#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