Balance.

"Too much of anything in life can throw us off Balance. At the same time, too little of the important things can do that same thing." -Elder M. Russell Ballard
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I've been putting this post off for some time. I don't like that I have to have an "excuse" for not staying active with my blogging. What used to be a hobby and way of keeping my family and friends updated on Ford Happenings, has turned into this 'job' where I lose 'followers' and 'crediblity' for being a "serious blogger" if I don't post at least twice a week.
Writing is apart of me that I love more than anything. I have always been passionate about it. Something absolutely incredible happens when someone can pick up a pen, or put their fingers to the keyboard, and write down words, thoughts, emotions and stories that influence others for good.  I am constantly thinking thoughts I wish I could share with the world through my blog. So, here's the excuse for not blogging for the last seventy seven days: I just REALLY needed to find some BALANCE. Simple as that. And probably currently true for a lot people. It's something I will most likely have to do several times throughout my life because, lets face it; Life. Is. Hard. I mean, skinned knee, heart broken, sobbing uncontrollably, death wrenching, can't breathe, nothing is fair, I am a failure HARD.  Have you ever felt that.... ALL AT ONCE? If you know my history, I think it's fair to say that I have had a few times in my young 27 years where these emotions would apply, rightfully so. But this time it's different. This time my life is SO GOOD and yet I still have fear, pain, anxiety, anger, jealousy and sadness. In a whirlwind of constant overwhelming emotion, I literally had to take a step back and look at my life. I am SO INCREDIBLY BLESSED. I have a wonderful, faithful, hardworking, loving and righteous husband. I have two beautiful children who have given me the greatest gift of motherhood. They are healthy, happy, so adorable, and remind me how sweet life is. I have family who loves me unconditionally and are some of my best friends. I have faith in God and Jesus Christ and have a testimony of their plan and knowledge that families can be together forever. I am so aware of how blessed I am, and still I get so caught up in the world. But those are the times. We live in a world of social media and I am DAILY trying to keep up with mommy homemaker, Wife Betty and The Jones' next door.  I have so wished, so many times, that my family could pack up and live in the middle of nowhere, removed and unplugged from the world. But I can't and I am just going to be so honest and say that the STRUGGLE is real for me. I know so many others face struggles, challenges, fears and pain in there lives also. My heart hurts to think of people who struggle much worse than I do.
I hope you'll forgive me as I try to find ME. As I get back to the things I love with a little more focus and reason, I hope you'll continue to read along as this blog once again becomes a reflection of me and things I love, my family and things that really matter most. 

Hayden Elizabeth is ONE.

Bye Bye Baby... Hello Little One Year Old.

A year ago today we welcomed the littlest, sweetest, most precious baby into our family. For the last twelve months she has done nothing but fill our home with sunshine, joy and love. We are so blessed to have her and I cannot believe the BABY is ONE!  Happy 1st Birthday Hayden Elizabeth.

At ONE YEAR old... I weigh 19 lbs. I am 29 inches long. I have 8 teeth. I am wearing clothes sized 12-18 months (long little legs... tiniest waist). I am drinking whole milk and tons of table food. I sleep through the night: (after a rough month + of sleeping in moms bed with middle of the night feedings). I am a FULL TIME walker and walk all over chasing brother. I love to play with my toys and read books. I LOVE BATHtime... like, more then ANYTHING. I babble all day "bath, bath, bath". I am doing so good at recognizing people and things that mommy asks me to find. I love to help mommy with the dishes and in the laundry room. I love to ride my bike while dad pushes me around the street for afternoon walks. I had my first big accident: fell down the stairs and got a little bump on the back of my head but I wasn't seriously hurt... Poor mommy (who left the gate open) was balling like a big baby though.

We LOVE you Hayden Elizabeth. You make our life so much better and have brought so much joy to our family. Happiest of Birthdays baby girl. Birthday Day Happenings.

 Birthday Breakfast.

 Birthday Naps.

 Birthday Movies.

 Birthday Bike Rides.

 Birthday Presents - Spoiled Rotten