2014

So I have totally slacked this year, especially this holiday season, and didn't get our Christmas cards done. Christmas seriously snuck up on me! Here's a little update on the Connell gang as we head into 2015!

Emma has grown so much this year! She turned 1 in January and impresses me every day with how much she comprehends! She speaks in full sentences and says the most hilarious things daily. Some of her favorites are:

"Mom, what are you doing?"

"Cowabunga, duuuuuude!!!"

"What the heck?!"

Whenever you give her something she says, "Fo' meeee?!"

She is very good at saying please and thank you. She also loves to say prayers before bed and before our meals. They are sweet and simple.

"Heavenly Father,
Thank you for this food.
Thank you for my family.
Thank you for my house.
I love you.
In the name of Jesus Christ, AAAAAAAAMENNNNNNNNNN!!!"

She recently has started to include everyone and everything that she's thankful for in her prayers. I love it! Sometimes her prayers are long, but I am grateful she's learning how to recognize the blessings in her life and things she is thankful for.

Emma is the sweetest girl who is excited to be a big sister. She hugs and kisses my belly often and says, "I love you, Sam!!!" She loves giving hugs and kisses, and loves everyone. She loves Olaf, and loves to sing and dance.

The holidays have been so fun this year. She loves Santa and the presents, but most of all she loves Baby Jesus. She tells him every day how much she loves him. She holds and rocks him, and likes to make sure he's ok. 

She loves going to church. She loves Jesus and our Heavenly Father. She brings such a sweet spirit into our home. I don't know how we got so lucky to have this perfect little girl in our family.

She also is a sassy little thing, who likes everyone to be on her schedule. She's knows what she wants and when she wants it!! 

She is currently singing "LET IT GOOOOOOOO!!!!" on our snowman rug while dancing and spinning around in circles. She loves to perform. I love this girl so stinkin much!!!

Kasey has been busy with work, and building furniture for our home, and others. He is so talented! I wish he had more time (and we had more money!!) but we are getting there! He is in the Young Men's presidency and loves working with those boys. They have so much fun together and I'm pretty sure he's having more fun than the young men!

He is the best daddy! Emma and Kasey have so much fun together, and I love it! I have been busy working 3 or 4 nights a week at the hotel, so Kasey takes care of dinner, bath, and bedtime with Emma. These two have a special bond! I am excited to watch their relationship grow and watch him grow as a dad as we bring our sweet baby boy into the world.

I have been busy with work and also serve in the Primary Presidency. I love those sweet kiddos, and I work with the best ladies. It really has been such a great calling. Emma keeps me the most busy!! I absolutely love spending my days chasing her around and watching her learn. Baby Sam will be here at the end of January (hopefully!) and we could not be more thrilled to be having a sweet boy join our family.

I am grateful for Christmas, and the gift of our Savior. I love Christmas and I love our Savior. I am grateful for the peace and joy He brings into my life.

"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6

We are looking forward to 2015 and all of the exciting events ahead of us, especially welcoming Baby Sam into the world! 

We wish you all a Merry Christmas and a wonderful 2015! 

Love,

Kasey, Anna, Emma, and Baby Sam 

Summer 2014

This summer has seriously just flown by! We have been so stinkin busy! I have started working more, and I feel like Kasey has, too! If that's even possible! He works during the day and I've been working 3 or 4 nights a week, so we miss seeing each other a few days a week. It's nice to have Sundays off and enjoy the day together as a family.

We found out we're having another baby due Feb 6, 2015! Although, I think he will be here sooner! It's a BOY and we are thrilled!!!!!!! This pregnancy has been different than when I was pregnant with Emma, so I was thinking it was a boy. I've been SUPER sick. It has been a hard few months chasing Emma and trying to survive. I swear some days I thought I might die. I was exhausted, and nauseous, and hot. Not the best combo. But I survived, and I just started feeling better last week! (Hence why I am blogging, and catching up on deep cleaning/organizing my house.)

We went to Lake Powell for a few days in June with my family! It was great to be together, and have the little cousins playing together! Life is so good!!!

We headed to Utah for the 4th of July! We love seeing Kasey's family! They do a huge BBQ every year and everyone swims, eats, and just enjoys time together! It's like Christmas in July! So perfect! We love the 4th of July tradition!

Crystal got married the following week in Colorado! It was seriously such a beautifully, perfect day! I am just thrilled for Crystal and Tito, and all the adventures ahead of them!

Kasey has been busy working on building me a desk for my new office at home. He's so handy, I love it! I am planning on working from home more, and need a lot of space! He comes home from work and plays with Emma and does bath time, then once she goes to bed he heads to the shop to work on different projects! Love this man of mine!!!

Life is so good, and we are so happy!

Lately I have been feeling overwhelmed with joy. Like, to the point of tears. (Thanks, hormones.) My heart is just so full. I love being a mom, and I love being married to Kasey. I love this life we have created together--it has been such a fun journey, and I am so looking forward to our future! We are excited to welcome a baby boy into our family, and watch Emma be a big sister! She is seriously hilarious.

She is a talking machine. What 19-month old says things like pterodactyl and guacamole? She hears something once and remembers it! She understands things and can distinguish opposites. She amazes me!! This week we've heard a lot of: GO BRONCOS, surgery, yeeee-haw, lasso, I love you's, etc. I could go on forever! I love being this little girl's mom! She loves to read and explore and learn. She keeps me on my toes, and I am so grateful for her sharp little mind! She's healthy and strong. We are so blessed to be her parents! She has us laughing daily. She has a fun sense of humor and is so outgoing. She loves everyone and everything. She says hi and waves to the unfriendliest looking people, and makes them smile! I love her sweet and innocent heart. I am learning a lot from her! She also loves accessories like belts, necklaces, and shoes. She's currently obsessed with motorcycles, airplanes, trains, hot wheels, and boats. She is perfect.

How far along? 18 weeks
Total weight gain/loss? 3 pounds gained. I've been SO sick.
Maternity clothes? Yes. Mainly because they're just so comfy! I can still wear my normal clothes, too.
Stretch marks? No new ones.
Sleep? Like a freakin baby. I'm exhausted every night. I'm starting to put a pillow under my belly though. We're getting to that point where it's going to get uncomfortable!
Best moment this week? Emma kissing my stomach and saying, "Hi Baby!" I also love feeling him wiggle around! It's like he's saying "Hi, Mom! I'm still here!" :)
Miss Anything? Sushi.Movement? Yes! Food cravings? Sushi. Steak. Cotton Candy. Anything making you queasy or sick? Different things on different days. I've been super sensitive this pregnancy.Have you started to show yet? Oh yes! This little guy popped out early! And is sitting low!
Gender? Boy!Labor Signs? No! Hopefully not for a loooooong time!Belly Button in or out? InWedding rings on or off? OnHappy or Moody most of the time? Happy most of the time. I usually cry for no reason, then I'm fine. (How is that different from when I'm not pregnant, Caitlin??)Looking forward to? My next appointment and hearing his heartbeat! We have an ultrasound in 3 weeks! I can't wait to see our little fella!

Benefits of Grapefruit Essential Oil

I put a few drops (1 drop per 4oz of water) of doTERRA Grapefruit oil in my water for a delicious flavor that includes a number of health benefits. Some of the common uses for grapefruit oil are: anorexia, appetite suppressant, cellulite, or a hangover. Grapefruit oil may also help with cancer, depression, other eating disorders, fatigue, jet lag, liver disorders, migraine headaches, premenstrual tension, stress, and  sympathetic nervous system stimulation. It may also have a cleansing effect on the kidneys, the lymphatic system, and the vascular system.

I am seriously in LOVE with doTERRA essential oils. Every oil, or oil blend, has a number of uses! They're a natural, incredible way to keep your body healthy.

If you'd like more information on any oils, feel free to contact me at amconnell12@gmail.com!
**If you're interested in purchasing oils, I get them at the wholesale price, and would love you get them for you.**

Read more about the benefits of grapefruit oil here: http://www.doterra-aromatics.com/products/singles/grapefruit.html

My life has been nothing short of ridiculously crazy lately. I officially started my 1/2 marathon training on Monday, as well as the bikini series with my favorite girls from Tone It Up! So far I have run 7 miles in 3 days. I'm not the biggest fan of running (I go through phases) but I am learning to love it again! I love how I feel, and how I have more energy. So 2 or 3 miles a day might not seem like much to you, but it's an accomplishment for me! And I'm signed up to run 13.1...what the heck am I thinking?!

Last week, all 3 of us were sick. Having a sick 14-month old and husband make being sick even more miserable. I seriously couldn't function. About 2 months ago I started working at a hotel 3 or 4 nights a week. Kasey works from about 8-5 and I work 5-11. This schedule is not ideal. I love spending my days with Emma, and my sweet cousin watches her for about an hour as we commute to/from work. I literally don't see my husband about half of the week. That's the reason I married him, so I could spend MORE time with him!!! I guess I do get to sleep next to him, which is nice. Lately, he has complained that I am too cuddly in the night. I've almost pushed him off the bed a few times. He's a trooper. I love him.

Emma walks and talks like a big kid. I swear I just had her. How is she so big already?! I love watching her grow and learn new things. Being a parent is fun! I think that's the best word I can use to describe my experience so far being a mom. Some days are hard, and some nights are sleepless, but it is all fun and creates memories. Emma currently LOVES to read. I love that she loves to read! She loves Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and Sofia the First. She's the sweetest little girl, who loves to wear necklaces and give kisses. My life seriously cannot get any better. I feel blessed to have the sweetest husband and daughter.

Okay, it's 1:40am. This is what happens when I run at 11:30pm. Goodnight, blogger world. Thanks for reading.

TONE IT UP

If you haven't signed up for the #BikiniSeries, you still have time! 2 more days until it starts!! Sign up and do it with me!! I love these girls, and your body will love/hate you after these workouts! :) 

doTERRA Essential Oils

I absolutely love these oils and use them for tons different things. Headaches, to fight sicknesses, cuts/scrapes, etc. You name it, and you can use an oil to help fix the problem!! I saw this article the other day and LOVED IT! I believe these oils were put on the earth for us to use for our health, not just to add to perfumes and such. Check out the article! And if you're interested in purchasing oils, becoming a distributor, or just want to learn more, email me and I can help you! amconnell12@gmail.com 

http://www.findingblissandwellness.com/the-power-of-essential-oils/

#BecauseofHim

http://easter.mormon.org/


#BecauseofHim the sting of death is overpowered by the truth that we will live again, and see our loved ones again.

#BecauseofHim I know that I can be with my family forever.

#BecauseofHim I have strength.

#BecauseofHim I am forgiven.

#BecauseofHim I can start fresh, and be better than I was yesterday.

#BecauseofHim I am happy, and know He is my brother, Savior, and friend. He gives me hope!!

Bomb Banana Bread

So I found this recipe, and modified a few things, and it has turned out to be a new family favorite and staple in our home. Probably not good for the waistline, but it's good for the soul...so that automatically wins.

1/2 c butter (softened)
3/4 c brown sugar
2 eggs
2 1/3 c bananas (3-4 bananas, usually. I use 4-5 most of the time)
1 t vanilla
2 c flour
1 t baking soda
1 t cinnamon
1/4 t salt (I use a little less than 1/4 t)
1/4 t nutmeg (I use a little less than 1/4 t)
1-1 1/2 c chocolate chips (I've used milk chocolate and semi-sweet, just depends on your preference)
1/2-3/4 c chocolate chips for topping

Directions:
Mix sugar and softened butter until creamy.
In separate bowl: mix eggs, bananas and vanilla together, then combine with sugar/butter mixture.
In another separate bowl: mix flour, cinnamon, salt, nutmeg, and chocolate chips together. Combine with other mixture.
Pour into 1 greased/floured bread pan and add chocolate chips on the top of batter.
(**You can use more or less chocolate chips, depending on your preference**)
Bake at 350 for 68-70 min. With 15 min remaining, lightly cover with aluminum foil to prevent top from burning.
Check with toothpick.
Let cool 10-15 min, enjoy!!!

We love it, I hope you do too!!!

I loved my wedding day. Especially that handsome groom!!! I love being married. I love being his wife. I love being a mom! Our life together is pretty perfect for me! My heart is so, so incredibly happy.

This kid makes me smile. He is hilarious!

There is one thing I've learned in life, and especially in marriage: don't be selfish.

You're a team. The best team! I married my best friend, and I think that we are unstoppable together. He pushes me to be my best, and I hope I do the same for him. Because of him, I want to be a better wife and mother, and all around better person. I see that too many people these days are only concerned about their accomplishments and making sure they are satisfied. It makes me sad for them because I think they're missing out. (And maybe they think I'm missing out since I have a kid, dog, and husband to worry about. To each their own.)

In marriage, there are huge decisions to make. When to start your family. To buy/sell a home. Where/what to eat for dinner. How you will raise your children. If you'll have a family pet. Whose family to visit on which holiday. The list goes on, and is different for every family. One piece of advice my mom has always given me, is to make sure things are always fair. Whether it be in a relationship, business deal, etc., things work out best when everyone is somehow satisfied. Meet in the middle. Another thing I've learned is that my mom is always right. Her advice never leads me in the wrong direction.

Basically, be fair. You can't win every single time, unfortunately. 

Life Update:

We live in New Mexico.
Emma is walking (running) and talking like a big kid.
She loves to sing and dance.
We got a new puppy, Owen. 
Kasey knows a lot of theme songs from the Disney Channel, and sings them often.
I cook A LOT and we've been trying lots of new things.
Emma LOVES to climb on anything and everything!!!
I teach Relief Society and Kasey is the 1st counselor in the Elder's Quorum presidency. We love our ward. 
We are loving this life we have built together!

I swear I'll do better at blogging....if you're reading this, you rock! (And you probably know all about this little update already.) Thanks for following our story. XO