outdated and updated!!

I honestly don't know where all the time goes and how/why it has to go by so fast. It's so frustrating to have many good intentions and not follow through on so many things. I love blogging...it's about the only journaling I do anymore. And yet it's weeks and months before I take the time to write. I know we all have 24 hours in a day, and for the most part I feel that my hours are spent wisely. However, so many times at the end of the day, I see a sink full of dishes, wet clothes in the washer and dry ones-actually, dry wrinkly ones yet to be removed from the dryer. There's that pile lying at the foot of my bed waiting to be folded and placed. I find toothpaste remains on my bathroom countertops and in my sinks. Dirty socks, wet towels, and last nights pajamas on the bathroom rug. Dried peanut butter on the knife I just pulled out from "clean" dishes. My biomed and history homework of late have taken back seat to 6th grade plays and Jr. High Registrations. Pinewood Derby's and math reviews. Attempts at walking and of course ear infections.


This is my life...and this is my love!!


Certain events have taken place this month, which have given me the opportunity to reflect on those things which are really important in life. These moments have forced me to contemplate my testimony...my knowledge and belief in my Savior and in my Heavenly Father's plan for me. I always feel "safe" with the testimony I have, until something comes along which requires more of me. This is not to say that I doubt or question those things I know to be true...rather it is to say that I have to step off the "comfort boat" and make a conscious decision, shall I say, be proactive in those things I know and believe to be true.

I appreciate the moments in life where an event or series of events, allows me to transition from the state of "I believe, " to the declaration of, "I KNOW."

My family is my world to me. They are my breath. My sunrise. They are the reason I wake in the morning and my comfort in the shadows of night. Jason is my best friend. He is a man of integrity. He is naturally a happy person who loves to laugh. Often times I misunderstand his "teasing", but I know these are his expressions of love. He is a man of faith. His knowledge and understanding of the gospel is impressive to me, however, more impressive is his testimony. Jason with all my heart I love you. I am in love with you.

Taylorann, Karson, and Jaxon...in all my dreams I could never have imagined the joy motherhood would bring to me. It's impossible to picture my life without you. I'm not particularly happy that you are growing so quickly, but I am indeed impressed with who you are growing up to be. May I be blessed with God' grace to treat you as you deserve to be treated. To teach you those things that will protect, guide and influence you for good in this life. You have been entrusted in our care from a loving Father in Heaven, and it is my hope that I will always be worthy of your love. Thank you for teaching me lessons of forgiveness, sacrifice, patience, unconditional love, service, gratitude, and patience, (oh wait...I said that already!) My sweet babies...I love you! Yesterday, today and forever!

vacation!!

Our family loves California and we have once again found ourselves in San Diego!!

Although Jason has always liked the University of Utah, aside from the Red Rocks- i never cared too much about them, however, Jason and I have been following the Utes faithfully since our marriage in 1997. As poor college students who could only afford game nights as our dates, what started out as desperation has become tradition that we now enjoy sharing with our kids!!

Because the Utes will be playing in the Poinsettia Bowl this year, we decided to forgo christmas gifts for the family and take a vacation to CA instead. We did this 2 years ago and it was wonderful!! We loved every minute of it!!

Today was our first day here. We stopped at "Phil's BBQ" for dinner. YUMMY!! Even taylorann, my anti-meat eater, loved the ribs!!

Then off to the beach. I absolutely love the beach!! The kids had a riot collecting shells and "moss". Jaxon loved the sand but hated when the water came in. It really was quite cold. We plan to spend more time on Wednesday at the beach! sooo excited.

Thanks Jason for planning this trip for our family!

And Jason, a special thanks for the new camera!! I so was not expecting that!! THANK YOU!!

turning 1...

I cannot believe baby jax is already one years old. This honestly makes me so sad. This baby closes a chapter in our books and it's really weird, and for me, heart breaking. I felt like I got to enjoy Taylorann and Karson's baby years so much more. I was a stay at home mom and with Jason in school as well as work and a busy church calling...it really was just me and the kids so much of the time.
Baby Jax blessed our lives during at time in which I was and still am at very busy stage of my life. I work part time at the hospital in addition to attending Weber State University I am working very hard at getting accepted into the Nursing program. I feel like this last year has just flown by and try as I might, the hands of time continue to turn!!
Thank you baby Jax for your sweet spirit. You have brought something into our home that I didn't even know was missing. I have to admit, I always "felt" there was one more child out there for us, but I had no idea just who this child would be! Thank you for letting Taylorann and Karson love you the way they do. You are so patient to let them play with and teach you the things they want you to learn and do. As stressful as having a baby at this crazy point in my life should have been, you have made it wonderful and peaceful!! You have a very sweet spirit and there is indeed something special about you!!

behind...

How is it I've gotten so far behind on my blogging? For a minute there I was doing pretty good. What happended? It couldn't have been work, or Karson's baptism, or my new calling as Activity Day leader. I'm sure it wasn't finals or that big bio-med report. It probably wasn't even Thanksgiving or christmas shopping, wrapping and hiding. I guess time just disapears whether we blog about it or not!

Saturday, November 14th: Karson's Baptism
I am so proud of Karson and the decision he made to get baptized. This boy has such a tender heart and I know he means to do well, he just gets caught up in the excitement of things sometimes. He chose to be baptized at the Granger North Stake Center. This is the same Stake Center his dad was baptized in as well as Taylorann. Our family and some wonderful friends came to support Karson.

We didn't get any photos of him in his baptism suit...things got a little crazy, but i think he's a good lookin kid. He was so excited to get his first "real suit" and wanted to look exactly like his dads. Way to go Karson!!

veteran's day

with today being veteran's day, my "5" will be:
1- gratitude for the men and women who serve this country.
2- gratitude for the freedom to fly an american flag when and where I choose.
3- gratitude for my parent's teaching me to have pride in my country.
4- gratitude for the mother's, father's, sons, daughters, and spouses who have suffered the ultimate sacrifice such as the loss of their soldier.
5- i'm thanful my children know the words to our National Anthem.

today's 5

1- i'm thankful for my little running buddy. thanks jax!
2- tylenol extra strength!
3- good friends who always seem to call at just the right time.
4- when tay and kars are happy with each other in the morning. laughing and having fun!
5- supportive parents!

GRATITUDE X5 CHALLENGE

I read this idea on the blog of a friend and thought i'd give it a shot. The challenge is to blog every day 5 things your grateful for that day. I imagine somedays there will be more to write about then others as some days are tougher then others, however, I'm up for the challenge! Today is my firs attempt.

1- I'm thankful it's MONDAY. Yes that's right i love mondays. Two months ago I realized working the graveyard shift at the hospital was kicking my butt, so the only other option was to work every weekend. Yep, that means every saturday and every sunday!! It's a hard one to swallow sometimes but everyone knows you do what you gotta do and I constantly remind myself, "this too shall pass." Mondays mean the weekend is over and i can get back to what i truly love and that is being home with my family!!

2- I'm thankful for the gift of a clean home Jason and the kids gave me. Coming home from work yesterday I walk into an emaculate house with dishes done, clothes folded, beds made, and toilet scrubbed. Thanks babe!!

3- I'm thankful for those slobbery kisses and take your breath away hugs I get from the kids when I get home from work. I always envied Jason for that. After a long day at work he would barely even make it through the doors before he was tripping over little ones, arms outstretched, yelling "DADDY!!" Now I get to experience this for myself. I think tay and kars have a bet to see who can squeeze mom the hardest. Although it leaves me gasping for air, I love that they love me. And then amongst the noise, I hear jax man trailing behind. Around the corner he peeks, mouth open, drool dripping, and the cutest little tongue hanging out...makes my heart swell just thinkin about it!! i love my babies!

4- I'm thankful for my health. I don't know when or if I've ever been satisfied with the body I have, but my body works and functions. I'm able to play with my children. I'm able to run on the treadmill, although the time is not what it once was. I don' wear the pant size I'd love to wear and I certainly have plenty more pounds to loose before I'm happy with my weight, but you know what...I'm learning that health is mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual!!

5- I'm thankful for this challenge. As I said before, i know some days will be easier to blog then others, but if even for a moment i take a time out and recognize my blessings, i know i'll recognize the blessings of love, friendship, happiness, health, family, work, play...so many things.