That counts... right?!

I speak a very, VERY small amount of Spanish, but Ezra is fluent.

We have tried to teach Haley a little bit. She knows her numbers, colors, and some letters in Spanish.

I think knowing a second language is an important and helpful skill to have in life.

Imagine my motherly delight when I overheard Haley teaching her younger sister a second "language"...

Haley (holding a ball) says to Kaitlyn: "ba, ba, ba, ba, ball. That's how you say ball in Chinese!"

Hmmm.

Technically, I don't think that will qualify as a second language. Looks like we still have some work to do...


Actual Chinese word for ball: qíu (chee-o)

http://www.simple-chinese.com/learn-chinese/lesson-15/index.html

For the BIRTHDAY girl.

My sweet Katie-bug-sophie,

Happy HAPPY First Birthday! I cannot believe how fast our first year together has gone by. You are an incredible blessing in our lives, and I can't thank Heavenly Father enough for sending your sweet little spirit to our family. You are a delightful little girl, and you make me laugh daily. Your smile is contagious, your squishy cheeks are addicting and your baby giggles make me giggle with delight. You're simply the most lovliest little person I've ever met! Love, Mom.




The day we first met.

I write what I know.

I haven't posted in over a week. I'm a bad blogger, which I suppose is better than a bad booger? Say that ten times fast!

I have taken a little break from the world O' blog to reflect upon what I really want this writing space to be about. A little over a week ago, a good friend and fellow blogger wrote about her reasons for writing; and though my own reasons differ slightly from hers, it was very insightful and made me question my own reasons.(So thank you friend)

Here is what I have come up with:

1.) I find it both therapeutic AND exciting. It gives me a little time to myself... I just have to yell out, "Honey, I'm writing on my blog" and Ez will keep the girls entertained for a little while. I find it exciting in the sense that I don't know exactly who is reading and it pushes me a little more out of my comfort zone to share with others.

2.) To share my ideas on Motherhood. Everyday I am learning more and more about what it means to BE a Mother. I have been through some special experiences during my own adventure as a Mother that I know could benefit others, and I'd like to share.

3.) For those who don't know me. There are people in my life who don't know me as well as I would like. I have high hopes that through this blog, they might be able to learn more about who I REALLY am, and hopefully in turn, wonderful relationships will begin to blossom.

4.) For my girls. At the end of the year, I plan on turning this blog into a book- a journal of sorts about our lovely little life together. (Bloggers- did you know you can publish your blog? You CAN!)

5.) For my Mom. She has expressed -over and over- her love of reading my blog. She LOVES to read and gush over her grandgirls, so I write to keep her entertained.

6.) To be a better missionary. I have never been one to share my faith as much as I know I should. I've never felt I was brave enough, but I am slowly starting to learn that it is my RESPONSIBILITY to share the truths that I know with others.

7.) To reflect. This part is mostly for myself, but you are more than welcome to read.

8.) To share about my family. They are my heart. The very reason I am who I am. I am so proud of my Husband and my girls, and all that we have accomplished together, that I can't help but share. They are my reasons in all that I do.


So, there you go. My reasons for blogging. In case you have been wondering! ;)

And the list goes on...

I couldn't sleep tonight. At all. I think my baby has destroyed my sleep pattern, or maybe I just have too many thoughts on the brain. Either way there was no dreamland in sight for me, so I started my to-do list. Numero uno- scrub the girl's bathtub. (Isn't that what you do when you can't sleep?)I pulled out my scrubbing team: comet, scrubby sponge, *toothbrush. Then I got to work... As I was scrubbing all of the dirty nooks and crannies with my trusty toothbrush, I thought of my mom. After all, she is the one who taught me about this brilliant little cleaning tool. My mind started to drift off into memory-ville and I thought about all of the things she has taught me. How to pray, how to fold clothes, how to sew, how to love... the list goes forever on. I thought of the lessons that I need to teach my own girls; a seemingly never ending, eternal list. As mothers we try our best to teach our children all of the important lessons of life, and just when it starts to seem impossible,the Lord sends in His helpers.

I thought about all of the amazing women in my life -past and present- who have been a part of teaching me essential lessons, both life-long and eternal. There must be hundreds! Hundreds of wonderful women- some old, some young, some childless, some plentiful, some full of wisdom, some sad, some grieving, some joyful, some strong, some funny, some educated, some not - but all cherished helpers of our Heavenly Father. To these women, I am so very thankful for the lessons you have taught me. I will be forever grateful for your generous hearts, understanding ears, selfless ways, thoughtful minds, willingness to share and your unwavering desires to teach girls like me. My life is better because of you.

Thank you Shelia, Ardie, Laurie, Rebekah, Twyla, Jodi, Doris, Natalie, Kristi, Cinda, Christy, Sherri, Melissa, Aundrea, Tauna, Hannah, Molly, Kaylonnie, Cheri, Colleen, Katie, Sydney, Jennifer, Courtney, Wanda, Judy, Kerri, Stephenie, Wendy, Marie, Samantha, Liz, Amanda, Cory, Amie, Amy, Jen, Brittany, Christie, Summer, Jo, Kat...and the list goes on.

Knowing that these women (or women like them) are close at hand for my girls helps me feel much more able to handle the joyous and draining world of motherhood!

*I must stress that I only use this toothbrush for cleaning purposes. I have another for my pearly whites!

Point and click...

We like to have photo shoots... okay, okay I like to have photo shoots. Here are some pictures from our most recent shoot. I like to think I am doing my part to preserve history! (at least of my own family)

So long 2009!

Our new year's eve party had an awkward edge to it this year. We had a family full of sickies, my mom had had a major surgery earlier in the day, and my poor little family was very very tired. After visiting my mom at the hospital, I stopped at the store and picked up some party favors. We filled our glasses just minutes before the countdown began, and threw on our party hats. As hard as I tried, I just couldn't get myself in the right spirit to ring in the new year. I honestly think 2010 has seemed a little funky because I haven't let go of 2009 properly. To remedy this little problem I am posting my TOP TEN memories of 2009.

Here goes- (In NO particular order)

1. Kaitlyn Sophie's arrival into the world. It was truly love at first sight.

2. Celebrating our fourth wedding anniversary. It was my year to plan our day, so I took Ezra to some of our most special places. We played a round of golf at the place where we had our first *spark*, we danced at the place where we had our first date, and we said cheers and drank bubbly cider at the place where He asked me to marry him. It was a very sweet night.

3. Making it home in time to be with my family as we put our cat, Winston to sleep.

4. Introducing Haley to her little sister.

5. Ezra getting a new job just in time for me to lose mine. (just a tad still bitter of whole horrible experience, but it has been the BIGGEST blessing. The Lord really does know JUST what we need.)

6. Finding renewal and strength at the Time Out For Women with my Mom, Grandma, and Sister-in-law. It was such a beautiful and entertaining weekend.

7. Cooking my first Thanksgiving dinner. Turkey innards are just as gross as they sound.

8. Family Camping! As crazy as it can be, I love it and will always go back for more.

9. Countless pretend snowball fights with Haley. If you've never experienced this, just ask her to play. She loves it, and it really is lots of fun.

10. Late night couch cuddles.


All in all, 2009 was just a wonderful year. I became a mother of two; one of the toughest adventures I have ever embarked upon, but it has truly been my greatest adventure. I spent a lot of time with loved ones, and fell more in love with my husband, my girls, and my family. Lots of laughs, lots of fun! Thanks 2009!

And now, pictures of the White Family ending the year with a small boom!


* I promise this is apple cider- the kid was in love with it!

Easy weeknight recipe...

How can you resist a warm, tasty, home cooked meal that needs only five ingredients, and has a cheap price tag? I know I can't!

For some reason (ahem... Ezra) we always have a large abundance of tortillas at our home. I came up with this recipe to conquer the last of the tortilla pile, and it ended up being quite tasty. Try it tonight if you dare!

I call it...(drum roll please)

Chicken Enchilada Casserole (original. I know)

Ingredients:

2 chicken breasts (cooked)
12 white corn tortillas (cut in half)
1 can diced tomatoes (drained)
1 envelope enchilada seasoning
2 c. Colby jack cheese (shredded)

Directions:

Pre-heat oven to 350. Place cooked chicken in a food processor and pulse until finely chopped, move to separate bowl. Add tomatoes and package of enchilada seasoning to food processor, puree. Line round baking pan(greased) with abt. 8 corn tortillas. (Overlap if necessary). Spoon 1/3 sauce over corn tortillas followed by a layer of chicken (1/2) and cheese (1/3). Start process again. 8 Tortillas, sauce, chicken, cheese. The last layer should be 8 tortillas, sauce, cheese. If you like, you can top the dish off with some sliced green onions or sliced olives. Bake for 15-20 mins. We like to top off our enchiladas with a little sour cream and a side of black beans and lime. Enjoy!

My price-tag for this dish: $ 5.70

up, uP, UP and away!

A Kaitlyn UPdate:
The little one has learned a new word. UP! I have been trying to teach her to use it when she wants to be picked up, instead of her usual choice- screaming. She likes to use it for a variety of reasons. She'll lift both arms high above her head, roughly slam them down and sternly say 'up'. Sometimes it can be a little forceful, but I still think it's pretty darn cute!



UPright and Moving:
Just a few days after Christmas, Kaitlyn started to walk. She has been standing in place for months, but one day she decided to take her first steps. She has been on the move since, and is now attempting to carry things. She is one brave little chick-a-dee. There have been a few bumps and a few bruises, but we have all been very impressed with her cruising skills. Her big sister is especially proud. There is lots and lots of cheering and clapping going on at the White house. I think she just might have it down in time for her first birthday.



A cUP half full (of apple juice):
Kaitlyn Sophie has been introduced to the sippy cup. She tried it a few times with success, but there is a whole lot more shakin' going on than sippin'!We, her parents & wonderful pediatrician, have decided to wean her off of the bottle by birthday #1. She tends to be the queen of multiple ear infections; despite all attempts to make this pesky problem stop. Any who- she doesn't know that her beloved bottle will soon disappear, but I am hoping if we do it gradually she won't notice. Anyone have any tips for bottle weaning? Please share if you do!

*Disclaimer- Mom, Twyla and other dental professionals who may be reading- I assure you that the apple juice was a 60% water/40% juice mixture :)

The bug has been caught.

Darn flu bug! Haley started off the week with it- three days sick. Then Kaitlyn- two days sick. Now Ezra. I was hoping that I would be given immunity in return for taking such great care of my sick family, but tonight I started to feel the rumblings. It happens like this EVERY time. I think I need to write an angry letter to Mr. Flu. I don't appreciate his customer service skills, and I am definitely NOT happy with his product.

Sisterly Love

A few weeks after my fourth birthday, my parents gave me a sister. I'm positive that I did not ask for this new 'bundle of joy', but there she was in all of her pink glory. We fought most of our childhood; sometimes it was pretty brutal. I down right could not stand her, and I think she felt the same way about me. Oh sure there were times we got along, but if you ask my parents, I am thinking the cat-fights outweighed all others! This "relationship" continued for years, and I honestly can't pinpoint when it began to change, though I do recall that it seemed better the second I moved away from home! So, with that kind of lovely history, would you believe that she is my very best girl-friend of all time? It's true. Do I dare say it- she's my bestie! I like to think that it was heavenly intervention, or possibly the countless lectures we got from our Papa about how 'important it was to get along'. By the way- I hated those talks, but I loved my grandfather- so I stood there and shook my head yes.


A few weeks before Haley's third birthday, we gave her a sister. I'm positive she did not ask for this new 'bundle' of joy, but there Kaitlyn was in all of her pink glory. It has been almost a year since Kaitlyn was born and the little arguments over toys and space has already begun. Kaitlyn finds a toy, Haley takes the toy, Kaitlyn screams. Haley finds a toy, Kaitlyn tries to take it, Haley screams. I know the cycle all too well. Remember, I have been there before. This time though, I hope that I have the tools to combat the sister-fights, always keeping in mind that twenty years down the road they may just be the best of friends. Nothing would make this mom's heart happier.

Here swims the bride!

Tonight our fish, George married his new sweetheart, Lola. It was a lovely ceremony. The couple will be honeymooning on the kitchen counter until tomorrow morning, where they will then reside in Haley and Kaitlyn's circus bedroom.

Amen!

This past Sunday Haley left the snack and toy-filled world of nursery and joined the rank of a sunbeam in primary. It was very exciting for our family, and we spent part of saturday preparing for her great move. We practiced the sunbeam song, how she should behave in class, and how to get ready for the prayer. She was ecstatic and had a wonderful first primary experience. Since sunday I have caught her singing different melodies from church, and offering to say prayer with a little bit of help. The only catch- she likes to skip right to the 'amen' part when she thinks we've said enough.

Tonight while Haley was having her bath we read, "Sister Eternal" by Dieter F. Uchtdorf. In the book, He mentions going to the LDS church for the first time... so I say, "The Church of Jesus Christ..." and before I can finish, a loud "A-MEN!" comes from the bathtub. It made me giggle; I am just glad to know she is catching some of my lessons on prayer.

Oooo... Spicy!

Every once and awhile Ezra and I like to add some spicy elements to our dinner. Last night we made chicken curry -delicious! It ended up being a bit too spicy- but I found a quick fix for that. If you are looking for something new to try... try my "Kickin' Chicken Curry"!

Ingredients:
6 boneless chicken thighs (large cubes)
3 large baking potatoes (large cubes)
6 carrots (large dices)
4 stalks celery (chopped)
1 can chickpeas
1 large handful sliced spinach
4 tbsp curry powder (heaping)
olive oil
1/4 c. brown sugar
4 cloves of garlic (peeled and smooshed)
corn starch

Directions:
Place 1 swirl of olive oil in frying pan. Add chicken and garlic cloves. Cook on med-high until chicken is done. Turn off heat. Add curry powder, and coat chicken. Combine all remaining ingredients and chicken mixture in a large stock pot. Add enough water to pot to cover the ingredients, and mix.Turn heat to high and cook for 40 minutes, or until potatoes are soft. To make the mixture thicker add cornstarch (abt. 2 tsp)and water together in separate bowl to make a thin runny paste. Add to curry mixture. Continue this process until desired thickness is reached. If the curry is too spicy add brown sugar. I think it gives it a nice touch. We like to serve our curry over rice. Enjoy!!

My first post!

I am so excited to be a new member of the blogging world. It took me a lot longer to figure out how to set up a blog than I thought it would- lots of mishaps. But hours later,I am the owner of a semi-decent blog. :) I have lots of holiday news and pictures to share... so stay tuned!