Oliver's Blessing

Our family on Oliver's blessing day.

 Mama & Ollie

I would have liked a picture of everyone who came, but I didn't want to attempt it when there were so many people and we were all hungry.  So, here's who came:  Grandpa & Connie, Jeni, Grandma & Grandpa Done, Granny & Gramps, Oma, Nana & Papa, Elisha & Josh, Reina, Alisa & Danny & family, Jonny & Mindy & family.  

Oh, and it was really cold a few weeks ago!  This is a fountain by Jaxon's preschool.  He had to get out of the car and touch it.

Valentine's Day

This weekend Devin and I had a little Valentine date.  We went to the temple and to a cute little Italian deli on Main for lunch.  

The temple was wonderfully uplifting as usual.  The sealer reminded us that we go to the temple so the Lord can "mold us, shape us, and polish us" to be the person he wants us to be.  Then, we go back into the world and they use sandpaper on us to dull and scrape us up.  That's why it's important to return to the temple often so we can be close to the Lord and he can continually shape and polish us.  I thought that was a great visual example to remember.

I'm so thankful he chose me and that there is no "until death do us part" in our marriage.  We will be together for eternity; even death can't break the ties.  That is true happily ever after!

We're featured on Busy Bee here for Valentine's Day!

Oliver's First Week at Church

(Old news, but I still need to document.)

He did great and didn't even get poop on his outfit!

My talented friend Lola made the cute onesie.

 One week later.  He already grew!

Target & Fry's

Yesterday Devin and I substituted Jaxon's Primary class.  The lesson was on the First Vision.  I asked the kids if the true church was on the Earth when Joseph prayed to know which church to join.  Jaxon answered with, "No, the church wasn't on the Earth then.  And they didn't have Target or Fry's either."  Hahaha!  He's right!

Temple Lights 2010

Temple Lights!

The boys loved the nativity and baby Jesus.

 This kid cracks me up!

I was so proud when the missionaries asked Jaxon why we have Christmas and he said, "Because we celebrate when Jesus was born."  I was knew he knew the answer, but I was excited when he remembered it too!

This was on Monday, December 27.  I wanted to do more walking.  We probably walked about 10 miles in the few days before Oliver was born.  

Foot Rodeo

This is from a few weeks ago, but I forgot to post it...

This weekend our stake had its first annual foot rodeo.  Here are the boys on the pony ride.

Henry got a little scared.

 They both ended up liking it.

There were other activities like a chicken chase for little kids and a pig chase for bigger ones.  Mutton busting for little kids and calf riding for bigger ones.  After standing in line for an hour to ride a sheep, Jaxon decided he didn't want to wait anymore.  I was looking forward to seeing him ride it, but I bet he would probably cry when he fell off and that wouldn't have been fun.  Then, the lunch line was SO long we decided to forget about the free food and go out to eat lunch.  Costco yogurt really hit the spot:)

Trunk or Treat

Here are the boys before we headed to the ward Trunk or Treat.  Devin almost boycotted the event because they didn't have the traditional chili dinner this year, but I convinced him to come along anyway.  

 Gramps and Granny stopped by to see the boys in their costumes.

Henry tried about 10 different candies, but didn't finish a single one.

Primary Program

This past Sunday was our Primary Program in church.  It was the sweetest thing ever.  I thought since some family came to watch, Jaxon might want to just stay seated with them and not go up to participate in the program.  But, he was so excited to sing for everyone that he went right up.  He said his line perfectly, "Jesus said, 'Come follow me.'"  When all the little kids sang I could just feel their sweet spirits and their perfect little testimonies.

I hope all my boys can continue to learn about the gospel and strengthen their testimonies through service and making good choices.  The gospel bring me so much comfort and happiness I want them to have that blessing in their lives too.

Oops...It's Okay

Yesterday Jaxon didn't make it to the bathroom in time.  He was dancing all around but not getting his shorts off so he peed on the floor.  Before I could say anything, he growled and said in an upset voice, "I'm so mad at myself!"  Then his demeanor changed and he said, "It's okay.  I can repent."  I didn't prompt him at all.  It was so funny to see him so upset at himself for making a mistake and then the calm come over him when he realized he could repent and try not to let it happen again.

I didn't know he had such a grasp on repentance.  He made it sound so simple.  I guess it really is simple.  I'm thankful for the little lessons he teaches me everyday.  He has such a sweet, tender spirit and I just love him so much!

Don't Quit

Don’t you quit... You keep trying.  There is help and happiness ahead.  Some blessings come soon, some come late, and some don’t come until heaven.  But for those who embrace the gospel of Jesus Christ, they come.  It will be all right in the end.  Trust God and believe in good things to come.  

--Jeffery R. Holland

I love this.


And I needed the reminder.   I've been a little worried since Thursday.  Here's why:


I started out excited as Devin and I went in for an ultrasound hoping to find out if we were having a little brother or sister join our family.  The ultrasound tech said it was too early to tell the gender, but she kept asking questions about if I had any spotting.  I told her that I had, but it was a while ago towards the beginning of the month.  Then she seemed to be taking random pictures of my uterus, not the baby.  She didn't have any signs of concern in her voice, so I didn't get worried.  She showed us back to the waiting room and said the doc would call me back in a few minutes to go over the ultrasound.


They called me back and I waited for like 20 minutes in the little room wondering why it was taking so long.  When the doctor came in, she told me they found something strange in the ultrasound.  She said the baby is healthy and growing fine, but there is a "bleed" in my uterus and it was pretty big.  They didn't know why it was there because the placenta and uterus looked fine.  She even called another doctor and asked what they thought about it.  The ultrasound tech wanted to call it some kind of hernia, but typically, the blood would be behind the baby, where with me, it was in front of the baby.  She wanted to send a STAT referral to a perinatologist for a special ultrasound.  And until the perinatologist figured out what the problem was, I needed to be on strict bed rest.  That's when I lost it.  Bed rest?!  Are you kidding?  I have two kids, how can I be on bed rest?  I can't lift my kids or laundry, I can't vacuum or cook.  I thought only really sick pregnant women whose babies where in danger got put on bed rest.  Plus, lately I feel sick in the mornings and as long as I go walking at the Y, my nausea goes away.  But, if I skip the gym, I feel sick all day long.  Exercising helps me and I do not like feeling sick all day long!


When I had bled at the beginning of the month I am almost positive it was from lifting weights at the YMCA.  It was the only day I did weights and it was the only day I bled.  It makes sense.  So, my motherly instinct says that things will be all right as long as I don't do anymore weight lifting, but I bed rest isn't necessary.  But, I am still panicking at the thought of something I did may have endangered my baby.


So, I saw my doctor on Thursday afternoon and she said she would send the referral over first thing in the morning because their office had already closed for that day.  On Friday morning I was able to set an appointment for Monday.  It was a bummer to wait over the weekend, but relieved that the appointment was as soon as Monday.  (Patience it not one of my best qualities.)


On Monday morning I got a call from the perinatologist's office saying they weren't contracted with my insurance so I would be responsible for the $680 ultrasound plus the price of the doctor consultation, which could range from $181-$1,000, depending on how long we met with him.  (Seriously???  That is just so ridiculously overpriced!!!)  I called my doctor and asked them to send the referral to an office that accepted my insurance.  After waiting a full day for them to do that I was able to get appointment for Tuesday afternoon.  Then, this morning (Tuesday), I got a call saying my insurance has an "inactive" status.  Are you kidding?!  I went through this yesterday!  I just want to know what is going on with my baby and all of this insurance garbage is going to make me have a stress meltdown!!!


I called my insurance and Donna told me she was working on my case today but wasn't sure yet if I was approved because she didn't quite understand Devin's income situation.  Here it is:  He's a teacher, but he is not working because school is out for the summer.  But, he has another job at a place called Mathnasium where he works part time.  I don't know why that was confusing, but it was creating issues with proving correct income.  So, more waiting and stress while Donna called the school district to see what was going on with Devin's income.  She figured it out and just called to say I am approved!!!  What a relief!!!


And, Devin has been a champ with everything.  He has helped so much with the house and kids and gets upset if I try to do anything besides rest.  He's the best!


I know I am a dramatized pregnant lady, but this has been so stressful!  Now, a little stress is relieved because the insurance issues are straightened out, but now what about my baby???....  I just pray they can figure it out today and be confident that bed rest isn't necessary as long as I don't lift weights!

Tongues & Toys

As we were leaving church yesterday, the primary music director stopped Devin and me and told us that Jaxon was starting to sing.  I was surprised because he always sings the primary songs at home, but I guess he didn't sing them at church...  Anyway, she was excited he was singing and said he was so cute.  Then she went on to tell us that during one of the songs she was looking at Jaxon and saw this:  He held his Book of Mormon in front of his face, stuck his tongue out, and licked it with one swipe from the bottom to the top!  It was so funny!  Where would he get the idea to lick his Book of Mormon?  She said everyone got a good laugh and that he was so cute!

I got the Toy Story 3 book to read to the boys.  In the beginning, it talks about how Andy is grown up and doesn't have time to play with his toys any more.  I read it to Jaxon for the first time tonight and when I read that part he looked at me with sad eyes and a quivering lip and said, "When I grow up to in a man, I still want to play with my toys."  It was so cute.  I told him that he could and it was okay.  He believed me and wanted me to read the rest of the story.  I love my sweet Jaxon!

Menu

After church today, in our kitchen the following were prepared by my most handsome husband:

--fettuccine noodles with alfredo sauce
--salad with special dressing
--red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting

Every food item listed was totally homemade from scratch.  He even washed every single dish.  He spoils me:)

Sundays have become my favorite day of the week.  When I was in high school, I liked Fridays and Saturdays because I would go out with friends and do things like see movies and go shopping.  Then when I was first married I still favored those days because I wouldn't have work or school.  Now, I love Sundays for a few reasons:

--I get to go to church.  I love going to church.  I always feel welcome  and enjoy seeing the people I call my ward family.  Plus, and my testimony of my Savior is strengthened every week.
--Neither Devin and I have to work.  Devin and I both work 2 jobs (mine are from home, but still stressful and time consuming) and Devin is taking classes for his masters (hallelujah) so we are both extremely busy.
--Since we follow the commandment, "Keep the Sabbath Day Holy" we don't do any shopping or go out anywhere where people are working.
--We just spend the day together.  If it's just our family or we see extended family, we always have a great time.  We love being together and Sunday is the perfect day for family activities.

Mothers

I saw these quotes on a friend's blog and stole them for my own...

“Motherhood 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." –Elder Russell M. Nelson

"To help another human being reach one’s celestial potential is part of the divine mission of woman. As mother, teacher, or nurturing saint, she molds living clay to the shape of her hopes. In partnership with God, her divine mission is to help spirits live and souls be lifted. This is the measure of her creation. It is ennobling, edifying, and exalting." –Elder Russell M. Nelson

"I affirm my profound belief that God’s greatest creation is womanhood. I also believe that there is no greater good in all the world than motherhood. The influence of a mother in the lives of her children is beyond calculation." –Elder James E. Faust

Even though motherhood it hard and I complain at times, my children really are some of the greatest blessings in my life (second only to my wonderful husband).  I know I am truly blessed to claim the role of "mommy" in life.  And though I fall short daily, I try to be the mother God knows all women can be.

I am also blessed to have a wonderful mother of my own.  She really is the best out there!  I know she would do anything for me and I love her so much!

And again I was blessed when I got the best mother-in-law!  She is so great and I love her too!

Happy Mothers Day!

Church with a Guest

With two little boys to entertain and keep quiet for an hour, sometimes it takes 4 Spiderman action figures.  But when Daddy starts playing, things really get fun!  This is what happened in our pew this past Sunday:

Notice Spiderman in a white shirt and though you can't see it, he is wearing a tie too.  He's "Church Spiderman" painted by Granny.  He's a great time in his skin tight pants and skinny tie!

Simple Things

Each week when we do family home evening, I am reminded of how simple things can mean SO much.

One of the things I love about the gospel is how simple it is.  It is the most marvelous truth, yet can be explained to a 3 year old and he understands it.

The gospel makes me happy.  More than happy--it brings me total joy and everyday I am thankful I have that knowledge.

Mormon Survey

If you are Mormon or not you might like to do this survey for a study at Dixie College. It's not long; it will only take a minute.

Please only fill out the survey once and be as honest as possible.

http://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?hl=en&formkey=dHg3X1BVRl9jQXo0X1FJcE9uZ3JQOUE6MA

Prayer Time

We have family prayer before dinner each night. When the food is ready, Devin or I let the kids know by saying something like, "K, it's prayer time." When we hear this, we know it's time to head to the couch in the front room to kneel for family prayer. Some nights we have to carry Jaxon in there if he won't stop playing and usually we just grab Henry on the way.

Last night we announced it was prayer time and Henry put his toys down and walked into the front room and put his head down on the couch all by himself! It was the sweetest thing! He was the first one in there, so he wasn't just mimicking someone else. He did it all on his own! It was adorable!

Tonight I said it was prayer time and he went to the couch all by himself again! I love that little guy!

Sward Fish

So on Sunday after church Jaxon was singing, "Jesus wants me for a sward fish" instead of "Jesus wants me for a sunbeam." Where he got that? I don't know. He said that's what they sang in nursery. I just think it's too cute!

Why I Love Sundays

Just a few things I love about Sundays...

1.  Seeing my cute boys (all 3 of them) in their white shirts.

2.  After church, Jaxon trying to sing the songs he learned in nursery--so cute!

3.  I don't have to feel guilty for relaxing instead of cleaning.

4.  It's a nice, calm day--not busy.

5.  Knowing that even though my husband is gone most of the day, it's because he is serving the Lord.  

6.  Seeing all the fun people in our ward and knowing what a great support they all are.

7.  And, of course, feeling so uplifted after attending my meetings!  (I definitely need a weekly recharge!)

What a great day!

Our Ward

We just got back from our ward Valentine dinner.  I just have to say, I LOVE those people!  They are so much fun and so friendly, nice, funny, genuine, goofy, pretty much everything that makes for a good time.  Some people don't think you can have that much fun unless alcohol is involved, but I say just come to a Mormon party and you will have an awesome time and laugh until your cheeks hurt!