Is it really a challenge?

Last week we were challenged to keep a gratitude journal in an effort to help us recognize and record the many ways in which our family is blessed. After only a week, I can tell you it works, just like President Eyring promised it would in this conference address. (Yea, I know I am only a few years behind!).

I have re-learned that returning thanks to the Lord for blessings received only yields more blessings! And those blessings sometimes come in the most unexpected ways and in the most unexpected hours...like today. Who would have known that the greatest outpouring of generosity came from the most infuriating and frustrating conversations with our home warranty company? I certainly did not, but I can tell you that that is exactly what happened, and I couldn't be happier!

Growing Up

Kambrya had her four month check-up today and the Dr. gave her two thumbs up. She is one healthy baby weighing in at 17 lbs and is 25.5 in tall!

While we feel like Kambrya has been a part of our family forever, there is still a newness about her that makes us so happy and giddy! Every little milestone is a big deal and a cause worth celebrating. And...so you can celebrate with us, Kambrya currently:
SMILES...all the time (especially after she wakes up in the AM)
Laughs
Coos (she likes the sound of her own voice!)
Recognizes family
Sits up by herself in her bumbo
Rolls over from side to side
Lifts her upper body while laying on her belly
Sleeps in her crib in her room
and the best of all...
She sleeps through the ENTIRE night!

The Happy Herd

You better believe I was one happy mama bovine - No cooking, cleaning, and a FREE meal at chick-fil-a! All for this...

Bumbo Experiment

I've long wondered if there is any truth to the hype surrounding a BUMBO and its wondrous benefits for babies. So, I decided to see for myself what the fuss is all about. I went to the second hand child store and purchased one (for a great deal) and gave it a try.

...and I must say things look very promising, even though I've only had the chair for 2 days! Kambrya loves to sit up and whimpers when I try to take her out of the chair. That is a good sign, right?

Happy 4th

The 4th of July means to me...

FREEDOM

FAMILY

FRIENDS

FOOD

and LOTS OF FUN!

And this year was no exception. We took a vacation up north to hang out with family and get out of the sweltering Phoenix heat. We found relief in the cool mountain pines, at the desert escape we call KOA. Our days were filled with a whole lot of nothing really. We got some great relaxation time, while still managing to do all of the fun activities the north has to offer.

We visited Snowbowl and rode the skyride to the top of the mountain. Call me crazy, but I really like being suspended 50 feet above ground, esp. when the cable stops and we rock back and forth, it's kind of soothing:)

We found the new aquatic center and spent one afternoon swimming and playing in the water. The best part was that the fun was all to be had indoors. No need for sunscreen and unbearable burns. WAHOO!

and you know me, what is a vacation without SHOPPING at the mall?
(and then taking a break outside for some goofy pictures:)?

Even with all this fun, we did find time to celebrate the RED, WHITE and BLUE! We pulled out our patriotic shirts and headed downtown to watch the annual 4th of July parade. I love standing with thousands of others and cheering for those who serve and protect our country. It doesn't get more patriotic than that!

We topped off our Independence day celebration with a few all American foods and crafts. Unfortunately, there was no fire works display due to the extreme fire danger, but we compensated with a delicious dutchoven peach cobbler!

Other random pictures from our vacation that are too cute not to share!

Girly and Cute

I love having a little girl and indulging in all things cute and girly- dresses, nail polish, headbands and the like. And then I love even more when people ooo and ahhh over how cute she is! Unfortunately for Kambrya, my sweet indulgence sometimes comes at her expense. I know it's not the most mommy-like thing to do, but its a small price to pay to achieve the cute factor, right? Oh the things we girls do for beauty... and this is no exception:

But I think we definately achieved the cute factor on this one. Wouldn't you agree?