Number 4 is 3

Zach turned three today. As I sit here typing, I'm trying not to cry. My baby isn't really a baby anymore. He is, however, a very fun and active little boy. He would tell you he is big though. He loves to play. Especially with cars, trucks, balls, and trains. He is so sweet. He always tells me goodnight and gives me big hugs and kisses. I'll take those for as long as I can get them. I love my "big" boy and look forward to watching my three-year-old grow and learn new things.

Call Me Spider-Man

Zach and I were making an "All About Me" page (with some help from friends) for his preschool class. We are not particular about calling him Zach or Zachary, so I asked him which name he wanted me to put on his page.
"Do you want to put Zach or Zachary?"
"Um, Spider-man."
"No, you have to have Zach or Zachary."
"Zachary."
"Zachary or Zach?"
"Zachary."
"Ok, Zachary it is."
"Mom, can you call me Spider-Man?"
At least he enjoys playing and pretending.

Beginning Reader

With about four weeks of Kindergarten down, Brandon brought home his first homework book. It consists of different things they are talking about...letters and the sounds they make, numbers, writing his name, and some sight words. The Kindergarten teachers have taken what is, in my opinion, a really great approach. "Don't push your child if they are not ready, please work at their pace." So, I asked Brandon if he wanted to work on it and he did.
We started going through the book and he was doing so well. Telling me the names and sounds of the letters, reading sight words, rhyming. I was excited and so was he.
When Brandon was younger, he didn't talk...at all. He made some noises, but didn't have any words. So, we put him in speech therapy. He did well, but I was always a little concerned that he would have a difficult time in school. He is doing well.
He doesn't like school, but that is because it is all day and he said, "It takes too long." However, he enjoys learning and is so excited to show me what he has accomplished. In fact, he just came up to me as I'm typing and is picking out the words he knows. Way to go, Brandon!

Jack

Congratulations, Natalie and Garrett. They welcomed Jack into their family when he decided to show up Sunday night. He was 7 lbs. 1 oz. and 20 1/2" long. He was born at 11:11 PM on September 6. He is doing great and we are excited to have him in the family.

Where Has Summer Gone?

Really. Where did it go? I know we had nearly 3 months with no school, but what happened to it?

I'll admit: By the time August rolled around, I was so ready for school to start again. My kids were feeling ready too. But then, all of a sudden (so it seemed), school started. Jacob and Riley went off to school Monday. Jacob is spending his sixth grade year at a different school this year in an accelerated learning program. Riley is happy to be back with her friends and some cousins this year.

So that I can remember that there was a summer, I'll post some pics of some things we did this year.

We played at the splash pad a few times. Always fun on a hot day. Although, my kids usually ended up playing on the hot toys. Go figure.

We played soccer and baseball with some families in our neighborhood.

We hit the zoo a few times. They've gotten some new animals as you can see from above.

Made it to the Lagoon a couple times. I don't love it, but the kids do and that makes it fun.


We went to the Oquirrh Mountains Temple open house. We were so blessed as a family to attend the open house together. Especially since we had already been to the Draper Temple earlier this same year.









We went to the Treehouse Museum with a free pass from a friend. Thanks! The kids had a lot of fun.













And, finally, the biggest project of all...we got grass! Who knew that could be so exciting? We love it. The kids can play in our yard. We even got our swing set put up. It took a lot of hard work (Nathan had lots of blisters) and we are so grateful to many people who helped out (including a local University football team that helped lay the sod).

So, that is where our summer has gone.

Happy Birthday, Nathan

So, Nathan has finally caught up to me. Today he is 33. Although, he will tell you that I am still older. Yes, technically, I am 1,193 months and he is a mere 1,188 months. Just a few of the things I love about Nathan:
He works hard.
He takes care of his family.
He tries so very hard to make me happy (not a simple task at times).
He enjoys spending time with our children and he's a good example to them (and me).
He supports me in my various roles...mother, callings, volunteering, and friendships.

I love you, Nathan! Happy birthday.

Second White Dress

Baptisms are always very special. Riley was baptized last month. This day was made extra special by sharing it with her cousin, Tylee.

Riley and Tylee have had a kind of special bond from the beginning. When Tylee deccided to show up three weeks early, she was born exactly one month after Riley. Then, my brother and his family moved down south and decided to bring Tylee back this way to have her blessed. Riley and Tylee were both blessed in our ward on the same day. They even ended up in matching dresses (not planned-her mom and I just happen to have picked out the same one).


So, this year when they both turned eight and my brother once again was far away, they brought Tylee up here to have her baptized. We were so excited to share this special day as both girls put on their second white dress and prepared to enter the waters of baptism.



We are so thankful we could share that day with many family and friends that came to witness Riley's baptism. And as the the poem by Elder Perry's daughter says,
"And if I try my very best,
Then richly blessed I'll be,
Wearing inside God's holy house
White dress number three."
But that's a long way off right? Just don't blink.

Lucky 13

Thirteen years ago I was blessed to be sealed to my wonderful husband in the Logan temple. I remember that day so well. How exciting it all was. It was so beautiful outside, a lot like today. The sun was shining, but it wasn't too hot.

Now, thirteen years and four kids later, I love him even more than I did that day. Each night I kneel down to thank my Father in Heaven for this wonderful blessing. The circumstances of our meeting were a little unusual, but it all worked out. We are meant to be together.

He works hard to take care of me and our family. He does whatever needs to be done whether it's putting in a yard or cleaning up pee. I look forward to spending all of eternity with this man. I love you, Nathan!

The Good Old (Primary) Days

I went to dinner with these girls for Jen's birthday. I had fun and it brought back some really great memories.

I moved into my house two years ago. I was having a hard time with the move. I left some good friends and a calling in my ward that I loved. I was in Primary. I struggled going to my new ward each week.

Then, I got called into the Bishop's office and was given a calling. Second counselor in Primary. I knew the 1st counselor and secretary from high school, but didn't know the president very well. It wouldn't take long for that to change. We all got to know each other so much better while we served our Heavenly Father together. I loved being at church, in Primary with those wonderful women.

I was doing my best to serve and got something so wonderful out of it. I finally felt like I belonged, like I knew I was suppose to be there. I gained some wonderful friends.

Callings have changed, but we continue to grow closer and I am so grateful to have these women in my life. Ahh, the good old Primary days.

Memorial Day Fun

Monday morning the family headed off to the dinosaur park. We had a lot of fun (along with a whole bunch of other people who decided that was a good place to be Monday).


This is a picture of Zach telling me that the dinosaur bit his neck.


After digging in the sand for some fossils, we left and headed to another park for a picnic and more fun.


Here we found some friends to play with.

And let's not forget the reason we have this holiday. Thanks to all the men, women, and their families who sacrificed their lives to bless our lives with the many freedoms we enjoy.

8 is Great!

My baby girl is eight today. Riley has been so excited for this day. Eight is a very special birthday. She starts going to activity days and she will be baptized. Yikes! She is growing up so fast.

She loves to write notes to Nate and I letting us know how much she loves us. She is so sweet. She loves to help take care of her little brothers and she always wants to give Jacob hugs. She really likes to do that when she sees him at school. Not exactly his favorite time for affection from his little sister.

I love that she loves to pretend. She is entertained for hours playing with houses she's built out of laundry hampers, pillows, blankets, and other items around the house.
I love you, Riley!

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day, Mom! I love my mom so much. My Mom has taught me so many things. Most important of those things is how to be a mother. I am still learning from her and so thankful that she sets such a great example for me to follow.

I'd also like to say thanks to all the other "moms" in my life and the lives of my children. There are many who teach and care for my family. I have wonderful relatives and friends. My children have teachers at school and church. Even a great pediatrician. They may not be our mothers, but they teach and help us, most often by example.

I am grateful for this day when we can take the time to let our moms know how special they are to each of us. Happy Mother's Day to all of you!

Found it, Found it

I lost my camera. Not that I take pictures as often as I should, but I missed it. It was about a week ago I wanted to take some pictures, but I couldn't find it. I searched my house, even looking in some odd places (Cupboards, toy box, bathroom). Nowhere to be found. I called Jacob's school because I remembered having it there. Nope. I kept searching, trying to remember where it could be. Suddenly (a week later) I remembered. I had put it in Brandon's backpack after his last day of school so I wouldn't leave it there. I may have to borrow the title of "Forgetful Jones" from Mindy. I think this would be a good time to download the pictures, charge the battery, and put everything where it belongs.

Good Practice

It was sometime after 4 AM today when Nate and I were awoken by a loud, strange noise. He sat up and asked if I heard that. I told him maybe it was the alarm clock. Zach and Brandon mess with it sometimes and they could have turned it on. Nate checked. Nope, it wasn't on. Hmm, weird.

Then it happened again. Maybe it was the smoke detector and the battery was dying. Yup, it was the smoke detector, but they started going off over the entire house. That's not something that happens from a dead battery.

I ran to the kids bedrooms. Riley and Brandon were crying, Zach, was sitting up, and Jacob had to be woken up. It was time to get out of the house. They were scared. It was so loud. I gathered the kids together in our entry way so we could all go out together. Then, I went to get my purse. I know, I know, just leave, but I wanted to have my cell phone.

I was pretty sure there wasn't a fire because we have fire sprinklers and they weren't going off. But, the noise was too much and I turned on the lights outside and the kids and I went out the front door to the sidewalk in front of our house. Thankfully it was a fairly nice night. No rain or snow, but it was chilly. We were all barefoot and the kids were freezing.

Nate didn't come out with us. I decided to go back in and get a couple blankets to wrap up in. I saw Nate and he was going around checking for the cause of the alarm. Again, breaking all the rules. I asked if we should call the fire department, but there was no fire, no emergency, so I just went back out to keep the kids warm while he stayed inside.

As I was wrapping up the kids, a police officer stopped to ask if we were ok. I told him what happened and he called for a fire truck then went inside to help Nate. I was curious to see which direction they'd come from since we live between two fire stations. They came and checked the house with some kind of infra red tool looking for heat. Then they checked for carbon monoxide. Negative for both. One firefighter went with Nate around the house checking all the smoke detectors. They found the one in our bedroom has a bad sensor on it.

While we were outside it was a good opportunity to review what our family plan is in the event of a fire. We also talked about keeping something warm and a pair of shoes by the sides of our bed. The smoke detectors did their job. They woke us up.
The police officer came by at just the right time. I am grateful to him and the fire fighters that were woken up to respond to our non-emergency. They are there, willing to help, even when it's to find a faulty smoke detector.

We were let back in our house around 5, so if my family seems a little tired today, you'll understand. Especially Jacob, Riley, and Brandon. After all that excitement, who can sleep?

Remembering Gene

May 5, 2004. It was a Wednesday five years ago. Brandon was almost 3 months old. Riley almost 3 years. Jacob was in Kindergarten. It was a little after 9 AM when I got a call from Nate telling me his Dad had been taken to the hospital and he was on his way there. He wasn't sure what was wrong.

Nate's Dad had problems with blood clots in the past and we figured maybe it was the same thing this time. I asked Nate if he wanted me to come, but he said he'd call and let me know once he got there. The hospital personnel began doing CPR shortly after Nate arrived. Nate never got a chance to talk to his Dad. He died the morning of May 5 at the age of 55.

The viewing was Sunday, May 9 (Mother's Day) and the funeral followed the next day. So many people came to greet the family and share their love. I felt so blessed to be part of that.

I am blessed with the belief in eternal families. Brandon was suppose to be blessed the first Sunday in May, but we had to postpone it. He was blessed in June and I'm sure my father-in-law was there in spirit.

Gene loved to read the grandchildren stories. He also loved to give them a soft kick and lift them in the air sending them "to the moon". He was a man who knew the gospel well and lived fully what he believed. He was a great example.

I Am a Mother

Yes, I am a mother. That is just one of many titles that I currently have. I am also a wife, daughter, sister, friend, in-law, and Primary President. I feel blessed to be each of those things at this time.
I may not have a job outside my home, but I've got plenty of work to do inside my home. I do not have vacation time or sick time. I do not get 15 minute breaks or lunch breaks. I use to work outside the home when my oldest was a baby and toddler. Compared to what I do on a daily basis, being a working mom was so much easier. I had adult conversation without a toddler hanging on my leg. I was good at what I did and people told me so on a regular basis. I didn't have to make anyone else lunch or break up a fight over a toy. I could still be working and then I could have more stuff, but that's just it....stuff. The stuff comes and goes, but my daily influence on my children will last forever. I didn't have children so that someone else could raise them. I had them because I want them and I want to care for them. No matter the kind of day we have, it is all made better by a hug and "I love you, Mom."

Elder Russell M. Nelson had this to say about mothers.
"During my professional career as a doctor of medicine, I was occasionally asked why I chose to do that difficult work. I responded with my opinion that the highest and noblest work in this life is that of a mother. Since that option was not available to me, I thought that caring for the sick might come close. I tried to care for my patients as compassionately and competently as Mother cared for me.

Many years ago the First Presidency issued a statement that has had a profound and lasting influence upon me. “Motherhood,” they wrote, “is near to divinity. It is the highest, holiest service to be assumed by mankind. It places her who honors its holy calling and service next to the angels.” 3

Because mothers are essential to God’s great plan of happiness, their sacred work is opposed by Satan, who would destroy the family and demean the worth of women."

No, I may not have all the stuff or a big career, but I am a mother. I am doing the Lord's work and caring for these sweet souls for this short time I am blessed to have them in my home.

Be Kind Anyway

I found this on my SIL's blog. I hope she doesn't mind that I'm borrowing it, but I really enjoyed this and wanted to share it with you.

"People are often unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered:Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives: Be kind anyway.
If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies: Succeed anyway.
What you spend years building, someone would 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 the world the best you've got anyway.
You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and God:It was never between you and them anyway."

Just imagine what our world would be like if we all tried to be our best.

I karate chopped my neighbor sliding down a hill because I think I need some serious help.

Saw this on Mindy's and Christie's blogs. It's funny. Give it a try.

Pick the month you were born:

January-------I kicked
February------I loved
March--------I karate chopped
April----------I licked
May----------I jumped on
June----------I smelled
July-----------I did the Macarena With
August--------I had lunch with
September----I danced with
October-------I sang to
November-----I yelled at
December-----I ran over

Pick the day (number) you were born on:

1-------a birdbath
2-------a monster
3-------a phone
4-------a fork
5-------a snowman
6-------a gangster
7-------my mobile phone
8-------my dog
9-------my best friends' boyfriend
10-------my neighbor
11-------my science teacher
12-------a banana
13-------a fireman
14-------a stuffed animal
15-------a goat
16-------a pickle
17-------your mom
18-------a spoon
19------ - a smurf
20-------a baseball bat
21-------a ninja
22-------Chuck Norris
23-------a noodle
24-------a squirrel
25-------a football player
26-------my sister
27-------my brother
28-------an iPod
29-------a surfer
30-------a homeless guy
31-------a llama

What is the last number of the year you were born:

1--------- In my car
2 --------- On your car
3 ----------- In a hole
4 ----------- Under your bed
5 ----------- Riding a Motorcycle
6 --------- sliding down a hill
7 --------- in an elevator
8---------- at the dinner table
9 -------- In line at the bank
0 -------- in your bathroom

Pick the color of shirt you are wearing:

White---------because I'm cool like that
Black---------because that's how I roll.
Pink-----------because I'm NOT crazy.
Red-----------because the voices told me to.
Blue-----------because I'm sexy and I do what I want
Green---------because I think I need some serious help.
Purple---------because I'm AWESOME!
Gray----------because Big Bird said to and he's my leader.
Yellow--------because someone offered me 1,000,000 dollars
Orange--------because my family thinks I'm stupid anyway.
Brown---------because I can.
Other----------because I'm a Ninja!
None----------because I can't control myself!

33

Yes, I am 33. Have been for over a week now. I just wanted to say thanks to everyone for making my birthday so great. I got to spend time with my mom and sister which was really fun. Then Nate took me to dinner. It was nice to have some time for the two of us. I received some really great gifts and cards and many phone calls.
I think the thing that is most special to me is the necklace my 11-year-old gave me. It is gold and has a "J" on it. When I first opened it, I wanted to take it back, knowing he had spent too much money on me. Then, after the kids were in bed, my husband explained to me how important this was to Jacob. He has been saving his money to buy some rollerblades, but chose to use a good portion of his money to buy me something. He said, "Dad, I really want to give this to Mom. I really want her to know how much I love her." While I don't need any material things from him to know of his love for me, the necklace will be a constant reminder of his love and sacrifice. He'll now have to start saving again for those rollerblades.
I am very blessed to have so many wonderful people in my life. So many took time out of their day to make mine more special. Thank you so much. I love you guys.

Snowboarding...Sledding

Friday night Nate and I attended a skiing activity at Powder Mountain with some people from our ward. Nate wanted to try snowboarding and I had some friends going who would be snowboarding to so I decided to give it a try too. We got up there later than everyone else and after asking Christie and Mindy a couple questions about how to move around with the snowboard on and a general idea of how to get down the mountain, Nate and I headed up to the top.
My first challenge: Getting on the ski lift. I seriously could not balance while only having ONE foot in the board. How I longed for my skis while trying to get on the lift. Nate helped me on and even motioned to the guy at the top to slow it down so we could get off okay. That didn't help. I fell getting off and took Nate down with me.
Second challenge: Getting down the mountain. I didn't go very far before I fell down more times than I can count. Nate was falling too, but doing better than me. Oh, how my muscles ached. At one point, Nate said I could always sit on my board and go down like it was a sled. We kept going and before long my friends caught up with us. They again gave a few more instructions and I did a little better.
I convinced Nate to go with Mindy and I would hang back with Christie.
After a few more falls, Christie and I decided to take Nate's suggestion and sit on our boards to get down the mountain. I laughed the entire way. However, using my feet as breaks did make things cold with the snow spraying up in my face. People looked and some made comments, but Christie and I didn't care. We had fun. So much fun we decided to head back up to the top and do it again.
We headed over to the lift and were promptly told we'd need to put our boards on before getting on the lift. I was a little nervous because of my first experience and I was pretty sure Christie couldn't practically carry me on like Nate had the first time. It actually was much easier that time. Getting off, however, was a lot like the last time except I took Christie down instead of Nate.
We undid the bindings on our boards and walked over to the top of the hill to sit down and go again. Again, much fun and laughing. Maybe half-way down or so I spun out and my board got away from me. So, there I was without a board and Christie couldn't catch it. She waited for me and I climbed on the back of her board. With two of us on there we went even faster down the mountain. I felt bad for Christie because since she was in front, she got most of the snow spray.
Once we got to the bottom somebody told me where to find my board (which was back up the mountain) and another guy asked if I wanted him to pick it up on his way down the next time. I opted for that.
That was the end of my snowboard experience. I had a lot of fun. I think I'll even try it again. After all, I do know a couple ways to get down the mountain.

Two

I have a two-year-old. He is so fun at times and so very frustrating at others. He had a really hard time in sacrament meeting today. Finally, we were singing the closing hymn and it was almost time to go home. I tried to convey the message to my son that we only had to sing and have a prayer and then we would go, but of course his noise level just rose. I was so frustrated at that point that I had to take him out. Just as we get to the door he starts saying, "I love you, mommy. I love you, mommy." He said that over and over as I was taking him out looking for a place to let him know what he'd been doing wasn't okay. At that point I was trying not to laugh and said, "I love you too." He said, "Alright." Ah, terrible twos. It really is a fun time.

Quite an Impression

Last Friday my family had a wonderful opportunity to attend the Draper Temple open house. When I first heard about the open house, I knew I wanted to take the kids. By the time I actually got around to requesting tickets, all the Saturdays were gone, so I decided I'd take them out of school to go. After all, they go to school almost everyday, but how often do they get to walk through a temple?
So, Friday rolls around and I feel crappy. I was dizzy and nauseous. Nate ended up staying home that morning to take care of me and the kids. That was not the plan. He offered to stay with me all day or take the kids to the temple open house. While I felt like garbage, I also didn't want to miss out on the temple...so, long story short (too late) I got ready and we headed out.
By the time we got there, I was feeling much better. We started at the church to watch the video. My children were all surprisingly well behaved. Even better than a group of teenage girls sitting behind us (not that it was hard to be better than that). Then, we boarded the bus for the short ride up the mountain.
We stepped into the temple and immediately felt the spirit and reverence that was there. Once again, my children were doing great. I think it's like my friend Christie said, they just get how special that place is.
As we walked to different areas, I talked to my children about some of the important things that take place. The baptismal font where Jacob will be able to go next year, the Celestial room, and of course the sealing room. In that room, we looked at the mirrors so we could see our eternal family. It was so amazing to have all of us there together and to know that we can stay that way for all eternity.
Throughout the rest of the day my kids talked about how neat that was. How beautiful it was. Saturday night I told Brandon that we had church the next day. He was so excited and asked if it was the temple church. He wanted to go back.
It turned out to be a great day to spend with our family. I hope the impression it left on my children stays with them for a very long time. Long enough that they want to work towards an eternal family.
There was one downside to this whole thing. Nate took such good care of me, he ended up getting sick the next day.

Happy Birthday, Brandon

Today Brandon is 5! I remember vividly this day 5 years ago. It was a Friday. I went to the hospital to have some tests done to make sure he was ok and there was enough amniotic fluid since I was going to go past my due date over the weekend.
After an ultrasound, the nurse hooked me up to some machines to monitor Brandon's heart and my contractions, if there were any. My mom was with me and said it looked like I was having contractions, so the nurse took the papers to the doctor for him to look at (not my doctor). He said everything looked just fine and they sent me on my way.
I went shopping with my mom (this ends up being a pattern for me)and had to keep stopping to hold on to the cart because my stomach hurt so bad. I had induced labor with my first 2 kids, so I wasn't sure what it felt like to go on my own. However, I was pretty sure this wasn't it, since the doctor had just told me 30 minutes ago that I wasn't in labor.
We finished our shopping and I had my mom drive home because I was in so much pain. I called my husband to come home and take me to the my doctor's office so I could find out what was going on. He checked me and I was dilated to an 8. Fortunately, my doctor's office is in the hospital so I walked myself down to labor and delivery with my husband following close behind.
By the time I was ready and checked again, I was at a 9. Brandon was born a very short time later. Now, 5 years later, I am so grateful to have this little guy in our family. I say, "little" because he is for his age. He also doesn't talk a whole lot, but when he does, he's bound to say something sweet.
In fact, he doesn't miss many opportunities to say, "I like you, Mom."
Brandon, I like you too. A whole bunch.

No Eggs

I found out just over a year ago that my 2-year-old is allergic to eggs. I had him tested on New Years' eve 2007 after he'd broken out in a rash a couple times after eating eggs. Turned out he was highly allergic to the yolk and white. I was told to avoid everything that has eggs in it for an entire year and then get him tested again. We also have to carry an epi-pen with us.
For the next year, he could not have cakes, most cookies, some pastas, stuff with breading, and many other things that contain eggs. It was difficult to explain to my then 1-year-old that he couldn't have those things he wanted. He didn't understand. I would tell him "You can't have this. It has eggs in it." Even though he didn't get it, I wanted him to know why. Especially since I wasn't sure how long he would have to avoid this stuff. I wanted him to learn that he can't have things with eggs in them. I also get flu shots for my kids each year. This year, he lucked out. The ingredients for the vaccine are grown inside eggs, so he didn't get one.
All that avoidance has paid off. I had him retested at the end of last year and he is now mildly allergic to egg whites and should no longer be allergic to the yolks. Hurray! We still have another year of avoiding things made with eggs and then we'll get him tested again. However, I can make my own stuff and just use the yolks. That's pretty exciting around here.
I also think he is starting to understand. Yesterday he had a pack of gum in his hands. I asked him if I could have some. This is how the conversation went.
Me: "Can mommy have a piece?"
Zach: "No, has eggs in it."

Back to School?

So, I got a letter today from the elementary school letting me know that it's almost time for Kindergarten Roundup for my almost 5-year-old. That means that come fall, 3 of my 4 kids will be in public school. That leaves just me and my baby during those two short hours that Kindergarten is in session.
I like the idea of some quality one-on-one time, but I also started thinking that maybe I should also go back to school. I got my associates degree a few weeks before I got married and have always wanted to go back and finish. Okay, so maybe not always. There are times when the thought of going back to school seems daunting. Plus, I love what I do now. I'm a mom. It's the best job I've ever had.
I called the University I got my associates degree from and had my account reactivated so I can return in the fall. So, between now and then I'll be doing a lot of thinking, praying, and of course, spending time with my kids.

Happy Birthday, Jacob

Yesterday, my "baby" turned 11. People say that time goes fast, but for me, that's one of those things I have to experience for myself to fully understand it. It's hard to believe I have been a parent for 11 years now.
Jacob is such a great kid. He is definitely a great example to me of unconditional love. It doesn't seem to matter what goes on during his day, even if he's been in trouble, he always finds moments to express his love to me. I truly love that about him.
He is also a big help. He helps me so much with his siblings. He'll play with them and take care of them and includes them in a lot of the stuff he does.
He tries new things. He's usually the first to try a new food or activity. He may not like it, but at least he gave it a try. Give him some time and he'll try again just to see if he likes it now.
He is very social. The boy loves to talk. He's not shy and wants to spend time talking to his friends. He'll also strike up a conversation with people he doesn't know. That was a bit of a problem when he was younger and he'd tell people all about him and his family-at age 4.
Jacob is a wonderful son and big brother. Our family is very blessed to have him. My first born.
I love you, Jacob!

Greater Appreciation

There are many people in my life whom I appreciate. I am grateful to them for the things they do and who they are. However, I must say, there are also people I take for granted. Not purposely, but I get caught up in day to day stuff and know certain people will be there to do the things they have always done.
Every once in a while, I am blessed with the opportunity to see just how much someone in my life truly means to me. It is usually when I am put into a similar position that other person has experienced. For example, my Mom. I love her so much-always have. However, I didn't fully appreciate all that she is or all that she does until I was blessed to have my first son, Jacob. When he was born, I started to comprehend all the emotions, effort, and sacrifice that come with being a parent. Notice that I said, "started," because I learn more each day as my family grows. I really love my Mom. More and more everyday.
Another example, I was given the call to serve as Primary president in our current ward. I had done it before in the ward we moved from and I was serving as 2nd counselor in this ward, so I thought, "yeah, I can do that." I always thought Mindy was awesome and I want to be like her when I grow up. However, I don't think I fully understood all the responsibility and hard work that was part of the calling. Maybe I still don't, but I am grateful to her. She still helps me today.
There are many men and women that help me so much and set a great example that I couldn't possibly list them all. I am grateful to them all.

New Year, New Blog

Call it peer preasure, insanity, jealousy. After nearly a year of prompting by some very good friends, I have jumped on board and started a blog. I thought, "What better way to start a new year than to start a blog." So, here I am.

We celebrated New Year's Eve just staying at home and hanging out with a few family members. We spent most of the evening playing karaoke and rock band and eating junk food. Pretty low key, but I had a lot of fun. Brandon and Jacob stayed up until around 1 AM. Zach crashed around 10:45 and Riley followed shortly.

One of the things I want to do this year is look for the positive side and I am hoping this blog will help me accomplish that goal. Even when there isn't something great to be found immediately I'll try and remember what President Hinckley said, "Oh, things will work out." I hope your year brings you great things and you can find the positive moments in your life.