June 29, 2015

New calling

A few month ago (in February), I was asked and called to serve as the new Young Women's president for our congregation at church. This means that I work with the youth (girls ages 12-18). It has been a huge change and responsibility for me so far.

I won't lie. I was so overwhelmed at first. I felt so inadequate and basically at a loss for what I needed to do (mainly because I never did go through the Young Women's program as a youth). I prayed hard. We prayed hard as a family. I began to let the Lord work through me. What a powerful, humbling feeling I got when I realized that this is not my work to do, but it is His work to do. I am just an instrument in helping Him get it accomplished.

"There will be times when you feel overwhelmed. One of the ways you will be attacked is with the feeling that you are inadequate. Well, you are inadequate to answer a call to represent God with only your own powers. But you have access to more than your natural capacities, and you do not work alone. The Lord will magnifiy what you say and what you do in the eyes of the people you serve. He will send the Holy Ghost to manifest to them that what you spoke is true. What you say and do will carry hope and give direction to people far beyond your natural abilities and your own understanding."
-Henry B. Eyring (Rise to Your Call)

The youth are remarkable. They have lifted me and inspired me in just the short, few months I have known them. They are an incredible force for good through their kindness, service, and examples. They have totally embraced me and I am very grateful for that. I am so thankful for the opportunity I get to work with them and learn from them.

Spa Night 

Mormon Prom

Our newest Mia Maid :) 


Planning meeting


Obviously, it has been a juggling act for our whole family. We are learning how to navigate it all. The youth in the church are so busy! There are so many activities, so it definitely keeps me on my toes. I do have to say that I am really lucky to have my little family, especially Logan. He has been a rock these past couple months. He's been incredibly supportive, patient, and encouraging (with a little tough love in between) as we have come together to make things work. I couldn't do it without him! I believe now more than ever that the more you serve, the more you love. I have seen that love grow tenfold as Logan and I have learned to more fully serve those around us and each other. I have also seen the Lord's hand as He has lifted our marriage, our family, and those we serve. What a great time in our lives!

"When you look back on what may now seem trying times of service and sacrifice, the sacrifice will have become a blessing, and you will know that you have seen the arm of God lifting those you served for Him, and lifting you." 
-Henry B. Eyring (Rise to Your Call)

June 15, 2015

Tommy in Charlotte

My brother came to visit us. This was the second time since we moved to Charlotte that he has visited us (he came for Christmas -- see here). I love it when we have visitors. I know that kind of thing can stress some people out, but definitely not me. I'll clean the house, block off my time to spend with them, and have a long list of all the things we can do. I seriously love having people in my home and I love it when people can make themselves at home here. We just love entertaining and showing visitors our city. So, yes, if you are reading this -- COME VISIT US NOW!!

We loved having Tommy here. It would be his last trip to Charlotte before his big move out west (more about that in later posts). We had a lot of fun with him in town. He's also THE best because he helped me with a few projects around the house.

taping Amelia's room to paint

painting 

One wall painted (more pics of Amelia's finished room to come)


Uncle Tommy came to watch one of Hudson's soccer games.
So fun to have my talented soccer-playing brother to coach Hudson along! 

Probably the highlight of his trip -- Lazy 5 Ranch.
This place is awesome. Highly recommend it to everyone!









 This guy kept following Tommy around. 
It was so funny to watch! 
Tommy made us dinner before he left. He's such a good cook! 
Steak, fresh steamed broccoli, and baked sweet potatoes.
Yummy! 

Sissy gets a haircut

I cut Logan's hair one time and messed it up pretty bad when we were first married. There was a huge gap in his hair because I forgot to put a razor guard on. Oops! Needless to say, he's never asked me to cut his hair since that time. I have tried cutting Hudson's hair a few times through the years, but they never turn out just the way I like it. After moving to Charlotte, I found a great place that specializes in children's haircuts. It's a tad expensive, but hey  -- they gets to watch a movie, sit in a plane/police car/train/firetruck, get snacks, stickers, and prizes galore. It's totally glamorous for a kid, but I give in because it makes for less of a mess to clean at home and saves me the trouble of doing a horrible job. Win-win.

Amelia got her first haircut back in February when she was 17 months. I didn't want to do it, but her hair was so uneven. It was a mess. I was worried that she would lose her curls, but luckily as the hairdresser was trimming -- the curls stayed. Yeah!  Amelia was perfect during the whole thing. She ate snacks and watched Frozen. No tears. I was so proud of her!

Before

During (eating her way through it)

After (such a cutie, right?)

May 15, 2015

Snow/Ice days

We had some snow/ice days this winter after I got back from my AZ trip. We didn't get much, but it was definitely enough to cancel preschool a few times and give us a few opportunities to play in the (little) snow we did get. Hudson thought it was Christmas every time it snowed. :)



Such a happy little man...


My ice princess...



We bought a sled this year, and I took the kids out for a ride (even though it was mostly ice -- yikes). Still a fun time. 



Here's a video of me pulling the kids on the sled.


Our house looked super pretty with all the snow one night. 
Funny Logan for coming out just as I was snapping the picture. 



Here's another video.
Logan and I even had a barefeet in snow competition one night. 
Yes, I know we're crazy and competitive. 


Hudson was so excited to make a snowman, so we tried. 
It was so small, but he loved it. Meet Frankie, the snowman...




Roasting marshmallows over the fire before bed one night.