HAP HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Last week was an entire week of celebrating Allens 26th birthday.  He doesnt ever really mention his birthday too much so I always try to make it a big deal.  Because it IS a big deal.  I love him and I love celebrating that he was born!!!
We went out to dinner, a movie, shopping, to the gym ( he made me go with him at 9am on his birthday?)  he wanted to buy some tree's for the back yard, went to Park City for Sunday brunch at Stein Erickson Lodge, and just spent lots of time together as a family.  I love my husband and I am so proud to be his wife.  He is a great example to me and our kids.  He loves us and takes good care of us.  I love to tease him about getting old, but truth is.. I love him more every day and he just keeps getting sexier with age.
This week he was told by different people that he looked like, Abraham Lincoln, and .... oh shoot I cant remember the second one but it was some other tall dark haired, bearded person from a long time ago. Whoever it was, people just love Allens beard.  So do I.

PS- Allen is not a fan of cake, or sweets really at all.  So there was no birthday cake.  (dont tell anyone but I saw him eat a piece of cake while we were at Stein Erickson)
Karlee probably doesn't even really believe that it was his birthday.  Birthdays are nothing with out cake for that girl.

Zane and Baby Buffulo

Karlee talking to the baby goats " Hi little goats, whats your name?"

One of our Tree's we picked out. 

Family Time.

Lately the only thing on my mind is trying to find balance with my family.  I have been struggling to feel like I am using my time appropriately and that I am giving enough attention to my kids. 

I feel like this last week has gone better. 

I made sure to plan time for school, plan time for cooking dinner, and plan time for my kids.  I know this doesn't seem very hard for some people but for me it is a huge challenge.  After work, my kids are usually napping.  I have worked my hardest to clean up the house, study for school and get dinner started during this time. The last 5 days seem to be going great.  I have been spending plenty of time with my kids, and I have still been working hard on my school work.

I decided that I needed to make the basic things into a family event.  We went on a picnic to the park on Sunday.  We ate dinner on a blanket in the front yard yesterday, and then went for a walk with duke around the block.  We met some new neighbors, and got a little exercise too.  (We live on a steep hill.. walking around the block is a challenge) 
None of these things took very long and didn't require much prep work.  I feel like if I keep that in mind when I am struggling to find balance with my family I will be much more successful. 
Little, easy things can make all the difference.  

This was on Saturday, we went to Chili's for lunch.  way better than going for dinner.