9 months!

Our sweet Madeline is 9 months old! I seriously can't believe how fast these months go by. I often find myself staring at her... thinking about how fast she'll grow... so I stare and study her and try to soak in those moments with her because she'll just be bigger the next day. I wish I could bottle those moments up and take them out every now and then... but I only have pictures, video, and my memory to remember her this little. Before I know it... she'll be walking... then going to school...then dating... and so on.

She loves it when daddy comes home! 

She JUST woke up in this picture. Check out that crazy hair! 

Too much energy to sit still. haha 

This picture cracks me up! This is Madeline in a nut shell. :) 

I am totally loving this age. She's such a happy, sweet little girl. She's definitely finding her personality. Madeline is very curious about the world around her. She wants to touch and put everything in her mouth. She loves to crawl aka scoot all around the house and loves discovering new things... like the toilet plunger or the trash can next to our desk. ( We now have to close other doors in the house and I have to keep a very close eye on her at all times.) :)

She just woke up here. She's always so happy when she wakes up. 

She loves when you sing to her. Especially "The Itsy Bitsy Spider" and " The Wheels on the Bus" and "Popcorn popping." Her little mind is like a sponge and she just soaks in everything you say to her. She looks right at you and is really trying to figure out what you're saying to her ( at least I think so.) We also are teaching her sign language... and she definitely knows what "eat" means. She loves to eat. Her favorites lately are " Corn and Sweet Potatoes", bananas & oatmeal, and green peas.

Thanks for the cute Hawaii shirt Ali & Rachel! :) 

She's a very intense little thing and is always on the go, go, go. She's not much of a cuddler, but she is such a sweetie. She just loves to be with you and loves to be played with. She's really good about telling you when she's tired and she'll usually go right down. She still doesn't love her car seat... but she doesn't mind her stroller... especially when we go on walks at the park. She loves being outside.

Such a cute hoodie from Auntie Ashley! 

Everywhere we go in Philly, EVERYONE comments on her pretty red hair and bright blue eyes. She is very popular here and she loves it. She always loves making new friends and smiles and puts on a show for them.

She loves books and being read to. She loves kitchen spoons and pots and pans more than she does her own toys. Her new favorite item are my keys. She also had a little rough patch this month bc she's been teething... but luckily two cute little teeth came in last week!

I love my little family and am so grateful for them! Madeline brings so much light and joy into our lives and we love her SO so much.

Nick is loving medical school. He has a huge test tomorrow, but isn't worried about it. Right now he's doing anatomy and he's so thankful he was a teacher's assistant at BYU for a few semesters b/c he really feels like that helped him get ahead in medical school so far. I actually see him MORE than I did when he went to BYU. ( At least for now... )

It's been so nice having him home for dinner and having the rest of the evening to enjoy our time together.

I have been so grateful for the girls in the ward here in Philly. They have all been so warm and friendly. Nick's good friend from BYU ( and first roommate, Doug)'s cousin Allyson lives here in Philly and her husband is a 3rd year medical student. She's the one that has shown us the ropes around here and they've both been SO so great to our little family. I feel like I've known Ally for years and I'm SO thankful for her!!! She is so kind, giving, gracious, helpful, inviting, fun, laid back, etc, etc. She will always be one of my dear friends and she's made the move a lot easier for me just by being a sweet friend. Love her!

Other than the drivers being insane and the gangsters & thug life not too far away... I have really enjoyed Philly and we're adjusting well. Again... It wouldn't have been this easy if it weren't for the friends we've made. ( Another great thing about the gospel of Jesus Christ!)

I'll save my philly adventures for another post. This post was supposed to be about Madeline... haha. I ramble too much.

Delicious Chicken Recipes

So lately it's been hard for me to find yummy, EASY, chicken meals. Well, thank heavens for Pinterest. I love trying new recipes and it's rare that I find "duds" on pinterest. There's been a few here and there.. but these next few chicken recipes will change your life! You can thank me later. 

This next recipe... Nick LOVED. He said it's one of his top favorites EVER. You should DEFINITELY make this one. { Chicken thighs are a huge key here. So yummy!} Super easy to make too. ( ps- I totally copied and pasted this lady's recipe... but you can go to her original link by clicking on the title below.) 

Man-Pleasing Chicken

I have never gotten so many compliments before, let alone for a piece of chicken. David suggested calling this chicken, “So Good it Can’t Be Described, Explosion on Your Taste Buds Chicken.” Exactly. I have never encountered a dish that is so basic and simple to put together yet creates such a big pay off. This chicken, quite simply, is one of the most savory things I’ve ever eaten. If you are the busiest person on the planet and don’t have much cooking experience, but you have to prepare a meal to woo the love of your life, cook this chicken!

To make this chicken, which you should absolutely do immediately, preheat your oven to 450ºF. Then, mix together 1/2 cup of dijon mustard, 1/4 cup of maple syrup, and 1 tablespoon of rice wine vinegar. 

Put a 1.5 pound package of chicken thighs into a foil-lined, oven-proof baking dish. I used boneless, skinless thighs. Six came in my package, which made enough to serve 3 people. Then, salt and pepper the thighs. Pour your maple mustard mixture over them, turning the thighs in the mixture so they are fully coated. 

Put the chicken thighs into the oven, and let them bake for 40 minutes or until a meat thermometer reads 165ºF. Baste the tops of the chicken with more sauce half way through. I find that a meat thermometer is essential in cooking because it allows me to check for doneness without cutting into the meat and losing its precious juices. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Plate the chicken, making sure to spoon some extra sauce over the top. Sprinkle over some fresh rosemary. If there is ever a time to use fresh herbs, THIS IS IT! The flavors are just so good together. Enjoy the savory goodness of this meal!

I adapted this recipe from “The I <3 a="a" cookbook="cookbook" joe="joe" s="s" trader="trader">” by Cherie Mercer Twohy. Thanks, Jenna!

Shopping list:

• Chicken thighs- 1 package
• Dijon mustard- 1/2 cup
• Maple syrup- 1/4 cup
• Rice wine vinegar- 1 tablespoon
• Fresh rosemary

I made this last night and Nick couldn't get over how delicious this was. He is a huge meat eater... so this is saying something! This chicken calls for Mayonaise, but there's tons of subsitutes for Mayo... I used half sour cream half mayonaise... or you can use plain greek yogurt! ( I wanted to use that, but I accidently bought vanilla. ) It was super yummy though!! 

Melt in your Mouth Chicken

4 boneless chicken breast halves 1 cup mayonnaise 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese 1 1/2 teaspoons seasoning salt 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper 1 teaspoon garlic powder Directions: 1 Mix mayonnaise, cheese and seasonings. 2 Spread mixture over chicken breast and place in baking dish. 3 Bake at 375°F for 45 minutes.

Okay, so I know it's still summer... but who doesn't love a good soup? I decided to try this one out. GUYS... IT IS SOOO DELICIOUS. Again, chicken thighs are a HUGE key here to make it delicious. I also added about 2.5 cups  of chicken ( about 5 small thighs instead of 4). Nick loved that there was more chicken than usual. It seriously was so yummy. I also let it simmer an extra hour ( before I put the chicken and noodles in) and it was SOO yummy.  

PS- Make CORN BREAD with this soup. I usually just buy a corn bread mix from the store... I follow the directions, but here's a TO-DIE-FOR secret ingredient that makes the corn bread taste like heaven: add about 1/2 C of SUGAR. That's right. Sugar. It will also change your life. ( am I the only one that knows this delicious secret?) 

Chicken Noodle Soup

I know it’s very hot out, but sometimes hot or cold,  I need comfort food.  Growing up, my Grandmother C. lived with us on and off for years. She was a great cook and I loved her home-made chicken and noodles. She tried a number of times to teach me how to make those wonderful noodles, the kind with eggs and flour, roll out thin, dry on wax paper and cut paper thin. I just never could do it like hers. So, when I miss her, this is what I cook.

Chicken and Noodle Soup
5 cups of chicken broth (boxed or can is fine)
One 10.75 oz can cream of chicken soup
1/2 cup onions, chopped fine
1/2 cup celery, chopped fine
1/2 cup carrots, chopped fine
1/2 cup green onions, sliced
One 15 oz can of whole kernel corn, drained
Salt and Pepper to taste
1 1/2 cup Egg noodles
2 cups cooked chicken chopped or 2 cans canned cooked chicken

Add everything but the noodles and cooked chicken to the crock pot on Low for 5-6 hours, the last hour turn on High, and add noodles and chicken.

videos I LOVE.

I think I've shared this video before... but it is seriously one of the cutest things I've EVER seen. Hailey Haugen is super talented and all her videos are to-die-for adorable. You should check them all out on Vimeo... but here are 2 of my favorites from her (watch this one first!) SOOO ADORABLE you might shed a tear or two:
\




Two Years from Hailey Haugen on Vimeo.

Hailey + Brad {Wedding} from Hailey Haugen on Vimeo.

...anyway

(This post is for me, by the way.)

I've just been thinking a lot and of course, it makes me want to blog about it.  Living in a huge city... so different from Provo... has been a big change for me. It's been hard so far in lots of different ways, but it's also a huge blessing being here. It's a huge blessing because it's a great opportunity to grow. I was so comfortable back in Provo... I lived so close to my siblings, I have wonderful friends there, I knew where everything was... I was content. Change has always been hard for me so you can imagine my feelings of moving to a huge city by ourselves not knowing anyone... and Nick being busy with medical school 24/7.

However, I think know the Lord would rather us NOT be content. He wants to see us grow and learn and that's kind of a huge deal in this lifetime. When we're content, we're not growing.

I've had an extremely blessed life... so this is NOTHING compared to so many other people's trials in this life. This is just a tiny trial of mine at this moment in my life. Trials are always hard: however big or small they may be. I left the comforts of my home when I was 17 to attend college in Utah. Looking back, I was very blessed by making that decision many years ago. I made life-long friends, had so many wonderful adventures and service opportunities. I grew a lot during that time. I then left the comforts of living in the Unites States and speaking my native language to serve a mission in Argentina. Boy what a growing experience that was! .... I can't ever explain to you in words how that mission changed my life. I grew in so many ways I never thought was possible. What a blessing!

Now... here I am in Philadelphia. The East Coast. A place that is completely foreign to me. I am here with my sweet husband and precious baby girl. He will be away everyday for medical school...studying his buns off... and it will be Madeline and me. Everyday. Just me and her. I hope to teach her new things and to play with her lots and enjoy the time we have together. I just hope she doesn't get bored with me! { This is where the trial comes in: feeling alone... with a sweet little one in my arms relying on me to teach her and entertain her... not knowing where a dang thing is in this city with no money to do anything. } This is where I have to get creative... and I can be creative. I can do that.

I am grateful for this opportunity to grow closer to my Heavenly Father and rely on Him to keep our family safe and well. I know He will if we are keeping the commandments and living right. I'm so grateful for prayer and knowing He is always there... not far away at all.

On another topic... I keep seeing and hearing about things that make my heart hurt. The world can be such a cruel, harsh place. As a Christian, it's so important to be kind, patient, loving... all the things the adversary doesn't want us to be. Nick's school is in a very bad part of town ( I think i've mentioned that before.) Our church is only blocks from his school. Last week, there was a shooting at the PLAY GROUND across the street from our church. This happens often. So much hatred and evil that goes on.  My point is... as a Christian, I PRAY I never add to that hatred. Seeing gruesome, evil acts by people here in Philadelphia is so heart wrenching. Not saying any of us would ever do these acts of hatred... but I'm talking more along the lines of loving our neighbors better, serving those around us better, being a better friend... a better person. NOT adding to all the hate that goes on in the world. Especially as Christians, isn't it our duty to live as the Savior did? LOVE ONE ANOTHER. I am SO grateful for the Atonement... that He laid down his life for me and you so that we have that opportunity to be better. What a miracle and a blessing that is. I want to be better.

I love this quote:

"People are often unreasonable, illogical and self-centered.
Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish motives.
Be kind anyway.
If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies. 
Succeed Anyway.
If you are honest and sincere, people may deceive you.
Be honest and sincere anyway.
What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight; 
Build anyway.
If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous; 
be happy anyway.
The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow; 
Do good Anyway.
Give the world the best you have and it may never be enough;
give them your best anyway.
In the final analysis, it is between you and God; it never was between you and them anyway." 

~ Mother Teresa. 

This poem sums up exactly how the Savior was in my opinion. I want to be more like Him! Wouldn't the world be a much better place if we could all try to be a little more like Him? 

Living in Philidelphia won't be easy at first... but it gets better. How do I know? Because I've had this type of change before and it's always been nothing but a huge blessing. I'm also grateful for this "fresh" new chapter in our lives. I pray I can live as the Savior would have me live. I pray I can be a good wife, mother, and friend.

 I can do that. 

Impromptu Vacation

 We decided to go out on a limb and do one last little hurrah together before Nick starts medical school next week. We decided at the last minute to take a little trip to New York City and then to Jersey Shore aka the beach. We had so much fun! I'm so glad we did it. Who knows when we'd get the opportunity again to go together. 

New York is only a 2 hour drive from our house. The drive was fun for me because I love seeing how different it is out here. However, the freeways are wack out here. It feels like there's no such thing as freeways... only toll ways and the other roads are all busy with lots of lights and those roads are supposed to take you places. I miss I-15. I miss being able to get to point A to point B quickly. First world Problems. We made it to New York and boy is it a whole new world out there. 

If you visit NYC, I highly recommend NOT driving through the city. Big mistake. We did, however, get to ride the ferry to see the Statue of Liberty. Sadly, it rained A LOT during that little trip ( about an hour over all). Madeline was a complete trooper though and she was loving it all. The Statue was breathtaking! It was so huge and seriously SO neat to see in person. I just feel SO blessed to have been born and raised in this beautiful country. We also saw Ellis Island from the Ferry. 

After the Statue of Liberty tour, we walked over to ground zero. That was heart wrenching. I had the opportunity to visit there 3 months after it happened in 2002. Back when we went, they didn't have a memorial yet since it had just barely happened. It was hard to see it back then too. This time, we had to get (free) tickets to go past the gates to see it. They had a lot of security and it was very organized. As soon as we walked passed security, we walked up to the first building memorial. It was a HUGE hole with waterfalls down each wall... and then another hole. The loud sound of the water really gave you goosebumps as you walked up to the memorial. People's names who died during the attacks were engraved around both waterfalls. My heart went out to those people and their families. There were 2 memorials like that for each building that was destroyed. They're building another World Trade Center right next door. It's supposed to be the tallest building in the USA. 

This reminded me of Home Alone 2: Lost in New York. haha

On the Ferry

That's New York behind me

Amazing! 

She was amazing to see up close!

On the Ferry

The Ferry we took

That tall building in the back is the new World Trade Center being built

I need one of these next time I go to NYC. For real. 

This tree sits right next to where the World Trade Centers were. It was the only tree that survived after 9/11 in that area.

Driving away... bye New York!

I absolutely LOVED New York. I highly recommend visiting the place. I wanted to show Nick Times Square after we did all this other stuff, but the baby was tired, so we decided to just drive by Times Square just to see it real quick. Boy, were we wrong. " Real Quick" turned into 3 extra hours of driving... like 4 miles. RIDICULOUS. Nick was quickly initiated in the crazy driving of NYC. So much honking and craziness. The Taxi drivers are insane. We spent half the time laughing as we watched INSANITY on the road with all the crazy drivers everywhere. We definitely will NOT be driving through the city again. Lesson learned. I'm SO excited b/c my sisters and Katherine are coming out here in a couple of months to visit! 

The next day we went to Jersey Shore ( the beach.) It's only an hour and a half away from our apartment. I really liked it! It was our first time to play in the Atlantic ocean ( well, Nick was the only one that swam. I'm too afraid of all the shark attacks I keep hearing about... especially on the east coast. Right Melinda?) Madeline loved seeing the Ocean and playing in the sand. We went to a place called Beach Haven. It was a a cute little beach town. It was different than California, but I loved that it had an "east coast" vibe to it. All the houses were really cute and it was just fun being there. It was a nice, hot day... perfect for the beach. It was weird though... they make you buy a "beach badge" to go to the beach here. They make you PAY! They don't make you do that in California. Oh well, it was worth it and I'm just happy to live so close to the ocean. I could sit and listen to it all day long. It really was so beautiful and a lot of fun being there. I hope to go back at least ONE more time before it gets too cold. 

Playing in the Atlantic Ocean. ( She also got to play in the Pacific Ocean not too long ago!) Lucky baby! :)

Sweet girl!

Ritas: this place is SUPER popular out here. It's some yummy ice water stuff with custard. TO DIE FOR delicious. It's like the In-N-Out of the East Coast, minus fries and hamburgers. 

Oops... extra pictures.... 

On the ferry

behind the statue

Ground Zero Memorial 

Remembering 9/11

I want to EAT her. 

She HATES hats. haha. But she's a red head and WILL get burnt with out it. :)

Jersey Shore

Are you still reading this? :) I'll keep typing if you want me to. :) It was a very fun little trip and I'm so glad we got to go. Nick starts school on Monday. He's very excited! I'm excited for him... but my stomach still turns every now and then at the thought of being out here for 4 years. :( I just have a hard time being far away from loved ones. I'm sure it will go by quick... While Nick is growing and learning so much in Medical School... I'm sure I'll be learning and growing too in different ways.... so many different ways...

Please pray for us and this brand new chapter in our lives! :)