Lorz Family Update

100 Years Young!!

2012-01-26T19:37:00.000-08:00

Grandma Rounds turned 100 years old in November. What a celebration we had. I have only known Grandma Rounds since she has been in her 90's(about 10 years.) I remember when Matt and I first started dating. I would go home to Sandy a lot on the weekends when attending school at USU. Lucky for us Matthew was really close to his aunt and uncle who lived near my parents. So when I would go home he would come too, since he had a place to stay. I remember Grandma Rounds being there. She stayed there during the winters. She would grab all his laundry and start getting it done. She is a WORKER. She loves to be busy and she is always trying to serve others. You can NOT eat a meal with her without her asking at least 5 times if you need anything else. As soon as the meal is over she is the first one up ready to do the dishes and clean the kitchen. She is always helping. I have always known her to have good health and a lot of energy. It wasn't until this last year that she had to go on oxygen and has had a few health issues. Often times she would scare me with how much she wanted to help. Recently when moving from Matt's moms house into our own place Grandma Rounds just HAD to be a part of the process. We tried to talk her out of it, but she is a little stubborn. She would go downstairs and lift boxes of canned food. Then carry it up the stairs and outside to the car. I thought I would have a heart attack that day. I don't think she even realizes she is 100 years old.

What I love most about Grandma Rounds is the love she has had for my children. I remember when the twins were born and she came to the hospital. She was just full of excitement. Every time we would see her after that she would always ask to hold the babies and help us. Recently with the birth of Marie I have seen so much joy in her when she is around that little girl. You would think Marie was her favorite in the whole world. She told Matt's mom a few nights ago that she woke in the middle of the night and all she could see was Marie's little face. She just loves her and can't stop talking about how sweet she is. She is always wanting to hold her. Grandma is always happiest when she is around babies and children. I will never forget her telling me that she would be happy to watch Marie for me if I needed to go anywhere. She is amazing.

Grandma was so happy at her party. She loves to be around people and visiting others seems to be her favorite thing to do. I will always remember the night before her party. She was arguing with Matthew about who should sit down in the only available chair. Obviously Matt was not going to leave his 100 year old grandma standing but she was not about to sit down. In the middle of her telling Matt to sit down he said "Grandma if you sit down you can hold the baby." She stopped mid sentence and said "OOHHH OK!" It was so cute. She just loves to hold baby Marie.

We are all so lucky to have Grandma Rounds in our lives. She will always be a great example of charity and hard work. She has gone through many trials in her life, but she just keeps moving forward. She is a loving, kind, and generous person(always sticking dollar bills in my hand.) I feel so blessed that she has been around for the birth of all of my children.

The first picture in this post is of Grandma Rounds at our wedding. She just looks beautiful and I am so thankful she was there.

We love you Grandma Lorz!! Happy 100th Birthday!!!

Friends.

2011-12-13T09:18:00.000-08:00

I think I have the cutest friends in the world. No, I do. So blessed to have friends that have been there through it all. I can leave on a mission come back, still the same. Go to Florida for three years, come back...still the same. Pretty postive that we will still be best of friends for the rest of our lives. It all started from our elementarty days, some friendships started from preschool, and some even before that. WOW!! Not a lot of people can keep friends that long. We can and we always will. Can't wait for our Christmas parties when we roll up in our vans equipped for our wheelchairs and walkers. K..... I can wait for that, but you know what I mean.

Let's not forget those special friends not pictured. Alayna, Heather, and Staci. You were dearly missed. The great thing about us though, is it doesn't matter, we will always catch up with each other again at some point. Were good like that.

Nothing but the REAL thing.

2011-12-11T20:12:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving at my parents house is celebrated by everyone every other year. This year was especially fun with their basement finished and the fun little "Noel Nook" for the kids to play and have their tea parties.

We always celebrate the November birthdays which include me and my sister Natalie, as well as my brother Ed. We all have a fantastic cake as well as all the traditional Thanksgiving pies.

Matt had fun playing video games with my nephews and pool with my dad. I had fun chatting with my sisters.

Marie had her first taste of REAL whipped cream. It's always the real thing in this household, and soooo good. I think she will take after her mother and have a true love for whipping cream.

Overall it was a great holiday. Everything a Thanksgiving should be. How thankful I am this year for so many things. The simple pleasures of life that come from having a new baby around the house and two sweet boys who say things like "thank you mom for making me homemade bread, your the best mom in the whole world." Hugs and kisses, and lots of " I love you's." These are the blessings that make all the other worries of the world seem really insignificant.

Saying Goodbye.

2011-12-09T15:14:00.000-08:00

Fall is most definitely the hardest season to let go. It's pretty much come to an end. We are excited for the cozy days of winter, but those days get too long really fast. So we are saying our final goodbyes to our favorite season of all. And Marie.....well she is Not at ALL sad about me stuffing her into a pumpkin, she's just trying to cope with the changing seasons as well.

Someday......

2011-11-24T08:57:00.000-08:00

She will appreciate you trying to sing to her, and read her stories, or the jokes you tell, and the games you try to play with her. She is already fascinated by you both and she is still trying to get to know you, just like we are trying to get to know her. I'm glad you never give up, and I'm glad you already think that you are her FAVORITE person in the whole world. She may prefer to be held by me right now, but the reality is......one day she may just prefer to be held and consoled and protected by her brothers instead.

nothing cuter.

2011-11-23T08:53:00.000-08:00

just want to kiss those cheeks......so I do......ALL THE TIME!!!

lets be honest.

2011-11-22T08:42:00.000-08:00

It's time consumig, messy, and not always fun. Making, and playing, and crafting, I have to admit are not always my favorite things to do. The kids love it......so I press on, knowing that one day they will not ask me to make them a masking tape city for their cars, or colorful bubble art, or play dough, or slime, or whatever else they have going on in their little heads.

By the way they played with the tape city for about 10 minutes and it took me an hour to make....note to self.....next time do it on something I can just roll up when they are finished and save for later. We had tape on the floor for weeks. Everytime I went to pull it off, there were tears, but still no playing. So it became a part of our living room for a long time. Most parents would not be bothered by it.......that is something I am working on:)

We can't get enough.

2011-11-21T08:32:00.000-08:00

Probably the best feeling in the world to watch siblings become best friends. Many times I want to protect Marie from the rambunctiousness that my boys can be. Or the little teasing from Nathan when he says "MARIE" and then hides real quick and laughs, while she is still looking around trying to figure out where he is. After awhile she finally gets frustrated and lets out a little scream. He talks to her so close in her face that I'm sure she is going to have claustrophobic issues the rest of her life. They run around her singing and screaming and she looks a little scared most times. She is always staring at them in absolute amazement. I have wanted to protect her at times and I have HAD to protect her at times, but most times I just have to let it be. These are her brothers as crazy as they are she has to get use to it. And she is.....and they love it, and I think she is starting to as well.

is there anything better?

2011-11-20T08:16:00.000-08:00

Best part of my day. When I go in to get my baby after her naps, and I know that I am exactly who she was waiting for. These bright eyes maks my heart melt.

turning 31....but still in my 20's

2011-11-18T09:41:00.000-08:00

I am not officially in my 30's until I turn 32, it's just my rule.

I was spoiled by my husband this year. Maybe it's because it's the first year since we have been married that he has had a real job. Or maybe it's because last year when I turned 30 I was so sick in bed pregnant that I didn't want to do ANYTHING. I remember finally agreeing to a movie and a cold slushy drink from Sonic (but NOT dinner) we went and I ordered my cold drink actually going inside Sonic(who does that) to put in my special requests for my drink. It had to be made a very particular way, I'm sure they were annoyed and I even explained to them that I was pregnant so they might understand. We then went to the movie....or tried too. On the way I told Matt to hurry and head for home. When I arrived I spent some good quality time in the bathroom throwing up, while he went to Redbox to get a movie. I then spent the evening of my birthday in bed just as I had spent the day earlier and the weeks before. It was a miserable birthday. Matt sure knew how to make up for it.

I got to go to the Roof. Not just in love with this place because of the food, but because of the atmosphere. A temple view with quiet piano music playing. You don't realize how noisy restaurants are until you go to the Roof. When they seated us there were beautiful roses waiting at my seat. It was wonderful....just to be with him. He also made sure all my cowgirl stuff dreams came true. For sure nothing I needed but things I have been dreaming of for a long time....like my looooong awaited cowgirl boots. I feel so blessed, and still a little guilty. Heaven knows that money spent on me could have been used on many other practical and useful purposes. But I am thankful and feel very loved.

I have learned a lot in 31 years, but mostly just realized I have A LOT to learn. I thought I would share 31 random things about me or that I have learned so I can look back and laugh at myself years from now.

31- I am a huge Taylor Swift fan. I don't think I would start crying if I met her like a silly 12 year old.......but you never know. You also might just find me actually spending time cracking the secret codes from her album cover lyrics(this is sadly true) I also internally believe I was her first real fan and that my mentioning to Matt that she was going to be HUGE after hearing her first song....is really why she is so big:) Your welcome Taylor!!

30- I love to bake bread and try not to buy it anymore......and it makes the house smell sooooo good.

29- I am so lucky to be able to say that I have the best mom and mother-in-law EVER!!

28-I have to work really hard to be good with kids. I have never been great with them...... ever. However, I am ALL about babies and toddlers.....and always have been.

27- I have learned what simplicity means and think I will always strive to have more of it in my life.

26- I am not as layed back about things as I always thought I was.....I tend to worry and over think a lot.

25- I never really yelled at my children.....until two little boys turned four. I am really working on my patience.

24- I am horrible at math. I almost didn't graduate from college because of a statistics class and I never would have passed my math classes without the patience and help of my brother Ryan and my husband.

23- I rarely ever let my kids listen to their music while driving. From the time they were born I decided that having them strapped into their carseats was the little ME time I had. so I listen to whatever I want and I enjoy it, and I don't feel guilty about it. And now they know some country songs better than they know their ABC's and I am starting to rethink my philosophy:(

22- The older I get the more thankful I am for life long friends.

21- My favorite part of the day is in the morning when Marie wakes up and I bring her into bed with me and feed her, and then we both fall back asleep together and cuddle for a little while.

20- Sometimes I feel sad thinking about what my boys may have missed out on as babies because they were twins. Never thought anything of it before until having just one baby at a time.

19-Never knew how much I loved chocolate until I decided to go without sugar for 28 days.

18- when I am stressed I picture myself riding a horse on a mountain....it's always beautiful fall, and the air is crisp. It works every time.

17- I have a phobia of large statues...mostly people statues. I have been known to cry in certain statue situations. Large heads and faces are the worst.

16- I love to exercise at a Gym or in a class. But not really on my own at home....then I kind of dread it.

15- I want to be better at keeping in touch with others. I really stink at it. Which is weird since people and relationships mean the most to me.

14- I have always loved to decorate. I have found it a fun challenge trying to make all of our married life rentals feel like home.

13- I have wanted to be a marriage and family therapist since the 7th grade.

12- I LOVE going out to eat. I think Matt and I would be seriously so rich if we had all the money we have spent on going out. However we really only do it once a week.

11- I really try hard not to judge others. I really believe everyone is facing their own battles and I often remind myself of that at times when I am frustrated with someone else.

10- I often wonder if it is possible for anyone to love their children as much as I love mine.

9- I don't watch the news anymore. I can't handle sad stories, especially if they have to do with children. It tends to effect me for a really long time. So I just stay uninformed and happy:)

8- I think I am married to the funniest person in the world and sometimes wish people knew matt the way I do, but I respect the fact that he is kind of a shy reserved person around others.

7- I try to live a healthy lifestyle and sometimes I think it's because I really want to be healthy when we retire.....I think about retirement way tooo much.

6- Having a little girl has been a lot more fun then I ever dreamed it would be.

5- I honestly believe Matt has a special gift and talent when it comes to his interactions with babies.

4- I could nap for hours during the day and still go to bed just fine at night. Although I am really lucky these days to get any nap at all.

3- I believe that If I could wake up at 5:00am everyday I would be happier in so many ways. It would solve many stresses that I have during the day as well. It is a true goal of mine. One day I will be a morning person, I promise.

2- I believe in Dr. Phil and Dr. Oz. They have taught me a lot.

1- I will never take having a job for granted EVER. I find myself thanking heavenly Father many times during the day for the opportunity to be able to provide for our family. I know just how fast things could change and how difficult it is for so many people right now.

And one more for my 30th year that I have now past. And one for the year to come.

2- I love my mini van.....extremely love. Matt laughs at me because it is a 2003 and has NO bells and whistles at all!! And yet for me it is a dream come true, and I do not want anything else.

1- I am not talented in very many areas. There is nothing about me that would stand out above somebody else. I don't have a great sense of taste, or style, or amazing cooking, crafting, gardening, speaking, or writing skills. I am however a wife and a mother. For this I am so thankful, and if it is the only area in my life in which I improve, I am ok with that. It is for me the most important thing I will ever do. It is not just something that takes up all my time, but I believe it is the one thing I was given time for.

Disney on ice

2011-11-18T09:06:00.000-08:00

FAVORITES:

The boys- giant crocodile eating hook, and incredibles light up spinning toy.
mine- Scar from lion king
Grandma Lorz- magic flying carpet from Aladdin
Marie's- playing with grandma and the flying lanterns from Tangled
Matt's- hook, and checking his phone for the latest football scores:)

Thanks Grandma Lorz for a Magical day!!

typical

2011-11-18T08:26:00.000-08:00

Every day Daniel wakes up with some creation in his mind that he is ready(even before breakfast) to tackle. It usually requires me and a lot of STUFF to accomplish his goals. Tree houses, wings, space ships, caves, culinary concoctions, backpacks, etc etc etc. This particular day a spider web. I thought well we can glue Popsicle sticks together and then paint them. It would at least keep them busy and they could pretend to be making a spider web. Once it's all finished I ask "was that fun." Daniel's reply " I wanted to make a spider web I could CLIMB on." It really is NEVER enough for that kid. No matter what we do we cannot compete or keep up with his imagination!

My lack of blogging skills

2011-11-01T12:17:00.000-07:00

As you can see from this post and many of my past posts that the combination of three kids and blogging doesn't mix well. I just don't find the excitement in it like I use too. However, I still need my yearly blog book to journal our year.....so I must press on, hoping it will get a little easier in the future. What an exciting year. So many parties with friends and family, perfect weather, two super EXCITED little munchkins, and one cute little pumpkin......who we turned into a ghost this year!

Our friend had a costume birthday party for her little girl which started off the exciting month. As you can see the boys started out as a pirate and spiderman. Thrift store costumes that only cost about five dollars total. They LOVED them. Then the night before my parents big Monster Mash party I saw my cute nephew on facebook with his Spiderman costume......lets just say it was WAY cooler than our thrift store find, and I new when my little Nathan saw his cousin the next day he would come to realize really quick how cheep his parents are. So we went out the next morning and bought him a new costume, which meant Daniel wanted a new costume. So it wasn't the cheep Halloween I thought it would be. But we had two cute superheros.

We also were able to ride the Heber Creeper to a pumpkin patch were we all got to pick our own pumpkin, decorate it, and then have hot chocolate and cookies on the way back.

My parents Monster Mash did NOT disappoint, with the brand new finished basement my mom had the dance floor she had always dreamed of. And our family broke out all the moves. I even got to see my dad do the moon walk.....and he was REALLY good.

Then on Halloween Matt's work had a huge Halloween party, or should I say Christmas party? That's what it seemed like to me. The kids got to go trick or treating from office to office. Then they got a big surprise bag and got to pick out a movie. Then we went to the break room where each child had his or her name on a toy, which they handed out to all the kids. We had yummy pizza and so much excitement. They also gave Matt a kindle which I have claimed as mine.......but he doesn't seem to mind.

That night we went trick or treating in cute little farmington. It was perfect weather and the perfect area to celebrate one of our favorite holidays.

We won't forget when we were about done trick or treating and we told the boys they could only go to one more house....Nathan said "ONE MORE HOUSE.......YAY!!!!!!!!!!!" it was like the most exciting thing ever. I told Matt that every year will be less and less exciting for these little boys so we need to enjoy this excitement all we can. I think little Marie enjoyed her candy as well:)

Wheeler farm

2011-10-13T15:06:00.000-07:00

I love Wheeler Farm. Not just because it's fun place for my kids to run and play, but because it brings back some great memories of my friends and I and our Country dancing days. I tried to explain my Wheeler farm memories to my boys.....they didn't much care, but they loved the new playground and of course the old tree house that I have a picture of myself in when I was their age.

We are just trying to get in as much as we can before the summer is officially over!

Space ships

2011-10-12T15:02:00.000-07:00

It's pretty amazing what some boxes, stickers, and tissue paper can do to make four year old's happy and busy. WHat did they make....space ships of course!! What! you couldn't tell?

Did I mention......

2011-10-11T21:48:00.000-07:00

how much I LOVE Farmington. Probably a little piece of Heaven on earth. This small little town is amazing. It's a small quaint little town nestled up against the beautiful mountain. Minutes from the local schools, library, fun little boutiques, and across the highway from a new huge shopping center and movie theatre. We are also so close to the freeway that we are able to get to Layton, centerville, Bountiful,Ogden, and Salt lake in no time at all. Farmington is known for it's trails and we have some awesome ones right behind our home. A trail that leads to a huge fishing pond where people can fish, feed the ducks, bbq, or even swim. We also live right behind the Lagoon trails. Where we see horses, cows, huge elk and Buffalo(obviously fenced in.) We have had a lot of fun here and we love our daily walks on the shaded trails, we don't even mind the fact that we can hear all the screams coming from Lagoon, it's just a reminder that we have a huge park in our back yard...... too bad we can't afford to go to that park:)

A few weeks ago my cute friend Lindsey came up to spend the day with her adorable kiddos. We had fun playing together, and we had a LOT of adventures on our walk. It was a great day.

picky about preschool

2011-10-11T09:25:00.000-07:00

Finding the right preschool was difficult for me, and probably not for the reasons you would expect. You see I spent A LOT of time this last year substitute teaching for my sister in laws Kindergarten class. I was shocked how much these little kids are expected to learn in such a short time. The full day of Kindergarten is full of curriculum, curriculum, curriculum. Not much time for imagination, or dramatic play. It's all about testing....all kinds of testing to find out where your kid falls in every category imaginable. My sister in law is the best teacher EVER. Putting everything into her class and making it as fun as possible, but she agrees.....kids really can't just be kids for very long. It makes me a little sad.

I am all for learning your abc's and your numbers, but when did we start having to teach our kids to read before they could even walk? I want my kids to stay kids as long as possible. I want them to play and enjoy life, I want them to stay busy but not over scheduled with all kinds of lessons, and music, and sports. Really I am not too worried about my kids learning the things they need to know, I am more worried about them having to grow up to fast.

So I did find the perfect teacher. She is educated and so much fun. The kids take buckets to school instead of back packs because their art projects are usually to big for a back pack anyway. They come home from school not with buckets full of paper work but pieces of cut paper glued on more pieces of cut paper.....looks like scraps to throw away but really it is a fine motor skills masterpiece. They come home with a desire to learn more, and to practice letters and numbers on their own. They are amazing me everyday with what they are learning, and most importantly they are still able to be four, not worried about anything but just being their age.

Two awesome brothers.

2011-10-09T08:40:00.000-07:00

Obviously two four year old boys have much more important things to do than stare at a newborn baby all day, however It has been so fun watching these boys fall in love with little Marie. From the day we brought her home from the hospital Nathan has been reading her books, showing her his toys, and just talking to her like he has known her forever. Daniel says he loves her ALL the time but he doesn't pay much attention to her. I have to admit I was a little bit worried how they would react after four years of them being the CENTER of the family, but not once have they complained or given me a hard time when I can't do something for them because I am "feeding the baby" which at the beginning was what I was always doing.

I am so proud of these big brothers. They love this little girl and I have a feeling that love is going to continue to grow. She is one lucky little girl to have such great big brothers.

Labor day

2011-10-08T20:54:00.000-07:00

Out enjoying the nice weather and the beautiful scenery of Pine View Reservoir before the summer is officially over....sigh. I will miss layed back days of summer but I have to admit Fall is my favorite season and I am getting really excited.

Sometimes we miss Florida......

2011-10-08T08:29:00.000-07:00

However, we are quickly reminded how grateful we are to be in Utah when we get to invite Grandma Rounds and Grandma Lorz over for Sunday dinner, or when we get to visit Grandma Noel anytime we want to at the Church office building(where she volunteers.) Or when we get unexpected visits from Grandma who just so happens to show up with full on Pirate costumes....just for fun.

Sorry Florida your wonderful weather, fun beach, beautiful scenery, awesome Zoo, and great southern friends, still don't compare to Grandma.

Dear Marie

2011-10-06T15:42:00.000-07:00

I have been thinking about how fast time goes by with a little baby. There is a lot about the twins that I wish I would have documented, but I am not going to lie....those first few months were pretty rough for me. In fact it isn't until having you that I actually REALLY understand why people have children....sad I know.

One thing I do know is just like with the twins babies don't stay babies for very long. The days can sometimes feel endless and yet the months fly by, and all too soon little chubby cheeked, slobbery mouth, toothless kisses turn into little mouths that can now talk back and have to (like Daniel) negotiate EVERYTHING.

So here I am thinking that I need to remember EVERY little thing that makes you who you are. These are the things that make me fall in love with you every single day...over and over again.

I love how you rarely ever cry....and never very hard or loud, except when we sneeze, and then it's hard to calm you down.

I am in love with your hands. You have never been the baby with the normal tight fists. Your fingers(even in ultra sounds) have been spread out, so dainty and lady like.

I love your little grunts.

You have the cutest sleeping position. Head arched all the way back and to the side with your hands together and arms up over your face.

I love how curly your hair is when it is wet, and the little fluff that sticks straight up on the top of your head and tickles my neck when I hold you.

I love how you smile at others and then immediately look away like you are shy.

your beautiful long eyelashes.

How you cannot get enough of your hands. Fingers, fists, all of them all of the time in your little mouth.

You have beautiful eyes and loooong feet.

You love playing patty cake with daddy, even from the tiniest age you have loved it, especially when he does it SUPER fast.

I love your voice and when you use it over and over again smiling every time I acknowledge you talking to me.

I love the little rolls on your legs.

It is a dream come true that you have never not once kept me up in the middle of the night after a feeding.

I am thankful for the issues we have had with nursing. It has not come that easy for either of us. We have had to learn to be patient with each other and we have stuck it out even when I think we both wanted to give up.

you are so smiley in the morning and you are starting to get ticklish.

You let me play dress up with you and you are very patient as we try on all kinds of clothes, hairstyles, and even toe nail polish..... through it all you even seem somewhat amused when I show you how cute you look in the mirror.

You do the cutest thing every time we hand you your pacifier while your laying in your bed. You quickly grab mine or daddy's hand REALLY tight, like you just want to hold on to us forever.....and we feel the same way.

You are only three months old, but I don't know how I ever lived without you. Daddy already talks about how spoiled you will be because he just knows he will not be able to put you in time out and he will want to buy you everything you want. We love you Marie, you are darling, sweet, and a beautiful daughter of God. I feel a great responsibility being your mother, but I am so thankful for the opportunity. I love you.

PURE JOY

2011-08-29T19:29:00.000-07:00

There have been some real miracles that have taken place in our lives in the last 6 months. I have debated giving details and finally come to the conclusion that even though I am a very open person, some things really are too personal and too sacred to share with the whole world, however there are a few thing I do want to share.

I know that prayers are answered. Not always when or how I want them to be , but they are answered in the right way and time. I know Heavenly Father has been guiding our family and will always guide our family as we listen to him and obey his promptings. I truly know that temple attendance has blessed our lives. I will never forget the blessings that have come through going to the temple as a couple and individually. Most importantly I know that Heavenly Father knows me and my little family. He knows us so well that he can bless us in ways I never thought possible, influencing every detail of our lives. I have gained more faith and know that we will never be alone as we face trials in our lives.

As for the family update. We now live in Farmington. Matthew works for a law firm in down town Salt Lake and I stay home with my three cute kiddos and drive around my looooong awaited minivan(yes, I really have wanted a minivan.) The biggest news being the brand new addition to our family, little Marie Noel.

I have posted pictures of the birth and first few weeks of Marie's life, and here is a recent picture of her at six weeks. I can't begin to explain the joy she has brought into our lives. It's fun having just one at a time. I would not trade having twins for ANYTHING, but one baby at a time is really nice!! She is so sweet and has already smiled more in her life then she has EVER cried. She has brought a peace and a joy into our home and lives that I cannot explain. When I look at her I think "angel baby." She is such a little angel to me. My pregnancy with her as well as her birth as brought so many little miracles I just believe she was watching out for us before she was born into our family.

Right after Marie was born I was brought back to my room to recover from my c-section. I laid in bed and cried and cried. Nurse after nurse kept offering me more pain medicine as well as anything else they could give me so I would feel better. They didn't believe me as time after time I told them I was crying because I'm just SO happy. I didn't notice the pain or the exhaustion as much as I felt pure joy.

I am happy. We are blessed. Life has not been easy these last few years, most likely it will never be easy. These little moments make it all worth it.

so blessed

2011-08-29T19:13:00.000-07:00

a sunday afternoon

2011-08-29T19:03:00.001-07:00

A perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

first fourth

2011-08-29T18:55:00.000-07:00

I didn't have to buy much for this little girl. We were given a lot. I did buy her an outfit for my favorite holiday. We celebrated like crazy. Diamond Rio concert and fireworks in Logan, small town parades, and festivities in Huntsville with family at the cabin.

first weeks

2011-08-29T18:43:00.000-07:00

It's been amazing getting acquainted with this little girl. We have all enjoyed having her join our family. Don't know what we ever did without her.

A beautiful birthday.

2011-08-29T18:02:00.000-07:00

It was a perfect birthday for our little Marie Noel. I was more than ready for this pregnancy to end. It was a rough one. I was so sick. With the twins I was sick but mostly I just couldn't breath. With this baby I was just SICK, and uncomfortable. I loved the birth of this baby, I couldn't stop crying after she was born because I was so happy......and I guess little girls make me more emotional. Matt says I cry more than the baby. It is true. She is such a great baby. So easy. Some people say it's because I just have one this time. I think it's true, but I still think she is the best baby. Matt is loving having a little girl as well. He had flowers delivered to the hospital for me and a bouquet sent for her. She is already spoiled:) I feel so blessed to have this little girl, I feel a huge responsibility to teach her about how special she is. She is such a blessing to me. I love her more than I thought possible.

Getting ready

2011-08-29T17:49:00.000-07:00

When Matt was able to come home for weekends, he would spend his time off helping me get ready for the baby. The boys loved helping him. Or at least one boy did. Daniel is fascinated with tools, work, building, and making. He was a big help to his daddy. Nathan on the other hand is fascinated by the ipad. He was not much help. While we worked.....he played.

A trip to the dentist.

2011-08-29T17:46:00.001-07:00

It was their first trip to the dentist. They were a little nervous. They did great. There were no cavities. It was a success.

It will all soon change.

2011-08-29T17:25:00.000-07:00

I have to admit I had a little tinge of sadness thinking about how the dynamics of our little family would change after this baby was born. We had spent four years just us four. It seemed so perfect to me and we were all settled with life the way it was. I knew adding one more to the mix was going to change everything. I also knew that it would be a change for the better, but it would still be a change and change can be a little scary. I felt like I needed to soak up every minute with my boys that I could, because soon my attention would not be all on them.

So day after day we made more little memories together. Enjoying every minute and anticipating the arrival of our precious little girl.

making the most of it.

2011-08-29T17:11:00.000-07:00

During the first months of Matthew's job we were not living together. Him in Ogden and me still in Logan. He worked crazy hours and needless to say we were not able to spend much time together. Of course I still needed a date night every week, so if Matt couldn't be there then my date was with the boys.

This night was a fun 3D movie called Rio and a high calorie delicious meal at A&W. These two make great dates.

Easter

2011-08-29T16:42:00.000-07:00

It is now August and just yesterday Daniel asked me "mom when is it going to be Easter, cause I LOOOOVE Easter." I can't believe he is still thinking about it.

We had a great Easter. This pregnancy has been a rough one for me. To be honest the main thing I remember about that day is being so worn out and tired that I wanted to just cry. But of course you do your best to make it the best day for your family, and whenever I do that, it ends up being worth it in the end. I love Easter and the reason for the holiday.
It represents the biggest miracle of all time, and gives us a reason to remember the miracles in our own lives. Easter eggs, candy, and baskets full of treats cause smiles on little faces and make the day a bright and enjoyable one.

A leap of fath.

2011-08-29T15:39:00.000-07:00

So our plan was to live with Matt's mom while we finished his last semester of school at the UofU. Then we would get a job in Logan, save money for a mini van, and move into our own place. Well Matt finished school but the job was just not happening. After a lot of prayer we felt it was time to move out on our own. HOW? not sure, it was a leap of faith. We found a cute little old duplex with a huge yard for the boys. Matt started his own practice and had a few things going. We put all our trust in the Lord.

About a week after we moved in Matt received a call from a law firm in SLC. They said they needed him to do some contract work and if they liked him then in six months they would think about hiring him. So again we were apart. Matt living with my parents in Ogden and me in Logan with the boys. I substitute taught and became REALLY pregnant. I had NO car, No T.V., No Internet, and No microwave...yes, i said no microwave. And I was very happy. I didn't care. Our prayers had been answered and we were able to pay our bills, and I was able to be with my two little kiddos.

I did all the things I had been longing to do. Decorate my own space, weed and plant my own garden, bake in my own kitchen, and enjoy all the wonderful little moments with my boys, like fresh picked bouquets of dandy lions from my sweet Daniel, and plenty of scares with the fake snake from my little Nathan.

This time in our lives was not easy. Matthew had a huge weight on his shoulder trying to prove himself worthy of this job. I was tired and pregnant and pretty much a single mom, not sure of what was going to happen. This was time where our faith was for sure tested. We grew a lot, learned a lot, and relied a lot on our faith. Things did work out. Two months later and five days before Marie was born, Matthew was offered a full time position as an associate at the law firm.

So on to our next adventure. Trying to get out of our rental lease, ending up having only a month to do it, and moving to our new place in Farmington, all within the first month of our little Marie's life. We did it. We are settled, and we can breathe a little sigh of relief, and prepare for whatever chaos our life brings us in the future.

St. George

2011-08-29T15:15:00.000-07:00

Well this officially begins my marathon of blog updates. Which means a lot of not so quality posts, but some peace of mind knowing I am all caught up, and can do a little better from here on out.

In March we went to St. George for the Utah BAR conference. Since my dad is also a member of the BAR we were able to stay with them and we had a great time. It's pretty uncommon when you get the grandparents all to yourself with out any other grand kids to compete with. We LOVED it. The kids had fun swimming, playing baseball and of course hiking the beautiful red rocks and playing in the RED sand. It was a nice little weekend getaway.

Oh Boy....I mean GIRL!!

2011-06-14T15:25:00.000-07:00

6:45 A.M. Marianne and I hanging out.Some people may not have noticed, but Marianne has put on a few pounds the last few months.
9:29 A.M., Marianne loses 8 lbs 0 oz (20 inches in length)

MARIE NOEL LORZ cozy in her bed

Marie and Mommy

As you can probably tell, I (Matt) made this post. (This was my first time so give me a break) I just wanted to write a little something for my two beautiful girls!! We were blessed today with the arrival of our little Marie. As you can see, she got her good looks from her mommy. What a joy today has been. Everything went well and Marianne is doing great. I just want to say how much I love both of these women. They are both a miracle in my life; I know I have been blessed by Heavenly Father. We will post more pictures soon (so everbody can see Marie's dark curly hair).

Things are looking up......

2011-04-17T14:41:00.000-07:00

It's been a rough year. We have had many ups and downs, but things are looking up and we are finding strength in our experiences. I won't go into the details now about the trials of the year or the blessings that have come but I do want to remember a little date I had last night. It was Matthews Birthday yesterday. He has been working in SLC lately and we don't get to see him as often as we like, so time together is really precious. We didn't do anything real exciting but it was nice to be together taking our time to find the right restaraunt enjoying talking so much that we decided not to go to a movie and then talking about the MIRACLE of us even starting to date in the first place, as we ate our dinner. You see, I thought for SURE I would marry a country boy and live the country way of life, in a small town with my horses and my husband who worked doing something on a ranch. That actually was my dream. Matthew grew up In Maryland, close to D.C. ALL CITY BOY!! When he finally decided to come to Utah( one thing he said he would never do.) He felt a little out of place here. Then we ran into each other. He met a girl who loved her country music and who he said looked like a cowgirl, and I met a boy who NEVER listened to country music and didn't even know how to catch a fish. Over dinner last night he looked at me with tears in his eyes and let me know that I have always been his favorite person to talk to and his best friend. We are still best friends, and it's amazing how much deeper that friendship can get. I love him so much, I am thankful for how hard he has been working to support our family. I know that we will make it through anything and that our trials will make us even stronger as a couple. There is a lot of unknowns about our future A LOT, and it is sometimes overwhelming and scary, but there is also faith and hope and even excitement that comes from knowing I am sealed to my best friend for EVER!! I love you Matthew....HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Primary

2011-03-16T19:39:00.000-07:00

We spent quite awhile discussing Primary with the boys. Explaining how it would be different than nursery and also that we would be in primary with them but we would be sitting with different kids because we were Primary teachers...but not theirs. Matthew and I expected there would be some tears from the boys and it would be a little bit of an adjustment for them being able to see us but not be with us. So when the day finally arrived we watched our two sweet boys happily march into primary with big smiles on their faces. They sat down with their class and then turned around smiling and waving saying "Hi, mommy and daddy." I then look at Matthew and realized he had the same reaction I did. We were the ones in tears.

I don't know what it is about seeing your children as they are learning the Gospel, but it brings me so much joy. I love that they sit on the toilets in public restrooms and sing in unison "book of Mormon stories." I love that they think to pray when they are scared or sad. I love to see their excitement for the scriptures and how they are always "reading" them. One of my favorite statements....."mom I have to go read my cripkers." I am thankful that they are reverent at church and walk down the halls with their arms folded. I truly am so proud of them. They are special boys born with such a huge light inside of them. I feel a great responsibility to teach them and help them as their testimonies are growing.

Watching Daniel as he gave is first scripture in primary was a proud moment for us. Before he got up to the microphone the Primary president gave all the kids participating that day a sticker. Of course Daniel stuck his right in the middle of his forehead and then all the other kids followed his example. So he marched right up to the podium gave his scripture loud and clear with a big smile and a sticker on his head. It was a proud day for us. We love them so much.

Here they are with their "CBR" necklaces. Only one child gets one each week. It means they were "caught being reverent" this wee they both received a necklace. It was a great day!!

2011-03-16T19:05:00.000-07:00

Dear Nathan and Daniel,
I am so happy that we were able to spend your birthday this year celebrating with both sides of the family. I love how important your grandparents are to you and how often you tell them how much you love them. It was so fun to see you with all of your cousins at Grandma and Grandpa Noel's house. Everyone was so excited to see you open your bike helmets and then find your new big boy bikes! We had so much fun singing you happy birthday and seeing your excitement over the Guitar cakes that you both requested.

You are also so lucky to share your birthday with your wonderful Aunt Brenda. She loves you so much and has always been happy to share her special day with you. We love seeing you with your cousins on Daddy's side and it made us so proud that you really wanted your own scriptures for your birthday. I hope you always remember the excitement you had to receive your own Book of Mormon with your name on the front and your own scripture bag to carry them in. You really are getting to be such big boys and you make us so happy.

I hope you boys know how much you mean to so many people, especially your mommy and daddy. You bring us so much joy and laughter. You are sweeter than I ever thought possible for little boys and you are such good listeners. We are proud every single day that we have such good happy boys. Being four years old is a great accomplishment and you are learning and growing each and everyday. We love you so much. Happy birthday to the greatest little boys in the whole world!!

We love you to the moon and back and all around the world forever and ever!!!

LOVE, Mommy and Daddy

At Daniel's request.....

2011-03-08T21:05:00.000-08:00

Out of the blue Daniel asked me if I would take a picture of him. So I got out my camera and this is the pose he had in mind. It is like he had been planning this picture for quite some time. Not real sure what this means but it was important to him so I figure it ought to make it to the blog and be important to us.

Snow can bring smiles

2011-03-08T20:50:00.000-08:00

Matthew spent a long time playing in the snow with these boys. They built a fort, had a snowball fight, wrestled, and then of course Matthew had to throw his mother and I into the snow when we were not at all dressed for it. He requested hot chocolate for them to drink outside. We got a lot of fun videos of them laughing and wrestling. It was a bright spot in a sometimes dreary winter. .

Tough little guys with really soft hearts

2011-03-08T20:41:00.000-08:00

These are my tough little football players. Because of daddy they are into ALL sports. These football uniforms were from Grandma and Grandpa for Christmas. They love tackling and wrestling with each other and daddy.

Even with all that toughness they are still so tender hearted and kind, even a little to the extreme. If one starts crying the other one will. I will ask "why are you crying now?" and Nathan will say "because Daniel is crying." They don't always get along but I don't think they could get along at all without each other.

"mommy I scared"

2011-03-08T20:37:00.000-08:00

Daniel has always fallen asleep before Nathan, it just takes him longer to wind down. Without fail as soon as Daniel falls alseep we all know because Nathan will come in and tell us he is scared. The easy fix that works EVERYTIME is giving Nathan one of his dads hats to sleep with. He takes the hat climbs into bed and falls asleep just like this. He has always been a daddy's boy and I think it is so precious that he finds so much comfort just from sleeping in or with his dads hat.

2011-03-08T19:43:00.000-08:00

Well Nathan is into Chocolate...or anything sweet! I have to watch this kid closely(he needs parental control when it comes to food choices) and I am pretty sure he is the one that caused my sweet cravings during pregnancy. It was a craving for fruit, fruit, and more fruit. I started to get anxiety if we didn't have fruit in the house. My sweet mother-in-law saw how much fruit I ate and made sure when I got home from the hospital after the boys were born, that the kitchen was stocked full of fruit. However, I saw it, it looked good, but it was not that important to me. The craving left as fast as the boys were born.

Daniel is my little dress up kid. He is something new everyday. His favorite is being a puppy, a cowboy, a mommy, and some kind of sword fighter(not my favorite.) Even on the hardest days these boys always bring me laughs and smiles.

Friends

2011-03-08T19:26:00.000-08:00

I have always tried to keep my boys socialized with other children. I go to play groups, story time at the library, lots of activities where my boys can play with others. Sometimes I think I do these things more for me than them. I think I need the daily socialization with moms more than they do with other kids. I have always felt like they had each other and having friends would come in time. Then one day a cute little red headed neighbor named Vince came by to play. This is a first for me, and I felt like it might be more work for me than it would be worth it. I was WRONG!! Those kids have so much fun together and most of the time it is almost like a little break for me.

They went to their friends pirate party and had so much fun. They were pirates for days afterward. I guess I have to accept the fact that they are getting older and I Matt and I are not the only influences in their lives. I am just so thankful for fun, happy, boys that get a long so well with others, it's really a blessing.

Making the most of it!

2011-03-08T19:06:00.000-08:00

Nothing like Hot chocolate with daddy after a fun day of sledding. I have to admit I was not really invited to this sledding party but I was grateful for a little break. I had my own fun with the boys when we spent hours decorating and (eating decorations) from our graham cracker houses.

It's always worth the work that it takes to make fun days for the boys. They are such happy and excited kids and they bring us so much joy!!

Christmas catch up

2011-03-08T18:40:00.000-08:00

At this point I am just trying to get caught up on my blog mainly because when I go to make my year end book I want something to actually be in it. We don't have Internet right now, so it makes keeping up a little hard.

We did have a wonderful Christmas, of course we had our annual Christmas Eve party. I don't know how my mom does it but there is not one dull moment at those parties. We have an awesome dinner complete with EVERYTHING!! We do the nativity where everyone dresses up and sings while we read the Christmas story from the scriptures and the grand kids act out there parts. Then we have a talent show. All the Grand kids perform some random talent anything from the violin to stand up comedy. Then the kids all put reindeer antlers on and sing Rudolph. In the midst of all of this my mom's homemade gingerbread men cookies seem to disappear and all the kids have to go hunt for them. When all of this is over we then enjoy the chaos of opening presents. It's a crazy night, but always magical.

I also wanted to throw in some pictures of the Christmas pajamas and the sweet boys all tucked in waiting on Santa. Christmas is so much better with little excited kids around!

They can't ruin our Christmas!

2010-12-30T20:45:00.000-08:00

We were visiting from Florida during our boys first Christmas. Heading back we of course had our suitcases packed FULL of all our stuff and Christmas presents. These things meant a LOT to us being as we were poor law students. Our luggage was stolen, I mean EVERYTHING, all the boys toys, clothes, books, and our camera containing pictures of their first Christmas. I cried and felt sorry for myself for a few days, and even now I miss some of those worldly items that really just can't be replaced.

So, this year it is the night before Christmas Eve. I am more excited about this Christmas then I have been in a long time. I have taken the time to ponder the real meaning of Christmas and I can't help but smile every time I think about my sweet boys opening their present. I tell Matthew to get the gifts out of the back of the car so I can spend the evening wrapping presents. Matthew comes back a little devastated to tell me that EVERYTHING has been stolen. Our main present for for our boys...which wasn't cheap, and all my presents from Matthew. I am not concerned about my gifts but I am devastated that the boys won't be getting what they expected they would get. I call my mom in tears. Within minutes my dad finds the exact same toys on the Internet and is off to Toys R Us at 11:00pm to replace our gifts....plus more. We were asked not to repay him.

I know Christmas means more than the gifts we give or get. I know it's a whole lot more important that just stuff. However, watching my children on Christmas morning and the light and excitement they had, is for me the magic of the Holiday. The thieves out there did not ruin our Christmas for the second time. What they did is remind me how thankful I am to have a loving, caring Father who went out of his way to make sure our Christmas was wonderful. What that did is remind me even more importantly of my loving Heavenly Father who has blessed us and will continue to bless us through every detail of our lives, even enough to send us his own Son.

As hard as it is to say, I am thankful that I don't have complete control of my life, a lot of things would happen quite differently if I had it my way, but I don't. I am learning to see that His way really is the better way.

"He puzzled and puzzled till his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before! Maybe Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store. Maybe Christmas.....perhaps....means a little bit more!"

It's official!!

2010-12-22T19:37:00.000-08:00

I was excited when Matthew graduated Law school, I was relieved when he passed the Bar, and during the ceremony where he was officially sworn in I was emotional. Maybe because I knew a little about the sacrifice, stress, work, and prayers that went into this whole process. It was a wonderful feeling to watch my husband take those oaths making him a real life attorney!!

This has not been an easy three years, especially the last year. I don't know if I have ever had to put more faith and trust into my Heavenly Father. As proud as I am of Matthew it is a challenge to stay positive in a NOT so positive economy. My poor husband wakes up at 4 am EVERY morning to deliver his five paper routes. He then spends his evenings working at a retirement center where he is hit on by 80 year old women. All of this so he can keep his days free to look, apply and interview for jobs. It's a loooong and often discouraging process.

Through it all I am reminded more than ever that our Savior loves our little family and has blessed us enormously. I am thankful for our trials and struggles and believe that they can shape us into better people.

I am now officially caught up on my blog posts and am super excited to start my Christmas blogging, I have learned more this Christmas and it has probably meant more to me than any other Christmas before. Can't wait to start the celebrations!

More than just a farm

2010-12-21T21:50:00.000-08:00

When I was a teenager my friends and I would go to Wheeler Farm every weekend to go country dancing. Now my friends are still meeting at Wheeler farm, but for a whole new reason. We bring our kids let them run around, we see the animals and we eat a picnic lunch. A lot different then our days of meeting boys and line dancing, but it is still very much the same as far as being with the best girlfriends EVER!!

Barnum and Baily's FUNUNDRUM!!

2010-12-21T21:39:00.000-08:00

Every year my parents take all the grand kids and some of the adults to the Circus. This is the first year the boys were able to go. I think they were quite amazed by the whole ordeal. It really is a fun show to watch, and a fun tradition I'm sure they will always look forward too.

I guess they do a FEW things the same.

2010-12-21T21:35:00.000-08:00

PEACHES!!

2010-12-21T21:26:00.000-08:00

We ENJOYED our peaches this fall. Fresh peaches, peach smoothies, peach milkshakes, and of course a family favorite....made from scratch peach cream pie!!

BRAIN FREEZE!!!!!

So proud of these little guys.

2010-12-21T21:01:00.000-08:00

Over the summer(I know I am way behind on posting) Matthew and I took the boys on a hike to the Wind caves where Matt and I were engaged. It is not an easy hike, especially for little three year old boys. We told them before the hike that we were not going to carry them and a lot of the time the path was too narrow to even h0ld hands. They understood, but it was still hard for them, and we had to take a lot of breaks. There were some bruised up and scraped up knees when it was all over, but I think they were proud to have accomplished the hike all on their own. It was great day to enjoy the beautiful Utah mountains which we have really missed these last three years.

We have really missed these parties.

2010-11-19T14:21:00.000-08:00

Those of you who have grown up with my family, know what a big deal Halloween is to my mom. She is always a witch and she has always handed out homemade donuts and homemade witch's brew(root beer.) She travels around to schools and does her Witch's Brew skit, complete with singing, crazy props, and lots of dry ice. The kids love it, and of course her kids and grand kids do as well. I have to say that we have truly missed Halloween at the Noel house for the last three years. We made up for this year with a wonderfully spooky party. Complete with ghost games, donut contest, witch's brew of course, and even a spooky haunted house put on by my father and nephew's(and it actually was really scary, I was impressed.)

Pumpkin Walk

2010-11-19T14:10:00.000-08:00

The boys were so excited this year for the Cache Valley Pumpkin walk. Every year people from all over Logan design scenes made of pumpkins. This year they did a movie theme, and it was really fun walking around and seeing everyone's creations. It's always free, always fun, and will always be one of my favorite things to do in Logan during the fall.

Slumber party.

2010-11-18T10:06:00.000-08:00

Every once in awhile my sweet husband has the great idea of having a slumber party with the boys. So they all sleep on the floor downstairs, watch movies, eat popcorn, and have tons of fun!! I know Matt never sleeps great, but the boys love it so of course it is worth it.

potty training reward.

2010-11-18T09:45:00.000-08:00

We promised the boys that once they were potty trained we would take them to Boondock's. They were so excited, they would not stop talking about it. We made good on our promise, and had a lot of fun.

overdue barbeque

2010-11-18T09:30:00.000-08:00

Over the summer Matt's sister Cathy, brother-in-law John, and nephew Ethan came for a visit. We were so excited to see them. When we lived in Florida they lived in Georgia and we were able to see them quite a bit, but then they moved to Ohio and the visits have become a lot less. We sure miss them, but we are glad we had a fun visit together.

Can't wait to see you all again!!

taking the advice.....

2010-11-04T20:44:00.000-07:00

I've been told many times before that I need to take as MANY pictures as possible because my kids will change so much and so fast. I have taken this advice to heart. Don't want to miss anything!

I have a LOT of catching up to do.

2010-11-04T20:13:00.000-07:00

Well this post is the start of another loooong blogging marathon, just trying to catch up.

While in Florida for the last three years there was really only one time of year that I was really homesick for Utah. It started in October and lasted until December when we were on our way to Utah for the Holidays. In Florida we were still swimming throughout November and I would really miss the beautiful fall weather. Things like changing leaves, crisp cool air, and getting out the warm sweaters would not be happening and I would be baking fun fall treats while my home was like a sauna. So needless to say I have really enjoyed this fall, just looking outside at the bright yellow leaves all over the yards, really does make me smile.

Summer was great, we had a lot of fun, but I have been waiting YEARS for this beautiful fall!!

We have been waiting a LOOONG time........

2010-10-07T10:25:00.000-07:00

For the Aggies to crush BYU. We are so glad that this year we were in Logan and we were able to witness the big event. For Aggie fans this was a beautiful day!

What's on the menu?

2010-09-23T15:28:00.000-07:00

Today I spent the morning helping at the Ellis Elementary cafeteria. I am a substitute teacher for the Cache Valley school district and once in awhile I help out in the cafeteria. So, today I served breakfast to about 100 children.

White bun, rubber eggs, and plastic cheese (they call it a breakfast sandwich.)

Or, you could have cereal.

Most Popular choice.......Cocoa puffs (12 grams sugar) with Chocolate milk (30 grams sugar.) You do the math.

Have a GREAT day kiddos, study hard, play hard, learn a lot, and stay focused!!!

The school district may not like this post, after this morning that is the least of my worries!

SERIOUSLY???? The schools need a little more education in this area.

i love you five.

2010-09-03T13:59:00.000-07:00

it doesn't take long for kids to realized that when we tell them they only have one more minute to do something...that it's not very long. However, they still continuously ask for "just one more minute." For awhile now they have but putting their hand in my face all fingers up asking for five more minutes. To them five minutes is A LOT!!

The other day while in the car the boys were singing to each other "nathan, i love you five." "daniel, i love you five." They sang that back and forth to each other the whole car ride. It was so cute. Then the other day Daniel again told me that he loves me five. Now, that is A LOT of love, for which I am truly blessed to be a recipient of!

a nice change.

2010-08-29T15:37:00.000-07:00

I can't tell you how nice it is to have older nieces and nephews around to entertain and help me with my boys. I have not really had that for their entire lives and I take full advantage of it now. We live one house away from Matthew's niece and nephews who my boys love to be around, even though they are teenagers and my not always love being around them...they are still so nice to them.

On my side of the family I have some older nieces and nephews as well. They are so cute with my boys and my boys never stop talking about them. They love their twin cousins Annie and Katie(probably because there is one for each of them) but they also love the other ones as well. On this day they got to go to the Gateway fountains with their cousin Sydney. She is truly a little piece of sunshine and I just love her to death. We had a lot of fun, and we even got a fun picture of Sydney with a dragon fly on her swimming suit.

Where's the daddy?

2010-08-28T09:00:00.000-07:00

Well the Hogle Zoo is nothing like the Jacksonville Zoo, and we really miss the Jacksonville Zoo. However, there is one thing that the Hogle Zoo has that the Jacksonville Zoo doesn't.....that is family. What a blessing to go to the Zoo and be able to meet your family there. This particular day I met my mom and my cute sister-in-law Kim, as well as her kids and my other adorable niece and nephew. We had a great time. My all time favorite moment was watching the new baby elephant playing with his mother. It was so fascinating. While we were all mesmerized by these elephants my boys were somewhat disappointed, repeatedly asking..."where is the daddy elephant."

It's pretty much the same thing at our own home. As much fun as I may think my boys and I are having it is never very long before I hear the question "where is daddy?"

Homesick.

2010-08-27T16:11:00.000-07:00

I found that while on my mission and while living in Florida there was always a bit of a homesick feeling whenever I thought about Temple Square. There is a feeling there that I can't get enough of, and it reminds me of one of the greatest reasons I love to live in Utah.
My cute mom is a volunteer tour guide for the church office building. The week that Matthew was taking the bar I stayed with my mom and dad. We had a lot of fun together going to the Zoo, Gateway, shopping, Pioneer park, and also a visit to temple square. We were able to have lunch with her at the church office building and then she took us on a tour to the very top, so we could see the amazing city below. While she finished her shift at the church office building, the boys and I had fun roaming around temple square.

We smelled the flowers, and Daniel said they smelled like pink. We played by the fountains, we talked about the temple and visited the statue of Jesus. We went through the visitor centers and the church history museum.

While in the visitors center Nathan figured out he could watch any prophet speak just by touching their picture on the computer screen. I figured he would be like most children pushing each one over and over without ever really listening, I was quite surprised when he sat and watched a conference talk for about fifteen minutes. Even I was restless telling him we needed to go, but he would say "no mom, i am watching my show." It was cute. While Nathan watched "his show" I of course was hunted down by the missionaries and asked for referrals....I couldn't let them down, because I know just how they feel, and yes they are still contacting me!

It was a wonderful day....a perfect day!

Pioneer Park

2010-08-27T15:52:00.000-07:00

One of my personal favorite places to go in good ol' Utah. I love learning about the pioneers and I am so intrigued by the way the lived their lives. "This is the place park" was a perfect place to go during the 24th of July week. The little train ride was the highlight of the day for my boys. It was a HOT day but we had a lot of fun.

Papa, what this do?

2010-08-27T14:57:00.000-07:00

It's almost like it happens overnight. My two babies turned into little boys...super smart little boys who need to know EVERYTHING about anything. When you have the same questions coming at you double all day long....it can get tiring. I am also learning that my quick answers will not suffice them anymore, and they are just to intelligent for me to make up simple answers. So I have come to the realization that this is my stage in life to explain, explain, explain and explain some more. I dont want to be annoyed by it, because really I wouldn't want it any other way. What a blessing to have children with inquisitive minds.

On this particular day we were trying to get ready to go to Pioneer park. I couldn't even get pants on this child because he was so involved in my dad's wood shop. My Dad had to tell him about every machine and every tool and then actually show him how it worked. My dad was laughing to himself as he is trying to keep up with Daniel. He was also pretty amazed that Daniel actually had some of the tools figured out and was busy working them on his own.

It was a cute thing to watch. I am so excited to be the mother of these boys, to watch them grow and learn and turn into wonderful little people. There really is no better gift.

National Women's Self Appreciation day.

2010-08-18T10:34:00.000-07:00

I was inspired by my friend Katy's blog to do this post. I think it is a great idea and I think it really should be a holiday to celebrate.

I know I am not the only girl out there who has at times focused on my flaws instead of appreciating the great things. So here goes. I will post some things I appreciate about myself, and then I would love to see you do the same!

1) I appreciate that I don't feel the need to always be right.

2) I appreciate that I am NOT a perfectionist.

3) I appreciate that I don't need a lot to be happy, and that something as simple as really good shaved ice...can make my whole day.

4) I appreciate that despite what others may see, I really think of myself as a cowgirl at heart:)

It can be easier to love everyone else more than yourself, but now is your chance to say what you really do love about you!

taught by such a simple statement

2010-08-14T14:25:00.000-07:00

I have always taught my boys about Jesus, but this time was different.

Daniel brought me a picture of Jesus and asked me why he had holes in his hands and feet. I am sure I have explained this before, but I could tell he really wanted to know everything I could possibly tell him. So that is what I did.

I told him about his life, his death, and his resurrection. I told him the details and wondered if it may be too much for a barely three year old to hear some of these graphic details, and much more to understand them.

The Atonement of Jesus Christ is not an easy thing for me to wrap my head around. There is a lot I don't understand or even comprehend. I remember studying it ALL the time on my mission, and I still do. However, the more I understand the more I realize I don't understand, and that's when I remember my faith, and hope, and realize somethings we won't understand until we leave this earth.

As I wrapped up my long explanation of the amazing story of our Savior. I sat there for a minute wondering what was going through my three year olds mind and what would soon come out of his little mouth. He then looked up at me and very sweetly, all he said was.......

" Oh,......I lub Jesus."

May not seem profound, but to me it was. I was again reminded that I don't need to know, understand, or comprehend EVERYTHING about our Savior Jesus Christ and his sacrifice for me, maybe all I have to do is just "lub" him.

Five years.......but I say ten

2010-08-12T09:27:00.000-07:00

I kept telling Matthew how excited I was to celebrate our 10 year anniversary, and how this was the BIG one!! He kept reminding me that it's only been five, and felt bad thinking that our five years together has seemed like ten. I realized that I was saying ten because that is how long we have been together, as best friends. It really has been a great ten years, but a more important five.
We had a little luck with our five year celebrations, and I like to think it's a preparation for great things to come!

We decided to go to Park City, where we spent our Honeymoon. Matt had reserved a very cute inexpensive room at a lodge near a ski resort. We were so excited to have three days and two nights to ourselves. We checked in and entered our quaint little room, wanting to just relax. I went to turn on the air conditioning because we were on the third floor and it was ninety something degrees outside, and even hotter inside. We soon realized my sweet husband did not check for air conditioning before reserving the room, because what kind of hotel wouldn't have AC......ours! It is of course a ski lodge used mainly for the winter months. I quickly began to panic. I tried not to be a complainer but I explained to Matt that the purpose of the trip was to relax, and there would be no relaxing in such a HOT room. I could tell he was a little worried, but I realized again why I loved him so much when he calmly said "don't worry it will work out, and if it doesn't, we will have some great memories to laugh about." However, I was not laughing. I called the front desk and asked if there was anyway to get out of our reservations.

The hotel manager said he would work on it and then call me back. Quite awhile went by, and we started to call other hotels, only to find that most were booked or way to expensive. So I called the manager back hoping he didn't cancel the reservations yet, because we had nowhere else to go. He said he was working on an upgrade, but it was a ridiculous upgrade and he might get in trouble for it. So I started to work my magic, telling him how we had twin boys and this was our anniversary, and we really needed a break, and so on, and so on. So he told us to pack our bags and come downstairs. He then walked us to our new hotel room, a five hundred dollar upgrade.

A full kitchen with granite counter tops, a view of the whole valley, two stories with three bathrooms, three t.v.'s, leather couches, with a separate living room and dining room. Most importantly......AC!!! So we paid sixty dollars a night for all of this. Matt said we should call them back and ask if they had a bigger t.v. available, and more pillows.....we didn't:) Really though I think Matt felt a little guilty taking such a nice place for so little, but I like to think of it as a little blessing that may just be preparing us for some good things to come.

We had a wonderful time and took full advantage of our little getaway to do all the things we don't usually get to do, like talk to each other without interruption, and sleep in as late as we want.

The next day was cloudy and rainy and we didn't even need air conditioning, but we weren't going to let the manager know that.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO THE LOVE OF MY LIFE!!

I'm still learning.

2010-08-10T21:54:00.000-07:00

It has been nine months since we have lived in a place that we could call our own. Just recently my boys have started talking a lot more about our home in Florida. Every morning while making breakfast they ask "momma is this yours kitchen?" Again and again I explain to them that we are living at Grandma's house until Daddy is done with his big test and he finds a job. Of course sweet Grandma Lorz always shouts from the background "of course this is your kitchen, this is your house." I love living with my mother-in-law, and I love having family around. I have learned that I can live with a lot less and that I don't miss much of anything that is in storage right now. However, there is a few things that I miss.......deeply.

I remember days when the last thing I wanted to do was cook dinner, or clean the bathroom, or organize the garage. I remember times when I let the laundry pile up far too long, and the family ate cheerios every morning for a few weeks in a row. I remember not wanting to pick up the boys toys, or vacuum the stairs. I remember overwhelming feelings of housework, and laundry, cooking, and grocery shopping, on top of church callings, and twin toddlers, and of course the famous last words of my husband saying, "well I am off to go study!" I remember it all too well, and it is exactly what I miss.

In the last couple months I have realized more than ever how much I love being a homemaker. I think it is one of the few things that I am good at. I don't claim to have a whole lot of talents, but it makes me feel good to know that this may be one of them. From a young age I had a very clear idea of what I wanted my home to be like for my family.

You know that feeling you get when you have worked really hard all day, making nutritious meals for your family, and homemade bread with a smell that lingers into the night, cleaning your bathrooms and kitchen, organizing closets, and throwing out clutter. Putting kids to bed and curling up on the couch with a good book and the light of a candle flickering in the room. I'm not saying this is what I did everyday, but this is what I miss. I have always had this strong desire to change, create, and decorate the space around me. I miss having that "space" of my own to create.

This is not a boohoo post. I am very thankful for this experience. I will never look at my work as a mother the same way again. It makes me feel good to know that even at a young age my boys miss having their own home, I like to believe that they do remember the feeling that was in our home. When the time is right we will have a place of our own, and instead of waking up each morning overwhelmed by all the house work that needs to be done I will be happy just having a house of my own.

This is how we entertain ourseselves at the cabin......

2010-07-24T13:21:00.000-07:00

We jump off the couches and land on our cousins.

We play a lot

and we eat a lot more.

We spend all our time surrounded by family,

Having long discussions about the problems with BYU (that is not a joke.)And we all agree that the cabin is really the best place to be!

more celebrations

2010-07-23T13:09:00.000-07:00

The fun never stops in July. We were able to attend the Logan fireworks at the USU stadium, because in Logan the fourth is always celebrated on the second of July.
Thanks Grandma Lorz for a very fun evening.

It's my favorite..........

2010-07-21T20:21:00.000-07:00

Because it's a carefree holiday that starts with a big yummy breakfast and a silly parade, that ANYONE can be a part of.......
Because you get to play with cousins ALL day long, participating in all kinds of fun games and activities........

Because it's all about treats, and finding every way possible to cool off........

Because there are no presents and shopping, not much preparation, and lot's of relaxation..........

Because every year it's always celebrated in the most beautiful valley EVER.........

Because there is always a dance at sunset..........

Because there is nothing better than cuddling up in warm blankets, surrounded by family, with the cool breeze, and the beautiful scenery, to watch amazing fireworks and be reminded how blessed we are to live free in this great country.

If it's not your favorite holiday, then you haven't celebrated it here.

Oh, thus be it ever, when free men shall stand

Between their loved homes and war's desolation!

Blest with vict'ry and peace, may the heav'n rescued land

Praise the Pow'r that hath made and preserved us a nation!

Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,

And this be our motto: "IN GOD IS OUR TRUST!"

And the star spangled banner in triumph shall wave

O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

- The Star Spangled Banner

a new kind of date night.

2010-07-16T20:57:00.000-07:00

Ever since I can remember, my parents went on a date
EVERY Friday night.

I don't think these dates EVER included

ambulances and trains.

My wonderful husband has had a continuous date with his text books. So, thank you mom and dad for making us a part of your night out!

Vernal?

2010-07-16T19:48:00.000-07:00

Not really our first choice for a family vacation, but it was a family reunion and our hotel was being paid for by my father, and most importantly it is the place where my wonderful Grandpa Noel was born. We were able to see the property were my grandpa lived, and the new house on the property that was built from the bricks of the home my grandpa was raised in.

We also saw a neat antique tractor farm that had the kind of tractors my Great Grandpa may have used. The boys loved this part of our little trip.
I asked Matthew if this was the type of house I could expect within the next few years?

He then pointed to this shack, and said........"probably more like this." Well as long as I can call it my own:)

I thought this picture was cute, however I didn't realize until later the great scenery in the background!
To have a real dutch oven dinner it MUST include four different kinds of cobbler. So good!

Nathan with his cousin Katy, and Daniel with his cousin Annie. They get a long really well with their twin cousins. It's so cute to see them play together. Thet must all realize they have something very special in common:)
The hotel we stayed at was just fine, but it was one of those kind of hotels you stay at when you are not planning on having to be there very much. The carpet was a rusty orange-ish red color, the decor was not great, the tv was old and the bathroom was much older. When we walked into the room the boys just lit up!! They went around the whole room saying "wow, this is so nice!...the tv is so nice....the carpet is so nice..ooohh the bed is so nice....oh wow, what a nice toilet and bathtub." It was so cute to see their excitement for everything. Little children are so easy to please, it was a reminder to me to find that joy and childlike excitement even in the small and simple things.

Not one single tear.

2010-07-15T22:21:00.000-07:00

Daniel is my child who loves watching real life surgeries on tv as well as those very graphic shows depicting women giving birth. We found this out by accident just by flipping through the channels as Daniel yells "stop, stop, I like this one." Either he is strange or he is preparing for his career as a doctor.

On this particular day there was a utility knife razor blade sticking out of the planter boxes that were built in my mother-in-laws backyard. Daniel walked by it and it sliced his leg. It was a long cut and very deep.

He calmly walked up to me with blood all over his leg and said "look mommy, owie." He didn't cry as we got him ready to go to the hospital. He didn't cry on the way to the emergency room or even when we arrived. The doctor came in and told him that he had to put something on his cut and it might sting. No tears, just tons of questions about everything in the room and what it does. He also told every nurse that came in "thank you." They brought a crew in to hold him down as they gave him the shots to deaden the cut. They soon realized they would need no one to hold him down, just someone to answer his questions about the light above him, and the moniters behind him. He moaned a few times during the shots but he never cried and he loved watching the nurse stitch him up . The doctors kept commenting on how amazing he was. I'm pretty proud of my little trooper as well. I have to agree he is pretty amazing.

The next day we went to the cabin for our fourth of July celebration. My adorable and very dramatic twin nieces, watched as I changed Daniels bandages. When they saw the cut they both started screaming, "OH MY GOSH THAT IS SO HUGE, how sad, poor Daniel." Over and over they yelled such things until my calm little boy got very nervous for the first time. "put it back on, put it back on!!!" he said bursting into tears. And that was the most traumatic part of the whole event.

When we went back to get his stiches out he was a little nervous. He did great and when it was all over I asked him if he had been scared. He said "I pray to Jesus."

Man, that kid melts my heart.

looks can be deceiving.

2010-07-15T21:22:00.000-07:00

looks like a great activity on a hot summer day...... right?

We finally arrived at this little splash park after getting lost. I then spent what seemed like way to long, changing kiddos into swim diapers, putting on swimming suits, and lathering on sunblock. Then the boys kind of ran around for about 10 minutes before coming to me complaining of hunger. I got out the sandwiches which started Nathan immediately complaining because it wasn't cut in half. So I tore it in half...which heaven forbid I should EVER do. So that started the tantrum of all tantrums. While everyone stared at me I tried to calm my screaming child. I soon realized nothing was going to help so I took him kicking and screaming to the car, of course leaving Daniel behind all by himself. When I came back to get Daniel(who by the way was not left THAT far away,) he was crying saying "momma I lost you!" I then pulled Daniel to the car feeling guilty because he had done nothing wrong yet still had to leave without really having the chance to play. So, Nathan cried all the way home while Daniel repeatedly tried to comfort me by saying.. "momma I happy." I was kind of in a rage and couldn't believe the whole day was going to be ruined because of a sandwich. Nathan went straight to bed when we got home.

Later that day with tears in his eyes, little Nathan says "I sorry momma." I of course immediately forgive my sweet little boy.

For me it is important that I record the good days as well as the bad. They are all a part of parenting, we must all face them, and somehow we get through them, still deeply in love with our little children, that at times make us incredibly CRAZY!!!