Nicks Early Birthday

Since we were out of the country for Nicks actual birthday we celebrated a few days early at home. I really didn't want to pack presents. So I made Nick open them before we left. His presents were pretty boring this year. But he got what he wanted... I can't help it if he wants boring things. I tried to spice it up a little bit. He got socks. Yes socks. But thats all he really wanted. BORING. I also got him a new shirt because you can never have too many of those. Especially Nick... he is so picky about his shirts ha. And the next gift is where I went a little crazy..... Ninja Turtle Fruit Snacks!!!! Nick LOVES the Ninja Turtles! So when I saw them at the store I had to buy them. We also had a family dinner for Nicks birthday. We went to Buca Di Beppo. They give you a lot of food!! And its pretty dang good. After dinner with family we went right to the air port! Nicks actual birthday was spent in Santo Domingo... and thats a whole different blog post.

Opening up his gifts

Ninja Turtles!! 

Nicks birthday dessert

Baby Easton loved the Brownie

So glad he was born

Kierstens Visit.

A few weeks ago Kiersten came to visit us. It was nice to have her over and get to spend time with her. We learned all about the West Indies! ha. We played games, ate tons of yummy food, went to a Bees game and the Zoo with Andys family. And to top it all off we watched a high speed chase in our apartment complex {the bad guys were caught}. It was a fun weekend. Nick and I love spending time with our family.

Iceberg shakes

Oh my goodness... I love them.

Free hats...OK!

A Child's Prayer.

Heavenly Father, are you really there? 

And do you hear and answer every child's prayer? 

Some say that heaven is far away, 

But I feel it close around me as I pray. 

Heavenly Father, I remember now 

Something that Jesus told disciples long ago: 

"Suffer the children to come to me." 

Father, in prayer I'm coming now to thee. 

Pray, he is there. Speak, he is listening. 

You are his child; His love now surrounds you. 

He hears your prayer; He loves the children. 

Of such is the kingdom, the kingdom of heaven. 

One of my favorite songs ever is A Child's Prayer. I have always loved this song even when I was still in Primary. I love it for a few reason.

1. The words are so simple. But yet so powerful. I often forget God. I know that makes me sounds terrible. Maybe I am. But when life is going good I find myself sometimes thinking, "I am awesome, Nick is awesome, life is awesome" Sometimes I forget his hand in all my many many blessings. But then there comes a trail and I forget him some more. I find myself thinking, "Why me?" "{Insert name here} didn't have to go through this. Why do I?" I forget that he is here for me when I am struggling. And I forget I have these trails for a reason and everyone has their own trails and hard times. It's so funny because now that I am married, older, and no longer living with my parents I forget that I am still a child. I am still heavenly fathers child. And he loves me and nothing is going to change that. And then I hear this song. Or think of this song and I am humbled.

2. This song brings me comfort. I know that sounds lame. But its the truth. Whenever I am home alone and scared {blast you Criminal Minds} I sing this song. Or say the words in my head. And soon I am not thinking about all the bad guys coming to kill me while Nick is at work. It also brings me comfort when I am sad, stressed, or just struggling. About a week ago I got way sick. To say I was miserable would be an understatement. I took the meds the Doctor prescribed and they had no effect on me. And I couldn't even fall asleep! I just laid in bed thinking I was going to die. Then I got an idea... I started to say the words of A Child's Prayer in my head. And soon I fell asleep. Sadly that didn't last more than 10 min. But at least it was some relief. And as I was saying the song in my head I wasn't as focused on my misery. It brought me some peace in a time I didn't think there would be any. Like I said I was so sick. ugh. 

3. This song says it all. There are questions that we all have at one point or other. And not only does it ask the questions but it answers them too! It encourages us to pray and remember that God is good. And he is with us. We are his children no matter our age, race, or living situation. And he loves you, and me. He loves us all. And all we have to do is pray and he will be there to guide us, forgive us, and comfort us. 

And that is why I love this song.