After the worlds longest winter we are enjoying our first day in the back yard this year.  The kids had a great time prepping the garden by looking for worms for the compost pile.

 Oliver and his assistant Grandma Nana

 I love this picture.  It really captures the sheer joy of being outdoors.

 She is totally rocking the 80's hair and her brothers jacket (which happens to be vintage circa 1980)

 Thank goodness spring is FINALLY on its way, I desperately need some sunshine on my pale skin.

 Wheatley Worm Hunters

 Oliver and Hazel wanted to have a slumber party.  Since Hazel is too little to sleep in a twin size bed we had to have it in her room.  I didn't think they would actually sleep!  They loved it and now want to sleep together in Hazels crib every night.  They are so sweet with each other.

More from the Ladie Lounge

 Here is my very first professionally quilted quilt!  Woohoo!  The ladies at Patched Works did such a wonderful job!    I need to get going on the binding so I can snuggle my babies under it!

 The fabric I used for the backing is a solid color so the stitching really stands out.

 While I was at the store picking up my quilt, I let the kids pick out fabric so I could make them little toy bags.  I told them they could pick out whatever they wanted.  Hazel chose Yo Gabba Gabba and Oliver picked out a lovely Twilight purple and matching Pinkie Pie Pink.  Of course no bag of his would be complete without a Cutie Mark and super awesome machine quilting.  I have mad skills.

My Thoughs on Alternative Lifestyles

I have spent countless hours over the years evaluating my beliefs and pondering what is best for me and my family .  For several years after moving to Milwaukee I chose to put religion on the back burner.  I couldn't find a balance between what I thought was right and ethical and what I learned in church.  There is a popular "all or nothing" Mormon mentality that I really struggle with.  e.i. It's either all correct or it's not.  You can not enjoy the benefits of the gospel without embracing every aspect of it's past, present and future.  At times I felt out of place because I had my own unique beliefs.
For example:
I have a difficult time with the idea that this was ordained of God, (the original alternative lifestyle)

but this is of the Devil.

I have a problem with people who use the slippery slope mentality.  i.e. If we allow gays to marry why not allow bestiality.  If we allow gay couples to raise children, the children will grow up to be gay.  etc.  To me these arguments are very reminiscent of those made during the civil rights movement in the 60's.
  These conflicts are part of what kept me away for so many years.  After having Oliver I decided that regardless of these conflicts, I wanted to raise my children in the gospel.  I fell in love with the members of my ward and I can not begin to express my gratitude for the compassion that has been shown to me, especially this last year since my diagnosis.  I may not agree with all of the teachings and I certainly don't agree with some of the early church practices but I feel in my heart that it is what is best for my family.  And for the most part, people in the church are both accepting of my beliefs and tolerant towards the beliefs of others.  
I'm writing this post mainly because of a comment I left on Facebook.  I tend to be a sarcastic person and at times people don't understand what I am trying to say.  I in no way was trying to offend anyone.  I had spent the day reading bigoted and disrespectful anti-gay posts that I found offensive.   I was just trying, with humor, to show my disdain for people who are hateful.  There were many people, on the other hand, who wrote though provoking sentiments on both sides, which I completely respect.  I just hope and pray that as a Nation, and followers of Christ, that we can strive to love one another.  I think that is something that we can all agree on.

My Sweet Scandinavian Babies

 It's official, I have the cutest kids in the whole world!  They may look like I stole them from Denmark or Sweden but they are all mine and I love them. When I saw this photo for the first time I got a little choked up.  I can't express how grateful I am that Oliver and Hazel have each other. 

 Not our best family photo ever but at least we are all looking in the same direction.  Matt was really bummed out that I made him take pictures on his birthday. 

 Miss Hazel was such a poser.  She was rolling on the floor coming up with these yoga/ photo poses that you couldn't help but laugh at. She always likes to put her own little twist on things.

 This is Oliver's GQ photo.  What a handsome little man.

 

We have had Grandma Tina and Papa Phil out to visit for the last two weeks.  We had such a great time. 

Fun at the Milwaukee Horticulture Domes

I just can't get enough of this sweet face.

I don't think this was suppose to happen but it was like a train wreck, I just couldn't look away!

Oliver and his little girl friend Esther

Hazel has an obsession with water.  She swims like a dolphin in the bathtub and every time we go to the domes she stares off into the water like she is in a trance until I drag her away.  I think it's awful sweet.

Happy Happy Birthday Miss Hazel!

 My sweet sweet angel is no longer a baby.  She is officially a toddler embracing the terrible two's.  I don't think you could pack any more personality into that little body of hers.  She is sweet and sassy and oh so very opinionated.  All good qualities for a modern girl.  No one is going to push her around!

We sure are going to miss these guys!  Drake and Sonja have been the best friends for Oliver and Hazel.  I don't know what we are going to do without them in a few months!

The Snow White cupcakes were a big hit

 It was nice to have Aunt Rob and Aunt Brooke (as Oliver affectionately calls them) over to enjoyed the festivities with us .

                                               

Yoga with the kiddos

 ...and this would be why I shouldn't do yoga when the kids are awake.  I'm not in good enough shape to add 30 lbs of resistance.

Oliver is obsessed with yoga.  He is always talking about Yoga Meltdown (the name of the DVD that I use) and how he can't wait to get some new yoga clothes.  I can't wait for him to stop wearing Hazels purple sparkly pants.

 I sooooooo tired!

I'm thinking Hazel could use a little exercise too lol