Zach's First Marathon...

Zach ran his first marathon on Saturday. He did it in 4 hours and 6 minutes. He was hoping to do it a little faster, but was okay with the time he got. He is going to do the St. George marathon in October, and hopes to get a better time. Ella and I are so proud of Zach and can't wait to cheer him on in the next marathon!

Zach and his Aunt Kelli who ran with him.

Jade, Ella, Keri, and Carolyn waiting in the crowd.

Ella and me waiting for Daddy to come.

We forgot to get a picture of Zach, Ella, and me. Oh well, next time we won't forget. We love you Zach and are so proud of you!

Happy Birthday Jade!!!

Happy Birthday! We love you! Can't wait to see you this weekend!

Happy Mother's Day to everyone!

My cute little family who I love so much!!

My wonderful mom and me!

Zach and his beautiful mom!

Zach's wonderful Grandma!

My sisters and me... from left to right Misty, Alisa, Me, and Brittani. I know I look funny, but my sister Brittani thought it would be funny to pinch my bum during the picture.

I am so greatful to be a mom. I remember when I had Ella, and got to hold her for the first time. I just felt like I had a purpose in my life and that I was called down here to be a mom. There is nothing more rewarding then being mom. I thank my Heavenly Father everyday to be a mom, and to have such a wonderful little spirit to take care of down here on Earth. I couldn't ask for a better little girl. She may keep me busy and throw fits in public, but I still can't imagine my life without her. Zach and I always try to think of what we did before we had her, and we have no idea. I love being a mom and wife. I couldn't ask for a better family!

I also am so greatful for my mom. She is so caring, and loving. She is always willing to help out with Ella and whatever we may need. I could never thank my mom enough for everything she has done for me throughout my whole life. Without her I don't know where I would be today. She has helped turn me into the mom I am today. Thank you mom! I love you!

I also am so greatful for my mother-in-law Keri. I couldn't ask for a better family to marry into. I hear stories about mother-in-laws being mean or crazy and think to myself how lucky I am to have my mother-in-law. She is such a great person and always thinking about the little things. I look up to her so much, and think Ella is so lucky to have her as a Grandma. She does so much for us and we are truly thankful for everything. Thank you Keri and we love you!

I am also greatful for Zach's Grandma Carolyn, she is such a wonderful lady. She is always looking at the positive in people. Her and Keri have always welcomed me into the family since the first time I met them. She is such a wonderful mom, Grandma, and now Great-Grandma. Ella sometimes is a little shy around her, but I know Ella loves her so much. I am also thankful for everything she does for us. We love you!

I also need to tell my sisters what great moms they are. They are such great examples to me. They have always been my back up moms since I was little. I guess that is what you get when you our the youngest of four girls. Our joke used to be when I was younger that I really had four moms not one. I am greatful that I have such wonderful sisters who are good influences on me. I love all of you so much!

We are so lucky to have all of these ladies in our lives. They have helped both Zach and I with who we are today. We owe them so much! We love you guys!

Sorry I know all of these are from our wedding, but I realized I don't have any recent ones. That is going to be one of my MANY projects!!!

Straight hair and big girl bed...

We turned Ella's crib into a toddler bed a month ago. She is doing so well in it. I was nervous the first night we did it because I thought for sure she would run to the door and try to get out, but she didn't. She has only come into our a room a few times during the night, but that is okay. One night she didn't want to go to bed so I brought her in our room hoping she would fall asleep then I would put her in her bed. Instead she wanted to play, jump, and sing. So I put her in her bed and shut the door. The next thing Zach and I hear is Ella banging on the door yelling, "Mom" then "Dada." Then she would hit the door and keep doing it. Zach and I were laughing so hard, it was the funniest thing. She is growing up way too fast. She also uses third person now. Everything she wants she will say it then Ella after. Example she just told me she wanted to go outside, so she said, "Outside, Ella." She is so much fun!

I decided to try and straighten Ella's hair yesterday. I didn't think she would sit still long enough for me to do it, but she did. She looked like such a big girl! I loved doing it straight, and it only took me maybe ten minutes. It was a lot easier than I thought. It didn't last the whole day though, as soon as she fell asleep and took her nap it kind of went back to curly. I knew it would, but that is okay it was still cute. I love my big girl! She wouldn't hold still to take pictures so I took them while she was jumping around on our bed.

Someone got a good night's sleep...

The other morning I woke up and went and got Ella out of bed. This is what I found... I think she tops all bed heads. Seriously her hair was crazy, the back was so tangled and a big rats nest that I didn't even attempt to brush it out. I just put her in the tub and washed it then used lots and lots of detangling solution. I was laughing so hard I think that is why she is looking at me in the picture like, "what are you laughing at?" I think the longer her hair and curlier it gets the more mornings I am going to find this! What do you think?