{words}

As a quick update, the rash was a virus and it was gone within 2-3 days.

I love watching Crew learn new things. Lance and I are always amazed at how quickly he will catch on to something and how much he 

understands. His most favorite thing is reading books. He would love to sit and read with me all day long if that were possible.

His vocabulary is quite impressive for a 10 1/2 month old!

• mama
• dada
• banana ("nanah")
• duck
• dog
• more (ASL)
• milk (ASL)
• water (ASL)
• uh-oh
• hi 
• he nods his head both yes and no- this has been so helpful in communication!
• "moo" for the cow
• "baa" for the sheep
• he barks anytime he hears a dog bark
• "pa pa" for grandpa
• he roars like a lion quite frequently
• he waves anytime anyone says goodbye

I'm sure I am forgetting some! It's really been fun to see him learn new words. He is also cruising around the house. He crawls really fast and cruises the furniture like a pro. He is steady on his feet and has taken a few steps here and there but isn't showing much interest in walking on his own quite yet. We borrowed a little push toy from my brother the other day and he just took off with it walking around the house! He's even gotten quite tricky and when he hits a wall, he will move to the other side and take off again, all the while with a huge grin on his face. 

Crew is such a pleasure! For the most part he is cheerful, bright, social and curious. He has such a funny little sense of humor. He flirts with anyone and everyone wherever we go! He definitely thrives on attention from others which I love but it can get pretty tough at home when I am the only one to entertain. He does so much better when we are out running errands or at a party. There have been many frustrating times when Crew wants my full attention and I just can't give it to him! Otherwise I would never get anything done. On top of that, he is not a good napper (ugh!). I have tried everything in the book but this kid just does not take good naps. I guess I cannot complain, though, because he sleeps more than 12 hours every night.

He always crosses his legs when he's in his high chair. So cute!

Painting with water. Look at that red hair! People comment on it everywhere we go.

So that is the skinny on our Crew guy! He is our absolute everything. I feel so blessed to have a loving husband and the cutest little baby on the block! Being a full-time mommy is 

definitely challenging at times but it is the most rewarding thing I have ever done.

{Poor Baby}

This is what we've been dealing with for the last two days- and last night, I might add.

And it's gotten progressively worse. 

Doc says there's nothing to do but wait it out. 

Poor little guy. And the pictures make it look half as bad as it is!

But you can see he is trying to be a good sport about it. 

The worst part is seeing him in pain and miserable and being unable to take it away.

Get well soon our little Crew guy!

Anthro-inspired duvet

I am in love with Anthropologie. IN LOVE. The funky style, the bright colors mixed with lots of whites, the world-traveler feel... it's all my favorite. But everything is super expensive. And while Lance really gives me free reign to buy whatever I want, I have a hard time spending $300 + on a duvet cover and pillows. So instead, I decided to make our own! And I am so pleased with how it turned out.

Our room is still a work in progress (we are in the middle of painting our night stands and making

a new headboard) but I am in love with the simpleness of the the duvet and pillows.

I first bought the duvet off of overstock. $20 is well worth the fabric and time it would

have taken me to get that far. Then I purchased white cotton at Hobby Lobby, cut it into

6 inch strips that were 3x the length of the sides, surged around the edges, did a basting

stitch around the edges, gathered, then stitched it around the outside of the duvet. So easy!

For the pillows, I first stitched the ruffles on the front piece, then added two overlapping pieces

of fabric on the back. That way you don't have to deal with zippers.

I will update again once our night stands and headboard are finished.

There were several of you who expressed interest in making your own Anthro-inspired duvets. 

I could probably tell you how to make any of the gathered ones even though this one is much

 more simple.

Do you want more detailed instructions?

{mom}

Who ran to help me when I fell, 

and would some pretty story tell,

or kiss the place to make it well?

My mother.

This year has been a big one for my mom.

And this year, more than ever, I am thankful for my mom.

Thankful for modern medicine and for second chances. 

I love you mom! Thank you for adding so much joy and happiness to our lives.

Thank you for being one of my very best friends. Happy Mother's Day! 

We are so thankful for the moms in our lives! 

This was my first ever Mother's Day and I felt so incredibly loved by my sweet husband who

made the day extra special. It helped that Crew was extra cuddly :) Being a mommy

has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life. Here's to all the moms out there

who kiss everything better and sacrifice for the ones they love.

{St. George}

Lance's dad and uncle Mont are on the board for the time share both families own in St. George.

Every year they have a board meeting which means a fun week vacation in sunny St. George!

Our week's activities included swimming, a trip to the Tuachan market, walks, crafts, shopping, 

visiting with friends, watching movies, lots of just laying around, running, Lance and his dad went 

on a long bike ride and TONS of great food!

We had everyone but Madsen and Bruce this year-- even Kirstin was able to make it with her kids. 

It was so fun to see these boys together again. They have both grown up so much.

Friday

Everything was fine in the bath till Lance did his monkey noise and scared Marcus.

 Saturday

We had a BBQ with all us girls and our husbands. I LOVE these girls! 

They are the best of friends a girl could ask for and they spoil me.

See Whit's cute little belly? I am so excited for their little boy on the way.

The guys won in the game of Cranium. The wives decided it would be fun to get a picture

of them all together. They decided to comply, but only on their terms.

Sunday

My favorite was our BBQ outside with Salmon and grilled veggies- my favorite meal!

We also spent a lot of time barefoot

Crew found a toy

....or a tasty treat....

Daddy had to intervene

This little one was pretty much in heaven with all the time spent outside with daddy.

playin with grandpa.

 Monday

 An afternoon walk

Ridin double

These boys were loving the slides.

 Tuesday

Swim time!

Jennica and adorable Abby came over to play. I couldn't

get enough of this sweet baby! She is so adorable and looks just like her

mommy and daddy. Alisa joined us later.

This turned out a little blurry but all 3 boys are less than 2 months apart.

These beautiful roses lined the walkways between condos. I was in heaven every time I walked past them!

We had a wonderful time in St. George. It's always a little sad to pack up and head out but

luckily, we will back down for an entire week in a month! Yay for vacations :)