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I have always loved autumn. There is something so romantic about it. Even though it is super chilly here in Southern Idaho, I ventured out with my two ladies today. I seriously love these girls so much. I am so grateful for them. Even when they are crying in the middle of the night, pitching fits or not eating, I can't get enough of them. We took a walk to "the big park" and I never regret getting some fresh air. Going outside ALWAYS improves my mood. Lately, I've been in awe at nature. I sit outside and just look up. It helps me keep things in perspective. I feel little under the big sky and am instanly humbled.

I am thankful for the life lessons that blossom out of an hour on the sidewalk. 
I'm thankful for the cozy baby snuggled in my bed.
I'm thankful for parents who never stop caring about my happiness.
I am thankful for sisters who make me laugh.
I'm thankful for Cassidy's conversations in his sleep.
I'm thankful just for today.

Ode to Arizona

Watching Tank

Rhinestone Cowboy

Abandoned

Grandfather

Wherever the Wind May Take Us

Great-Great Billie

Tree of Life

After four years of living in the Arizona desert I am saying good-bye. I never thought that it would be difficult. Whether I liked it or not, after four years....the desert became my home. I met my husband there. It is were both my daughters were born. My "extended" family became my familia. I cried as I left. I am happy for the memories and friends I made in the desert. These are a few of the last moments I spent in Arizona. I feel a sense of pride having lived in the land of cowboys and Indians. I will not forget the lessons the desert taught me. There are so many people that I love in Arizona. I owe many of my friends and loved ones in Mesa an apology. I have not been in very good contact. Maybe it is selfish, but it hurts to hear the voices of those I left behind. As an adult I have become quite sentimental. Please accept my apology if you haven't heard from me. I promise we will talk soon. For now, Adios Amigos!

a Rainbow

My lovely little Saylor locks away the most beautiful memories. On one of our first days in Idaho we saw a rainbow appear after a thunder storm. Saylor was enchanted by that rainbow and often asked where it went?  

Several days ago my husband brought home a very unique gift for Saylor; Her own rainbow. He often finds little treasures that come into his work place of St. Vincent de Paul. 

She has been so fascinated that she can actually carry around a rainbow!

The pictures are so dark because the rainbow looks best with the lights off.

This is how it looks when projected on her bedroom wall. She likes us to leave her rainbow 

on while she falls asleep. 

She calls it her "specal rainbow". 

She also says "it's like Capitan Hook's rainbow", whatever that means.

I'm only speculating that Saylor associates this rainbow with the one she saw in Idaho. 

She is just so in love with that rainbow; it's pretty much the cutest damn thing. 

Get your own rainbow here.

Death Cab for Cutie..has the right idea in this video.

'What Do You Do In the Summer Time?'

"my kid"

'What do you do in the Sumer time?'

Fun and Fancy Free

Kino Pool

Princess "D"

"noo knack" - break 

Nothing like a break from the heat in the zebra pool 

Arizona Sun

 "r&r"

'animals '

 damn "I" teeth

'cross roads'

'...do you swim in a pool to keep yourself cool?'

my little family-crew has been taking advantage of 

whatever water we can find out here in the desert. 

Saylor loves the pool, the hose, cool bath, sprinkler etc.

With the projected temperatures for Independence Day

this year being 108 degrees, it is no wonder why my child 

wants to live in a pool. 

I enjoy the swimming pool and atmosphere just as much as

Saylor Mia does. 

I like the heat and the Vitamin D just brightens my mood.

Luckily, I have adjusted to the heat over the last three years. 

Saylor (my little arizona native) seems to have no trouble in the heat;

as long as she is splashing in something. ..

Not gonna lie, 

she only makes friends with kids who have pools.

Find the Trail

Old Penitentiary

Boise, Idaho

While hiking in Boise, Idaho, I enjoyed one of the most precious bonding experiences I've ever had with my two year-old daughter. Above a historic penitentiary is a steep winding trail over looking the Treasure Valley.

Exploring the natural world around me has always been one of my most beloved past times. As a parent my greatest joy is being the one to expose my child to the wonders of life. I watched as my child discovered something new with each little foot step and was very impressed with her endurance. She jogged along behind me, falling occasionally, but bouncing back just as quickly.

Occasionally she would loose the trail, wandering in tall grass, getting confused and tangled up. I would stand still and tell her to find the trail and keep going. She stayed determined without whining or complaining as she found the trail and continued on. I was filled with pride for my young daughter as she conquered the uneven path. It was her first hike so I didn't push her too hard. We climbed approximately a mile, passing lovely little flowers and greenery.

I was surprised when we stopped for water and my daughter was the one who sprung of the bench and said "I keep walking, mommy!" It was a remarkably pleasant event! I learned a little more about my daughter and about myself. My top five recommendations for anyone thinking of taking their toddler on a similar venture would be the following:

1.) Cover the knees:

the excitement of it all certainly adds to their already excessive clumsiness

2.) Point out the little things:

they'll be fascinated by the flowers, the rocks, the deer tracks, etc.

the details of nature can be like another universe to a child

3.) Make them work:

children now-a-days rarely have to endure a physically demanding activity

unless somebody requires it of them, don't be afraid to challenge your little trooper

it will make them a better person in the end

4.) Clap your hands say yeah!:

praise them for their hard work throughout the journey and at the end

clap your hands, shout for joy, cheer them on

help them understand what they have accomplished

you catch more flies with honey than with vinegar

5.) Come again:

not every outing will go smoothly, (duh) but if you make it a regular family activity

your children will look forward to these adventures and cherish the memories

for years to come!

Back to Nature

My poor, dear little angel was so sick yesterday. She wasn't holding any food down and the only thing that seemed to be helping was the fresh air. So, it was perfect that the family planned a beautiful little nature walk this afternoon.

The design of the trails was very clever and had several of these fish view tanks along the way.

Saylor was very observant. Still recovering, she was not her normal bubbly-self. She quietly followed her older cousins along the trail. It was a beautiful day...perfect weather!

Emily and Brittanie...my two older sister and some of the best woman I know!

My sister's and I have not been altogether in about two years. The parade of strollers reminds us that we aren't little girls anymore. The time has come that we would always talk about as we were growing-up. The time when we would laugh about what kind of people we would be, how many kids we would have and what kind things we would be doing. Besides Brittany sticking to her dream of being a nurse, not much has turned out how we planned. Being together feels like home...especially in the beautiful trees of Idaho!

Saylor Mia...Oh, the joy this child brings to my life. Nothing has brought me more satisfaction than watching my dear little baby grow. Day by day, I see the development of her personality, her features and her compassion. It's not always easy, and I my biggest weakness is patience. But, I have learned so much about myself as a person by being her mother. She has changed me for the better..in many ways she has saved me. She is so fragile, so delicate. I would do anything for her. My heart ached for her this week. I would do anything to take away her suffering. Someone said to be recently that "women are saved in child birth." Meaning that a loving mother learns what so many people struggle with. The learn to give up themselves and devote their lives to someone else. Their WHOLE selves...body, mind and spirit.

I am truly amazed at the variety of pants, flowers and trees that Heavenly Father has created. I have come to appreciate the native planets in Arizona. They are very unique and beautiful in their own way. However, there is something special about the natural beauty of the Northwest. These lovely little flowers caught my eye and my picture does not do them justice.

I wanted to get a picture of these giant pinecones...Audrey then shoved Brennan out of the picture because, well...he didn't have a pinecone.

We concluded our outing with a picnic and a little surprise from baby Wesley. Poor guy had diarrhea all the way up his chest. The sickness has offically worked it's way around our entire family! I hope that was the last of it. I need to study up on some remedies for preventing these colds stomach sickness...maybe an upcoming post subject!

This Nature Center is located in Boise Idaho off of Myrtle on Park Blvd...It's free and there is plenty to see an do. The park right next to it is very large, green and full of squirrels. If you are in the area I highly recommend it!