots of memories of the girls swimming, lots of days spent with my SIL Michele and her kids while she was on maternity leave, lots of days at the park, getting snow cones and hanging out outside. Just being with my girls is a blast in it's self for sure even those days we decide to be lazy and stay in our PJ's all day and do nothing. One thing I know I will miss with them as they get bigger and not need me as much!

I love being a mom. My girls are everything to me (as cheesy as it sounds). The girls are so beautiful to me, inside and out. I try my best to capture all those everyday moments with them. I want them to be able to look back twenty years from now at their lives and see how much they are loved and hopefully all these little moments captured will prove that. The great things about kids is they seem to make every year the best no matter what!

So to them...THANK YOU for being my special little people. You all keep me busy, happy and very tired! I wouldn't trade it for the world. :-)

So excited for all the fun in 2012!

XO,

Shannon

Under the Weather...

2011-12-30T14:40:00.000-08:00

Gotta love Winter cause along with the Winter comes the colds. The girls have both come down with ear infections last night. The two older ones that is. Not much fun. I'm hoping that they will start to feel better by tomorrow since we have plans to ring in the New Year. We will see.

I am wishing everyone a safe and happy New Year! Can you believe it's 2012? I can't. I will leave you with these until then.... :-)

xoxo,
Shannon

Top 11 of 2011

2011-12-29T08:38:00.001-08:00

It's time once again. A few favorites over this past year. I can hardly believe a year has gone by and it's coming to a end. I have enjoyed reflecting over the past 12 months today. So much has happened this year. It's been a interesting one, but we have survived with the biggest highlight of all - baby Stella and we couldn't not feel anything but blessed. And I am looking forward to plenty more interesting and fun adventures in 2012. So ready or not here we come!

Here are my Top 11 of 2011:

Sienna at the park in March. She had decided to make herself comfortable while waiting for a swing to open up. This was also the day we found out we were having another girl to add to our family. It was a special day. The girls both in the room with Mike and I to see the baby was pretty awesome.

Sienna keeping herself cooled off with a CapriSun. (July 2011)

Stella just one day old in the hospital. Michael is such a gentle daddy. (August 2011)

Stella sleeping in the first week of life. (August 2011)

Our little newborn cradled in daddy's arms. We were getting ready to take Stella home. (August 2011)

All three of my girls. I love this one for obvious reasons. Thanks to my sister-in-law for taking this one. It is framed and hung in our home. (early September 2011)

We went fishing in September and Cambree and Sienna were the only two who caught any fish. (September 2011)

Cambree learned about fire safety at Pre School and came home with this hat from the fireman. (October 2011)

She has had us all laughing with her a lot this past year. So much personality for such a little girl. (October 2011)

All my little piggies :-) thanks again Cindy (early September 2011)

And my sweet dainty Jo Jo (December 2011)

Wordless(ish} Wednesday's...Christmas 2011

2011-12-28T06:23:00.000-08:00

We had a lovely Christmas this year. I love this time of year mostly cause we are able to spend a lot of time with Mike's family and my own. The girls were so excited this year. I guess they have finally gotten old enough to understand the whole Christmas thing. This year I totally failed at getting a lot of pictures. Michael did video of all of it so I didn't have to stress with everything that was going on. Plus I love watching video better especially at Christmas. Being in the moment...was more important to me this year. I have had so much fun with my family...Christmas eve and Christmas day. It's crazy just how much all of our families have grown through the years. I love watching all my nieces and nephews too and being with my step-family. Plus I get to be with the coolest mom ever on Christmas day....it just couldn't of gotten any better then that!

A few Pict's I did get and what you will see:

What Christmas Eve looks like at my Dad's house...

My adorable and SILLY niece Lily(same age as my Si si)...

Me with my little sleepy child...

Grandma Cherri and little Stella...

Jo Jo all pretty Christmas morning at Grandma Kathy's...

My Aunt Ann and Stella. If she is around she is always holding her. ALWAYS.

Pretty tree and presents...

My other niece Contessa...

My lovely and amazing Grandma Great after we enjoyed Christmas breakfast...

And my one and only mom and daughter Sienna...

Hope everyone had a lovely Christmas too. Happy Wednesday!

xoxo,

Shannon

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-23T22:16:00.001-08:00

Last year at Christmas time little Stella was just a itty bitty spec starting to form and develop inside my belly. I had no idea at the time. It actually was a bit of a surprise.

I think it was two days after Christmas when I started to have a feeling that maybe I could be pregnant and on a limb I went out and bought a pregnancy test. I had a couple of hours to myself that day and while I was out washing the car I ended up going into the bathroom.

It was just one of those things. I couldn't wait to take it at home.

I nearly died when it came up positive sitting there in the bathroom at Super Sonic. :) But I couldn't wipe off my smile for nothing. I was in shock with the news!!! With that said - I was so dang happy!

What a year it has been with most of it spent being pregnant. And now this Christmas I get to experience another first Christmas with another beautiful little girl. Oh how I love the holidays with my little one's!

Cambree and Sienna are ecstatic about Christmas this year. Both of them received a message from Santa himself from the north pole. They loved it. And somehow both ended up on the 'nice' list somehow. Not sure how that could of happened. ;)

Hope you all have a Merry and Bright Christmas and a happy New Year!

xoxo,

Shannon

Black and White Wordless Wednesday...

2011-12-21T14:06:00.001-08:00

Babies are just so heavenly, aren't they? Today after Stella's bath I nursed her and laid her down in her crib to sleep. I find myself staring at her all of the time like today and then I grab the trusty 'ol camera so I will never forget it.

Can you believe on Christmas day she will be 4 months old? I can't. I will do another post later with her update...hopefully after I get some wrapping done. It's only 4 more days until Christmas! yikes.

xoxo
Shannon

Tag, you're it!

2011-12-20T22:30:00.000-08:00

Rules:

1. You must post these rules.

2. Each person must post 11 things about themselves on their blog.

3. Answer the questions the tagger set for you in their post, and create 11 new questions for the people you tag to answer.

4. You have to choose 11 people to tag and link them on the post.

5. Go to their page and tell them you have linked him or her.

6. No tag backs.

7. No stuff in the tagging section about 'you are tagged if you are reading this.' You legitimately have to tag 11 people.

11 things about me.

1. I vacuum everyday without fail. It will literally bug me until it gets done.

2. I love finding new recipes to try. Last night I tried a new cookie recipe called Jubilee Jumbo's. yum.

3. I LOVE Disneyland!

4. My favorite spot to veg at home is in front of my MAC.

5. I dated my husband for four years. Was engaged for one year exactly. And have been married for nine. And now I'm starting to feel old.

6. If we ever have another baby regardless if it's a boy or a girl, the first letter of the name will start with the letter R.

7. I'm already anticipating a trip to Hawaii with my husband and our three girls.

8. I don't do well if I don't get enough sleep.

9. I love the spirit that Christmas time brings.

10. I love when my kids crawl in my bed with me in the mornings to snuggle.

Questions from Summer @ The Crosbie Crew

1. What is your favorite article of clothing you own?

Right now since I'm not exactly fitting back into my pre-pregnancy clothes yet (It stinks). I love wearing leggings with boots with a long tunic/dress or sweater. It's comfortable and I don't have to run out and buy pants that I won't be able to wear in a month.

2. What type of face soap do you use?

Neutrogena - some kind with pink grapefruit in it. smells yum.

3. Do you prefer a big or a small purse?

A big purse for sure. I carry a lot of stuff around with me including my camera a lot of the time. And having a baby you never know what you will need next so I carry a lot of extra stuff just in case.

4. Coffee or tea?

Dr. Pepper :)

5. What first attracted you to your boyfriend/husband?

His good looks of coarse!

6. Hottest celebrity right now is ________________.

I pretty much just googled 'hottest celebrity' cause I honestly don't know who I would choose. Is that sad or what?! Okay so I honestly don't care much about celebrities all that much but I would probably have to go with Prince William. Now don't judge me! ;)

7. If you could makeover any room in your house, what room would it be and why?

Well right now we just rent a town home, but I would love to have the basement finished for us to have more space. A place where the kids could have a playroom so the toys don't end up all over the main floor. It tends to drive my crazy at times.

8. Name your two biggest pet peeves.

I could name a lot of pet peeves that I have.... like mean people that poke fun, dirty stinky sinks, and having to repeat myself especially after you've been asked a couple times already what you said. Totally drives me crazy and NO I don't talk quiet and NO I don't mumble! :) And I also hate when the lint gets removed from the dryer and gets sat on top of the dryer instead of being put into the trash. Come on people, how hard is it to make sure it finds it's way to the trash can? I mean seriously.

9. How long have you known your best friend?

Since 4th grade. How long is that? Wow....let's see about 18 years!

10. If you could meet any blogger, who would it be?

There are so many nice blogger's that I have met. It would be a toughie to just name one. Lets just say I would be willing to meet anyone who would really truly care to meet me. ;)

Questions to the people I tag:

1. What was the best thing that happened to you this year?

2. Is there something that you do every single day without fail?

3 What is your #1 pet peeve?

4. What would you change in the world today if you could?

5. Do you have any New Year resolutions planned?

6. Is there something under the tree your hoping for?

7. A favorite food that you like to cook for dinner?

8. Your favorite color is_____________.

9. You are very grateful for _______________.

10. Something you say all of the time is ______________.

I tag: Kacey @ A Page for all Seasons, Caroline, Cindy @ Simple Relevance, Jessica @ Chillin with the Chicken butts, Jamie @ The Kubeczka family, Naomi @ the L family, Melissa @ hi baby, Christa @ Young and Restless, Sarah @ Naptime Momtog, Jen @ From Here to Eternity, and Shawntae @ a little King and i.

Jo Jo's Christmas Program :)

2011-12-19T14:59:00.000-08:00

I'm falling behind as usual. So let's go back a week or so. ;)

As you all know Cambree has been lovin' preschool. I think she may even be a wee bit disappointed that she is on Christmas break and can't attend school on Tuesday and Thursday's. I'm sure she will be ecstatic to go back the first of the year.

So before Christmas break, her little school had a Christmas Program (of coarse!) I couldn't wait to see it. I know I'm the first time parent to see my little girl participate in a school program and it's a little silly, but I counted down the days. I was excited to watch my little Jo Jo. Cambree literally kept everything a 'secret'. She told me it was all a surprise and that she wasn't going to show me a thing when it came to her program. And she didn't. Other then occasionally I heard her singing, Rudolph the Red nose Rain deer while she was off playing. :)

The morning of her program, as we were getting ready she told me that it will no longer be a secret. She was so excited to sing to us! We invited grandma's and great Grandma to come watch her. We wanted Jo to feel as special as possible.

We got there early to insure a picture of her and her teacher Mrs. Bailey. Mrs. Bailey is one of Cambree's favorite people! And it's so good to see her have someone else in her little young little life that she loves. Mrs. Bailey got in a pretty bad car accident and missed a few days of school and Cambree was so worried about her. Her car was totaled in the accident, but luckily Mrs. Bailey was okay with only a few bumps and bruises. Cambree was happy the day she returned back to school.

Cambree and Mrs. Bailey

All the kids had their own little skit during the program. Cambree was the finale girl! And Mrs. Bailey said just how perfect she was for it. It was so fun to see this young group of Preschoolers sing. We all had our moments of laughter forsure! And I was so impressed how they all sat in there spots and sang for a whole 45 minutes. It was great! And Cambree came up at the end and said her line just as clear as day, "We Wish you a Merry Christmas!" in her sweet little strong voice!

It was the best!

And I'm looking forward to lots more of this kind of stuff!

xoxo

Caught in the act...

2011-12-13T20:56:00.003-08:00

of being completely adorable!

xoxo

blessed.

2011-12-13T20:01:00.000-08:00

Dear little Stella Bell,

On Sunday, December 4th, 2011 you were blessed. I know that you won't remember this wonderful celebration of your life, but I will. And someday, when I tell you about your blessing day, these might be the things that I'll say.

You looked beautiful.

You were surrounded with people that love you.

Stella with her Great Grandma Laycock

Stella with Grandma Kathy

I already knew it, but your blessing confirmed it. Your heavenly father loves you. very very much.

Cambree and Sienna were amazed at how beautiful you looked. Cambree kept say, "Stella looks beautiful in her white dress!"

You slept the entire morning, and I was worried about you being awake for your blessing. Less likely if you were asleep to not cry. But you were awake. There wasn't a chance that you would fall asleep. You were bright eyed looking all around the chapel. Luckily, you didn't cry at all through your blessing. You are such an angel.

Your blessing was beautiful, as you stared up to the heavens. Someday I hope to know what or who you were looking at.

I was reminded how blessed I am to be the momma to such a sweet, pure spirit, so fresh from Heaven and the presence of our Heavenly Father. You are my joy, little Stella. I love you so very, very much.

All and all, it truly was the loveliest of days. One that I will treasure in my memory keepsake box forever. And even though you were the one being given a blessing, I truly felt like you were the blessing being given to me.

Love,

Momma

(Pictures above was the day she was blessed, just after I changed her. We borrowed the dress from my SIL, and I was worried about Stella spitting up all over it, so I changed her immediately after her blessing. I'm hoping to get some of her in her dress soon.)

A moment in time...

2011-12-13T15:12:00.000-08:00

These hand prints of a child

Can never be duplicated

They're to remind you to smile a little

When you are tired or agitated

They'll have you remember how good it feels

How positively grand

That the world has a little more meaning

When your holding a little hand

So with my love

And ll my heart

I'm giving these to you

Just to remind you of me

Each day the whole day through

My mom's hand while she was holding my niece Contessa. Blessing day Dec 4, 2011

DECEMBER

2011-12-12T09:03:00.000-08:00

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas round here!

The evidence:

A little sneaky elf is residing at our house - his name is Dopey the Elf. We like this sneaky little guy. And I love watching the girls faces as they attempt to find him each morning and the look on their faces - priceless.

We have an impressive line-up of cold-cough remedies stacked on our counters.

We have our cute little Christmas tree up and lit 24/7 cause we love lounging around enjoying the lights. Cambree literally squealed with delight putting the star on the tree. I loved that.

My little helpers have done lots of sporadic shopping and deal-searching with me, in hopes to find the perfect gifts for loved ones.

Listening to tons of Christmas music - full blast

Baking and eating way too many treats already...even for breakfast

Watching Cambree's First ever Christmas program (She was the cutest thing ever to watch, she loves to sing, and she got up for her part at the end to say, "We Wish You a Merry Christmas!" She nailed it - it was wonderful!

Attending family parties and watching the girls eager to climb up on Santa's lap. No tears this year. Cambree asked for Mario Brother's on the WII and Sienna a baby doll.

And finally ordering our Christmas cards - I'm so excited with how they turned out.

We are loving December, as I am sure you are too.

xoxo

Sienna's tea party photos :)

2011-12-08T12:04:00.000-08:00

We had a great day planning and celebrating Sienna's little party. She was beaming all day and had so much fun! She loved having tea with her friends and dancing, of coarse. She loves to dance. Now my little two year old is now THREE! It's crazy. I love three...it's going to be a fun and interesting year!

Here's some picts :)

Some tea party decor:

tea party cake:

tea party crafts:

tea party sipping:

tea party guests:

Impromptu tea dance party:

tea party wishes:

tea party fun & giggles

Wordless Wednesday...princess tea party

2011-12-07T07:41:00.000-08:00

I had a ball throwing a little tea party for Sienna and all of her princess friends.

Would you like a spot of tea?

More to come soon! I promise.

xoxo,
Shannon

Sienna's actual birth*day! :)

2011-12-05T16:48:00.001-08:00

It may just take me all week but I am determined to get Sienna's birthday up! So here is part 1. Sienna's actual birthday on November 24, 2011.

We sure had a lot of fun doing little acts of kindness for her through out her birthday week. They were all really small things - little acts of kindness if you will, but I am positive that she felt the love that we all have for her and this whole birthday thing she was defiantly diggin'.

My favorite thing we did for her was Mike and I stayed up until 2 o' clock in the morning the night before blowing up 72 balloons to surprise her with. We had her bedroom completely filled with pink, white and purple balloons. Yes. I said it, 72 balloons...It was crazy fun! And I hate to say that I only captured video of this. No pictures. Dang it.

What was wrong with me???

But I have to say the video is pretty much priceless!

She was ecstatic when she woke. She love LOVES balloons! They lived in her bedroom floor for a few days and I think both girls had a lot of fun bouncing them around.

And this year Sienna's birthday fell on Thanksgiving. So we shared her day with some family and a big turkey that we pleasantly stuffed ourselves with. :) And don't forget the pumpkin pie! yum.

And like her older sister -Sienna was most excited for the actual blowing out the candle part on the cake the very most. She honestly could care less about the presents. Making a wish and eating cake is something my girls look forward too. But, she did love her birthday present surprise from grandma Kathy and opening up some Lincoln Logs from her oldest sister Jo.

She had a fun day and we did our best to make her shine. And she was looking forward to dressing up as a princess and having her friends and cousins over for a tea party! That will be next!

xoxo,

Shannon

1-2-3

2011-11-28T14:14:00.000-08:00

months old....

and even more in love than day 1.

forgive me for the lack of length in this post...

I'm a bit pooped out from the the long Thanksgiving weekend and from Sienna's little tea party on Saturday.

But not pooped out enough not to say how much I love my little Stella Bell. She's my little love bug and she is now three-months-old! (Well- as of November 25th!)

And I even remembered through the craziness lately to get a few pictures.

Happy three months baby doll!

xoxo

Sienna turns three

2011-11-23T10:11:00.000-08:00

three years ago our hearts grew a bjillion sizes bigger.

three years ago our little Miss Sienna was born.

three years ago I witnessed my two little girls that mean everything to me become forever sisters.

three years ago, my life forever changed once again, becoming another momma to a very special little someone.

I love you little Miss Sienna girl.

thank you for three years of joy, tears, laughs, hugs, fears, and kisses.

Love you to the moon and back!

xoxo

Birthday countdown

2011-11-21T14:39:00.000-08:00

So Sienna turns three on Thursday - which means it's her birthday week! And this year it falls on Thanksgiving - even better. I think that birthdays should be a BIG deal. So I have decided to start a little fun family tradition in our family. I know some people may think it's nuts - but I tend to adore the idea of birthdays - it's such a beautiful way to celebrate a person and how they truly are....and in my opinion, you just can't do it justice in just a single day!

Which means that I am going to start doing something special each day for the that special birthday someone leading up to their birthday day. So while it may sound exhausting, it doesn't have to be anything too big, it can be simple - to me it sounds all sorts of ridiculous fun.

So a couple morning ago she woke up to this little banner hanging in her room and a couple little presents for her to open. Not a big deal.

She was thrilled.

Then later on that evening, we had a picnic on the family room floor with her favorite dinner -sweet n sour chicken (including chopsticks - cause that's a must) it's the funniest way to eat chicken with my little ladies. Then we followed up dinner with a cute little Christmas movie.

Then on Tuesday, well we were busy so I didn't have anything planned for her that day. But she (along with Jo) was able to go to Jane's house and play, play, play while I went to get my hair colored. So that totally counts - cause she loves friends and playing - especially cause Jane and Crew's house is so much fun!

Tonight we'll go get pizza and stop for some ice cream. and at the end of the day, she'll take off a little ring from her birthday-countdown garland, and replace the number to 1. Her birthday is tomorrow! Nothing too flashy in birthday week - just a way to create excitement, anticipation, and to make sure Sienna knows we are so mega - stoked that she was born.

Christmas 2008 - Sienna 1 month

Sienna @ 3 months

Sienna @ 6 months

There just is so much to say about her spicy self. She is wonderful and well it's totally obvious just how much fun she really is.

Can't wait to surprise her a lot more tomorrow and watching her blow out her three candles on some of my favorite pie tomorrow! :)

xoxo

Shannon

10 things I am thankful for everyday

2011-11-21T10:10:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays for so many reasons, but foremost, it gives me the chance to reflect on all that I am grateful for. It's so easy to get caught up in the stress and annoyances of everyday life, and not focus on the good, of which I have an abundance.

I have a wonderful and supportive husband, children who amaze me every single day. I am so incredibly thankful for them all.

And then there are the little things I am thankful for, the ones that make life easier every single day. So, today, a few days before I give thanks for my true blessings, I'd like to pay homage to those small things I am thankful for. The things I wouldn't want to live without...

1. Baby wipes. I never bought a box of wipes before I had a baby, but I have no doubt that I will be buying them for the rest of my life. I use them for everything from cleaning the counters to removing makeup to wiping messy faces - which is frequent. They're indispensable.

2. Hot Showers. The burst of hot water felt in the morning from a hot shower is the best. I think we could all agree on this one.

3. Naps. It's rare that I actually get to take one, but when I do? I swear I can hear the angels singing! :)

4. Pizza delivery. We get it more often than I care to admit, but having a hot dinner, which all of my kids inevitably chow down on, is a beautiful thing.

5. Target. It's the one store where I can get every single thing I need from clothes to milk to a waterproof mattress pad to a cute new clutch. I can't imagine life without it.

6. Texting. What did we do before these days? It's nice to get a instant response and not having to always make a phone call especially while running around with your head cut off with three kids.

7. Television. It's free (okay - maybe not), but always available, and it occupies my children so I can take a phone call, bath, or cook dinner in peace. I simply cannot imagine life without it.

8. My mom. She is always there for me always. I couldn't imagine life without her love and the love that she shows has for my children. Spending a day with her is always fun and sometimes just what I need to feel recharged again.

9. Computers. For me that would be my MAC. I love her! Most defiantly my most favorite toy of mine. Well, that and my camera of coarse. It's so much fun capturing my family and children in pictures and being able to edit them, print and share with friends and family that I love.

10. a few more things I am grateful for - baby swing, my car, medicine, electricity, money (even if it's just enough to get by), a hardworking husband, blogs, food and laughter.

What are some things you are thankful for?

xoxo

Shannon

Stella Bell :)

2011-11-17T11:57:00.001-08:00

As you can see Stella is growing at a fast pace! It's crazy. She is by far been my biggest baby. I've forgotten to record her stats so far so here they are:

at her 1 week appt. 9/01/2011 she was 19.7 in. long and weighed 7.3 lbs.

her 1 month appt. 09/29/2011 she was 22 in. long and weighed 9.8 lbs.

at her 2 month appt. 10/27/2011 she was 23.5 in. long and is now weighing 12 lbs.

A little more about Stella right now:

She loves her swing. She is fascinated with it. She loves the music and the little sheep that go around. She takes a nap or two in her swing during the day. I will also lay her down on my bed to nap or in her crib too.

She is a wonderful sleeper! Wakes to eat usually once or twice and sleeps the rest of the night.

She hates her bouncer. If you put her in it she immediately cries and wants out. She would rather lay on a blanket on the couch or lay underneath her jungle gym - another thing she is fascinated with.

She is breastfeed. I can't complain here at all. Even if I wanted her to take a bottle she refuses! She will usually only eat on one side during each feeding and be done. She likes to snack. A little here a little there. :) One way or the other - I feel half dressed all day. But it's doing the trick - Did you notice her little belly goin' on?! :)

She is now wearing 3-6 month clothes and size 1 diaper's.

She is now noticing her hands. She thinks they are the neatest things ever. Most the time while she is memorized with them it leads to crossed eyes and well it's hilarious.

ears pierced at 2 months - go ahead you can tell me how mean I am!

If her sisters are around you can see Stella try to find them and when she does she smiles! She already loves them. Cambree likes to sing to her - especially while in the car and it soothes her. Sienna pops in on her a hundred times a day or more just to say "hi!" I think that by now baby is pretty used to it. They all love each other so much. Well, lets say about 90% of the time. ;)

Xo,

Shannon

(I'm hoping to get back into visiting and commenting a lot more on all your blogs! I miss you all! These girls keep me so busy and it's been a little hectic around here.)

The Wonder Years

2011-11-10T07:54:00.000-08:00

"When you're a little kid, you're a little bit of everything; artist, scientist, athlete, scholar. Sometimes it seems like growing up is a process of giving those things up, one by one. I guess we all have one thing we regret giving up. One thing we really miss. That we gave up because we were too lazy. Because we couldn't stick it out. Or because we were too afraid."

I remember that being a kid wasn't always easy either.

And the growing up part is hard. Giving things up is the worst.

And I really hated the insecurity that being a kid/teenager brought.

Like reeealllly hated it.

Of coarse then I probably didn't understand how challenging those moments were. I'd like to believe I made the best of the hard stuff and enjoyed the fun stuff. But now I realize how hard some of that was, maybe I'm glad that I have grown up a little bit. I'm glad to be a little more Master of my life ad a little less the questioner, the wonder-er...of what it all would become.

Wondering who you'd become someday was a scary thought, wasn't it?

Even though my childhood is long gone, now I'm thoroughly enjoying watching my girls enjoy their childhoods and their own wonder years. They are so cute and fun - and they change every day.

And so the days are just melting away.

These Wonder years of my sweet girls' lives are flashing by quicker than I can catch my breath.

And we're loving every out -of-breath moment as much as we possibly can.

xoxo

Black {i heart faces}

2011-11-07T17:10:00.000-08:00

Stella's 1st Halloween

She happened to be a little black kitty Halloween day. She is exactly 2 months and 1 week here. Geez. I just want to eat her up! :)

It's a good thing that looks can't kill...

2011-11-06T15:29:00.000-08:00

or else I'd be dead.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

She can be so sassy. Oh boy, yes she can!

She is the one that tests me the most.

She loves to get underneath her sister's skin and does it completely on purpose.

The girls defiantly get in little fights and some times I have no idea how to handle it.

Parenting isn't always the easiest job.

I remember a time when they were too young to fight.

They loved each other all of the time. And I didn't have to be the referee at all.

I miss those days at times.

Sienna is starting to tell us 'No' more and more. She especially does this with dad for some reason. She's such a stinker! And honestly she just does most of it for attention. Deep down I know she likes to be nice, but she gets so much attention if she is bad. It's true.

But like Grandma Great has always said,

"It's okay. You've got to have a little spunk to survive in this 'ol world!"

And well I can say she defiantly does!

Xo,
Shannon

Pre-School and a visit from the Fire Department

2011-11-05T19:29:00.000-07:00

This month at Jo's Pre-School they have been learning about Safety. The Lone Peak Fire Department came for a visit last week and taught the kids about Fire Safety. The kids were able to see and get inside of the firetruck also learning what to do in case of a fire.

I'm super happy that Jo has been enjoying school. She looks forward to it every Tuesday and Thursday. I'm sure she would love to go to school every day if she could and I finally think she could start to handle a full day of school. She loves her teacher. And she learned that the fireman that came to visit was her teacher's husband and that was just super cool! And she also had to mention to me that he was bald (so funny)!

Anyways, she learned to STOP, DROP and ROLL! Until there is no fire on you. And to NEVER ever hide from a fire cause it will find you. That FIRE will always win.

Her school makes everything so fun. I love our little chats after class every week. And she is always excited to show me what she has learned.

She got the fire hat from Mr. Bailey (the REAL fireman) and was so SO proud. We have no regrets with her Pre-School. I have been super pleased with her progress and everything my baby girl has been learning.

Before I know it she will be reading! Reading. I can't believe it!

I can't believe how fast she is growing up!

She's getting so BIG! ;)

Oh and she loved her hat...

And Sister had to have a turn too...

The girls costumes, Halloween 2011

2011-11-01T12:07:00.000-07:00

Cambree as Astrid and Sienna as Ruffnut - Off of the movie How to train you Dragon. My SIL's mother made all of our costumes this year. She did a wonderful job and the girls loved them! They were obsessed with How to Train a Dragon for a looooonnnng time.

And it just wouldn't be complete without a Dragon!

Stella as the Dragon

So I sort of had the idea in the back of my head for Halloween this year. Thanks Carol for your time and talent with the costumes. :) And I'm sure by next year the girls will have full reign at choosing whatever costumes their little hearts desire! I can't wait!

xoxo,
Shannon

22 things and some iphone Picts

2011-10-30T09:05:00.000-07:00

This idea came from Joni over @ Six Cherries on Top. She shared 22 Things She has done and 22 things she has not done. So I thought I would share and add my own list for fun.

Since I'm enjoying my quiet house for once and Stella is peacefully rockin' fast asleep next to me. :) And you may be surprised with some of my answers or at least get to know me a little better!

22 things I have done

1. Went deep sea fishing in Alaska. 2. Took a boat out to see a glacier. 3. Had my appendix removed in 4th grade. 4. Owned a brand new vehicle. 5. Gone to a midnight premiere for a movie 6. been country dancing 7. build and designed 4 of our own custom homes (husband-build, I designed) 8. Been to ground zero while in NY. 9. Saw the blue man group show in Chicago. 10. had my belly button pierced in high school 11. cut my own bangs. 12. Asked my boss for a raise. 13. Went joyriding with girlfriends and ended up at the Police Station. 14. Won a black jack tournament on my honeymoon. 15. Said I love you first to a boy. 16. quit my job and left family and friends to live in Hawaii. 17. Been whale watching. 18. slid of the road while driving in a snow storm and ended up in a ditch. 19. Scattered ashes in the ocean 20. camped with girlfriends in Lake Powell for a week. 21. Had 3 healthy pregnancies and now raising 3 gorgeous girls.

22 things I haven't done

1. I've never been to the grand canyon. 2. Made a pie from scratch 3. broke a bone 4. Been pulled over on the freeway. 5. hiked Timp 6. ate raw fish 7. Been skinny dippin'. 8. Driven across country 9. Picked up a hitch hiker 10. Purposely hurt someone's feelings 11. left my children over night. 12. sneak into a movie without paying 13. Planned a surprise party 14. asked a celebrity for their autograph 15. ski dived or bungee jumped 16. Let my kids own a pet (someday this will happen) 17. Wear pajamas to a store. 18. change a tire 19. read a book in a day 20. have never gotten a tattoo 21. or have ever held a tarantula

Wow! That was a little harder than I thought.

Let me know if you make a list too, I'd love to check it out!

Also I've been MIA in IG lately. So these are from a few weeks past that have been laying around on my phone.

~post surgery - a sad and puffy little Jo Jo

~annual trip to Target

~little fingers, Pre-School pickup

hanging with my girl, DS concentration

a new friend for Stella

baby dreams, little piggies

some Gramme lovin', beautiful fall park day

sun flare, swings

Momma and Stell, cousin Hadlee

xoxo,

Shannon

2011-10-29T16:48:00.000-07:00

Just a cute little snapshot of my gangster girl! :) and a few words from the heart...

I love you Sienna! Thank you so much for being my little somebody to love. You are the best little helper any Momma could ask for. You are so full of love and you are so SO special to me. Your growing up so quick it's startling. Just today I was looking back at some old photos of you just 6 months ago and you've changed so much in just a short period of time. I wish I could freeze you and that you will always think that I am the best thing on this planet. I love your tight hugs, wet kisses, night time snuggles and early morning wakings. You light up my little world and I love you more than any words could try to express.

Love you sweetheart!

xoxo,

your Momma

The girls carved pumpkins.

2011-10-29T11:01:00.001-07:00

Cambree picked a face that she said looked like a dog?! :D Okay I can kind of see it. ;) She didn't want to touch the guts. Pushing out the cut pieces was super cool! And she liked the mean looking eyes, of coarse.

Sienna wanted to cut it all out herself. Little Miss independent. I cut it out with her supervision. She touched the guts (eeewwww). She wanted the happy happy face for her pumpkin (not too surprised). But was terrified seeing the pumpkins lit up at night.

Our niece Kayslynn joined us along with Grandma, Grandma Great, Michele, Clay and Trenton. Glad they joined us!

So that's their pumpkin masterpieces for this year!

Pretty darn cute I must add and what great fun.

xoxo,

Shannon

Pumpkin Patch-round 2

2011-10-29T07:51:00.000-07:00

So we made another round of picking pumpkins and made it to our 'favorite' Pumpkin Patch last weekend. The girls look forward to pushing their own wheelbarrow around while they pick up a bazillion pumpkins in hopes to find the perfect one. :)

And they finnnallly did. Cambree likes to pick the biggest ones and Sienna likes the itty bitty baby ones. We picked up a couple other pumpkins to bring home for Grandma and Grandma Great.

We planned a little carving party that night. It was fun. The pumpkins turned out cute. I find it funny how even their pumpkins seemed to fit the girl's personalities perfectly. (picts to come...)

I love LOVE this time of year!

Xo,

Shannon

'lil Miss Stella

2011-10-23T21:41:00.000-07:00

'lil Miss Stella is two months old today. TWO months!!! I will now be cliche and proceed to explain how fast this whole infant stage goes. Because it really does. really really. What they don't tell you, however, is how much you will love the infant stage even the third time around. I love it. I am doing my best to take in every moment to just smell Stella, and touch her soft skin...because those moments are so fleeting with a newborn, yet so sweet and lovely.

Don't get me wrong. My baby fusses. and cries. and I still have moments that I want to pull my hair out. But most of the time, our days are sweet. So I thought I'd share a typical one with you!

She wakes up and wants to eat. She proceeds to eat as if she's never eaten before and will never eat again. Eating is serious business for 'lil chunk Stella (hence the chunk). After she is full-bellied, she looks at me and smiles. and smiles. and smiles. She is so super smiley. It is so super cute and no picture will ever do it justice.

Then it's bath time. She's basically in heaven. She then proceeds to engage in one of the many staring contests we have throughout the day. She always wins. I then give her a bazillion hugs and kisses because she smells so delicious. I have to remind myself not to eat her right up for breakfast because she smells so good, and I'm usually pretty hungry by this point.

Then I dress her up in ruffles and tights and bows and whatever other frilly thing I can think of. Okay maybe not always. I have found that by my third girl I have toned it down a bit. Stella actually prefers nothing on her head. But we are working on that!

She will then sit propped up in the boppy pillow on my bed or else rocks in her swing while I get the big sister's all ready for the day and myself. Sienna will usually then smother her in affection - wet kisses, sprawling herself over Stella, talking to her, they both love to get Stella to talk, give her toys and blankets, trying to wrap her in her blanket (which consists of Sienna throwing the blanket over her face...nice), and telling her that it's okay.

After we've exhausted the pillow or swing option, Stella just wants to be held. But 8 out of 10 times she usually falls right into la la land. I love to hold her though. Mostly because I know it doesn't last forever and I will undoubtedly miss it. I sometimes wish that I could just sit and hold her more. And sometimes I do mind. Like when every toy, DVD, dish, and item of laundry is thrown about the house and i'd just like my two hands for more than two seconds.

So if I've held her, she finally falls asleep. She hates being bundled like a burrito though. She likes to be able to move her hands and legs freely.

When she wakes up, we start over at the beginning of this list, minus the whole bath/get dressed part.

Throughout the day, she loves the bjorn, is getting lots better being in her car seat (the best one out of the three), will NOT suck on a bink...pretty much gave up on that. And will NOT take a bottle. Not sure why but none of my babies would take one. Why??? So it makes it pretty much impossible to leave her for very long. Loves to look into your eyes with her big blue ones (I'm thinking they're gonna stay blue...or maybe I'm hoping?), loves to hold your finger reaaalll tight, doesn't mind tummy time too much, coos and gargles to me and I love it, and loves you to kiss her 'lil neck.

The night time comes and she is usually wide awake until about 9:30 or so. sometimes 10. sometimes 11. sometimes it's brutal. I just look at her and think, don't you know I'm not a night person? But the last 3 weeks she's given me the gift of staying asleep till 3...and some days 5:30. Last night it was 6:00! 7 1/2 straight hours of sleep is a beautiful thing, my friend. A very beautiful thing.

And that's how I feel about Stella too. She's a very beautiful 'lil thing.

We adore her.

times infinity.

xoxo

More fishin' Picts :)

2011-10-20T12:18:00.000-07:00

I'm so glad we were able to fit in a day of fishing with the family. It has been a long time since we have gone. Cambree was just 8 months old the last time we went. So technically this was her first time to actual fish. She loved it! I was surprised that she didn't get bored of it. She was a natural. She instantly started catching fish as soon as she put her line out there. She shocked us all when she reeled in her first one all by herself. She caught a total of 5 herself for the day and Sienna caught one!

So glad to spend this beautiful day up the canyon with my family!

It was defiantly needed!

xoxo,
Shannon

Wordless{ish} Wednesdays - fishin'

2011-10-19T22:29:00.000-07:00

This was Sienna's first time fishing and she caught one! It was itty bitty but nobody cared. It was just super cute to watch her reel it in all by herself. She was so proud! But soon after that she had enough already. Not much patience to just sit on a rock and fish. So she collected rocks and kept her eye out for ladybugs near the lake instead. That seemed to be more entertaining and fun for her busy little self.

But here she is fishin' with dad :)

And she wasn't scared at all to touch it either. She pretty much is fearless this child!

xoxo,

Shannon

Friday night.

2011-10-17T21:31:00.000-07:00

This was round #2 at the Pumpkin Patch. I promised the girls that we would come back with dad and let them play and ride the train. So this is how we spent our Friday night. It makes me chuckle looking back at the type of things Michael and I used to plan on a Friday night before having kids. It's nothing like it is today.

But I wouldn't trade it for the world!

Hanging out with these three little ladies playing in a corn box, going through a silly maze and riding a train much too small for myself is far more entertaining! It really doesn't even compare.

Nope.

Not even a little.

Life is good. :)

::the truth

2011-10-14T22:07:00.001-07:00

the truth is I have a garbage can full of poopie diapers that needs to be taken out. Oh and the kitchen and bathroom one too. lots of trash.

the truth is I have laundry folded on top of my washer and dryer from the past week. I'm impressed with myself that it's folded. I wonder if it will ever get put away itself. And I'm angry looking at my hampers already getting full again. Even though there is a load in the washer and one in the dryer as I type. I don't remember ever doing this much laundry in my entire life.

The truth is I haven't been to the grocery store since the baby was born. Yes, I'm starving my family. No not really. Thankfully I've been blessed with a wonderful hubby who has gone every time cause I'm a huge slacker. And I wonder how I'll keep up handling the errands by myself with three kids cause it's really really hard. Let alone cook. and clean. and nurse. and change poopie bums. and nurse again. and still look half-decent. wow. I'm tired just thinking about it.

The truth is instead of cleaning up all the junk (ie. little diapers, wipes, blankets, bouncer, pillow, nursing covers...whoa I forgot how much junk you take out for a little squirt) that has accumulated in every single room of our house. So I told myself that I needed a little outing today. To the pumpkin patch we went. I'm glad I neglected my responsibility to be...responsible. because being cooped up is making me coo-key. and getting out was fun. fresh air does a human good.

The truth is I cried three times today. none of them for any real good reason.

The truth is Stella likes to be held all the time. and I like to hold her all the time. I'm creating a monster but it's just that I'm not used to such behavior...especially the fact that tears can be consoled by a little nuzzle in my arms. So bizarre. And yummy and warm and perfect on a cool fall day.

The truth is I'm missing social interaction tons these days. So to make up for lack of girl time, I am spending way too much time on facebook/reading blogs. I think it's because blogs and facebook make me feel like I have friends...like there is life out there...and that I had one at one point.

The truth is I opened a bag of Halloween candy. And now I can't stop eating it. I honestly hope Stella is ok with me eating chocolate because I've had like 12 bit size butterfingers. side note: i hate the bite size ones- because they make you feel like they're so small- so then you just keep popping those "small" suckers in your mouth until you've eaten more bites than a king size candy bar. dang bite sizers. The truth is I'm sooooooo excited to reveal our Halloween costume ensemble this year. I think they are pretty stinkin' cute.

And finally, the truth is...my life isn't perfect. It has it's moments. moments that make me frustrated. Moments that make me wanna pull my hair out. Moments that make me want to just pee in peace for once. But most of all, moments that make me love my hubs and my three little girls so much I think my heart could burst.

and that's enough truths to be revealed for one night.

Happy October!

xoxo

little moments to cherish

2011-10-14T12:40:00.000-07:00

Cambree loves her sister(s) so SO much! She is just as protective and loving as she is with Sienna to little Stella. She's such a sweet little girl and loves to sing and play with little Stella. I couldn't help get her playing peekaboo with her yesterday.

little moments like these are de best ...

xoxo,

Shannon

Our week in phone Pict's

2011-10-08T09:17:00.000-07:00

I think we went out only once this week. ;( So most of this weeks Pict's are us at home finding things to do. We were having the most perfect fall weather and now it's freezing outside and it's been raining and even snow in the mountains so it's been to cold to go anywhere with the baby. I'm hoping we can enjoy some fall like weather again cause I sure wasn't ready for snow.

Things you will see this week:

It's been a ponytail or bun kind of week.

Sienna is such a early bird (always has been)... this week she has been making it routine and waking up between 4:30 and 6:00 (not cool)! So she typical takes a early afternoon nap for a couple hours.

This is me when I was 3 1/2 months old roughly. So what do you think? Can you see any resemblance to anyone?

My beauty sleepin' Stella

Off to pick up Jo Jo from Preschool

A look at Cambree's Apple school from the road

She loves Toy Story 3

and Stella sleeping once again...

puzzles and pj's

mouse hat :)

And hooded Minnie ears after a nice warm bath!

And Stella rockin' her Beatles onsie!

xoxo,

Shannon

here's to happiness

2011-10-05T19:38:00.000-07:00

"Since you get more joy out of giving joy to others, you should put a good deal of thought into the happiness that you are able to give."

-Eleanor Roosevelt

I have read a few happy list from a couple of my fellow bloggers last week.

A bunch of happy things that were making them feel happy.

I try to find the joy in the little things...especially in being a mom.

But I know that sometimes I tend to be a little bit of a downer.

It's just that life just gets nuts, you know?

One minute, everything feels fine - and the next...WHAM. things change. little ones get sassy. littler ones thinks its incredibly funny to torment the bigger one...Doing everything possible to get under her skin to make her mad or cry. You find that you don't even have $1 to your name and bills are stacked in little piles all over the house. The list could go on and on.

Being a stay-at-home-mom is the thing I always wanted to be when I grew up. I wanted to have my cute house and my cute hubby who came home and kissed me every night and my cute kids and my cute plates to serve my cute dinner on. I didn't really realize how challenging it would be to keep everything cute. Because life gets caarraazzzzzy!

Sometimes I'm cooking the spaghetti when I realize there's blood dripping from Sienna's mouth, and Cambree just spilled milk on the carpet and Mike walks through the door and wants that cute kiss and I am panicking hearing the timer go off for the spaghetti, while seeing the milk seep into the carpet and the blood getting ready to drip on Sienna's new shirt. What issue do I address first? chaos, i tell you. To the point I'm holding my breath basically all day, and consuming abnormal amount of bread and chocolate to cope with the nuttiness.

But just because things are crazy and chaotic doesn't mean that there isn't joy. I have so much to be grateful for - and so many little things that make me happy every day.

So here's my happy list to share with you -

10. My girl's crazy faces. And there need to have several 'crazy' faces taken each day.

9. Watching this one learn and get to be a little Miss Smartypants. :) And seeing all her adorable school work come home. And she just passed off some of her letters we have been working on (a,m,p,s and d). makes me happy.

8. Our 'lil precious Stella Bell. Who has kept us all pretty busy each and every second of the day. And we love her coos & sounds and all that newborn smells. She is precious and feisty already. We love her. And she even is starting to smile and even giggle.

7. And her little soon to be chunk legs in these cute knee high's. {LoVe}

6. And the sheer joy of watching exhausted little bodies nap just cause it's quiet and they look so peaceful doing it.

5. Hearing Jo Jo sing. She has been learning lots of cute little tunes at school. They need to be recorded. And her expressions while she does it makes me smile. a lot.

4. Unexpected visits from my mom who always seems to make everything better. always. And why is it they have a sense when something is wrong and a much needed hug or outing is needed?!

3. The Utah mountains that seem to rejuvenate me. I can't wait to go take a ride up the canyon soon. maybe this weekend.

yes I am happy.

happy happy happy

xoxo

Cambree's fifth birthday Party

2011-10-04T14:26:00.000-07:00

Cambree picked a Cowgirl birthday theme this year. It was a lot of fun seeing all the kids dressed up like miniature cowboys and cowgirls! :) Cambree looked adorable in her giddy up...I can't believe she is five! We held her birthday at our Clubhouse (once again, like last year) but thankfully to a five year old it didn't matter much and wasn't 'make or break it' for me as a parent. We enjoyed our day loving on her and watching my little lady open gifts and blow out her birthday cake. The kids enjoyed a few silly games, a treasure hunt and of coarse a pinata. It's a must to have a pinata when it comes to planning a party for our little Jo.

We also were able to take Cambree out before her birthday party, along with Sienna to ride a real pony. They loved it! We appreciate Matt and Nicole's family for arranging it for us. Cambree lit up as she got to ride it around there yard and getting to brush the pony was so super cool to her.

I've had a lack of energy since having Stella and I literally threw everything together (with some credit to my wonderful mom who helped me out preparing some of the food) with that said, we had a great party for our little lady! And I think that Cambree felt special and hopefully she was able to tell how loved she is by so many people.

Invited close friends and lots of cousins joined us!

The cake is also a BIG deal for Jo. She didn't want to pick it out with me at the store. A cake to her MUST be a surprise! So indeed it was...

She loves blowing out her own birthday candles! I think she likes it just as much as the gifts. :) I always wonder what she wishes for as she shuts her eyes before blowing out her candles. I never ask her but I hope all her wishes come true!

I'm sure this year has a lot in store for us! She is growing up fast and the journey continues!

xoxo,

Shannon

Hey! It's a photo dump!

2011-10-02T21:39:00.000-07:00

So it's been a while since I have participated in sharing my weekly iPhone Pict's. So before clearing them off my IPOD here are some images over let's see...the past 6 weeks. Let's just say that having three kids has been some getting used too. :)

It's been crazy to say the least! I find that leaving the house with all three in tow is a little challenging. But I can do it! :) I try to run errands while Cambree is in school, but that is only on Tuesday and Thursdays. Stella hated the car seat especially at first, but she is getting better there has been less crying and I hate hearing a little newborn cry while driving. It's the worst and breaks my heart! If I time it all just right...she will usually sleep. I try to avoid being out late cause at night she likes to be home and I don't blame her.

Someday soon I hope I will get more organized and have some time to keep this blog more organized. Maybe that's wishful thinking?! Most likely but I suppose I can try! :)

The babe is 6 weeks old...What?! This photo was actually taken today. Look how fast my baby is filling out! Slow down, girl! :), some Sisterly LOVE, a mini me (she seriously looks exactly like me as a baby), squeezing in a nap with Stella, Mommy's glasses, outside with Stella, bath time with G'ma Kathy, the SKY

Grandpa Archer meets Stella, total cuteness, SMILES, babies profile, sleep, sleep and more sleep, and she opens her eyes, hi baby! :)

Out to lunch, lovin' daddy, Sienna crashes, out to the park, the three together, Mom and Jo, bike riding, and visiting our sweet Grandma Great!

linked up with Insta-Friday and Amy over at A Good Life.

One month of Stella

2011-09-26T12:46:00.000-07:00

Hard to believe it's already been a month since Stella made her grand entrance to the world (well, as of two days ago)...and our first month as a family of five has already come and gone. Our month has been wonderful.

We've all been getting to know each other...and learning/remembering how to live life with a newborn. Some things we've experience in this short month:

- more sleepless nights than remembered

- more restful nights than remembered, too :)

- lots and lots and lots of nursing.

- very happy, spoiled, attention-fulfilled girls, thanks to Grandma Kathy.

- cuddling for no apparent reason. I love a baby that cuddles!?

- a Sienna who wants in on all the cuddle action

- sisterly adoration and affection that is so sugary sweet, it will melt your heart every time you witness it.

- poop, poop, poop...oh, and more poop. This baby's bowels are insane.

- enjoying Daddy...life is waaay more fun when he's around. We hated to see him return back to work. ;(

- more nursing. ouuuuuch.

- more poop. how does that much poop come out of a such a little squirt??

- minimal crying - of which Cambree is NOT a fan. Stella tears = Cambree tears.

- lots and lots of staring.

- visits from lovely family and friends - and an outpouring of love and concern via phone calls, texts, emails, and comments/Facebook messages. Wow, we are truly blessed. Thank you for loving our lil feisty family. I love you all too.

- And yet even more nursing. and an Sienna who is very fascinated by the whole ordeal and has made some classic inquiries about it:

"baby Stella eating your boo boo's?"

"Stella only drink mama milk? not chocolate milk?"

"Sienna don't drink mama's milk!"

"Mama's boo boo's are really hot."

- obviously these all led to some pretty interesting conversations.

- And yet even more pooping. seriously!!?

even Stella managed to have a massive blow out when left with Aunt Jess ;)

-snapping a gazillion pictures of it all in hopes of remembering such a sweet, surprisingly peaceful time for our little family. sure, we've had our "moments"...I know plenty more moments of chaos await us, but for now we have been enjoying every minute together.

so, without further rammmblings from yours truly, here's the part that everyone really cares about. About 1% of the gazillions of photos aforementioned...enjoy.

My girls! - including Stella's newborn photographs :)

2011-09-26T09:03:00.000-07:00

Received photographs today from our little photo shoot of the girls a few weeks ago.

I'm in love......and of coarse had to share.

(credit to my amazing sister in law Cindy! thanks so much)

Let me know which ones are your fave....mine is the third...or fifth...or twelfth....heck I love 'em all! But, I am trying to pick which one(s) I should print big!

Enjoy!

aren't the pictures stunning?

xoxo

Wordless[ish} Wednesday - Birthday at School

2011-09-21T06:41:00.000-07:00

She had so much fun at school today celebrating her birthday!

She passed out treats to her classmates.

She was so excited for it.

She picked out her favorite color of crown and balloon.

and she made a adorable little face made out of a paper plate. :)

I love her.

She's adorable.

And after all these years I still can't believe she is mine!

xoxo

5 years = 5 trillion pictures + more

2011-09-20T12:45:00.000-07:00

Today marks Jo Jo's fifth year of life!

WOW.

Five of the best and most wonderful years of my life.

Jeesh.

And so, I thought I would share five trillion photos of Miss Cambree Jo-

since pictures are the best part anyway. :)

yes, there may be some repeats.

(Hopefully I will find some time soon to post more recent ones.)

Such a sweetie, this little Miss Cambree Jo Jo.

I can't believe its already been five years since I was ready to welcome this sweet girl into this world. And you know what a birthday means - a birthday party!

Can't wait to throw it. She is super excited for her 'cowgirl hoedown' birthday party!

should be sweet - just like the birthday girl.

and then, she can officially stop growing up.

because I like her the way she is.

Your beautiful my darling! We love you!

xoxo,

Shannon

Wordless{ish} Wednesdays

2011-09-14T17:13:00.001-07:00

My handsome man and baby Stella

LOVE this picture of them!

Over Labor Day Weekend 2011

xoxo,Shannon

Jo jo and Preschool

2011-09-12T14:06:00.001-07:00

I mentioned that Cambree started Preschool...that was the end of August. Her first day of school, was the day before I was induced with Stella. I'm so glad I was able to be apart of that day with my 'lil Jo and was able to take her to her first day of school. She was so excited and happy to finally start school and I am so glad she is enjoying it.

This is the day she went to meet her teacher...Mrs. Bailey and she LOVES her! That morning she spent a little time coloring her a picture. She was so excited to give it to her. :)

Right before we left to go to her school and see her new classroom... :)

After school she shows me what she did and what she has learned that day. I love all her cute school work. I haven't thrown a way a thing. It's all been placed in a big pile to go in her book. I'm sure I will start to weed out some things, but for now I just can't part with it...it's just too cute. She is such a smart little girl and we are all so proud of her. I have to kind of chuckle as she waves to almost everyone in the parking lot before school. She has turned out to be our little Social butterfly! :) She loves meeting new friends and it makes me smile! She is such a love able and sweet little girl.

I look forward to see what this year brings! :)

Friday Link-up!

2011-09-08T16:23:00.000-07:00

This is one of the many pictures I took of Stella before leaving the hospital. I love little feet especially little newborn feet. So wrinkly. So tiny. So fresh.

Wordless{ish} Wednesdays - It's gotta be rough! :)

2011-09-08T12:03:00.000-07:00

Stella Grace - 11 days old

I think I could lay next to her forever just to watch her sleep. She rarely moves. She continues to be such a great and content baby. Lucky me! She has made my heart full and she is all things wonderful!

My older two girls came down with colds a few days ago. The worst timing ever...wouldn't ya know! So we are doing our best to keep the baby from getting sick. It's been hard for Sienna especially to understand what that means. She wants her little sister all of the time. So I am hoping all the anti-bacterial soap works! I'm doing my best to keep the baby tucked away in my bedroom as much as I can away from the sickies. I really don't want a sick baby too. Let's hope and pray that she stays well!

This is the photo that I want to show my mom. I still need to dig my baby book out, but this one...i think looks like me as a baby. If I remember correctly of a certain photograph. So momma what do you think???

Xo,

Shannon

More of our little creation :) and the first week!

2011-09-05T09:09:00.000-07:00

The first week with Stella home went by so so fast. When Thursday came around I couldn't believe it was time for her 1 week checkup. It went by so fast. She is doing great already grown a lot in just one week. Gaining almost a entire pound! I think we have a good eater on our hands! :) She weighed 7 lbs. 5 oz. and grew 3/4" of a in. in length!

The girls have adjusted really well with our new little one in the home. Sienna has had her moments of jealousy. She loves her sister a lot though! So much she wants to do everything for her. Giving her baths, helping me change her, putting the Binky in her mouth, etc. She even puts her stuffed animals on top of her while she is in the swing...already wants to share. :) But at times, she has started to act up and seems to want more attention. She will tell me she wants me to feed her or hold her. ;) :) Stuff that she has noticed I have been doing with Stella. But all in all we are very proud of Sienna. It still has to be hard in a way for a 2 year old still a baby herself in a way.

Cambree loves her too. She loves when Stella is awake and she can see her eyes. She will always say how cute and little her sister is. She isn't to fond of the way she smells at times! She can be pretty sensitive to smells our little Jo...bless her heart! She also will cover her ears if Stella cries. Or she will run to me and inform me Stella needs me and that maybe I need to feed her or burp her. She told me she wants to bring a picture of Stella for her show in tell on Tuesday. Now how stinkin' sweet is that?! Cambree has always been the protective type and I think it's adorable she wants to show her off.

I'm still adjusting to three kids. It's fairly easy right now. With the baby pretty much sleeping all day it's been pretty smooth. The only thing that is hard is getting all of us ready and out the door. Getting to the doctors was a lot of work! Maybe I'm going to have to learn to take some short cuts in the morning?! We have our share of good nights and bad ones. The baby has suffered through a few bad belly aches a few nights...not so fun. Michael and I up super late with a fussy baby with a lack of good sleep. The last couple nights have been better though. Lately she has been sleeping for about 5 hours and eats and goes right back to sleep! She has been a good baby!

I'm obsessed! :)

The few photos of babies first week...

Lovin' bath time!

The girls saying Good Morning!

She loves her Binky! She sounds like Maggie when she sucks! :)

Hi little one! Opening her eyes for just a minute.

Blessed with a great dad who loves all of us girls so much!

She is smothered with lots of love...

all day long! :)

You're beautiful and perfect Stella. We are overjoyed and blessed!!

{The other Mother}

2011-09-02T15:11:00.000-07:00

Sienna is showering the new baby with so much love! I admit it's pretty cute. I wasn't sure exactly how she was going to handle having a younger little sister...but she IS the other Momma around here that's for sure!

When I got home and had time to scheme through the video camera I got to see it first hand. While I was getting transferred from labor & delivery is when my two older girls arrived at the hospital to meet Stella. One of my other favorite parts to witness (the girls meeting for the first time) and unfortunately I didn't get to see it in person. So I grabbed our video camera to see the footage. I knew Michael would of filmed something. It literally gave me goose bumps and yes my hormones are all over the place, but seeing Sienna see her sister for the very first time was something special to see. Lets just say EVERYTHING lit up! I mean everything. She was looking from behind the glass while Stella was getting cleaned up from birth and she had that Sienna smile that only Sienna only has where her eyes almost smile and her cute little lip smile from ear to ear. She was literally bouncing in my moms arms at the sight of her little sister. Her eyes real big and pointing happily! What love she already has for her. And if I remember correctly this is what she said as she first got to actually hold her in her arms "I just love her!"

And she shows each day that she truly does...

{first full day home Aug.27, 2011}

A very sweet thing I must admit.

Birth Story of Stella Grace :)

2011-09-01T11:27:00.000-07:00

I wish I had a way to express myself better in words especially when it comes to writing about bringing your own little creation to this earth. It's pretty personal to share so I will do my best. I know if I don't write it down somewhere in a matter of time I will forget. So here goes... :)

If you would of asked me weeks ago I would of laughed cause I never imagined carrying her until the 25th day of August but I did. I made it! Those last weeks are a killer! She sure fooled me! I felt like she was coming for weeks. I thankfully got a pretty decent amount of sleep the night before. I knew that I needed it! We were told to be ready by 7 am. for the hospital and that we would be on call that morning. I ended up getting a call at 6:30 am. saying that they were ready for me and shortly we were off and on our way

I remember very clearly each time Mike and I made our way in those hospital doors. It's a feeling you can't explain. A mix of emotions full of anticipation, anxiousness, nervousness and total excitement. We finally get to see and meet our baby today!!! I think that kept rolling around in my mind. Also the fact that you can't help but wonder how labor will go. It always went really smooth for me in the past, but you just never know. With each new baby is new experiences and I was hoping baby Stella would arrive safely and healthy. I do admit I was a little more scared this time and I wasn't sure why. Michael was a great labor partner giving me lots of encouragement along the way. He kept telling me "You got this. This is a piece of cake for you!" I'm glad that he isn't worried about being up close and personal because he gives me that extra drive I need to be tough.

So I got settled in my labor room around 8:00 with my IV and monitors all hooked up. My doctor came at 8:30 and broke my water and checked to see how far dilated I was. I started out at a 4. I wasn't to surprised as I have had lots of contractions prior too. The baby was being really stubborn and they couldn't keep track of her heart rate very well, so they had to go in and put something on her head to track her. Glad to get that part over with.... I felt like I was being ripped in two literally! ;) My doctor suggested getting my epidural soon since he knew I usually move fairly quickly and especially since I was already dilated to a 4 off the get go.

This is the part I dread the very most! The Epidural.

Almost to the point that I wish I had the guts to go natural but I don't. For me I'd rather take the pain of getting a epidural rather than feeling all the pain through birth. (Nothing against those of you who choose natural birth.) It's just what I prefer. The bad part about this is I apparently have a very tight spine and getting the 'right' spot has been a challenge. This is where I hope and pray that God has listened to my prayers. I wish I was like most of my friends that think the IV is worse than the epidural. Not so much in my case. :( So this time around according to my husband said it went a lot better than the two prior. I guess I kind of forget the pain over time. He had to place it twice and it hurt badly and it felt like it took forever, but once it was in I was one happy woman! It was about 9:40 when he started the epidural and by 10:00 I was started on pitocin.

This is where the waiting began. I sat and watched Mike enjoy a big and juicy roast beef sandwich while he worked on his laptop. I made a few phone calls to friends and talked to my Grandma who is still in a nursing home since her back surgery. It was good to talk to her...I needed to hear her voice. She means the world to me! The numbness settled in and I couldn't feel a thing. I don't think I felt much of the contractions since I arrived. The beauty of a epidural! :) I began to get sleepy and tired as time went on. At 12:30 I was at a 6 so things were moving along! I was getting closer! My nurse came in and warned us that the baby had been having pretty big dips in her heart rate and was going to call my doctor. They started to watch her more closely as she looked to be a little stressed. At this point, I was a little worried but I hoped she would stabilize. A little time went by and I started to grow more worried. The way it appeared to me from watching her heart rate didn't look good at all. It almost seemed to get worse. I wasn't sure what they were going to do. I just knew that my baby was stressed and I wanted her out. Soon enough our nurse let us know that we may be going in for a C-section. I didn't like the thought of a C section at all. I am terrified of them to be honest. I was doing my best to prepare myself for it at this point. She tried to comfort me and assured me that I needed to take long deep breaths as she put oxygen on me. The nurse explained to us that it was like dunking the head under water and after so long they can't take it anymore. It appeared to her that our baby was taking longer and longer to recover from this. With each contraction her heart rate would severely take a big dive. It didn't look good. It got me worried and I'm sure Mike too. I just wanted my doctor with me so we could decide what to do next. If it was a C section than I wanted to hurry and get it started. Michael made sure to call my mom and dad for me. I wanted them to know what was going on just in case.

All I could think about was Stella and it no longer mattered how she got here or what I had to do to get her here.

Things seemed to move fairly quickly after this. My doctor ordered the nurse to put some kind of fluid back in me to see if the baby would move. Kind of like the amniotic fluid that surrounds the baby during pregnancy. I guess they were thinking that possibly the fluid would help her just in case she could of had the cord wrapped around her neck or arm that was causing her to be under so much stress. I kept taking in long deep breaths praying that this would do the trick.

A different nurse ended up coming in and decided to check me and sure enough I was dilated to a 10. She said well let's just hurry and get this baby out. I immediately thought somehow I was going to be okay and that I wouldn't have to go for a C section. I knew that once I was fully dilated that I could push her out fairly fast. It never took long in the past and I knew that I could push well. My doctor showed up and we prepared ourselves to hurry and get her born. It only took 3 or 4 pushes and baby Stella was born. The respiratory team was there for back up and she immediately cried after they suctioned her. It was the best sound in the world! And no signs of a cord around her neck. She is perfect!

She appeared to look a lot like Sienna to me at first. She came out pink and wide eyed with just a little bit of dark hair on her perfectly round head at 1:57 pm. My absolute favorite moments in my life have been holding my babies after birth. It's a feeling you can't explain. Love that you can't begin to express. Michael cut the cord while doing his best to video all of this.

It was a beautiful day and we feel so blessed to add another little precious girl to our family!

xoxo
Shannon

Our brand new baby girl...

2011-08-30T16:02:00.000-07:00

Welcoming Stella Grace. Born August 25, 2011 at 1:57 pm. weighing 6 lbs. 15 oz. 19 in. long

We are home from the hospital now and doing well.

She is precious as babies naturally are!

Daddy is in love...

Big Sister's are in love! :)

We are getting in the groove of having a newborn in our home....it's so much fun! She is eating lots and sleeping (of coarse). She rarely makes a peep. I am still in awe of how little and delicate she is. She is just perfect!

Birth story to follow and more picts (for those of you who would like to read it) and for myself before I forget all the small details!

Xo,

Shannon

Sunday Citar

2011-08-14T08:24:00.000-07:00

"Don't worry that children never listen to you; worry that they are always watching you." ~Robert Fulghum

Little Photo

2011-08-12T11:18:00.001-07:00

I've been playing around with a few other phone apps. This one I love! It's called little photo and it has a lot of funky filters you can apply to your picture. I especially like the Vintage Paper filter.

Here are a few Pict's from this week:

naked ladies before bath time!

One morning while Cambree was playing in her room with her Coyote.

Waiting for some lunch at JCW's. By the way the wings are to die for here! I swear I could eat them every single day. My most recent craving! :)

By the way this app is FREE! So go check it out! These were taking on my Android phone.

xoxo,
Shannon

Well hello a little update...

2011-08-11T17:21:00.000-07:00

I really don't even know where to begin here. I mostly wanted to pop in and say hi and let you know we are alive!!! Alive that is and I'm 38 weeks pregnant this week! ;) It feels like each day is a century loooonnnnng for me at this point! This last month is so hard!

I really was hoping that my due date was off and I would hopefully have my baby sooner. Well apparently NOT! The little one is telling us that the doctor's prediction (according to the ultrasound @ 20 weeks) is probably right. Big bummer!!! No - really it's fine we wouldn't want her here before she is ready anyway. So we will see what happens....I'm defiantly a planner so I would really like to still be induced and have things arranged rather than go in the middle of the night and have to figure out who we will call to be able to watch are girls for us. All the different circumstances are kind of driving me crazy!

So what we do know is my Dr. will induce me for sure on the 25th of August if nothing happens sooner. That number still sounds like a stretch! I have one more appt. scheduled for the 18th. Just one! I have to tell myself that I can do this! Although at this point, I feel like hibernating for the rest of this pregnancy (even though I won't) and making sure hubs keeps bringing home take out or is as sweet enough to keep preparing our meals for me like he has (thanks hon)! He can see just how miserable and tired I am! I so appreciate him right now.

So I went to the doctor today and she is in perfect position. Head is right there!!! I can defiantly feel it too. I am dilated just a little no changes since last week (a one). I'm measuring right on as of now. So it looks like the growing has slowed down a bit....thank goodness! :) Not sure how much MORE my belly can stretch.

The girls are super sweet about my enormous belly. They both take turns doing the karate chop on my back or they will happily run down and get me another bottled water from the fridge when asked. They are so cute! I love to hear the things they are going to do when Stella is here.

I'm still trying to grasp that I will have 3 children soon. I wish I can say that the adjustment will be a piece of cake! I'm sure I will have those moments (you mother's know what I mean, right?) Where you have to bury your head in the pillow to cry or step outside for a breather! Bottom line it is all worth it!!! I'm so anxious to meet her! The thoughts of bringing a little newborn home makes my heart feel completely full!

I'll leave you with a few photos of the girls bedroom. This was day one of the makeover. They had a good time painting the wall before dad rolled the paint. We still are working on finishing it. Hopefully it'll be done before we bring baby home. :)

Goodnight!

xoxo,
Shannon

i{heart}faces entry - Friendship

2011-08-08T07:42:00.000-07:00

Having a sister is like having a best friend you can't get rid of.

You know whatever you do, they'll still be there.

~Amy Li

Flashback Friday

2011-08-05T06:35:00.000-07:00

I had this photo pulled up sitting in Bridge for a while and I decided to edit it for fun. It's a older one a little flashback in time perhaps. :)

So here is my little Jo (probably two and a half at the time) she somehow gotten in to the Ding Dongs that morning. I totally caught her. She was secretly eating it tucked away in my bedroom. Her face tells it all, doesn't it???

I love it!

Anyway.

We have a busy Friday a head of us today. I'm hoping to be back later for more Friday posting!

Have a fabulous Friday friends!

xoxo,

Shannon

Wordless{ish} Wednesdays

2011-08-03T05:52:00.000-07:00

Can you believe it's the first week of August?

seriously???

I feel like summer is slipping through my fingers and I don't know how to stop it.

It's been wonderfully memorable.

Even with (and maybe especially because) two little girls latched on my leg and/or hip. (such cuties).

Also not forgetting the other one tapping and kicking from inside getting ready to join us.

I don't have much to say other than I am super excited it is finally August! :) :)

The count down is on and the waiting game begins.

Anywayyyy.

Here is a recent photo of Jo Jo.

She is so excited to be a BIG SISTER again.

I'm anticipating how she will react to a new baby in our house since she is older now. I already know she will have a lot of willingness to help me with the baby.

And I already know that Sienna will have her hands all over her!!!

I can't wait for the girls to come to the hospital to meet Stella. I remember it like it was yesterday when Jo first met Sienna.

Even though she was barley 3 yrs of age when Sienna was born she handled having a little sister very very well. She never seemed to be jealous of her at all.

I wonder how Sienna will be???

And while I was on the topic and I had to pull up some old photos of that day!

These are priceless to me.

The very first photos of them together...

xoxo,

Shannon

Chillin' at the lake

2011-08-01T08:19:00.000-07:00

This year I was only able to go up to our 'favorite' place to camp for a day. It was well worth it though. It was so good to detached and relax at the lake. Of coarse, the girls had a lot of fun. They love being outside and add a lake and some sand toys and they are in heaven! It was nice and cool and the water felt so good.

Luckily with all the high water we have here there was enough beach to play on. I pretty much planted my butt on a camping chair and soaked up some wonderful company and beautiful scenery.

Oh and of coarse, I had my camera!

xoxo,

Shannon

A Moment in Time...

2011-07-31T22:52:00.000-07:00

Children are God's way of telling us that tomorrow will be beautiful.

Our little Jo Jo exactly a year ago today!

I can hardly believe it.

It all goes by way too fast!

And I can actually see just how much she has grown...

It's Crazy!

We love you Sister Sue! :)

Our week in phone picts w.5

2011-07-31T09:47:00.000-07:00

My little mini me!

Or so that's what people say.

I think she looks a lot like her daddy.

surprise lunch date with dad, the girls playing outside once again, a day spent with cousins, funny and sweet close-up faces of the two crazy girls, and we packed the car up with sand toys and coolers for a fun-filled day at the lake! Pineview one of our favorite places to camp.

Our day at the lake was relaxing and perfectly spent with friends and family. The girls made mud pies and built sandcastles with grandma and Aunt Tam! Sienna likes to steal my gum all of the time, our favorite cheap place to eat Taco Amigo, me and one of my princesses, ICEE, before bedtime the girls hanging out in their matching PJ's, and a picture of my enormous belly. Only about 3 more weeks left! Ready to be un-pregnant and meet our baby girl! :)

And Cambree's first soccer game. She had so much fun playing! She got a little tired and worn out but she loved it!

xoxo,

Shannon

Click it up a Notch ~ favorite photo July

2011-07-27T20:42:00.000-07:00

My favorite photo July ~

I think it's just because it has Sienna written all.over. it! She is looking up but it shows her true natural smile of hers. She typically gives me that real 'cheesy' smile a lot of the time. I guess this is why I like this one of her so much.

And well cause Momma thinks she is simply adorable.

That's all!

xoxo,Shannon

Wordless{ish) Wednesday

2011-07-27T13:09:00.000-07:00

Don't you ever feel like you are just going to lose it??? That's how I feel right now. I'm really grouchy and emotional. Just ask everyone that has been around me. I'm trying to be strong....believe me! I'm just feeling SO ready for this baby to come. I often think how in the world am I going to make another 3 or so more weeks?!

I have felt insanely lonely over these past few weeks. I'm not trying to look like I am complaining, it's just my state of being at the moment. I know that it's just a period in my life but I'm afraid it won't end until after the baby is born. Actually, I'm afraid it won't end until long after the baby is born.

I know I will be okay.

It's just amazing how much is involved with bringing a new little soul into the world. It's just crazy. Despite being emotional and lonely, I still have really great moments in my life and I am surrounded by many things that bring me joy and happiness.

For instance, like these little people!

love, lOve, LOVE 'em

Okay so I may have gotten a little carried away!

I am super excited to have Stella here. I think I could speak for everyone here! We thought possibly she could come early. We really aren't sure anymore. I am measuring further along so we will see if I go early or not. I sure have felt like it. But most importantly we want her to be ready and healthy!

So my doctor will induce me at 39 weeks. I have had all my babies at 39 weeks by induction. It has always worked well with me/us. If I make it to August 18th he will strip me to maybe get things rollin'. So we will see what happens. I'm anxious and excited! I won't lie that I am a little nervous how I'm going to do with a third. Let's all just pray I will make the transition okay without losing my mind! :)

xoxo,

Shannon

My week in phone picts w.4

2011-07-24T21:30:00.000-07:00

My week in phone picts...
lunch with the girlie's at Shakey's pizza buffet, a little shopping for baby Stella, a selfie and I got my dark hair back :), and baby girl who hung out with just mom for two days. She loves to go 'bye bye' and it was fun having some time with just her this week!

On the go, feeling the heat 95 degrees it felt hotter, going to G'ma and Papas house for a water party, and Sienna gets a hold of a squirt bottle!

Sienna hanging out on Papa's lap, playing with her favorite Lily, eating Cheetos, Grandma and Uncle Trenton cooling off, soaking the kids, and Cambree and dad finally show up to play!

Silhouette of Jo jo playing in the pool, my sister-in-law Michele and her baby bump, our babies will be 2 months apart, Michael (the hubs) eatin' some grub, and one last shot of a fun day with some cousins!

(most of the picts were taking on Sunday cause I'm a total slacker! Guess thats what happens when you forget to charge up the ipod!

xoxo,

Shannon

Wee bit of me Wednesday

2011-07-20T09:41:00.000-07:00

{one} what is your dream job?Besides being a Mommy?! :) I wish I could own my own studio and do photography. I wish that I was able to get into photography more before I was so busy with kids. But... I would have to say, that is what I am most passionate about. I hope someday to have more time to learn more and get better.As for now, it's just fun capturing memories with my family and documenting them.
{two} how many best friends do you have?Well, I would have to say two that I would consider 'best friends'! That is besides my mom, of coarse! And my Grandma too. :)
{three} what’s the longest road trip you’ve ever taken?When Michael and I were dating, we drove to Texas to meet his dad. It was a looooonng drive! I just remember how flat everything was and getting pulled over several times! He must of been speeding most of the way. :) I hope I don't offend anyone here, but Texas wasn't all that it was cracked up to be. At least for me! I did get to see a lot new things which was cool, but the humidity about killed me.
{four} if you had to do one single thing every day for the next year, what would it be?This is a hard question. I guess to have a little time for myself....even if it was for 20 minutes or so.
{five} what’s one story your family always tells about you?Probably just how little I was when I was born. I was born pre-mature (6 weeks early). My dad said, I looked like a spider monkey. That I was all hands and feet. I weighed 3 lbs. 7 oz. I can't hardly imagine! They said I was so little that I would fit in a shoe box. Also, I love the story about how my oldest brother, Brandon, ran all the way home from Kindergarten to see me!
{six} how did your parents pick your name?I think my mom just liked it. My dad wanted to name me Kristy. I guess my mom won!
{seven} what’s the one thing that scares you more than anything?Having something horrible happen to my children. I can't imagine how you move on from losing someone you love especially your children or to see them suffer. I look up to everyone that has had to deal with a loss in this life. I think as parents we all want the very best for your little one's including a long and healthy life.
{eight} are you a good cook?Well, I think I am if I want to be. If I am in the mood...I think I can cook up some pretty good stuff!When I was first married I'm sure Mike would say I wasn't! So I have improved through the years.
{nine} where do you see yourself in 20 years?Hopefully with a successful business + some grown babies.
{ten} what’s your best childhood memory?I think of my neighborhood full of boys and being the only girl. Playing night games and playing in the tree house across the street. I also think of dance. I loved it. I met one of my best friends at dance and my childhood is full of memories of her! Just a few things that come to mind, pogo balls, bike riding, making-up dance routines, sunbathing, St. George, dance competitions, DISNEYLAND, the chewy lettuce, and the matching neon outfits! So many more... What good times!

xoxoShannon

Just a little sweet shot...

2011-07-20T09:06:00.000-07:00

I love this one of my little Cambree. Can't believe how much she has grown this past year. I'm sure I say this all to much! She will say the cutest things ever. Here are a few things she has told me lately when it comes to what she wants to be when she grows up:

A dolphin rider

A cowgirl (horse rider)

Karate girl

A mommy

A worker (that's what she calls her daddy... ha ha)

and a roller skating girl!

Gotta love it!!!

~Shannon

Last week phone picts :)

2011-07-20T08:06:00.001-07:00

I'm just a little behind here on the blog as usual! :) Here are my phone Pict's from last week. I thought of just skipping it all together and erasing them. I haven't been very good at remembering to take them each day. I feel like I am all over the place lately. O'well. So here is a little of what our week was like last week!

We went up to my mom's house for a little swimming. And it happened to be little! I think we were in the pool for 45 minutes before it started to thunder so we got out. The girls got to feed the fish out in her pond after we spent dinner together.

Cambree playing games on my phone before bedtime one night.

And Sienna watching Tinkerbell pre-nap time.

We went to Thanksgiving Point to Farm Country

The girls loved playing at the market.

And we visited the animals and feed some of them.

We also ate at Costa Vida cause we all love some good Mexican food!

And a little bike riding at home! :)

xoxo,

Shannon

Catching up...Riding ponies :)

2011-07-18T07:00:00.000-07:00

Here is a quick post of our little afternoon at Thanksgiving Point. We haven't been in a while and the girls wanted to ride a pony. Cambree has been obsessed with horses lately. Anytime we see one she wants me to take a picture of it. Cambree also wants a "Cowgirl" birthday party this year for her birthday. I am still trying to arrange a trip out with the family horseback riding. Not that I will be able to ride one, but the rest of them will! :) I'm hoping it'll happen. Sienna loved riding the ponies. I believe this was her first time riding a real one. She did good. I didn't even have to walk beside her.

Just a few Pict's from our day...

xoxo,

Shannon

Show and tell: Green

2011-07-17T10:12:00.000-07:00

Show and tell: Green

Show:

Tell: While visiting Grandma Great the other day....Cambree was able to play with one of her favorite cousins. She is beyond happy when she gets to see her little Abby!

xoxo,

Shannon

late night Friday link-up

2011-07-15T21:47:00.000-07:00

While blog hopping today - I found some fun new links for photo challenges. Some I recognize before and some I have not. It's always fun to join in on the fun, but mostly I enjoy checking out every body else and see their entries for some inspiration. I feel I'm in a rut lately! But here are a few recent favorites of mine.

This one of the girls with their arms wrapped around each other! So sweet. How could this not be a favorite of mine. Hello these two are mine. :) And honestly it just makes my heart smile. :)

Her personality just kills me. This girl has always had such a great personality and seriously who knew how funny a 2 year old can be?! Not I. She is hilarious truly!!!

Goodnight :)

Much love,

Shannon

Children - "Anything" photo challenge

2011-07-15T09:35:00.001-07:00

No sound is so sweet as a laughter of children.

Linking up here:

xoxo,

Shannon

Independence Day 2011

2011-07-15T06:25:00.000-07:00

Are people still posting about the fourth? Because I am.

You can tell my life is one hot mess since I am just getting around to posting about the fourth festivities. Anyway, the fourth was filled with all my favorite f-words:

food, family, fun, fruit, frosting, fireworks, friends, freedom, and far too many fotos (Spanish for photos) as usual.

This year we finally made it to see the balloons at The Freedom Festival. We usually don't go since you have to get up so dang early. But this year we finally made it. The things you do for your kiddo's, right?! It was fun and well worth getting up at 4:30 am. to get there in time. The girls seemed to enjoy it too. Maybe breakfast that followed a little more! :)

{Sienna and Dad after the balloon launch}

We also attended our traditional parade watching on Monday morning along with great friends and family. (I mainly took video here and I couldn't get it to upload on the blog.) But it was pleasantly cool this year on the fourth, so it made the entire day much more enjoyable. At least for me! I couldn't complain being pregnant and all!

Why does one of my favorite holidays have to come and go by so quickly? dang.

xoxo,

Shannon

My cute all American girl...

2011-07-11T07:27:00.000-07:00

My cute ALL AMERICAN girl!

That's all I have for now.

Have a Wonderful Monday!

xoxo

Love your country. Your country is the land where your parents sleep, where is spoken that language in which the chosen of your heart, blushing, whispered the first word of love; it is the home that God has given you that by striving to perfect yourselves therein you may prepare to ascend to him. ~Giuseppe Mazzini

Much love,

Shannon