sweet thoughts

Tonight we had some fun family time after dinner and bathtime. We were completing some puzzles with the kids, reading stories and getting the kids to wind down before bed. Camden is such a smart boy, and extremely quick to answer questions, even though they're not always the RIGHT answers... he always makes us smile, regardless. :)

Daddy: "What does the bread in the sacrament represent?"
Camden: "The Lollipop Guild!"

Daddy: "Where do we go when we die?"
Camden: "The Eaton House."

Girls' Night Out!!!

It was about time... It's been 18 months since I've had my last baby, and I'm just now getting around to feeling a bit like myself again, and it's SO nice! I've had a hard time adjusting since we moved and feeling like I really "belong" here. But, I really feel like I've landed right in the middle of a great group of supportive women who are really becoming my great friends, and I'm so grateful for that! We all went out tonight to celebrate Michelle's birthday and had a fabulous time!!!

Bea is ONE

We had so much fun celebrating Beatrice's first birthday! Everything from the water bottles to the "B" cake, was absolutely divine, not that I expected anything less from Angie Stewart, uh, I mean Gubler. :) Ang, you did an amazing job, we had a fabulous time!!!

The kids started with a fun craft


then played "Pin the Wings on the Bee" (Each child having their name printed on their own bee wings!)

Happy Birthday Beautiful Bea!

Beautiful sisters, Emily and Angie, with their daughters (first cousins) Kate and Bea

Fabulous Cousins, Liz and Emily, with their daughters (second cousins) Ivy and Kate


A fabulous time had by all!!!

fun and frilly

Chalk Pastel on 220 grit sandpaper

Chalk pastel

Acrylic on Paper

Another one leaves the nest...

...well, technically it's only for 2 hours, once a week, but it's still bittersweet! Camden has started preschool and his first day was magnificent! His teacher, Cheryl Johnson (a beautiful friend of mine from church) said he focused well, played well, and used his manners (proud momma moment!!) but, whenever Ms. Cheryl said it was time for snack, painting, reading, etc. Camden would ask if they could do it outside! He's my outdoor boy!!! He loved it and can't wait to go again next week! Way to go, Camden!

Junree, Heber and Camden

Ms. Cheryl getting the kids set up

his first project, a tracing of mommy's hand overlayed by Camden's painted hand

Classical Ballet

Isabelle and I spent Saturday afternoon at the ballet. It was a beautiful event, Hope 2, that benefitted a charity, Family Promise, which helps homeless family in Nevada. All of the proceeds went to Family Promise and shared the talents of dancers and vocalists from Phantom. Two of the performers were friends of ours from church, Rebekah and Ben Hale (both from Phantom).

We went with some lovely friends from church and really had an enjoyable time! We loved the beautiful choreography (done mostly by Rebekah) and were so impressed by the vocal numbers! Having been trained classically in both, I truly appreciated the efforts required to perfect such talents! It was a remarkable afternoon with wonderful friends!

Back Row- Rebekah Hale, Ben Hale, Julie Davies, Shellie Brown, Chris Davies, Lacey Newbry, Sabrina Vincent, Liz Young, Allison Baker, Gretchen Baker

Front Row- Allie Brown, Isabelle Vincent, Isabelle Young (all with their signed point shoes from Rebekah)

the 3rd anniversary of my 25th birthday

Yes, I am officially 28! I can't believe it... Well, actually, I can. There are some days I feel 17 and some days when I feel I could roll over and die! Three kids and a marvelous husband definitely fill my life with joy (and exhaustion!)

My family and friends really made my day amazingly special. I woke up early because Beau and the kids were sending me to the spa!!! And not just any spa, but the five star spa at the Four Seasons! All I can say is... INCREDIBLE!!!

When I arrived, they greeted me by saying, "Good morning, Mrs. Young. Happy birthday! You have a lovely husband who has a planned a very special day for you." What? WOW, YAY!!!! I started off by going to the locker room, which was more gorgeous than anything I've ever seen. Marble flooring, plush satin benches, personal vanities stocked with facial cleansers, moisturizers, towels, razors, hair products and dryers. All that was missing was a personal stylist! I spent 15 minutes in the steam room (and cooled off with a washcloth left for me in a silver bowl of ice), then was called for my massage. I've had deep-tissue, full-body massages before... but there was something about the 9 million thread count sheets, candles, flowers, and aromatherapy that just made it so much more exceptional. The 50 minute massage was heavenly! After my massage I had an amazing 50 minute facial. It was truly a remarkable experience! I felt like a new woman!

After I had been pampered, I went back to the locker room, to the private showers, and sat at the vanity to get cleaned up. I felt like a Queen!

I had to hurry though because I was supposed to meet my Mom for a special birthday lunch. So, after I got cleaned up, I picked up my car from the Valet (3 and a half hours after I dropped it off) to be greeted again by a different Valet, "Hello, Mrs. Young. Happy Birthday! Did you enjoy your morning in the spa?" WHAT? Oh... If I had a million dollars to tip this lovely gentleman for making me feel like Princess Di, I would have given him every penny! Unfortunately, I only had a 5 :) I then went home only to arrive to a completely spotless house and a living room full of friends!!! SURPRISE!!!! My Mom, Beau, and a couple of great friends had planned a surprise luncheon for me. I was SO HAPPY!

I couldn't think of a better way to spend my day... A morning at one of the best spas in the world, and a luncheon with some of the best people in the world! Thank you to all of you who helped make my day so special, I love you all dearly and know how blessed I am to have such wonderful friends and an amazing family. THANK YOU!!!!!

I wish I had pictures... I'll have to get them from Jen, thanks Ms. Photographer!!!