Christmas 2013

Christmas was busy this year... I felt it came so fast, and we felt anything but prepared. Luckily none of that pitty stuff really matters and it ended up being a perfect Holiday. 

We had a Christmas Party with my family on the Thursday before Christmas. It was a lot of fun, especially for the little ones. My mom made an awesome dinner... We wrote gifts to the savior, and sang lots of songs. When it came time for Santa to come, the kids pulled out the rhythm band and played all the tunes they could. He dropped off some fun gifts! And the kids loved seeing him. 

Fast Foward to Christmas Eve. Another party... The Leavitt Party is always on Christmas Eve and it is a tradition we love. First of all, Aunt Launa is an AMAZING cook, we had a great dinner, and then Santa came to give more presents. Every year, he brings us all matching pajamas and little goodies! It was a great night and E had fun with all the cousins. We then came home, put her to bed and hurried the last of wrapping and projects. Of course we had the movie "Christmas Vacation" playing... Such a classic and after all these years, it still makes me laugh! 

It was time for Christmas morning and THAT was a blast! Elsie is such a fun age and had an awesome Christmas! I don't know why we spoiled her so much... We could have used this year to shower ourselves with gifts I suppose but buying for her was much more fun. She definitely made out!! From a trampoline, to Minnie Mouse toys, barns, books, a bee backpack, clothes, shoes.... she loved it all!! J didn't do so bad himself. He got lots of clothes, a go pro, riding gear, and ..... A new bike! He has been wanting a bike for a couple years and I finally caved. Merry Christmas to him! Mama made out good too... Not as well as J, but I didn't have much I wanted this year. My list really struggled if I'm being quite honest. I told Jeff I wanted measuring cups, a whisk, a garlic presser and a pizza stone. Talk about not needing much right?! Being pregnant during Christmas made me boring and too lazy to want much!! Santa did surprise me with a new TV, lots of jewelry, new tires for my denali, a beautiful wire basket chandelier I wanted, and a vacuum which was more then I needed. And seeing the smiles on my families face is really what made my Christmas complete. 

I love Christmas and the spirit that comes with this holiday. I love giving. It really is so much more fun then receiving... I'm learning that as I get older!  I'm truly grateful for my Savior and the beautiful year we've had as a family. I am truly blessed! 

Marshall Family 2013.. 

Elsie 2 years old... Mom; 25 weeks pregnant! As beautiful as it gets people!! 

Fun game with my family

Playing the rhythm band waiting for Santa

Mom played, Elsie sang!

Me and my love on Christmas Eve! 

E excited for Santa to come!

My world!! Minus Diesel ;)

Leavitt Christmas Party! 

There's that belly!!

Christmas morning! 

The new 2014 Suzuki 450 bike!!

My TV and gorgeous chandelier!! 

The jumping that never ends

Loooooong Day!! 

Hope everyone had as beautiful of a Christmas as we did!!! Merry Christmas to all!!

One word to a million!

Elsie's speech has been a big concern for me for some time. When she was just a baby, she didn't roll over right away, but learned to sit up instead. At 6 months she wasn't crawling, but started walking at 9 1/2 months. I always told myself they all do different things, at different times, and that is okay. I was always assured she was "fine" because she ended up doing something else to prove she was on the right track. 

Then 18 months came.. Nothing new had really happened. Still walking, and not a lot of talking. She didn't know too many words, and the words she did know were anything but English. She babbled and babbled all day long, but never would even try to repeat words or show any interest. I started to get concerned. 

Then she turned 2.. She knew a few more words and a few more became more clear, but still not where she needed to be. I was starting to get really nervous at this point, and even switched doctors to seek some help about the issue. He didn't make me feel much better really, said to give it a little more time and he referred me to a speech therapist to have her then evaluated. I kept telling myself, she'll get there. She understood everything I told her to do, which brought some comfort, but I still doubted her efforts and my efforts as a mother. 

I'm so HAPPY and so relieved now to say we have made it so far. Since she has turned 2, her words have gone to 2 clear words to what seems like a million. She has learned so many letters of the alphabet, her colors are almost there, and a few shapes! Her words have become so much more clear and she is constantly asking little questions. It's been lots of fun hearing all she has to say, makes some of those long hard days worth it when she comes in and says "wuv you mama!" I've waited 2 years to hear that, and it melts my heart every time!

I'm grateful for the little spirit that she is. She is a perfect fit for our family and I hope we can be that for her as parents. She's our everything!! 

My two favorites...

I always tell myself these two are my very favorites in the world, but mostly so I don't beat them both daily from all their craziness!!! 

However, lately, it's been the truth! Not sure what's making them BOTH be sweet as pie.. Maybe they think Santa is watching?! Want a little extra love this Christmas?! Not sure... I'm still trying to figure out the motive, but I love these two more then anything and thank them for being the best part of my life!! 

Thanksgiving 2013

Thanksgiving is my favorite Holiday. I think I say that on every blog post I make but it really is the best day/weekend ever. First of all, it's the only time of year my whole family is together. Christmas is too hard with so much going on and hauling presents everywhere that we never make that happen. Makes me sad we don't do more as a family, or that Nate and Lezlee have to live so far away! And whenever food is involved, it always makes for a great time :)

Every year really we eat with my family, then cruise over to Launas to visit with J's family. We are lucky to have both in the valley so we never miss Holidays with either one. 

Shellie was over Crafts this year and Elsie loved all of it; painting, gluing sparkles on trees, and making her ornament! She loved having all her cousins around too. I've decided having more babies isn't the way to go but adopting a 15 and 12 yr old. We've got it all wrong folks ;)... But Maddie and Abbie, even Becca, made the weekend so enjoyable and played with Elsie nonstop. Thankful for all they did!

I never do the whole daily posts on FB of what I'm thankful for.. Things like that just aren't for me. I don't have to post in order to be thankful and I don't really care if the FB world knows what I'm thankful for or not really. But on my personal blog, I will share some of my favorite and most precious things in my life that I am thankful for....

First being J! He is every bit of awesome. He is the best decision I ever made, and it's shown daily why I love him so much. He's the best Father to our little Els.. These two know how to have fun and she adores all his fun adventures and endless energy! 

The Gospel is everything to me. It keeps me grounded. It reminds me to keep things in perspective.. Someone once told me this life is 2 1/2 hours in a real perspective of life after this mortal experience. That has helped me a lot to not let gossip, financial burdens, trials, affect my attitude. I have my days but when I lay my head down at night, I remind myself The Lord is asking me to do my part, be a good servant for such a short period of time... I can do this!! At least I pray for help that I can!

My sweet babies! Never in a million years did I think I would have a baby, and now I have my sweet Elsie AND a little man on the way. My heart is complete with these two spirits... As of now ;) 

And of course my few material things that I love... My little jetta! She's an awesome car! We bought her brand new, paid her off and she has been nothing but kind to us with awesome gas mileage! My little home. I've realized I WANT nice things, but I can live without much! I'm glad I can do that. When I walk into our home late at night after a long day in Vegas or something, and the Christmas lights are on giving it a nice touch of light, I have a moment where I think; We have some good memories in this 2x2!! It's made me appreciate no matter what roof is over my head, I can find happiness in it. 

I am a blessed little lady... I don't have it all that's for sure, but I have what's important to me, and I keep it all close to my heart!

Happy Thanksgiving to all!! 

Elsie staying up way to late every night!

Making Ornaments!

We had a great Holiday and I hope you all did as well!!! Xoxox

Jody's Birthday

My handsome man turned 32 this year... 32!!!! That seems so old to me at the moment but I'm not to far off myself. Ever since J turned 30, he's had back problems, sleep problems, the list goes on and on, so I'm a little nervous to get out of my twenties.. Not gonna lie!! But 32 was a good birthday even if those problems are still lingering around :)

We celebrated with friends the weekend before and went to Supercross!! We always have fun with Matt and Jamie. They are some of the sweetest people I know and always willing to help us in any kind of need. Just last week Elsie lost our razor key while her and J were out in the hills, and Matt went to rescue them in his clean truck he had just spent 6 hours cleaning!! No complaints, just happy to help.. THAT's a good friend!! :) 

The next week on his actual birthday, we went to dinner at Samuri 21 (one of my favorite spots.. J too) and had a hibachi dinner! It was nice spending time with just the two of us. I sometimes miss the days we had together to go out and do whatever we want and just be kids together, but it makes these times we get to now so special. I appreciate all j does for our family. He's a great husband and an even better Father. He works hard to provide a good lifestyle for our family, and he is a good man who makes our lives so fun!! Happy Birthday Babe!! Me and the bug think your the best and we're lucky to have you in our lives!! 

Halloween

Halloween was awesome this year. Elsie dressed up as Elmo (surprise) and she loved wearing her costume. Me and Jody were lame parents and didn't dress up, and I decided next year we are going to. Makes it more fun! 

We went to the local carnival the week before and Elsie had fun there. It was pretty weak, but kids love anything and it was fun seeing her have a good time! 

We then went trick or treating at the trunk or treat at the Fair Grounds! That was fun... Cold but fun! She couldn't say "Trick or Treat" so she kept saying "More!" They usually caved to her sweetness. After we headed to Aunt Launas for another round of pumpkin dinner and to end the night with family. We had a blast and Halloween has become a new favorite Holiday now that I have a little person to share it with!!! 

We also had our traditional family pumpkin dinner and Grandma and Grandpa Bowlers! It was a great meal as usual and always fun to be with all my family! 

Three Halloweens down, many more to go! 

Elsie turned 2

My sweet girl turned 2!!!! I can't believe it's been 2 years since I first experienced motherhood. The love I felt was undescribale, any mother out there knows the feeling. And the gratitude I felt that she had finally arrive, safely and healthy, I will feel indebted to my Savior forever. We worked so hard for her and she has been worth every trial. 

With that being said, we've had our rough days. From 18 months to right when she turned 2, the tantrums seemed daily. They weren't always full force, but it seemed we had some kind of break down over the littlest thigs.. Sometimes I'd laugh, and thought how ridiculous, and other times I thought I wanted to lock her in her room until bed time! Luckily we have enjoyed a break from that the past 3 weeks! She has been such a joy and the good is definitely out weighing the bad days at the moment. Hoping she stays this way until her new baby brother arrives. 

Elsie at 2:

Weight: 31.2 pounds

Height: 35 1/2 inches

90% for both height and weight

Her hair is getting long.. To the middle of her back! To bad it's just like mine, stringent and straight! Some curl would be nice :)

Elsie strengths:

-Sharing! She is really good at sharing her toys, snacks, drinks, whatever.. This I'm grateful for.

-Following Directions. She's really good at doing the small tasks I ask her.

-Giving Loves. She the most loveable little girl I know and loves to hand out loves to all. 

-Saying Prayers. She says them almost every night at dinner and always before bed. She never forgets to bless Mom and Dad and Diesel. :)

-Sleeping! Elsie has been a great sleeper since birth really, but I'm grateful she still naps and sleeps through the night. Hoping this continues with the transition of a toddler bed!

Some things we need to work on:

-Speech! She is learning new words every day but they aren't as clear as they should be. We'll get there but it's taking us some time. 

-Eating better! I don't know how she is in the 90 percentile when she never eats a thing. She is by far the most pickiest eater I know. I might be to blame since I was hesitant to give her anything that wasn't puréed or mashed up, but I'm paying for it now.. She needs to learn to eat!!!!!! 😤

We had a wonderful time celebrating her 2nd birthday! We went to Pizza Hut and Jumping Jungle to celebrate with Lizzie Beth, Charlotte, and Shellie. We kept it simple but we had a great time! Being a Mom to this sweet girl has taught me a lot of patience, that my way isn't always the best, and has taught me to love a way I never thought possible. She is my world, and I'm grateful she is apart of our family. We love you so so much Elsie!!!!!!! 

We're pregnant!!!!

I'm soo late on blogging but I'm coming back with great news... We're pregnant!!!! I've had a lot of people ask if we were lucky enough to get pregnant naturally but we didn't!! We had to do another round of IVF and I'm so grateful we have found something that's works!!! Even if it costs 20,000$+ dollars.... Can't put a price tag on these babies!!!! 

Pregnancy has been great!! Similar to when I was pregnant with Elsie! No morning sickness, a little tired, ect, but it's been a breeze this far. IVF however was rough this round. I experienced OHSS for the first time and that was horrible. I looked 6 months pregnant before we even knew if I was yet because my abdomen filled up with fluid. The pain was horrible and I threw up and felt so sick for days... But was it all worth it, YES! We found out October 13 that we are having a BOY!!!! I still can't believe it. I feel it's still a girl because I only know a girl... I wanted a boy so badly and glad that I was blessed with one of each!! 

As far as time, I feel like its flying by! Elsie's pregnancy seemed to never end... Maybe because it never did, I don't know. But this one seems to be approaching before I am even close to ready. Hopefully I get there... Even a name would be a nice start but we haven't even been able to get that far. Until then, I'll enjoy all the sour and salty cravings I'm having.. Which was much different then my last. Sweets with Elsie and this one it's all about the sour, salt and spice. 

I'm grateful for my little family. I'm grateful for modern medicine, and I'm grateful we get to have another sweet baby join our family!!! 

Memorial Day Weekend 2013

We had a wonderful weekend.. It started at the new "Discovery Children's Museum" that's in Las Vegas. E had a ball. I have to say, it made me want to be a kid again... It was impressive. I relaxed mostly while J did all the running around, going down slides, and getting wet in the fountains with E. He won Dad of the year that day! Needless to say, we'll be back! Great Day!!

Her facials say it all... Safe to say she enjoyed herself :)

Sunday we went to church and kept it pretty casual. Visited some friends, played outside, the usual Sabbath Day.

Monday we spent time with family and went to the Logandale Cemetery to visit our grandparents. It's nice having both set of grandparents in the same cemetery. Makes it easy to do our annual visit and pay our respects to them.

C and E keeping each other company

Fun at Grandma's

Logandale Cemetery 

We miss these guys!!! My Grandpa- He was an amazing man. Died conquering the world, and loving all who was apart of his life. My Grandma was the definition of supportive!! I can't imagine being the wife of a man who was involved in all he was. The time he was away from home helping others in need, building the community, and sharing the gospel. She is a hero in my eyes. Grandma Thella- Oh how I wish I could have met her, at least once. She was the salt of the earth I always hear. She was a woman of strength. And Grandpa Bill. The stories of Grandpa Bill. I've been married to J for almost 7 years, and it seems theres always a new story to be shared. Jody misses him desperately. DESPERATELY! He being the only Father figure J has ever had, he misses him for so many reasons. He passed while J was on his mission.. Right at Christmas time, his first year. I know he would be proud of J and the man he has become. We can't wait to see them again and are grateful for the examples they all were in our life. 

 Bowler Family 2013 (minus Nate's family and Grant)

 Oh.. and E got a new bike!! We found too good of a deal online to pass up, so we bought it now. Dad is stoked. Moms not happy. Dreading the day she suits up to ride solo. Won't be long.. but she will love it. Dad takes care of her. Thanks Dad!!

Hope everyone had a wonderful Memorial Day Weekend!!!