This past weekend we made a quick trip to Philadelphia. Ben’s brother Brogan was there on a business trip and we thought we’d go see him and all the history sites. We didn’t decide to go until Thursday so we packed light and made the most of our two day trip. (I had to talk in Church on Sunday.) 

We stayed in a sweet hotel with a great view of the city and brought Hallie’s bed so she wouldn’t get used to sleeping with me again. There is so much to see in Philly! Ben and I both have a passion for the history of our country. I tutored American Heritage in college for 3 years and Ben’s career goal is to teach the principles of Liberty in a college setting.  We loved seeing where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were drafted and signed. There was a special feeling in the room. It was SO GREAT! 

Here are lots and lots of pictures!!!

The room where the Constitution Convention was held and Signers Hall

         Independence Hall                            First Woman President. 

          Hallie checking out the view from our room

                                           The Famous Rocky statue and stairs 

       Me and Hal                                   Town Hall                           Center of the city

       Philly Cheesesteaks!!!!               Hal checking herself out in the Hotel room

                                          Famous LOVE statue.

My first Mother’s Day was wonderful! Last year I was seven months pregnant on Mother’s Day and never could have never imagined the change that was going to take place. Being a Mom is the hardest, most challenging, patience trying, worthwhile, and rewarding thing I have ever done.  I love my little Hallie more than I ever thought was possible. My heart has grown by leaps and bounds these past nine months. I have also gained a whole new respect and love for my own mother, who as I am told, had to put up with a very stubborn baby herself (me!) Mom I love you! 

This past Sunday I found myself staring at Hallie as she slept and with tears in my eyes I thanked the Lord that he has trusted me with her. She is my little best friend, my first child, my munchkin lover (as I often call her), and my huge blessing.  

Here are some pictures from Mother’s Day

With that said Hallie turns 9 months today!! As I watch her play I am blown away by how big and smart she is. She is one determined and strong willed little girl. My friend Cheata took some amazing pictures of Hallie at the beach yesterday. Here is just a small, small sample of what turned out. 

More pictures to come. Thanks Cheata they are AMAZING!

It’s been along time since I’ve posted pictures of Hallie (besides her sleeping.) So today you get a bunch of cute, but random pictures. Here’s just a taste of what we’ve been up too. 

Taking walks (Yes, oddly enough it was so cold she needed a coat and hat.) 

Learning new tricks-like how to open drawers, climb inside, and then throw everything out. 

Giving LOTS of kisses!!

Listening to music on mom’s new ipod. (Thanks Ben!!)

Finding a pretzel bag mom and dad forgot to put away, dumping it out, then eating. YUMM

Doing whatever it takes to get books off of the book shelf.  

(We put the box in front of the shelf to stop her, but she just learned to crawl on TOP of the box to get what she wants. The little stinker!! You should see the lengths we go to now to stop her or at least slow her down.)

Happy Mother’s Day tomorrow!! 

My Brother’s wife, Katrina, called me yesterday to inform me that I’m going to be an aunt. Yeah!! Hallie will have a cousin around her age.  Maybe she won’t always hate family reunions. 🙂

On another note, my mother in law, LaRae, is having a mother’s day give-a-way on her blog. She wants to know your funniest mom moment. The best story wins an amazing handmade silky blanket (made out of lingerie material!) 

 Go enter and good luck!!

After 9 months Hallie is now sleeping on her own!! To read how we did it go to my mom blog. 

The Young Mother’s Club

Here are some pictures of Hallie when she finally fell asleep. Face pressed against the mesh. haha

Sometimes being a mom and a wife is overwhelming. This scripture from the Doctrine and Covenants lifted my spirits today.

 “…I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up.”

I need Him every hour…let’s make that every minute!

I decided to create another blog called The Young Mother’s Club.  I ALWAYS have questions, concerns, etc. about being a mom that I am constantly thinking about. I am hoping this blog will be my outlet for that.  I plan on posting a few times a week or whenever something comes up that I want other’s advice or opinion on. Please comment with your responses. Also, if you have anything you want to start a discussion about tell me and I’ll post it. Please spread the word and lets get as many mothers as we can involved. More people=more advice, success stories etc.

Let’s help each other!

http://youngmothersclub.blogspot.com/

image source: http://fotobank.ru/image/DV03-4962.html

This past weekend the sunshine was “off the hook!” 

Saturday I took Hallie to the park with some of the ladies from the ward. She LOVES the swings. So cute!! 

We also took Hallie swimming. Which she LOVED. 

And last but not least we went to National Harbor.  

This past week Ben’s brothers, Brogan and Tyler, came to visit us here in DC.  Brogan just recently returned from a mission and I had only met him twice (briefly) before he left. Because of this I was excited to get to know him better and see if all the stories Ben tells me about him are true. I was also excited because I love Tyler. He never fails to make me laugh. 

They were here from Friday to Wednesday and we were sad to see them go. (I am a people person and love the company.)  Besides them touring DC we were able to go to Mount Vernon, Occoquan, the Temple (thanks boys for watching Hallie while we went), Golfing, and Ty and I went to Mutual. (He wanted to scope out the ladies.) 🙂 

Cherry Blossom Festival Firework Show

Hallie and her Daddy watching the show

Hallie and Uncle Brogan (She got to see higher than she’s ever seen–he’s 6’3!)

Me trying to Golf

Ben golfing

Tyler golfing

Brogan golfing

The Crane boys (They kept saying how they wished Kyle (dad) was there.)

Hallie really did love Brogan even though she had been crying in this picture

Tyler put Hallie’s new walker together.

I’m so grateful I married into an amazing family!

We call her MISS TROUBLE.