Mother's Day

1985 Me and mom

Swinging at Hooper Springs Park

Mother's Day is such a special day!! I'm so grateful for my mother!! My mom has always been my best friend, at least until Brett came along. :) I never felt that I had to lie to her as a teenager. I could always confide in her. She did a great job of balancing between discipline and letting us choose for ourselves so we learn important life lessons. I know my mom isn't perfect, but she was the perfect mother for me. Every day, I pray that I can live up to the standards she set as a mother. We don't always see eye to eye on everything, but if my children have the same relationship with me that I have with my mom, I'll consider myself a success in parenting. 

My mom loves to laugh, she works hard, she is always serving others, she is very talented, and she is one of the best listeners I've ever known. So many people have come to my mom to talk about things they couldn't confide in anyone else about. I love so many things about her. I'm grateful that Heavenly Father sent me to her and my dad. I'm so grateful for the Gospel that allows us to be together forever. 

Mom, Haley and I

Grandma Betsy at the beach! 1st time for Grandma and Kayla!

I am also so blessed to have a wonderful mother in law in RaeJean! Brett is such a wonderful man, husband and father, and that is due in large part to his mom! She raised him to be strong in the Gospel, be true to correct principles, and be the fun-loving man he is! RaeJean is such a selfless person. She is always serving others. She loves cooking and sharing her talent with others. Brett is such a great cook and I've learned so much from her! She was a single mom for most of Brett's child hood and it amazes me the strength she must have had. I know I couldn't be a single mom to Kayla, let alone five children. Her love of the Gospel is very evident to me. I'm forever grateful to her for raising the man that has made me happier than I could ever have imagined. I'll be forever grateful to her. Brett and I both are so blessed to have the mothers we do. We have some big shoes to fill in the parenting department! :)

Look at that happy kid!

Such a loving mom

3 Generations

The four of us when Grandma Jean came to visit and help with Kayla

Kayla eye balling my mother's day gift. 

Now, I want to talk about what Mother's Day means to me as a mother. There were lots of times that I questioned whether I would get the chance to be a mother. I feared I wouldn't ever get married (being single is rough at times). But when I met Brett and fell in love, I couldn't wait to start a family with him. He is literally the best man I've ever known. I feel blessed beyond words that he chose me to be the mother to his children. 

Last year on Mother's Day, we took a little test that has changed our entire lives. When that pregnancy test came back positive, I was in shock! We were very blessed to not have any trouble getting pregnant but I didn't expect it to happen so soon. I was overjoyed though! I will always remember that day and how I felt. 

Kayla has brought a new meaning to the word Love. I would do anything for this little girl of mine. It makes me even more grateful to my parents and especially to my Heavenly Parents. I know I only have a sliver of comprehension of the love God has for me, but that understanding grew a little when Kayla was placed in my arms and it continues to grow each day. 

I look forward to every moment spent with Kayla. Quite frankly, she's the best baby I could imagine! She rarely cries, sleeps well, plays happily when I need to get things done, smiles endlessly, and brings such joy and warmth to my soul. I love watching her grow and discover her world around her. I'm so grateful that I'm able to provide everything she needs. I love Brett even more than I did before because of the father he is to her and for how hard he works for our family. 

I am so excited for what the future brings for our little family! Being a mother is truly a gift from Heavenly Father that I am thankful for every minute. 

Me and my baby!

Today, we had a little photo shoot with each other after Brett left for work! Its crazy how much fun I can have with someone who can't talk! Kayla really is such a joy in my life. 

Finally, I'm grateful for all the women in my life! I had amazing grandmothers! I have amazing aunts, friends, friend's moms, co-workers, church leaders, teachers, neighbors, cousins, sister's in law, etc. Women are truly a gift from God. I'm proud to be a women and pray that I can be that kind of mother that will help my sweet baby return to live with her Heavenly Father someday. 

Working from Home

So, I've entered the realm of being a stay at home mom.....for the most part. :) I love my job at the hospital and enjoy what I do there, but being home with Kayla brings me joy above anything else. Brett and I are blessed to be able to work around each other's schedules so I can work once a week or so on his days off and one of us is always home with Kayla. I decided to keep working so we can pay off the rest of my student loans quickly and reach our goal of being completely debt free.

In an attempt to make some extra money to reach this goal quicker, I've been looking into all sorts of work from home jobs. Every little bit helps, right? I had an opportunity come knocking at my door, literally. A friend of mine from my ward came by and presented a chance for me to make some money from home just as I started looking.

This is a shameless plug, but if anyone is looking to save some money on any basic services like internet, home phone, satellite, etc., I'd love to help you out! By going through my website, people can sign up for the same great companies already available and often times, at a cheaper rate than they would otherwise get. I then get a portion of the monthly service bill as compensation for my efforts! Its such a great concept!

Here's my website - check it out and compare! Maybe you could be saving some money and helping me stay home with my sweet baby! I love that I can make money and help others save money on the basic services they are using every day! Its such a great opportunity and I'm really excited!

www.heathercrandall.acndirect.com

Who wouldn't want to spend every moment possible with that sweet face! :)

Baby's 1st Easter

Easter is such a special holiday. I'm grateful beyond words for the knowledge I have that my Savior lives. His life is the way and He is our Brother, leading us in the way that will return us to our Father in Heaven. As a young girl, Easter was always a favorite of mine. In addition to fun festivities and lots of candy, Easter usually marked the beginning of spring. The earth starts fresh after a long winter and Easter represents the same in our lives. The Savior provides a way for us to start fresh after any trial, sin, or heart break. My testimony of the Atonement  is one of my greatest treasures. I'm grateful for the trials that have led to the faith I have. I pray I always remember them and never take for granted Christ's greatest sacrifice and act of love. I'm grateful to be a member of God's true church on the earth today. I'm proud to be a Mormon. I know it. I live it. I love it.



We were blessed to have my dad and sister here with us for Easter. We dyed eggs, attended a ward party, had a basket for Kayla, ate candy, and a new tradition - confetti filled eggs, compliments of the RGV! Kayla looked so beautiful in her little dress from Haley and my mom. Kayla loved getting to know her Grandpa and Aunt Haley! We loved having them here with us. We are so blessed!

Grandpa Kelly, Papi and Kayla

Bath time!

Grandpa and his sweetheart

Her pinwheel and basket! She generously donated her candy to the grownups. :)

Kayla with her Easter Bunny

My little lady!

Soaking up some sun with Aunt Haley

Grandpa Kelly and his ladies at South Padre Island

Aunt Haley and Kayla
That's Mexico in the background

At the Rio Grande

Family Photo at the ward Easter party

Kayla's Blessing

On Sunday March 24, 2013, Brett blessed Kayla with a name and blessing in church. My father and sister were able to be here for the event. It was such a special day for our little family with perfect weather. I am grateful that Brett holds and honors his Priesthood. He gave Kayla a beautiful blessing from her Father in Heaven. 

Brett blessed Kayla that she would soon develop a testimony for herself of the Restored Gospel. 

He blessed her that her sweet spirit would be a blessing to all those around her.

He blessed her that she would enter the House of God and make covenants there.

He blessed her that she would find an eternal companion and go with him to the temple to be married. 

I was so grateful for the Spirit I felt during the blessing. We have such a responsibility to raise this precious daughter of our Heavenly Father in a way so that she'll return to Him someday. I feel humbled to have been entrusted with this sweet spirit and pray every day that I can live up to this. 

Our little family

Proud Papi!

Me and my Baby!

Grandpa Kelly and us

We're grateful Haley and Grandpa could be here today.

Haley and Kayla

Grandpa Kelly and Kayla

Our Beautiful Kayla Rae
She was such an angel during the blessing and just looked up at Brett the whole time.

Her blessing shoes from Grandma Betsy

Kayla's blessing dress was a gift from Grandma RaeJean

Grandma RaeJean also made this beautiful blanket for Kayla

It's hard being so far away from all of our family and we know that so many people would have loved to be here with us today. Kayla, Brett, and I are so blessed to have such a loving family. Kayla will never want for people around her that love her.

10 Things

I'm currently participating in a get healthy group plan/challenge with several of my friends from high school. I really like the program, aside from the strict 'bad food' list. Its not just about physical health, but focuses on the many aspects of being healthy, such as physical, emotional, and spiritual health. Each week, there are challenges for each day. This week, one of the daily challenges was to record 10 things I'm grateful for in my journal. Since this is a journal of sorts, I decided to put the list here as well.

1. I'm grateful for Eternal Families! How blessed we are to have the fullness of the Gospel and the knowledge, power, and blessing of being with our loved ones forever.

2. I'm grateful for the Gospel of Jesus Christ on the earth today. I'm also so thankful to be a member of the church and have the testimony of the truthfulness of the Gospel. I'm grateful that my parents raised me in the church and set such a wonderful example.

3. I'm thankful for my husband. I was a bit older when I got married, and there were many times I feared I wouldn't find someone. I am so grateful that I waited until I found Brett. I say this a lot, but I really can't imagine anyone being a better fit for me. He makes me laugh all the time, makes me feel beautiful, is a wonderful father to my baby, holds and honors the Priesthood, works hard, and loves me exactly the way I need him to. I love our relationship and I never knew I could be as happy as I am.

4. I'm grateful for my sweet little girl. Again, the older I got before I got married, the more I wondered whether I ever would have the chance to be a mother. I know so many people who have struggled to become pregnant and I do not take for granted the blessing it is that we have our perfect, sweet, healthy baby girl. Every moment I spend with her is a perfect one. I love her more than words can describe.

5. I'm grateful for my family. I'm so grateful for my parents who love me and always provided for all my needs. They are both such wonderful people who give me something to strive for in their individual examples. I love my sister as well. Its so wonderful that we went from sisters to friends in the past years and I love confiding in her.

6. I'm grateful for my in-laws. There are so many horror stories about in-laws and, just like with my husband,  I really lucked out! I love all my sisters-in-law and Brett's mom and have fun with all of them!

7. I'm grateful for my health. I do not have the 'perfect body' as society would describe it, but I have a perfect body, in that it has never done anything, but work perfectly! I can do everything that I want and need to.

8. I'm grateful for my education. From kindergarten to college, I have been blessed with wonderful teachers and students that I was able to learn from. My mind has always been something that I've taken pride in and am grateful for. Learning is something I love to do!

9. I'm grateful for the adventure it is to live in South Texas. I was pretty sad about leaving Idaho and all of our family, but knew through the Spirit that we were meant to be here. I've meant so many great people and have learned so much more about others and myself by being here.

10. I'm grateful for my home that I live in. I am grateful that we have the financial means to live in a nice home. I'm grateful for all that we've been able to fill it with. I'm grateful that my husband is as clean as I am. :) Most of all, I'm grateful for the Spirit that I can feel in our home. I'm grateful for the life that Brett and I are building together.

I am so blessed!

February - The Month of Love!

February is a big month in our house! It brings Brett's birthday, Valentine's Day, and my birthday! This year, we also celebrated Kayla's 1 month birthday in February. We had a great month and all got spoiled! My mom was here through early February and RaeJean came at the end of the month. We had a great time all month long (and ate a lot of calories, I now realize looking back!) haha!

Brett's birthday is the day before Valentine's Day. We spent the whole day together as Brett's days off are Wednesday and Thursday (my favorite days of the week, by far)! We slept in, which is the best, had a delicious breakfast, went to a late lunch at Red Robin, where we both got our free birthday burgers, and had a Costco run. Yes, we love Costco. :)

Here's the birthday boy with his baby! Yes, that cloudy Snuggie was one of his gifts. :)

My two favorite people!

 As Brett is a weather man and studying to be a meteorologist, I did a weather themed gift collection! I wrote  little note cards with each present. 1st gift said "Whether is a dark night without air conditioning"(inside joke) and he got The Dark Knight Rises on Blu-Ray. 2nd gift said "Or a day where all you can do is just dance in the rain" and he got Just Dance 2. 3rd gift said "Or a sunny day to wear shorts" and he got some new shorts. 4th gift said "Or a partly cloudy day cold enough for a Snuggie" and he got the snuggie. The last note card inside the Birthday card said, "Any day that celebrates your birth is a beautiful day to me!" Yeah, its cheesy, but I was pretty proud of myself! The Snuggie was a bit of a joke, but Brett is always freezing when we does the weather at work. The studio is freezing! I thought a Snuggie would be the perfect solution and every weather man needs a cloudy Snuggie! :)

The birthday boy and Kayla with the mint chocolate chip ice cream cake I made him .

Kayla's looking at the cake in happy anticipation of the day she'll be able to eat real food. :)

The cake was layers of chocolate cake and ice cream covered in a ganache. It was  pretty tasty!
Check out my family cooking blog for the recipe.
http://dishnitup.blogspot.com/2013/02/chocolate-mint-ice-cream-cake.html 

For Valentine's Day, we had a nice day at home all together. Brett was off work for both his birthday and Valentine's Day which was perfect! Since we had gone out for Brett's birthday the day before, we stayed home and had pizza and more of Brett's birthday cake. We went for a nice walk and just loved being together with our sweet baby! Brett gave me some beautiful flowers and some Reese's minis (my favorite). I gave Brett some cologne. Kayla gave Brett a little teddy bear. Don't mind me in this picture - I had pink eye, appropriate for the pink holiday, and couldn't wear makeup or contacts. 

Valetine's Day! 

On the 19th, Kayla turned 1 month!

Isn't she the prettiest little thing!?

For my birthday, we didn't take many pictures but it was a great day and I was spoiled! Brett had to work, but a few of my awesome friends, Cassie, Chayla and Carrie, took me out to lunch at a delicious pizzeria. I also got some amazing cupcakes! When I got home, I received an amazing bouquet of flowers from my BFF Melissa. When Brett got home, he had another beautiful flower arrangement! We went out to dinner at Texas Road House and it was delicious, as always. When we came home, I opened my gifts from Brett. He got me a card game, a new sheet set, and a photo book he made with all the photos from our Honeymoon. It was wonderful! While my mom was here, she also bought me some new running shoes which I love! I also got so many texts, phone calls, cards, and Facebook messages. Its so wonderful to have so many loving family and friends! I really am so blessed in my life! I'm happier than I ever thought I would be!

Flowers from Melissa next to the cutest baby sporting her Mommy is best onesie in honor of my b-day. :)

Flowers from my love! Brett knows me all too well. :)

This is the Oreo cheesecake I made for my birthday cake. It turned out really good, if I do say so myself. 

February is my favorite month! Its a month of love that I love!! We are so blessed!