i just love a quote that makes you literally stop...and think about what you just read.

this morning i read this little excerpt from a talk by one of the leaders of my church and i loved it! it gave me a much needed reminder me that i can do/accomplish/create/achieve/become anything i want....

"The desire to create is one of the deepest yearnings of the soul. No matter our talents, education, backgrounds, or abilities, we each have an inherent wish to create something that did not exist before.

Everyone can create. You don't need money, position, or influence in order to create something of substance or beauty.

Creation brings deep satisfaction and fulfillment. We develop ourselves and others when we take unorganized matter into our hands and mold it into something of beauty...

...Remember that you are spirit daughters of the most creative Being in the universe. Isn't it remarkable to think that your very spirits are fashioned by an endlessly creative and eternally compassionate God? Think about it-- your spirit body is a masterpiece, created with a beauty, function, and capacity beyond imagination."

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

(Counselor in the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints)

the wonderful signs of summer

i mean seriously...does it get any cuter?!

i'm a tad late, but he knows he's the best

obviously i missed the father's day post....but, we had a really wonderful day being together and spoiling our favorite person.

i always knew jake would be a great dad, but i never could've imagined the joy and love i get from seeing him and makenzie's relationship.

these two are the best of buddies. and she adores him (as do i). when he walks in the door everyday the lit up faces aren't just on the ones greeting him, it's like he hasn't seen her in days and i can't get enough of it.

we are so grateful for him and how hard he works for our little family.

he really is the best and we love him.

"mamma's taking us to the zoo tomorrow"

....Raffi, anyone?? :)

we have been to the national zoo in dc twice in the last 2 weeks. first with friends and then with daddy! both times were so much fun and makenzie was in heaven. she has a serious love for animals. and i love that the zoo is free! there is no pressure to stay all day and see everything because you paid so much to be there! it's quite lovely.

come heeeere donkey...

yikes????

the 'cheeeeese' face is back!

thanks for holding...

wow! sorry about that! may 15th? really? i can't believe how long it has been since my last post...well, yes i can. we have been busy, busy, crazy busy! it's a little overwhelming to look at everything we've done and know where to start so please excuse this hodge-podge of pictures documenting our weekend to new jersey, anniversary trip to florida, and a long indy visit!

in jersey we...

...cheered on our little gymnast Kira...

...relaxed and had fun with the girls!

in indy we...

...visited with friends...

...got lots of hugs...

...had so much fun with cousins!

in florida we...

...woke up (after sleeping in of course) to this every morning...

...climb those...

...to enjoy this...

...and lots of sunshine, pool, beach, amazing dinners, and good movies...