LUCKY

The other morning Olivia sat on my lap in the recliner. We were both in our PJs, snuggled under a blanket listening to music on the iPad. We were just talking and dancing when she turned her head and looked at me for a second. Like really looked at me and then she planted a kiss right on my lips. It wasn't the first time we were in that setting snuggled together. and it wasn't the first time she kissed me, but in that moment I felt pure happiness. My eyes got teary when I thought about how much joy I felt in that moment. and they are again right now.

I'm so lucky to have her. being a mom is the best job in the world.

giving thanks

This Thanksgiving was a year of firsts. It was Olivia's first ever Thanksgiving. She got to eat (almost) all the same food as us and she even got to eat off a princess plate! Luuuucky girl.
It was my first Thanksgiving away from my family... ever. I missed them of course, but I am so lucky to have married into the family I did. I love my Rupes and we had such a fun day full of delicious food and lots of laughter (always)
It was the first time I had a Thanksgiving dinner with less than oh about 40 people there. Ha! My parents both have big families. It was just the 5 of us. It felt weird to not have to wait in line to get food! We probably had enough to feed 40 though and it was gooooood. I even made green bean casserole and sweet potatoe souffle can you believe that?! are you proud?!
It was my first time going Black Friday shopping and actually buying something! When I worked at Skullcandy I always had to work 1 and sometimes even 2 seperate shifts for Black Friday so I never really got the chance to shop. It was fun! I went with Kate. She's the best.

The rest of the weekend consisted of playing and eating. We went and saw the lights downtown and I got to spend a lot of time with the Rupes. I loved it! Poor Conrad had to work so much he hardly got to be with us. He worked from 3:30 am til after 8:00 pm on Friday! Poor guy. He works so hard for us. We love him!



Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween from Ariel! You're looking at a HANDMADE mermaid costume. Olivia has the best great uncle ever. He is so talented.

fallin' for fall

This fall has been so much fun for us! Olivia is at such a fun age and she just cracks us up. I love this time of year and it is only going to get better. I've been so excited for Olivia's first Christmas and birthday. I am already done shopping for her and Conrad and it's only October!


Conrad spoiled me and took me to stay at the Cliff Lodge in Snowbird. His mom watched Olivia for the weekend and it was nice to have some alone time. there was a pool on top of the roof of our hotel overlooking Snowbird. it was so pretty! Then Lissa and Katy came up with Olivia on Sunday and we all went to Oktoberfest. It was so warm and nice! It was a great weekend. I hope to make it a tradition. I really loved it up there.


We took her to the farmer's market at Wheeler farm. She was so scared of the animals! We really should have thought out our game plan a little better. we started with the horses and that was a bad route. we should have worked our way up! She was really nervous just looking at them. she was terrifed of them (just like her dad!) and then Grandma Lissa fed it a carrot and she was so worried. She started crying because she was scared for her Grandma by that big scary animal! It was pretty cute that she wanted to protect Lissa.

surprises!

I love surprises. who doesn't?! Every month I receive a package in the mail from Birchbox. it's like getting a present! as a working mother it's hard to find time to shop for beauty products and it's especially hard to try new things. but Birchbox is the perfect way to try new products for only $10 a month. Okay okay I know this sounds like a sponsored post but it's not! I just love getting a surprise pamper box in the mail every month! It's amazing. It comes with things like nail polish, perfume samples, face cream, hair products, style booklets, and lip gloss.  Sign up here!

  

those moments

There are moments being a wife and mother that melt my heart so much it's just ridiculously sappy. They make me stop and think how did I ever get so lucky? Like when I came home the other day and I heard Conrad's voice singing...  and singing loudly. I turned the corner and Olivia was standing in her saucer playing right next to the bathroom door which was wide open. Conrad was showering and singing A capella to her. I giggled a happy giggle and put my finger up to my mouth to Liv as if to tell her "shhh it's our secret... let's keep listening." I listened a little while longer and then let him know I was home. I asked him what he was doing and he said, "I was keeping her company."
Okaaay cutest dad ever.

Olivia has such a big personality! She is curious and hyper and just a little go getter. She doesn't stop exploring the big world around her and I love that about her. While she was playing with my brother he asked me how early they can diagnose ADHD. HA I've got one wild child! I wouldn't have it any other way.

Livi-isms

dad is the funniest person in the world

the tag is the best part of every toy and/or blanket

it's impossible to sit still through a diaper change;there's too much to do

pterodactyl scream!

2 pearly white teeth and mad army crawling skills

proud owner of her own room 

the washer is the coolest thing in the house... make that the world

most curious, hyper, little thing. and of course the most loved.