First things first...

So, I have officially been called off of bed rest so the first thing on my list was to go get my kids birthday pictures taken. So off we went to Kiddie Kandids. The best part about it I was even allowed to drive again! Yikes. But anyways I'm glad to get this over with. I think they turned out pretty cute!

Alayna four years old...It's amazing how even from her picture just last year she looks more like a pretty girl. She's losing that "baby" face look and getting so grown up. I'm just glad she gave us a real smile instead of her "grinding" teeth smile!

Jacob is two years old...(On Monday!) Mr. Jakey was such a ham. He would stay posed and look like Mr. GQ. I was so pleased with this picture because he shows his chubby elbows that still have that dimple in them, his adorable cheek dimples and his gappy teeth. What a hunk. I really can just eat this kid up.

An Early Birthday Present!

So Saturday morning I decided to look on ksl to find Jacob a small basketball hoop. Thanks to his boy cousins (Logan & Sawyer) who have natural athletic abilities for every sport, I figured we need to teach Jake the ways of basketball. He was in HEAVEN! He was given a tiny little basketball hoop for Christmas from his Grandma Nettie, but sadly it doesn't stay up and it has turned into a weapon instead of a "basketball hoop!" So $8 later we have Jake's early 2 year old birthday present.

Jake would be saying, "Mom, watch..Jakey make shot!" The other funny thing that he calls the basketball hoop is a "Basketball HOOT!" We think he's just so excited that he blends hoop and shot all in one. Jared also taught him to "dunk" the ball. So from across the house you'll hear Jakey say, "Jakey, dunk ball in hoot!" And just for another funny line that his sweet sister taught him...Alayna missed her shot and would exclaim.."danget...I mean, Oh man!" So each time Jake misses his shot he mumbles..."Darnt...Oh man!" It's really hilarious to see someone so little use such an expression. Funny kids!

I had to take a picture of Jake because he's so funny. Saturday night he refused putting his new basketball down. Yes, that is a net in his bed. He insists on sleeping with his "Jakey balls" every night. This kid also insists on wearing his "cool Jake basketball shorts!" What a cute chubby kid!!

This is a gross picture, but it's to always remember how Jake slims his "nigh-nigh blanket" He may not suck his thumb but this kid has a love for his "blue blankie" Oh, well. Oh, and if your wondering why is this kid sleeping in a "pack'n'play" and why on a purple pillow and on top of a girl blanket...the answer is...One his crib was recalled. So we have had him in the pack'n'play for a while and the only other bedding we have is girly stuff. But we just purchased the kids new beds for when we move out. So as soon as that happens he can be a "real boy!"

Mr. Trouble...

Thanks to Brian and Ashley they gave Jacob an early birthday present. Let's just say Jake thought it was a little too tastey. Yes, those are bite marks.

This was the conversation that happened in the car said Jared...

Alayna: "Dad, Jakey is eating his golf club!"

Dad: "Are you serious? Jake give it too me now!"

Jake: "Daddy, no my golf club...bite it!"

Here we were trying to get him to feel a little sad about it...I don't think it worked!

Two Milestones...

Just to update you all on a few miles stones that our family has reached....Jared just recently celebrated (Not really other than mentioning it!) that he has officially had a "real" job for one year! We were both shocked when he realized it. Where has the last year gone? We thought for sure we would have been moved out and into a place of our own by now...Not quite the case. Instead, another baby is coming and I'm on bed rest...which means no more house shopping for a few more weeks/months! Good thing Shan and Todd have the best backyard any kid could dream of so our kids are VERY much entertained! Way to go honey!!

Oh, and here is the "prego" picture. I actually put real clothes on for the first time in three weeks. So I had Alayna hurry and snap a photo of me before I forgot to take one prego picture. So I hope this pleases everyone...YES I am prego! I don't know that the 4 year old level is the most flattering but who's worried about that? Not me! I'm just glad I have one picture now!! The next exciting news is that I have made it passed 35 weeks. So I guess this bed rest thing is actually working. My doctor told me that he will only make me stay on bed rest till 36 weeks which is (Wednesday, May 6th). So I am on the down hill and counting...but each day that comes closer to no more bed rest means that we are one day closer to meeting this new little baby! YEAH!! (We did elect to not spoil our 9 month surprise...sorry to those that encouraged us to find out, we will just hold out a few weeks longer!!) Thanks again to EVERYONE that has helped us out so much. I can't tell you how wonderful you have made this experience. THANK YOU!!!

Pizza Kick off to Spring Weather!

Jared and Todd found a coupon for Domino's where you could order any large pizza today for only $6.99! So let's just say each family ordered a few too many pizzas. Each "man" thought they had to try every single kind they've ever dreamed of. So we had about one pizza per adult and kid. Yum!

Here is the first official sand volleyball game of the year!

Okay, so here is the official confession. I broke out of the house/bed/chair/lazyboy...because I couldn't stay away from the sand. But thanks to the kind attentive husband he "allowed" me to break the rules for one night. I got dropped off at the very corner of the park, with a comfy camping chair, etc. It was great! So here I was trying to keep a baby in, while my sister Angela was trying to get her baby to come out! So that was that, my first official outing on bed rest! It was GREAT!!! (SHH...don't tell!)

The girls wishing and pretending they were back on the beach of California!!

Late Easter Pictures

I decided that when the kids were dressed and ready for church today that I needed to take a few pictures of them in their Easter clothes. So here are a few to document the time of year and their cute little faces.

Alayna is 4 years old now and blossoming into such a pretty little thing.

Jake is 1 years old and 11 months old. He will be turning two on May 11th. So I think we could say he's nearly two years old. What a handsome little guy.

*I know the back drop is so lovely right? Well, I put them up in the lazy boy because I wanted to show the chair that I have been living in for the past two weeks. I figured it was a perfect spot since that's our current life!*

Oh, I was also able to have Alayna recite her Article of Faith for me on camera. Enjoy!

A Birthday Tradition...

My parents started a special tradition with the grand kids a few years back. It is to take them out to lunch the day of or day before their birthday. It's a special date because its for only the grandchild and my parents. No siblings, no mommies, no cousins, no one but just the three of them. It happened to start when Kierra was 5 years old, but Alayna has lucked out because she is the youngest grandchild of the "big" four grand kids. So when she turned three she got to start these special dates.
Now back in December my family took a family night to go see Temple Square and all the lights. Alayna did not want to leave. She wanted to stay in the museum and look at all the pictures, movies and statues. My mom and I were taken back by her desire to walk around and around viewing all the pictures. That night she was so sad to leave, that my mom asked her if she would like to come back when it's warm and the flowers are out? So she agreed. They decided that they would come back and spend the day for her "birthday date." Alayna did not forget and with the first signs of spring, flowers appearing, sunshine, flip flops she knew her date was coming closer.

Finally her date came. They even lucked out with great weather! Here is Alayna standing under a picture of the 13 Articles of Faith. A few weeks ago Alayna was asked to share any Article of Faith in opening exercises in Primary. We worked on them during FHE, night time, breakfast time, while praying, etc. She even performed for grandparents and cousins. She was able to master the first two. The time to give it was one day after her birthday (April 12th). Days before she talked of being so excited to stand up "and not be scared at all...I'm brave mom!" She reminded me that the "mom's and dad's listen from the back...I won't even need a little help because I'll be four!" Well, as the day came I was not there that Sunday, since baby #3 wanted to make an early appearance. So I missed it. Come Sunday night I talked with my mom and she reminded me how Alayna gave the Article of Faith. I instantly started to cry. We had worked so hard on it and I couldn't wait to watch her "be so brave!" So as my mom told me how well she did standing up there at the sacrament pulpit up high in front of all the kids and saying it. It was great to know she was so brave!

Alayna has really taken to liking this picture because we taught her about it during FHE before Easter.

I am thankful to my parents enlisting energy, time and a huge desire to help cultivate my children's testimonies at such a young age. Because my children have this influence in their lives they are growing stronger and developing a great love of our Savior. I am forever grateful for this.

*Just an update...bedrest...really what witty thing can be said about it? I'm still intact and hanging in there...pray for 34 weeks next Wednesday! Thanks to ALL who have helped, called brought goodies, dishes, laundry, meals, watched kids and paid me a visit. It's made it so much more enjoyable. THANK YOU!!

A little too early!

So as if we didn't have enough events planned for this weekend I just had to top it off by going into labor at 32 weeks. Yes, you heard me correctly this little baby wanted to come this weekend.

Let this story begin...After the events of the Easter Egg hunt and Alayna's birthday party. I must say this though, even though we had these events I was able to take it easy, take a nap and Jared tended to the children all day. So nothing that I did actually put me into labor. Here it goes...Just a brief summary starting one week ago. For some of you know I am pregnant with our third child. Surprise to those that don't. But life has just been so busy I don't really spend that much time thinking about this new addition. The only recent side effect besides the horrible morning sickness I had the first 14 weeks or so, the only side effect has been getting varicose veins. I did get them with Jacob, but with this baby they have become worse. ( I didn't realize that was possible!!) So after sitting watching conference for 8 hours over two days I had a major painful flare-up that sent me crippled in one leg, unable to walk, etc. The most painful part of it was that my bones all the way down my right leg just ached. It ached worse then I've ever experienced. Thankfully to a Priesthood blessing from Jared and my dad and my sisters stepping into watch the kids a 3 hour nap thankfully helped the situation. I was back walking and chasing after the kiddos. I ended up going to the doctor and he insisted I wear my compression stockings. I very willingly would do anything he suggested to keep the pain away. So the week past and I did all that I was instructed to do. Come Saturday I woke up feeling the same bone ache again. The only thing I could consider was that I had scrapbooked the night before trying to get Jacob's scrapbook done before this new baby arrives. I must have spent too many minutes/hours sitting causing the pressure to cut off circulation again. So with that being said, I was very disappointed to wake up on such a fun birthday day for Alayna.

I did the best I could to handle the pain..but realizing all that I needed to do today I decided to take Tylenol. I was able to battle through the walking and fun at the Easter Egg hunt. Then Jared took the kids and I took a nap. At this point I had grabbed Jared's shoulder just crying, saying the pain is so bad I need more meds! I just wanted something to help it go away. Well I quickly too more meds and then I was able to sleep. After about two hours of napping I was able to muster up enough "energy-leg" strength to frost her cake. The one bummer part of this leg issue was that I had left the huge pot of soup on the stove and it burned. But I was no where in the position to begin caring about that. It was easily repaired and it turned out great! The party went on and besides having to put on a "happy mom" face I battled just fine. Towards the end of the night I had nothing left. My leg just ached and I laid on the couch and chalked it up as a baby pregnancy day.

As the kids had all been put to bed the adults sat around just talking. A few things kept having me laugh and I thought "did I just wet my pants?" I ignored it thinking, "this wouldn't be the first time with this pregnancy!" (I'm sure I'm not the only prego that has this story to tell!) Anyways after it happening over and over again, I thought okay I'll go downstairs to the restroom. Well to leave out the details I didn't wet my pants it was blood. So Jared rushed upstairs and told Shandra, she came down and said we needed to call the on-call doctor and after yet another priesthood blessing from Jared and Todd, off we went to labor and delivery.

We checked in and a few minutes later I was all hooked up and going to be checked. Now at 32 weeks I shouldn't be dilated or having any signs of bleeding, etc. Now I was diagnosed at 20 weeks with a low lying placenta. Which basically means the placenta has attached too close to the cervix, which could cause possibly bleeding or the need for a C-section if the placenta grew over into placenta previa. (Lots of details for you prego ladies out there!!) Anyways, sadly I was dilated to a one and my cervix was showing signs of effacement. They quickly got some drugs in me to stop my uterus from contracting (which I wasn't having contractions) so to reduce the risk of it going to. And then they stabbed me with a needle full of steroids to help the baby's lungs to develop more quickly. So after taking it easy and hoping for the best I slept at the hospital with Jared by my side. I was feeling okay like they had a handle on things, but all of this preterm labor was so unexpected I don't think I was really able to process everything that was going on. My brain couldn't shut off so I willing accepted a sleeping pill! By morning my I was checked again and sadly I had progressed to 3 cm and 50% effaced. Again, other than having minimal lower back cramping I really was not having any contractions. So they were just flabbergasted as to why this was happening. I was still bleeding so this again was not an encouraging sign.

About 2 hours later the nurse returned to check me again. I had progressed to a 4 cm and still 50% effaced. At this point my doctor drove strait over to diagnose me himself, because he did not like what he was hearing over the phone. As we waited for him to arrive, I had a few minutes of "I think this is really going to happen." Tears started to swell in my eyes and I quickly didn't want to go down that road. So I asked Jared to blow in my eyes to make my tears go away and tell me something funny! At which point I did refrain from crying and we laughed about how I would transported to the IMC hospital to be watched over the Fetal Medicine Doctors and have the NICU available for the baby. We laughed thinking of me, totally normal having to ride in an Ambulance!!! Who would have thought? Certainly not us!

As soon as my doctor arrived he checked me and wanted to get a good read for himself to decide what to do with me. One option, send me to the IMC to be near and under their supervision in case of delivery, or second option stay at this hospital and just be monitored. With two outcomes, one I don't go into labor and it stops, or second I do go into labor and I'm taken care of just fine but the baby would have to be transferred to the NICU at the other hospital. What a dilemma. My wonderful doctor did a lot of thinking and debating and me confirming my absolute trust in his decision. He decided to keep me there to monitor me. After he did check me he decided I was only a 3 cm, no bleeding, and no contractions. We were hoping I was in the clear. So the decision was made to stay.

I was scheduled to be checked again at 7pm. Yeah, no progress. Nothing was happening. I continued to be given all the drugs imaginable to stop me from labor and for the benefit of this little baby. So after a great nights sleep (really I slept well!)

My doctor was there at 8am to check me and make his decision. Was I going home? Or going to the hospital to have this baby? Well, the consensus stayed similar with a few changes. I had progressed just a tad to be in between a 3.5 cm and more soft effacement nearing (100%), but he said still with no contractions, no bleeding I was safe to go home. On ONE condition. I would be on a VERY strict bed rest. (I'm sure you figured that out now that you've actually seen blog posts from me! ha ha ha)

So Jared returned to the hospital to take me home. YEAH. But the rules are so strict. Nothing other potty breaks and a very short shower. So what does a mother do with two children, house demands and a wonderful husband?

I tell you what, I am one blessed girl. One, this baby is still in me. We are hoping it stays at least until 34-35 weeks and wishful thinking 36 weeks. Because then this little baby will be able to have more fat on it's bones and be more developed. Also, I have been so blessed with parents, inlaws and three wonderful sisters who stepped up and came up with a schedule to help with the kiddos, morning, day and night. Then there are my wonderful girl friends in the ward who have instantly shown their love and support. So thank you more than Jared and I can express.

I am only four hours in and thankfully I do have a lap top, I live with my sister, my kids have cousins to play with and Jared is the best helper of all. I'm so grateful for him to do all that is now required of him, and he is happy to do it. Really many prayers were answered and we hope I can "obey" the doctors orders and really stay down. He said, I need to be so boring...boring beyond boring! Wish me luck keeping this little tyke inside of me.

Next, question with all this excitement and surprises do you think we should open up our envelope and find out the gender of the baby! To help minimize my continued shock? What's your vote??

Easter Egg Hunts!

Yes, it was actually an Easter Egg hunt and not Halloween. But we only had one basket that was pink for Alayna so Jake was creative and grabbed his Halloween pumpkin. Either way it worked and he scored getting lots of candy!!

Herriman City Easter Egg hunt!

Oh, was that another candy! I think this kid consumed more candy in this one day than any other. Jared said he looked like a chipmunk all day long because his cheeks were stuffed with treats.

Now let the story begin...As Alayna and I were walking down the stairs to take our place at the Easter egg hunt, I realized that at this park Alayna has a tendency to get lost. So I decided to pick a point of reference...the fire truck! I just mentioned it casually for her to look over there to see where the fire truck was at. She glanced over. I just reminded her there are lots of people and if she can't see me any more to wait by the fire truck to find me. So time passed the Easter egg hunt started and kids took off running. I was video taping and watching where she and Jake were going. Jared and my dad were with Jake and Alayna took off. For some reason I didn't think that an adult should remain with her. She grabbed tons of treats and ran back to show me. Well she passed off her cotton candy to my mom who had requested she get one for her and she looked at me while taping and said, "Mom now I have more room in my basket I'm going for more treats!" I glanced around realizing there really wasn't much candy left, so I figured she would hang close. I started taping Jake again and not paying attention. (This was my first problem!) So the large crowds started to dissipate and we all gathered together. Realizing Alayna in a grey hoodie was no where to be seen. (This was my second problem...not a bright color! It doesn't stand out in a crowd.) So we all started scouring the field with no luck. I then in passing told my neighbor, Emily that I had told her to meet me at the fire truck if she couldn't see me any more. Well, I had told her so casually so I didn't assume she would obey. Thankfully, a few minutes later Emily came down with Alayna who had obeyed and went straight to the fire truck. Eventually I was able to ask Alayna when she felt like she was lost and she said, "When I couldn't see you anymore I walked right up to the fire truck!" WOW. I was totally impressed that one she recognized she couldn't see me and then that she obeyed and did what I said. It felt great as a parent to know that sometimes children do listen and obey. I was very grateful and many prayers were answered! We all praised her and let her know that if she continued to listen to her parents than she would always be safe and protected!! (I hope she ALWAYS remembers that.) We had to take her back to the spot of where she was waiting for us.

Happy Birthday to Alayna!!

I'm a big FOUR year old!

This is Alayna's new bike. She has been so excited to one day have a big just like the big kids. Last year she wasn't coordinated enough to master bike riding, but hopefully this year with a bike that actually works and fits her she can figure it out!

Here is the cake Alayna settled on. "Mom, I want a flip flop cake!" So that is what we did. It turned out being a little more challenging than I thought, but with Shandra's help we made it cute. Who would have thought graham crackers could look like sand. Alayna has definitely become known for wearing flip flops all year long and wishing she was in sunny California! Until another vacation comes along, her flip flop cake will have to do!

Cute huh!

A little bit of everything!

This last week has been busy. I'm sure I'm not the only one getting excited for Summer! Oh, I guess it would be spring time. Here's a quick update on fun things that have been happening.

It is my month again for Joyschool. Our joy for the month is Spontaneous Delight! So a suggestion they had in the book was to have a popcorn popper pop popcorn but without the lid. Well that's exactly what we did. The kids thought it was the best thing! I took video of it and when the popcorn started popping out into the air the children all screamed with delight. It turned out being a very fun activity!

Here's to Rosecrest 3rd ward Region basketball team! Due to the ever growing belly I couldn't participate in any of the games this season. But there was no reason I couldn't join the team on the bench to cheer them on! Last year we went past round one, this year they went to round two! Way to go ladies!!! On the final game, Amanda (another prego from the team) brought oranges and Capri Sun drinks for the team. What a great season. Bring on next year!!

My dad gave the grandkids some money for our California vacation and Alayna never really had the chance to spend her money. So when we got home she has found two things to buy. One, a pair of flip flops and the second was a kite. We've had such crazy weather lately that finally we had a warm day with wind. With Jared's help all the cousins were able to have a great time flying a kite.

I'm sure you're not surprised that Alayna picked a "fairy" kite!

Let me introduce you to Mr. Independent. As I've explained in a previous post about Jacob's new and growing stronger habits of being independent. He truly is hilarious. The phrases we hear all day long are..."Me, Jakey do it!" "Jakey's turn!" So I wasn't surprised when he insisted on dressing himself. I've been battling with him picking what shoes and socks to wear, but now it's the entire outfit. So this is what he came up with! He thought it was great, his baseball shirt on the bottom and a striped onsie on top! Really, why do my kids pick the ugly outfits and clothing out instead of the cute stuff? I let him run around for a while this way, but when he kept wanting to some how cover his belly I offered my assistance. He would have none of that. So he sat crying with his back to me upset that I was trying to teach him how to put them on correctly. Eventually he said, "Mom, Jakey Happy!" He decided on wearing his favorite outfit, "My baseball shurt and shorts!" So here's to day number ten again in a row of wearing his favorite pj's all day long!
He wants to be like dad..."Jakey, TIE mom!" His dress up started with trying to wear a tie, but once he added the fuzzy blue hat I had to pull out the camera! What a funny kid.

And last but not least. I have been helping my sister TONS with her new adventure in spreading the company to Southern California and Nevada. It has required several LATE nights and figuring out how to do computer work with two kids climbing on me. We have started it only a week ago and we have had TONS of feedback and interest. It really is amazing how just through word of mouth good ideas and companies can spread. So here's to all my blogging friends, if you know anyone in those two areas pass on the website www.dealstomeals.com or email california@dealstomeals.com or Nevada@dealstomeals.com to get involved! Thanks for spreading the word!!

Happy St. Patricks Day!

Happy St. Patricks Day

The morning started out great. The kids were VERY excited to find the Lephracaun feet scattered over their bedroom and kitchen. They looked in the fridge and saw the green milk and Lucky Charms. They both ate a HUGE bowl of cereal. Everytime Jacob saw the cereal on the counter he insisted on having handfuls of it.

Shortly after breakfast we packed up and went to Alayna's Joy School party. We were able to take the kids horseback riding. Thanks to my mom over the past few years she has helped Alayna enjoy animals. Alayna really LOVED this activity. (Kayci & Alayna)

After all the Joy School kids had their turn Olivia, Alayna and Jacob jumped back on and got a very long ride. Even Jacob enjoys the "horsey rides" - he made sure that he was coming with us to ride the "horsies." Before we had even left for the party Jacob heard me telling Alayna about the party and he ran over to me saying, "Mom, Jakey go...Jakey ride horsey...Jakey come!" I realized my original plans of keeping him home with Shandra would be disappointing to him. So I brought him along and he LOVED it.

Later that night we had a great "GREEN" dinner. The kids ate Shepherds Pie with green mashed potatoes, peas, spinach, asparagus, lime jello, etc. Alayna insisted on wearing some of Jacob's 3T green pajamas - she didn't want to risk getting pinched!

Much to be thankful for...

You'd think this post would have prompted by big things, but they really were just the simple things in life. Not necessarily my life but by others. On nights like this I wonder…are my extra emotions because I’m 29 weeks pregnant or is it because I am feeling the Spirit prompt me to be more thankful. I know for several of you who I’m speaking about read this blog so I hope I don’t share anything that is too personal. I simply want to just say thank you for sharing your life, your examples and your light of our Savior with me. (Considering my eyes are filled with a few tears, I’m considering the emotions are from the pregnancy!!) All these experiences are in no particular order, just simply how they come out and not all...because my handsome hubby and adorable kids didn't even make the cut...not enough mush and emotions!! There's will have to come later!)

I have to first give a major shout out of accomplishment to Riley & Krista Peck! Riley has been accepted to BYU Masters program. Now let me explain to you why I appreciate this example in my life. Riley has endured many long hours, many ridiculous classes and most of all he has pushed through. For some schooling comes easy, for others they have to give it ALL they have. Riley is the smartest most knowledgeable man I know about his field of study…he knows his animals, guns, outdoors, plants, etc. I have appreciated his desire, passion and enjoyment of these creations. I love knowing that we have a brother in the family that we can turn to for this angle in life. Now, knowing how hard he has worked to take these VERY difficult classes I think that ANYTHING is possible for him to end up at BYU. I remember having dinner with them the night after his first interview with a BYU professor. I remember them thinking it hadn’t gone over so well, but I remember saying something cheesy like… “Well, who ever gets you it’s their privilege to have you because you are the best!” At that moment I remember getting a little mushy on the inside praying that all his hard work and efforts would be rewarded appropriately. So weeks and months later I love having that same warm feeling knowing with assuredly from the Spirit that the Lord does in fact hear our prayers. So because of Krista’s continued faithful, supportive wife roll, tutoring hours, hard working, early morning shifts and the best mom ever! This ADORABLE family deserves all the blessings the Lord sees fit to bless them with. I love you all so much and I am so thankful for you in my life.
Here is a shout out to my dear friend Missy. Yes, Missy if your reading this you get a few mushy words…Oh, how you love them I’m sure! Missy and I were college roommates at Utah State University our freshman year. Let’s just say Missy and I have come a long way. I have watched her grow and mature in SO many ways. Just as she has seen me do, too! In college I was called, “Mom” but let’s just say I feel the roles have reversed. Missy has continued to impress me with her unwavering strength and optimistic outlook on life. She moved clear crossed the country. Away from her family… (she has as many sisters as I do and loves them and spends time with them as much as I do!) She moved with her one little girl and being pregnant with her 2nd baby. She and her husband started a new life in NC to fulfill his dreams of being a pilot. A few months in her hubby joins the military and has to leave for several months. Now, this is where I am over joyed to have her as a friend. She has continued faithfully to be happy, optimistic and the best mother to her children while she is fulfilling this role on her own. She especially wins the award for showing how first hand how to love, honor and support your husband. Through her words I have been able to recognize so many blessings of peace and comfort that have been given to her family. I hold a very special place for her in my heart. I do frequent reality checks with myself to remind me that others do have more pieces missing from their puzzle of life than I do. Miss, I thank you for your happiness and your way of being the best mom ever. You inspire me on so many levels…even if we don’t talk as much as we used to and if you are thousands of miles away. It’s amazing distance and time doesn’t stop someone from leaving an imprint on your life. Thank you for sharing it with me!

Here’s to good health. This past year has been a fun and exciting challenge for me. I worked harder than ever on becoming a healthier me. I actually took up running, basketball, weights and doing weight watchers. There was something inside of me that just clicked and it worked. It was a mental and physical challenge that I loved and struggled with. But somehow I was able to overcome and become stronger inside and out. Now, getting pregnant this 3rd time around I was in the heart of my goals. Suddenly I realized I was unable to keep up on the same pace I was on. It’s been a daily struggle to maintain that healthy balance of life, exercise and pregnancy. Today I had a paradigm shift. I don’t know what caused it…hormones I’m guessing, but I am finally okay with the fact I’m growing wider. I am humbled by the idea that it is because life itself is growing within me. I am becoming more and more thankful for this amazing special gift that can not even be described with words. It’s something so sacred and special that I hope I can embrace it with open arms. Life goes on, figures come and go, but those special children that enter our home have blessed my life more than any size of pants or weight I viewed on the scale. I am grateful to be a mother. I am honored to have another sweet spirit come into our home. What a blessing this new little baby will make in my life. I am finally able to say I am excited to meet this little one, despite all the other pieces in our life that seem to be out of order. I am happy to have another wild child! Bring on #3!!!
Remember the parable the Savior told about giving talents. Well, this has always been a favorite mine to recognize in how others share their literal talents with other people. It often allows me to ask…Am I hiding mine? Or sharing mine? When I think of people with talents I instantly think about the passions that people have. My sister Angela has an ability to keep a clean house, clean twin two-year-old boys, a clean car and a clean husband. This we all know is not my first talent. My dad is the wisest financial guru you’ll ever meet, supporter of his wife and 4 daughters. Jared and his keen intellect of the human body, hard working positive attitude, (and of course the best daddy and attentive husband ever!) Then there is Shandra who has been blessed by a learned trait from our grandmother and mother when relating to food storage. Really, we all have been given talents and passions. Some are still trying to find them (me!) others are succeeding. For that I am grateful. I am inspired when I see others moving ahead rapidly with blessing the lives of others. I have been personally blessed by Shandra’s dedication and commitment to helping SO many with their desires of following the prophets counsel to become self sufficient. I appreciate this first hand and it has blessed our family. We feel more prepared for what this unstable world might throw at us.

(This picture is of a late night after watching Shandra's first exposure on television!)

Thankful to a dear friend from the University of Utah who within the last year has had so many blessings come there way. One year ago today they were approved for adoption. Now, they are living the joys of parenting with an adorable 4 month old baby girl. I am brought to tears every time I read her posts and I am reminded how grateful I am for our little family. I love knowing that Heavenly Father knows and understands the big picture in life. I am so happy for their darling little family!

My mom will laugh at this one because I am probably the worst of all her daughters when it comes to using things and not wasting them. Tonight I was cooking dinner, cutting carrots, etc. I only needed a certain amount for the recipe, when there were about 10 or so baby carrots left in the bag I almost tossed them. Then this little voice in my mind said, “When we are in the depression and I don’t have fresh carrots I’ll be so sad to know how wasteful I was.” I then decided to cut up the remaining carrots and add it to the recipe. (Silly I know!) It was a small movement forward for me, because I really don’t do a very good job at being frugal. But I’m realizing that with all the economic uncertainly I am realizing the little things that I appreciate…fresh veggies, etc.

(This picture shows my mom explaining everything she has kept for so many years!)

When you’re in the presence of someone experiencing something so difficult and so life changing it’s amazing how things you say become so superficial. You would think that after having my own mother experience cancer, chemotherapy, radiation, hair loss, wigs, etc. I would have thought I realized the importance of life and the gratitude there in to simply be alive and healthy. Here I was complaining about having unsightly varicose veins in my legs and being a tad self-conscience about wearing skirts to church. I looked over and realized how petty that was to this sweet woman, wearing a hat and sunglasses to hide the effects of chemo. I was put in my place rather quickly. I was humbled at that moment to know that life is that exactly. Be grateful for those veins because they come directly from giving birth, from carrying a child of God, a blessing in deed. I was reminded so quickly of so many overwhelming feelings of when my own mother was going through those difficult times that my heart was flooded with prayers for this sweet woman. I am grateful for this moment to be reminded how precious our life, our families, our little simple pleasures and experiences make up this world around us. It’s up to our perspective to see life full of sunshine.

Considering my mind is flooded with so many other things of gratitude (my husband, my children, temples, etc.) I have to stop tonight. The next time I have a day like today where I’m humbled and filled with gratitude I will write more. But tonight I have shared enough. But thank you to all who recently have shared your light and example with me. My testimony has been strengthened because of the lives you live.

I know, I know...

Since this is my blog and I can write really about anything I'd like, I choose again to write about this little guy Jacob. I think it has something to do with the fact he is growing up so fast. As Jared and I look through our pictures (we do this often) we are just laughing so hard at this age (22 months). Jacob is developing into another "Suker" which means becoming his own person and very independent. Alayna was minutes old and she was an independent child. Jake waited a few months but he is now filling those shoes just the same. He has recently become very particular about what type of shoes he wears...yes, his first choice are pink butterfly shoes. You can guess who they belonged too...Alayna. Since I have had to give in and yes, let him wear PINK shoes I stumbled upon some navy blue butterfly shoes at wal-mart I had to buy them. I figured that people wouldn't look at a boy wearing navy blue shoes as much as him wearing pink. Thankfully, I have tricked him enough to wear the blue ones even though they still have butterfly's and flowers on them. Funny, I know!

The next thing that this little guy has started is saying, "No, Mom...my turn...Jakey's turn!" Yes, he has an opinion. I know I'm the mother and I can insist on him wearing a certain outfit, socks, or shoes but let me tell you sometimes its simply not worth the fight. So with that being said, Jake spends a lot of his time sitting on the step "trying" and eventually getting his socks on. Grandma Denny you would be happy to hear that his first socks of choice are all the animal brightly colored socks you gave him. So sometimes Jake's outfits are pretty creative...pink shoes with brightly colored animal socks.

(These are Jake's FAVORITE pjs)

Another funny thing Jake insists on wearing is an outfit with an image or print on it. So I have always been against kid clothes with prints on them. Go figure that Jake would insist on wearing only shirts with, "Ball mom...my bay-ball...shurt" So this again is another moment where I have to decide...Do I really care if he wears dirty pjs night after night. Or the same jacket day after day! Truth is I really don't mind. But sorry he has a very limited supply of printed clothes...thanks to grandparents I'm sure!

Jake is becoming our little shadow. If I am vacuuming he holds the cord or finds the plug for me, if I am mopping the floor he grabs a rag and starts scrubbing. He now says, "Jakey...dishwasher!" He and Alayna are responsible for emptying the dishwasher (Yeah, he hasn't masted the matching concept yet!) He loves this new responsibility. I must admit that this little guy puts his laundry away. If I am putting mine away in the closet he will put all the onsies, pjs, socks, pants and shirts away. It's adorable to see him really becoming such a great helper. I have a few lines I'm trying to brainwash him with..."Yes, mom I will do it!" He's got that one covered and can repeat it, the next one I want him to learn is..."Can I do anything else for you mom?" Yeah, this one is on Alayna's level but I can't start any too early. Today Jared went to cut the apple and he said, "No dad, my turn!" So that was that. He tried and tried. We just had to take a picture...what a cute kid!

Life wouldn't be complete with out a "trouble" picture. He and Isaac found an alarm clock and went to town. They were rocking out to some kind of music...I just had to laugh at their faces. They knew they had been caught! I just love these two kids together they really explore and enjoy life. Yesterday, they rode bikes outside and then they found the mud. That was that...head to toe they were covered. Let's just say we have washed Jake's shoes every time he plays in the back yard.