A Much Needed Update

It has been far too long since I have been on this blog for more than to check on all my awesome friends. So, for the few of those who read this, but mostly for my own family's sake, here is a much belated update. 

We are settling in here in Washington. The girls have done fantastic with the transition. Peter is working hard and studying even harder. He is so wonderful and I am so blessed to have someone who is willing to work so hard so that I can stay home with our children. He is really enjoying his classes and is learning a lot from, not only his professors, but his classmates. There are 23 students in his cohort, and it's quite diverse. 

Olivia is doing great. She is learning to write her name and she would sit and color all day if her sisters didn't interrupt her so much. She is very patient with them and is more than happy to go off on new adventures with Jane or being a horse for Anne. Her passions are still horses and knights. Her development seems to have taken off lately and she is doing so well with the worksheets I give her. She loves sunbeams and I know she'll do great with school next year. We had our primary program a couple weeks ago and she did such a great job with her part and singing.  She is such a wonderful big sister! 

Jane is so energetic and fun! She is constantly on the move and she loves to be where Olivia is. Jane was quite disappointed when she didn't get a chance to say a part into the microphone during the primary program. =) She is often the brains behind most of their escapades and is fearless and headstrong. She is also doing well with the little lessons we have, mostly involving colors and shapes but she is beginning to recognize letters on sight and she is super intelligent. I think she is going to have a hard time when Olivia goes to school. They are two peas in a pod and I am so blessed to have them be such great friends. The fighting is pretty minimal. 

Anne is already 14 months old! I can't believe it. She is a walking machine and loves chasing after her big sisters for as long as they let her. She still doesn't have any teeth which surprises me and limits on what she can eat, and she does NOT appreciate it. Haha! She is a big time daddy's girl. If Peter is home, she wants nothing to do with me. She's got him wrapped around her little finger. She loves bracelets and necklaces and hats and purses. She's always bringing me shoes to put on or jackets. We have a feeling she's going to be our girly-girl and love all that princess stuff. 

I am playing volleyball in a women's league with some friends I know from BYU-Idaho. It has been wonderful to get back on the court and play the game I love so much. I sure miss the sun. =) We had fabulous weather here for the first few weeks but it's been quite gloomy and gray ever since. No sun in the mornings is the hardest to adjust to. We do have a fabulous tree in our backyard with fire-red leaves at the moment, and it is my artificial sun for as long as those leaves hold on. =) Which means they lasted until the first big wind storm. Haha! 

We had a fantastic Thanksgiving this year. Although, I missed our extended families something fierce, we did get to have some of our close friends come up for a few days. It was so much fun and lightened the blow of not being able to be with family. It was my first time cooking almost everything Thanksgiving but I must say that I did pretty fantastic! Haha! It was such a fun and relaxing weekend and the girls loved having their daughter here to have a new friend around for a few days. I can't thank Molly and Doug enough for taking the time to drive here and spend the holiday with us. You guys are rock stars!

We are anxiously awaiting Christmas and the much anticipated arrival of my parents for the holiday. It is going to be a fantastic time and we are so grateful and mindful of our many blessings and most especially for the unconditional gift of our Heavenly Father's love through the birth of His Son, our Savior. What a testament of His love for us! And through our Savior's willing sacrifice, I am able to be with the ones I love the most for eternity. Not just in this life but in the next. I am so grateful for this knowledge and the comfort that it brings to me. I am so blessed to have Peter in my life. For his love and acceptance of me. For his unwavering faith in me and my abilities, most especially during the times I doubt myself. Oh, I am so blessed! Life is good!

I hope you all had a fantastic Thanksgiving and that you all have a wonderful holiday and remember your many blessings and to reach out to those who may need uplifting from you, even if it's just a smile. 

P.S. I'll get some pictures up soon.  

We've Been Busy

 Can you believe it is already September? Oh my goodness, time has certainly flown by and we have had a whirlwind of a summer. We've had so much fun!!

We've been so fortunate to celebrate two weddings this summer. My brother Nick was married in May and Peter's brother was married in June. So, we got to welcome two new, and might I add fabulous, sisters-in-law into our lives and we couldn't be happier for the newlyweds. 

The Benson wedding was great because all the siblings, minus the awesome Matt who is serving a full-time mission for our church, were able to make it for the wedding. We're all so scattered across the world, that it's such a fantastic time to see everyone and strengthen our relationships and make wonderful memories. 

The first weekend of July saw us in Idaho where we enjoyed a quiet 4th of July with our immediate family and our own personal firework show in the driveway of my parents' home. I love the fourth. Each year I am so eternally grateful for the country I  am blessed to live in, and even more grateful for the courage and sacrifice it took to establish and maintain the land of the free. Since my grandfather's passing three years ago on July 3, I have more reason to be grateful for the holiday and the Plan of Happiness and he knowledge and testimony the families are forever and that I'll get to see my grandpa again. The Saturday following the fourth, the Mecham side of the family ran in a 5K Color Run. It was so much fun! And I even ran the ENTIRE time! I'm not gonna lie, I'm pretty darn proud of myself. 

End of July and the first week of August brought family reunions for both sides of the family. This meant lots of food, camping, 4-wheeling, late nights, games, amazing music video making, food, Rook, and especially laughing and great times!  I am so grateful for our families. I am so blessed to have been raised in the family I have and so blessed to have met Peter and gain another family who took me in as one of their own.

We have made the move to Washington, but that update will have to wait for another post because my bed is beckoning and my warm, handsome hubby is waiting to snuggle with me. =) I'll update about our family again soon and add more pics from our adventures. 

Cousins!

Patriotic cutie!

Parade time

Color Run!!

Fishing with Papa

Wedding Days

Playing Catch Up

Now that I think about it, we really don't have a lot going on that's any different from the last time I posted. I don't know if that's a good thing, but it's okay with me. =)

Peter's interviewed for a job in Washington and we are just waiting (trying to do so patiently) to hear back whether or not he got it. If he does then we'll be moving within a month, if not then we'll most likely stay put until the end of July/beginning of August. We're kinda packed and kinda not. Just trying to get a little ahead of the moving game. It isn't my favorite thing to do in the world. But I am still so grateful for this wonderful opportunity for my family and especially for Peter. For him to be able to pursue his dreams is so awesome!

I got to celebrate my 27th birthday a few days ago, and it was great! Peter took me to lunch and, thanks to a great friend, it was child-free =), not that I don't love my little princesses but sometimes you just need some alone time with your main man. He also got me the Anne of Green Gables trilogy on DVD!! I am so happy to have them! It's definitely in my top 5 favorite shows. I felt a lot of love that day and am so grateful for all that I have and what I have been blessed with in such a short amount of time. I'm staying busy with my girls and with Activity Days and hope I'm making a positive influence on them all. It's so important for me to establish a sense of their incredible worth, not only in my eyes, but the eyes of our Heavenly Father. With that sure knowledge, I know that they can go so far in this life and have a sense of who they are and what they are capable of. It's a scary, scary world, but I know that when we rely on the knowledge that we have infinite potential, we can and will be happy and comfortable with who we are and the journey we're on.

Olivia is becoming quite the little protector of her little sisters. Anytime she thinks we're too harsh with them, she tells us to, "Say sorry to my sister!" and is quick to offer hugs of comfort if they are upset in anyway. She has really loved entertaining Anne lately and is always asking if she can play with her. She'll be celebrating her 4th birthday next week. I can hardly believe it. She seems so grown up and it's been so exciting to see her develop and see her personality come through. She is definitely my tenderhearted little sweetie and keeps those around her smiling with her love.

Jane is still our little wild child! Haha! That girl make my heart melt with her monkey hugs and slobbery kisses. She is fearless and is usually the instigator of all the more risky adventures in our home. Her vocabulary is definitely expanding and it's been much nicer to communicate with her. I always hate when I can't figure out what my kids want or need because of the communication barrier. As for potty training, well she is definitely winning that war. I think one day it will just click and we'll go for it. Gotta pick your battles, right? =) She definitely keeps us on our toes and she is such a little spark in our home.

Anne is 6 months old and sitting up like a champ! She is now 18 pounds and 27 inches long. 90% for both.  She's figured out how to get up on her hands and knees and is starting to rock back and forth. I have a feeling she'll be more mobile in no time. She really is such an amazing little baby. She always smiling and laughing and the only time we really have issues with her is at night. She's still waking up 2-3 times a night and it is wearing. She definitely makes up for it with her sweetness when she's up and about. She is much loved by her sisters and everyone who sees her here. What a joy she is!

Peter and I had an opportunity to speak in church on talks form this last General Conference. I chose "The Savior Wants To Forgive" by Elder Craig A. Cardon of the Seventy. I've definitely had some personal experience when it comes to His forgiveness. It is NEVER too late to seek our Savior's forgiveness. NEVER. He loves us. He is just waiting for us to reach out to Him. In his talk, Elder Cardon also reminds us that we need to be patient and forgiving with those who we love but may be struggling with trials. I know that I am so grateful for people in my life who have stood, steadfast, by my side when I have struggled with life's curve balls and pit falls. I am better and stronger for them. Don't be too hard on yourself and reach for the Savior. He makes up for so much, even when we feel like we don't deserve His help, and let's help each other out and help those who need a friend or are struggling with their own trials and temptations in life.

I hope everyone is well and I hope your day is fantastic!!!

So strong!

So big!

Just chillin!

Love them!

 Getting shots =(

Washington Bound

That's right...my a-ma-zing husband got into Graduate School!!! I am so proud of him! He will begin his Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy at Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, WA in September of this year, just a few short months away. I can't believe it. I feel like we're "growing up" again. I'm sure we'll have a few more moments like that throughout our lives.

We are so excited to start a new chapter in our lives and to take the next big (huge leap in my mind) step to making our dreams our reality. It's going to be a great adventure, and we know after this chances are we'll start Peter's practice and that means we'll find where we'll be living the rest of our lives and where we'll raise our family. And I am...pumped!!! Seriously, I cannot wait for that final step. To have a home, to know we get to stay in one place for longer than 4 months to a year. I'm so happy!

A quick update of the fam. Peter and I are reveling in the fact we're moving on. It's still bittersweet for us though. We have LOVED our time in Deer Lodge and will sorely miss the Branch and the area. I have made some amazing friends here and wish I could just take them with us. I am already stressing out about moving and packing everything up and deciding what we can do without. We don't have a for sure date of moving but end of July will be the latest date. We're excited to see a lot of family this summer, we both have a brother getting married to their amazing perspective girlfriends and therefore I am on a mission to get into better shape...dang wedding pictures =)

Olivia and Jane are so fun! I love just watching them play with each other. Being animals is still their favorite but they've added playing like they haven't seen each other in FOREVER and they'll run towards each other yelling each other's names and then having a huge bear hug. It's awesome. They are the best of friends 90% of the time and I'm so glad. Anne is still my happy little baby girl. Can you believe she's already 6 months old?! I can't. She's mastered rolling and has been scooting around by pushing with her legs. I feel like she is developing so quickly and I want to push the slow-mo button to make it all slow down. She is such a smiley little thing and is quick to laugh at her sisters' antics. She is such a joy!

I know it's short but at least it's an update and here are some pictures from our Easter Sunday. Loves to all!

Anne Girl. That dress was her favorite "toy" all day

I know it's a little blurry but seriously, how cute is she?

Ms. Jane and Livy Lu so pretty!

The best picture we could get with all three of them. 

I know I'm a little bias, but they are the cutest little girls on Earth!

4 Months Old

We just had Anne's four month check-up/vaccinations (boo!). She is doing so well and is our happy, chubby baby!

Weight: 15 lbs. 15 oz. - 93%
Height: 26 inches - 98%
And I forgot her head circumference, but it's in the 88th percentile.

I'd like to say she only gets up once in the night but, that would be lying. =) She eats every 3-4 hours and is such a happy girl! I seriously think she has been our easiest baby, or maybe we're just pros by now. Haha! Anne can now roll over both ways, loves to grab toys (or mom's/sister's hair), can babble like crazy, and laughs out loud.

I've decided to embark on the epic journey of potty training Jane. Heaven help me. I just need to start on a Monday, and not go anywhere for a week. Then I think we could get it. She's so, super stubborn though, but she's to the point that she tells us when she's gone in her diaper, so I think she understands the sensations. Wish me luck!

Olivia is still my sweet, tender-hearted girl. She is so loving to everyone around her (except when Jane takes her animals from her), and gives the best hugs. She's so obedient and is willing to help with whatever we ask her to most of the time. I'm so grateful to have her as my oldest child. She will be the best big sister ever.

Peter and I are still as in love as ever and are working hard at our prospective work sites. We're getting ready for a trip to Utah in a couple of weeks to see the Bensons (yay!) and for a Rec. Therapist's Conference for Peter. Life is wonderful and we are so grateful for our endless blessings.

New Adventures!

Peter just submitted his application to Pacific Lutheran University for Graduate School which is located in Tacoma, WA. This was the only one we got done before the deadline unfortunately, but we feel like the whole process was pretty overwhelming and now we definitely know what to expect for next year if we don't get in this year. He's working hard and still loving his job, which makes the prospect of not getting into Grad School much more bearable. Being 2nd Counselor in Elders Quorum is a great calling for him and is stretching him in all the right ways. Being in an area that allows for a lot of missionary opportunities and with a lot of new converts (we'll have 3 more baptisms over the next 3 weeks), has lit a fire in us to reach out of our comfort zones and play a more active role in the Lord's work. Peter's still an amazing husband and Dad and his little girls adore him and smother him with hugs as soon as he walks in the door. 

I have been doing Boot Camp since the beginning of the year two mornings a week and have been loving it! It's been wonderful to get active again and start to get back into shape. I've missed being able to play basketball and volleyball and hope to get back on the court soon. I'm still trying to get a hang of balancing three little ones and housework. Some days I feel like Wonder Woman and others...not so much. I've been released as the Nursery Leader (I have mixed feelings about this) and have been called as the Achievement Days Leader. I've only been to one activity so far, but we have about 20 girls so it gets pretty hectic and loud. I love being a mom and hopefully I'll find my stride with it. I'm still madly in love with my perfect match and thank the Lord daily for bringing him into my life. 

Olivia is a Sunbeam! I can't believe she's in primary already. It's been a rough transition for her,as was nursery, but hopefully she'll get used to it soon. She is still in love with horses, swords, and really any animal, but mostly horses. Her imagination is amazing, and I never get tired of listening to her dialogue with all of her animals. Livy loves being the "biggest" sister and she frequently reminds Jane about this fact. She's so great with Anne and helping to get diapers and throwing away the dirty ones. Olivia has learned most of the words to "What Makes You Beautiful" by One Direction and loves to dance and sing to that song. She also loves singing "I Am A Child of God" so at least we have some good balance =). All in all she's still my sweet spirited little girl and we love to see her growing up and seeing a glimpse of who she will become. 

Jane is still our little, spunky firecracker. She has really taken Anne under her wing and feels it her duty to make sure she has a toy in reach at all times. Peek-a-boo is also her favorite game to play with her baby sister. Jane is happy (most of the time) to go along with whatever game Olivia's made up, which most of the time, consists of Jane being Angus (my brother's dog) and fetching things or going for walks. Haha! It's so great. Jane is our little thinker and loves to read books and take things a part to see what's in them and how they work. I really think she's going to be a little smartypants, and not just in school. Jane can be the sweetest little thing, but her temper can get in the way of all that sweetness when things aren't going her way. She's learning to express herself better with words but we still have a way to go. Jane definitely keeps us on our toes and is such a bright light in our lives. 

Anne is four months old! Where has the time gone? Anne already fits into 6-9 months clothes and has now successfully rolled from back to tummy and tummy to back multiple times and is mastering the art of wiggling to get off of blankets we put her on. She has discovered her little voice and we get to have fun little "conversations" with her often. She's also starting to laugh and giggle frequently and Peter's the best at getting her to do so. Anne had a bout with RSV this last month and is finally over that and back to her normal smiling self. She's been such a wonderful baby and has made my fear of having more kids disappear (knock on wood). Our whole family is just so in love with her and we've been so blessed to have her sweet spirit in our home. 

In other news, we just got to visit Idaho not too long ago for my youngest brother's farewell. I can't believe he's leaving for his mission in just two days. I'm so proud to say that all five of my brothers have served missions. It's going to be sad knowing the next time we go to Nana and Papa's house, Tom Tom won't be there, but I know he'll be where he needs to be and where he's meant to be. So proud of you little brother and can't wait to hear about all your amazing adventures!

Best Friends!

How cute is Anne? And Livy of course...

I love this picture! He is the BEST Daddy in the world!

All of us together

Time Flies

Happy post-holidays! I'm sorry for my absence by life is pretty hectic with three little ones and the holidays. Hopefully, I'll get caught up.

Thanksgiving
This year we got to spend Thanksgiving with the Bensons. It was wonderful to see them. Living in Montana has doubled the distance to them so we don't get to see them as often or as easily as we used to. The Wednesday morning before we were actually in Idaho for the Mecham family photos, which turned out great. After pictures we made our way down to Utah, it definitely helps the girls to break up the trip this way. We had a smaller Thanksgiving this year with just us and a couple of our sibling's families. I love smaller Thanksgivings. Much more bonding and banter I think, which I love. We were able to stay there through Saturday and we got to play a lot of games and just hang out with family and we got to see our dear friends Doug and Molly which is always a bonus. Friends and family are such a blessing and one of my favorite perks of the holidays is being able to see so many of them.

Christmas
We spent Christmas in Idaho this year and had a blast! Before heading to my parents' house we spent a day up in Tetonia with some of the Bensons. We were able to go up to Badger Creek and see the Ashtons (Peter's former boss and his family) and do some sledding. Well, I watched and everyone else sled.

It was a momentous Christmas at the Mechams this year because it was the first that all of us were there and also the last one for the next two years because my youngest brother is heading out to the mission field. It really was such a wonderful holiday! We played a lot of games, stayed up way too late, and got up way too early thanks to my beautiful girls. Every Christmas Eve since I was little we have a shepard's dinner. We eat on a blanket with lantern light, and we eat bread, cheese, cold meat, fresh fruit, and have Martinelli's sparkling cider to drink while my dad reads the account of that blessed night so many years ago that an angel appeared to the shepards by night and announced the holy birth of our Savior. It's my favorite tradition and will be continuing it with my own family. It brings such a wonderful spirit into the home and puts into perspective what the holiday represents.

Like I said, it was an incredible holiday season with a lot of family time and the making of wonderful memories.

2013
The year of 2013 is the year that I am going to try and get back to healthy and able to play some volleyball. I miss that game so much! It was a release for me and somewhere I could go to recenter myself and feel confident in myself. In life it is so easy to focus on our failures. To forget all the incredible things we do in our day to day lives. I want to become healthy. Not only physically, but emotionally and spiritually. I am striving to focus more on the positive things I do and to build up my self esteem and become a bit more like the person my Savior and Father in Heaven knows I can become. As of today, January 10, 2013, I feel pretty good. Better than I have in, well, years. I have the most caring and loving husband, who each day has made me feel beautiful, loved, and desirable every day he has been in my life. And I am starting to feel all of those things on my own again; when I look in the mirror; when I find myself in the quiet moments of nursing Anne and reading the Ensign; of waking up at 5:30 AM to go to Boot Camp and get my booty kicked for an hour by a certified trainer; of centering myself with my Yoga video. I am finding myself again and it feels great! So, here's to a wonderful holiday season, to wonderful friends and family, to having the truth of the gospel in my life, and here's to a new year of finding me again to the journey it will take me.

Mechams 2012

Getting so big...and cuter!

So sweet!

First smiles!

Our big 2 year old!

Love my big girl!

 Sisters!

 Got a unicorn from Uncle Nick

She LOVES it!

The BEST biggest sister!