I am a spiritual 2 year old

Today I sat reflecting on my parenting experiences and pondering those of our Heavenly Father. At mother group someone mentioned how it is hard for us to understand why 2 year old's will throw tantrums or get upset and cry over silly things. I have often tried to remind myself that for a little child loosing a teddy bear (etc.) really is traumatizing and that I should not trivialize their struggles. Too often when these circumstances arise "get over it" crosses my mind. Later, as I sat there trying to think of my Savior and Heavenly Parents I found my thoughts being pulled into whats for dinner, what groceries to buy, about my legs that ache and pool with blood. My temporal concerns are so completely trivial to Heavenly Father and my own eternal existence and yet I am so greatly affected by them every day. He extends understanding, strength and love at every chance He can. How do I dare withhold understanding and love to my child over her own trivial matters? That is not the only way I am a spiritual 2 year old. Elena cannot give me anything I cannot get my self. She can't even do chores. But, my life sure is a lot easier and I am a lot happier when she listens (and obeys). Honestly, is there anything I can give my Heavenly Father or Savior? No. The only thing that I can do to show appreciation for all they do for me is to be obedient. If ye love me keep my commandments. It is rather silly that as we get older we somehow think we are more productive and have more meaningful concerns and problems then children. I am sure Heavenly Father looks down and chuckles at my temporal nature. Sorry if these thoughts are abrupt. Elena woke up and I cannot keep distracting her from the computer with chocolate chips...

Awesome Autumn

Since our last blog Elena traded a bike carrier seat she got from grandma for a tricycle, which although she adores, her legs are a little too short still (Elena is still wearing some 12 and 18 month clothing!! My tiny girl). She still sits on it and sings her elmo "riding a tricycle" song.


Natalie hit the third trimester
And we've been trying to enjoy the festivities of fall. I found this candle holder for 5 dollars, and we made these cute spider webs for 1 dollar a piece. Now I will just wait for my candy corn lights to go on sale and I will feel like I actually have something to decorate for Halloween.


Mom and Elena went to a pumpkin patch, where we enjoyed the most wonderful apple cider donuts. It was like drinking apple cider, but better because you could bite into it.

Instead of a hay ride we opted for the carriage ride- it was a little cleaner. These horses are 2000 lbs each! They were ginormous. Elena got to pet the black one too.
Where did my apple cider donut go? Oh... my stomach... Just yesterday we had friends over and carved pumpkins. Yes we do know they wont make it til Halloween- but I couldn't resist. Either way we don't trust them outside by our door (sadly) so we figure it couldn't hurt if they rotted before Halloween. Our friends were smart though, they saved one for later.



And my favorite thing- I made hot cocoa mix. Unfortunately they didn't have any thing besides Hershey's regular cocoa so I am a little disappointed in the chocolatey flavor, but I had a stroke of genius while making it. I had combined everything besides the cocoa, and the thought occurred- what about french vanilla? The grocery store, like it so often does, didn't have what I wanted-Stephens French Vanilla, so I tried to make it! I just added extra french vanilla pudding mix and vwallah- you had Stephens Family French Vanilla. This doesn't even need to be made with milk to make it extra delicious. If anyone else wants to make their own cocoa maybe I will post the recipe. This week it will finally be cold enough to actually drink it too. Denver does famously have snow fall on or just around Halloween, so I guess I am just preparing.

Busy Bees

We are tired, so this is going to be a lame post. We will only be partially offended if you don't read the whole thing. Our first month here has been good. It took a week to just get organized, and get the house in order. We spent much time at the park and pool- Elena's two favorite activities. We did our first hike into the Denver side of the Rockies, and we loved it. The contrast of trees and fields was beautiful. They definitely compete with the Utah Rockies. Mike is situated for school and is starting his third week of classes. He will probably be the face of the DU public policy website. Mike can't hardly walk on campus without people crowding him and asking for his autograph. No, but seriously, he may be in some of the pictures for the DU program. Campus is very green; it reminds us of eastern schools with its architecture and landscape. The last splurge of summer was the Denver Zoo. Elena just had a ball there, and talks about Bibbi and Dolly, the elephants who we watched get a bath. All elephants are now called Bibbi and Dolly. We have a pretty cool video of tiger cubs playing. Elena did turn two, but is going on 18. All she does is play with Natalie's jewelry, makeup, and high heels. She got some sun glasses and a little purse for her birthday, and she won't go outside without her shades and purse. It was a much simpler birthday, but we had a lot of fun. We made her a boo cake from Monster's Inc, and we had some friends come over and celebrate with us. Thanks belongs to everyone who sent gifts from afar. We really appreciate it. She loved opening all of her gifts, and it made her birthday very special. The end.