Why hello, neglected blog. I'm sitting here on Christmas Eve while my two babies take a super long nap and I vaguely watch a super cheesy Christmas Hallmark movie. I'm feeling especially full of love, gratitude, and joy. It's been a good year. A long and busy year. Sometimes a really, really hard year. I'll try to update the blog later on some of the highlights. But overall, I'm still grateful for the ups and downs. Heavenly Father knows me, He knows the desires of my heart. He knows what is right for me, and while it is hard to accept life when it doesn't go the way I think it should, I know somehow, everything will work out. I am grateful for this holiday season and the chance we get to reflect on Him. Amidst the presents, glitter and shine, hustle and bustle, He truly is the reason for the season. Merry Christmas to all those who may see this post. Here's to hoping peace, joy, and happiness can be found. 

Changes.

I adore these pictures that were taken within the last week. It's really, really hit me how painfully FAST time is flying by. My two little babies are turning into two little people, with (strong) opinions and (big) personalities. I looooooove everything about these personalities and opinions (most of the time), but I just can't seem to quite soak everything in until another big change seems to catch me off guard. 

What? You say "no" to me now!?!?

Since when can you shoot a basketball like a pro? (Like seriously, he can swoosh them 10 times in a row!)

Oh, now you are going to go ahead and speak full sentences? 

You do summersaults?!? How fun!

You want to walk ALONE?! Don't you need me to do everything for you?

It's a daily thing. Change, growth, another "first-time-for-this" or "first-time-for-that." I love being a mother, and I am so grateful to witness the beautiful growing up my little twins seem to be doing. I just wish it could happen a little big slower. Kapeesh? 

Back to College, in Portland

This last weekend I was able to feel like I was 20 years old again and spend 3 days with some of my very favorite people. These college friends of mine are the types of friends where no explanation is needed, where I can be myself and laugh with my head thrown back. As I get older I realize what a blessing it is to find friends like this. When they are found, you never want to let go. This weekend was so good for my soul!!

We ate our way through Portland, hitting a few major sites, but most of all, just talked, talked talked.

 Top: Marcella, me, Lauren (LG), Rachel

Bottom: Rachel, Natalie, Jessie, Ashton

Amazing girls, amazing weekend, amazing friends. 

A Matter of Seconds.

I took this picture during bath-time where we then rushed off to meet Russ at work for lunch. On our way back home for naps, I witnessed a pretty bad accident. What was so terrifying about this accident was if one or two things had been different it very well could have been us. Someone ran a red light, and if the car that had gotten hit (that was right next to me) wasn't there, I'm pretty confident we would have been T-boned pretty hard right at Clara's carseat. All of the car's airbags deployed, so I can't imagine what would have happened. A few seconds could have changed everything. I seriously shudder every time I think about it. 

It had been a stressful week, but these are the moments that put everything else into perspective. At the end of the day, all that matters is that my family is safe, sound and happy. I'm hoping I can keep this lesson in mind next time Max throws his sippy cup and spills juice on my brand new area rug. :) 

... yup that happened. 

But for real. Some things just aren't worth losing sleep over. The end. 

She loves her baskets.

My #1 drink thief!

Christmas Morning!

We spent Christmas morning at my mom's house. It was fun hanging with cousins and siblings and having everyone under one roof! The twins obviously loved getting all of their new fun gifts, but I don't think they quite understood the whole Christmas thing. Either way, we had a very fun day and I'm still a big believer that all holidays are more fun with children! 

Pre-gift yogurt binge! Gotta get that energy. 

These skates from Jace and Bella and super girl/super boy outfits from Grandma were the biggest hit! 

Christmas Eve: North Pole Express

We rode the North Pole Express on Christmas Eve! It was such a fun day. We saw Santa, sang with elves, drank hot chocolate, and enjoyed the company with my side of the family. Holidays are SO much fun with kids!

They really liked the bells. :)

This girl looooooves her grandma!

Be still my heart! Complete with hot chocolate on her sweater and everything! 

So much sass it cannot be contained. 

Jace (my brother) and Bella were in town from Seattle. We sure love them! 

Max sure loved those elves!

Pure magic!

Please Stop Time. Thanks.

I have to get all of these pictures on this blog. 

Every day as I put these two little crazies to bed I want to bottle everything up and keep it forever. I want to remember the smells, the giggles, cuddles, hand holding, tantrums (haha), spilled food, constant messes, slobbery kisses, new words, ALL OF IT. 

I LOVE this stage. Everyone says the "terrible twos," but so far 2 has been my very favorite age. Yes, yes, we have more tantrums and time-outs and toddler moments than one can even imagine. But all of these moments become so insignificant during story time, playing hide-and-seek, and getting cute, silly grins all day long. 

I'm just a sappy mom getting all sappy, so I'll leave you with some of my favorite pictures from the last few months... and then I'll go stare at my babies while they sleep. 

I'm scared for when this will be recreated at age 16!

I love this picture. So much.

The "cheeeeeeeeese" face has begun! 

.... but is compensated by cute giggly smiles like this!

A spontaneous hug from behind!

Always, always running.

This boy. He melts me DAILY. We have made such great strides with his communication. Around his 2 year birthday we were having a LOT of rough days... but my goodness, he has been bringing the charm lately. I mean look at that face.

And then this girl just has us wrapped around her little finger. She is sweet, sassy, smart and so much fun. 

And she looks like this in the mornings.... HAHA!!

Russ brought this ball back from a business trip. It's the simple things that bring joy!

And finally, one of their favorite games of late has been the "sleeping game." Clara's really bringing her "A game" here. These two little people crack me up. They are my whole world! 

2015 Family Pictures!

We had some family pictures done by the amazing Jylare Smith in October around the twins' 2nd birthday. Considering the twins were being less than accommodating, they turned out so great! She's a miracle worker.