Stake Girls Camp 2016- Heroes of the Heart

Girls Camp. Ah. I wouldn't have been able to tell you that I knew I would be going this summer but I can tell you that it was the best time. I absolutely was spoiled to be able to have this calling as Camp Director. Even if it was with a 2 Week notice to get everything ready for camp. 

We made it up to the stake camp and were ready to enjoy the next few days. 

Nothing better than adorable beehives enjoying smore's

Then you find the laurels... 

Our ward had Nephi as our character and Faith was our value. 

We spent an activity a couple weeks before to design the flag we made for our camp. 

We also made our "Ships" for a game we would be playing with the stake.

The girls in my ward are so creative and could paint anything. One ship had a big mermaid painted on the side. They each had their handprint on a box. It was awesome.

As camp leaders we were asked to decorate our campsite. Well with two weeks notice I kind of freaked about how to do this in enough time. Mainly the fact that 5 other wards would be having decorations. We had to have something. 

I made some easy quotes that went with faith and then stuck them on to a stir stick after laminating them. I also made a pennant banner that the girls secretly helped with. I had them write their testimonies on one pennant and then tied them up at camp for the girls to spend some time enjoying each others testimonies. 

As for the flowers that were on the canopy shade tent were so easy to make. I got some white paper sacks and used some hot glue to make them. They were perfect and held up great. 

I do have to admit I was frustrated that once I got up there that NOT ONE OTHER CAMPSITE WAS DECORATED! But you can sure bet that the White Rail Ward was. :) 

Superhero Training (Certification)

The stake spent some time with the girls finishing up some certifying  even though we still didn't get everything covered for our ward. No one attended the dates for certification before camp so we didn't really get much done on that end nor did we have camp manuals for everyone.

Once we were done with certification they had a value chalk toss.. It was mess but the girls loved it once we convinced them it would come out of their clothes and hair. I really loved watching this girls get each other dirty it was hilarious. But then to watch them freak out after their skin was dyed a little pink or blue. We had some smurfs at camp thats for sure. :)

Our ward has a joke about being the "White Whale Ward" even though it really is Rail not Whale. But Sometimes it sure sounds like you're saying whale. So I also took it upon me to name the tents and assign the girls to which tent. They were all named after whales. (Beluga, Orca, Hammerhead, etc.)  

So then Barnabee was born. The girls loved carrying him around to different activities. The last time I went to girls camp with my ward I had a frog ball that everyone loved then so I knew I had to do that again. I also taught the girls a whole bunch of camp songs so we had our own ward song too for this year that of course had to do with Whales.

Barnabee got attacked by a different ward. It happened in the middle of the day. (not the best time to prank... obviously not professionals. aka. beehives) But one of the beehives came and grabbed me to tell me that something had happened to him. They said he was covered in shaving cream and maxi pads.. She then said some of the other girls don't know what the maxi pads are.. hahaha I had to laugh & take a picture of it for sure.

One of the beehives then washed barnabee up and we kept a better eye on him the rest of the week. That was until he got whale-napped and was held hostage in the middle of the day. One of our leaders that were coming up for a couple hours saw him get taken and told me where he was at so we went back and stole him from that tent. ...once again don't break during the day. 

Did I mention how cool our bishopric is? They are amazing we got to do superhero masks (facial masks). It was great to see Sister & Brother Furner do the masks on each other. 

So I am one of those leaders that make our girls eat last because I was a little fed up with how people just would jump in instead of just waiting to go up and let all of our guests eat so we waited a few minutes and enjoyed our rolls before they actually got to eat dinner. 

After dinner we had the Iron Rod activity. It was great to be able to see the girls try and choose the right path. I had to be the devil and sometimes an angel. I absolutely couldn't bring myself to say things to get them to take the wrong path it was so hard. Luckily when it was my ward I was able to be an angel. It was amazing to see how these girls listened to my voice and didn't listen to those who were trying to lead them off the path. So spiritual and I hope they will remember that when they aren't just holding on to a rope going in and around trees.

Ward time! 

We have the best men in our ward who came out and hung out with us. They built fires, helped with meals and just were great & fun with the girls! They helped with some funny pranks & did some fun stories with the girls. Our girls loved snipe hunting and our Bishop joined in on the fun. The girls couldn't believe that he would do that with them! They absolutely love that they can joke around be normal kids around all of us so called "adults".

Our girls were great to pack up and clean up camp. That we stopped and got them each a treat at Maverick on our way home. They were so worn out from staying up so late the last couple of nights thats what girls camp is for right! 

I now have 9 months until next years camp. Can't wait to spend a few days with these amazing girls!

Has it been Four Years?!

I can hardly believe that 2012 was 4 years ago. It makes my heart so happy when I think about that day. Throughout the last year it has made me even happier now that we have little Ms. Charli. Being sealed for eternity just makes me even happier because I get that little bug and that handsome stud FOREVER!

A few weeks before our anniversary Kelly was asking what I wanted to do and I told him that I would love to go back to the Oquirrh Mountain Temple (where we were sealed & do a session). Last year for our anniversary we drove down but since it was closed for cleaning we couldn't do a session and we took Charli with us last year. So we headed out early afternoon and dropped Charli off with one of my awesome sister in laws for the day. We ate lunch at cute burger stop close to the temple and then headed for a afternoon session. I had so many flashbacks walking throughout the temple and remember that day from 4 years ago. 

The session was awesome and I felt so loved by my Heavenly Father. After we were sitting in the Celestial room sometimes we are quick to leave after we do a session but it was so relaxing to just sit, ponder and smile at each other while we just enjoyed the peacefulness. I definitely believe that there is nothing better than sitting next to your eternal companion in the Lords house.

As we got home I was waiting for a package to come from Jamberry. It was a massive order and I couldn't wait for it to get to our house. I had Kelly stop at the mailbox he then wouldn't let me have the box. He kept saying things like "Oh I can't wait to show you my new wraps... you can't have any of them because they are mine..." He pretty much thought he was hilarious.

Charli had a great time at her Aunts house playing with dolls and even dressing up like Elsa. 

She loves playing with her cousins and always hates when we make her leave any of their homes. 

I'm so thankful to be able to take time out of our daily lives and just enjoy each other for a moment. 

Thanks Kelly for being the best husband, dad and eternal companion. LOVE YOU!

First Year Of Motherhood!

Isn't it absolutely crazy that I am here sitting down to write about an overview of the first year of motherhood! Let me just say you think you have a ton of different emotions when your pregnant but right now I am feeling all the things. Sadness, happiness, sick to my stomach, butterflies and joy. 

The last year has been a whirlwind. You don't really realize it day to day! But man has it been an enjoyable year. I remember last year dreaming about what 2015 would have in store for us. It definitely didn't disappoint thats for sure. 

  It feels like just yesterday we were announcing that we would be expecting. It felt like I was just throwing up on our way to dinner to tell Grandma Smith we were pregnant. It felt like just yesterday that I felt her kick me and do flips. It felt like just yesterday we were having our first ultrasound. It felt like just yesterday that I was bringing home an adorable little girl that I had no clue how I was going to raise her and what type of mom I would be.  In fact it feels like just yesterday I was that 22 year old girl holding her daughter for the first time. I remember I was thinking did this really just happen? Is she really mine? But at that same moment I felt love. I felt the love not only from Kelly, my mom and wonderful mother in law and all the other family that came. But I felt the honest true love of my daughter and my Heavenly Father. For a second I felt bad that this wonderful spirit had just left heaven but, then I felt grateful that I was the one who got to have her not just for this lifetime but for ETERNITY!

I definitely can't sit here and say that it was the easiest year. We had the sleepless nights, the crying that sometimes felt like it never stopped (not just Charli crying, me too!), there was laughter and excitement. I honestly can say I had the best time learning how to become a mother. I had plenty of phone calls to my mom, questions for my sisters, crying to Kelly out of frustration. But we somehow made it through. 

I don't know what the next year will bring but I can honestly say that I am in love with being a mom. Some may say that I don't work. And to that you are correct I don't have a job that I have to drive to every day. I actually have the best job in the world! I have a little girl that needs me every second of every day. I have a little girl who makes me work at becoming a better role model. It may not pay in dollar bills but it pays in kisses, boogers and giggles and to me thats the best type of paycheck!

 I remember a quote from this past General Conference at Women's Session.

"There are two important days in a woman's life - the day she is born

 and the day she finds out why!"

-Elaine Cannon-

I'm pretty sure that the day I found why I was important took place when there was times when Charli didn't want anyone else but me. When I got to rock her to sleep, spend hours and days holding her, every morning getting to pick out an outfit for her to wear, laying her down for naps, feeding her, playing with her, dancing & singing with her. That was the day I found out why I was important. I am sure there may be a few more things I will be able to add to that list. But man am I grateful that that I got to be this little girls momma!

I am so grateful that Heavenly Father trusted me to become a mother. I am grateful that He was there to help me through the sometimes bumpy, rough road. He was able to show me what I was truly capable of becoming. I am grateful that I get to do it with one of the coolest dads I know. I am grateful that Charli will be raised by a dad who is extremely hardworking, dorky, handsome and that she will be able to see the love we have for each other. 

How blessed are we?! Extremely!

We Wish You A Very Happy 1st Birthday Ms. Charli!

Please Never Grow Up.

Wake me up when September ends

 September always feels like such a long month right! Well we did so much and it was such a fun month. It was fun to end summer with a bang. I am ready for the cooler temps and the time with family!

Sept 1st: The Nelson Girls. They have just become the best of buds. 

Okay maybe not. Nala just licks and licks Charli. Charli has learned how to freak out if its too much.

Sept 4th: TAYLOR SWIFT! AHH! I already did a whole post about this day. But I could just go to her world tour again and again and again!

Labor Day Weekend in Bear Lake at the Smith's Lake House!

Was filled with football, laughter and relaxation.

We even took Charli on her first four wheeler ride.. she loved it.

Also you can't go through Logan without Aggie Ice Cream. 

Oh you know some Taylor Swift Swagger. 

September 7th: Enjoying some sun in the front yard and a good old stroller ride around Hobby Lobby

Meet the Divas! This would be Charli and Norah. 6 Months apart and I am sure they are going to cause some problems. I was trying to help Marci out by keeping Norah happy. And well holding them both was do able but tiring. By the way Charli slapped Norah very hard when I bent down to help her with the binky. That is why she has the face like 'it wasn't me'. 

There is nothing better than a 2 year old who will willing take pictures with you and try to mimic every facial expression! Love Mr. Max. 

Sept 9th: Posing in our outfit from Aunt Vickie! We love this outfit!

Ready for the lotion selfie! 

Sept 11th: 

Case Lot Sale! Luckily my parents were already headed to stock up so they helped me pack up my cart! 

Remember when I posted that video of Charli like 2 weeks old just swinging away. 

Here is she is not getting what this thing is. And wouldn't even enjoy it. 

I am bummed to put this thing back into it's box until the next baby. 

It was a lifesaver and was so cool! I am still waiting for an adult one!

Sept 13th: Sundays! 

Charli is wearing a dress from her cousin Hay-Pay. Right as we found out we were having a girl last year. They let us borrow this dress. Not that we needed it right then but it sure was nice and its so stinking cute. 

Playing after a much needed nap. Sundays are killer. They sometimes can go so smooth and other days I am counting down the hours until bed time. 

This is the typical snapchat picture with Mr. Nelson. The commentary!

Mr. N: "Why do you always have to be on your phone!?" 

"Why can't you spend time with me and not that"

Mrs. N: ignoring... 

Sept 16th: We were able to go to YM's with Dad last night! We watched the Cookeville Miracle and helped make banana splits for the youth. It was a fun night. We also were able to finally buy some Count Chocula cereal! Yum!

Sept 17th: We turned 10 months old!!! 

Caption: "When did I grow up?"

Sept 18th: Breakfast of Champions!

It was an early morning of driving Kelly into work. So he let me get the perfect breakfast. Swig and a Donut! 

Kelly also took us shopping for Charli's 10 month. We bought her some new outfits! They are adorable!!!!!

Also Kelly finally spoiled me with a some bedding for our King! It's not exactly what I have in mind but it will work for the time being. 

He hates me for saying this but I no longer love our room. He reminds me " You're not getting anything new until we move!"... But believe me my Pinterest boards are ready to be brought to life.

Sometimes I catch Charli doing the funniest faces. I was able to catch her squinty face on a Snapchat video! 

Sept 19th: Even Babies love Jamberry Nails. I was able to get some free halloween holiday wraps! Yay! 

Peanut Butter bars.. Don't worry we devoured the whole pan so fast. They were yummy!!!

Our friend Tyson came and cooked us some chicken! I made some potatoes and peanut butter bars. But its a tradition we have to go and get Zeppes. So a late night run to Zeppes! 

Sept 20th:

One of the many new dresses Kelly bought Charli!

Grandma Malone taught Charli that its okay to play the piano.. She's going to regret that she taught her that for the next 4 years at least ;)

Sept 21st: Another adorable outfit Kelly got Charli. 

I love this jacket. It reminds me of the wallpaper that use to be in the bathroom at the Cabin when I was a kid. So of course it makes sense to have it on a jacket now! 

Yes.. I was one of those weird people who drags their kid to walmart at midnight to go and buy Pitch Perfect 2. ...Kelly had been out of town working so I definitely treated myself. 

Sept 22nd: Something about chubby cheeks.

We love our baby doll. It is the toy that makes the world happy again. 

Lately I think we have been teething or getting a cold. 

I had a small little sinus problem. It sucked with head congestion and tons of sinus pressure.

I acted like I died my hair platinum. Don't worry. I didn't. But I can't say that its not like on my to do list. I really would love to try it out!!! One day! right! 

Sept 24th: Hanging out at Grandma Malone's house. Charli is starting to really pick up on where the dogs are. She loves to point and yell at them. I think she got that from me always telling Nala to stop playing with one of Charli's toys or to get off the couch. 

Sept 25th:

Another Burrito Baby. I can't help myself there is nothing more adorable then a clean baby.

Dad finally got home from Moab. We celebrated with Warrens for dinner! Charli was so excited to see him. Also I spent the entire day at my sisters house doing freezer meals. We did 7 different recipes! We were so worn out. But its nice to be able to have a good stock pile again!

Sometimes I find myself just staring at Charli when she goes to bed at night. 

I am lucky to have had such a good baby who will sleep!

I just love how peaceful babies look!

Sept 26th: General Woman's Meeting & Driving with dad!

Charli sat on Kelly's lap as he pulled the truck and trailer around the house.

I attended the General Woman's Meeting with my momma. I helped her stake get their refreshments out. It was fun to see some of the Hooper ladies again. 

Sept 27th: Stake Conference & Flip Flops

Charli is great at visiting the mothers room a couple times a month for a messy diaper change.

Also I finally remember that I bought some Flip Flops for her. The good news is that she keeps them on. And don't they just look ADORABLE on those chubby sausages! 

Carseat Shoppin & In N Out fun. 

Charli was a good sport as usual but she was definitely enjoying playing with the paper work from getting her new carseat! 

Sept 29th: When you get that perfect picture of your babe! She left her head band on and nothing is too blurry! Yup, that was a good picture for this mom!

Snuggles with grandma. We took Grandma into Ulta to get some makeup. Of course we got some for ourselves as well! :)

Sept 30th: Rain Boots! I am so excited for my new boots. I can't wait for winter. 

Also we took Grandma Smith out to dinner tonight! 

Charli did great as usual and I ate a ton as usual. 

Kelly kept saying you don't need all that food... 

Don't act like you know my life Mr. Nelson! :)

The perfect food, perfect company and of course we had dessert. 

Charli even learned a good trick! "Look Mom No Hands"

We love riding on Grandma's walker as well! 

Here's to the best month of the year OCTOBER!!!!