Utah Christmas (LONG one!) and after

Our trip to Utah was a wonderful break from the norm. We were so grateful to spend time with our family over the holidays. We actually haven't been to Utah in 2 years. So it was a much needed visit!

Cole and I arrived a week before Jared. He had to finish up finals and preferred to have us out of the house for some peace and quiet. :) For that week, I mostly played tagalong with my mom and Mikenzie. We pretty much planned all of her wedding in that week. Surprisingly, it was easy! By that time, Kenzie had decided what she wanted (a miracle on it's own) and it was easy to tell all the ladies what to do. Timing worked out just so that Kenzie and mom could attend the sealing of one of our Alabama friends in the Manti Temple. It was nice for Kenz to see a sealing before her own but that meant Cole and I were in the waiting area. The night before, don't ask me how, but I got super sick. So I was not in the best shape to be left alone with my whiny 3 year old. He was so upset because he couldn't go into the temple. Tell you the truth, so was I. We hadn't been able to go to the temple since we've moved- almost 6 months. Entirely too long. But! Life went on, as it always does. And the day finished out with a bridal shower for Mikenzie. We got to see all our close cousins and eat good food. :)

The day Jared flew in, we went up to Brigham City. We saw the TEMPLE and Jared's mom, brother and Abuelita (His mom's mom).

We stayed with Derrick and Kelsey in Logan. Kelsey is the most fun little hostess! She had something fun planned for us (well, Cole) every day. It really helps that she's about to get her degree in elementary education. So she's got some awesome resources! We made a wreath out of Cole's handprints and made gingerbread houses.

The first day we stayed with them, Derrick had to work. Kelsey volunteered to watch Cole so we could go to the temple. I was SO grateful! I can't even say how happy I was to be there. Here in PA it's almost impossible for us to go, and it will be even harder after the baby is born. So with the Logan temple 5 minutes away, we went and did a session. I can't express how much I love the temple. It was such a blessing to be there. But on our way there!!!! (Sorry I have to mention) Jared got in his first car accident...in Kelsey's car. It wasn't really an accident, more like a bump. But it was enough to stress him out! He didn't want to go to the temple after it happened but I was determined! And I'm so grateful we did!

We also went to a USU basketball game, ate at Cafe Rio and Chuckarama, played and dominated the Logan Fun Park, visited hardware ranch and two of my close friends Jocelyn and Stacie.

Thursday night we headed up to SLC for Jared and Kenzie's "rehearsal dinner". Jared's parents reserved Bocca di Beppo for our families to visit and get to know each other. By this time Jesse and my mom's side of the family had flown into town. The food was awesome and the company was great! :) Afterword, my immediate family and my grandparents went to temple square to see the lights. I absolutely LOVE temple square, not only because it's "our temple" but it's just a wonderful way to focus on the true meaning of Christmas.

With such a large group of people (15), it was hard to coordinate parking and navigate the crowds on the square (on the 22nd of December). So we were waiting for a long time to meet up with everyone, then tried to explain everything to my mom's side of the family who aren't members. We tried see everything in about an hour. I felt really rushed. It wasn't my usual experience. So of course, in my present 'state', I got all emotional. My wonderful parents sensed this and decided to break off from the big group so the 5 of us could go around and actually enjoy the 15 minutes we had left on the square before it closed. Oh how I love my mom and dad.

The next day was Mikenzie and Jared's sealing in the Mt Timpanogas Temple. Kenzie was the most beautiful bride. The sealer said some very insightful things. The reception was gorgeous! The food was awesome (chicken cordon bleu and prime rib, chocolate peanut butter cake). Cole did a great job as the ring bearer for their ring ceremony, and I didn't faint while standing at the front during the ceremony! I was pretty proud.

By the time the day was over, we were worn out. They drove away for their mini-honeymoon in a red corvette. :)

Christmas eve was spent preparing dinner (our FAVORITE tradition)- Chicken cacciatore, fettucini alfredo and caesar salad. If you don't like garlic, you can't be in our family!We also had to say goodbye to family. Jesse and my mom's parents and cousin all left that day.

Christmas morning brought no snow! (Fine by me!) This was a very small Christmas for us. But it was still enjoyable, and Cole was happy. Even though in the picture below he looks ornery. He's not! He was asking a question. He was very happy, I promise! Santa brought him a Thomas Train, which is what he'd been asking for since he'd moved on from a dog. (SO grateful for that one!) Santa actually told him it was too Cold for puppies on his sleigh, so he didn't bring them. He left it up to moms and dads to give them. I thought, 'What a smart Santa!!' and 'THANK YOU!' ha!

Later that day we went up to Brigham City to see Jared's mom and his side of our family. We ate dinner and played games. Then drove up to Logan. Derrick and Kelsey had gifts for us but by the time we got there, Cole had fallen asleep. So he opened up his present the next morning. It was a sleeping bag! Derrick is an outdoorsmen, so maybe he's trying to inspire us to go camping more. :) Needless to say, Cole is a pretty cute caterpillar. :)

Our travels home went pretty smoothly. Our car and home were still in one piece when we got back. So I counted those blessings! Cole and I went to Disney on Ice with his best girl friend Mya. The main feature was Tangled, so I knew he'd love it. It was actually a pretty fun show to watch. We also stopped at this local Ice cream shop called Zwahlen's. It's run by a Swedish family of members. Apparently, it's super popular. They make their own ice cream and fine candies. Just one more thing we can say we've experienced in the area!

Since then I have been nesting like crazy. :) This pregnancy has been so different from Cole because with Cole we were just sitting around and waiting for him to come. With this baby, it's like I haven't had time to really think about him coming. First we moved and then I made Kenzie's quilt and had to prepare for the holidays and our travels. And now that we're home, it's baby time!! So for the last week I've been doing laundry, organizing, and getting last minute things at the store. Last time I was checked was Wednesday the 4th and I was 3 cm then. Hopefully not too much longer!!

(This pic was Jan 5th, 38 weeks) I am starting to feel 'ready'. Before our trip I just wouldn't allow myself to feel big. I know I haven't grown that much in 4 weeks, but I sure feel bigger. This baby is fully cooked and I'm ready for him to be here! I'm trying to enjoy the last moment of just us 3, but it's hard not to look forward to having another little guy around. We've waited for him for a while and I'm looking forward to meeting him!

I'm sure someday...

I'm sure someday I'll look back on this week and laugh.

But today is not that day.

In the last week:

-Our new washing machine had the seal tear leading it to leak

-That leak is supposed to be drained through a wash pan, which wasn't properly installed since the previous owner.

-This left us with a very wet living room ceiling that is now exposed.

-Took my car in for a recall repair. They found my battery was cracked and leaking.

-A mouse died in our outside freezer and made the entire garage and house smell like death and broccoli.

On the positive side:

-Cole had his first dance recital.

(This picture makes me laugh)

-We finished quilting Mikenzie's wedding quilt.

-I got the "OK'' to travel to Utah.

Sometimes a cure for a bad day is to start a new one...

Here's to a vacation with great timing!

Thanksgiving and such

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving shared with a few new friends. We ate at the Roundy's for dinner (which really was around 1 pm) and then when to the Kurhe's for dessert and games. We had a blast. Considering this was our first ever holiday away from both our families, I think it went well! Unfortunately Cole missed his nap so he fell asleep as we were driving to the Kurhe's for dessert. I am so grateful he falls asleep so easily! I loved splitting up the dinner tasks between the four families that ate dinner. I made rolls, crock pot green bean casserole (YUM), sweet potatoes (double YUM), my mom's whipped raspberry Jello, and a pecan, apple and cherry pie. Everything turned out so good-I was proud :) The pecan pie didn't set like I would have liked it to, but I guess you can't win 'em all. It still tasted good :)

The week of Thanksgiving was my first ever PARENT TEACHER CONFERENCE. Man, that makes me feel old! Cole has had some difficulties throughout the year, and the teacher and I have been talking consistently about his progress. He has a hard time sharing, and using the right words. She said he has made definite progress there.

Academically he is fine, right on track. I have no worries about his intelligence. It's the social environment that he needs. That's why I wanted to put him in school as soon as possible. He doesn't have any siblings yet, so I know he's not learning as much as he could be. Things like sharing everything and being more self-reliant. Most kids, by the time they're 3 1/2, can dress themselves, put on their own shoes and socks, feed themselves and even want more independence.

Cole, I feel, does not.

SO! This is why he is in preschool, not necessarily to get a head start on his academic future. His teacher said he is a great participator and is always the first one to join her in singing. But we still have some things to work on. She has definitely seen how Cole really is. He hasn't held anything back!

She mentioned that some days are great- he's helpful, kind and obedient.

And others are just hard. Sometimes he is flat out defiant.

Hmm... knew that!

She also mentioned some other things like he has trouble walking in a line, and sitting at the table/focusing...but what three year old doesn't? Those things don't worry me so much.

I just need to figure out how to teach him obedience.

The problem is, he's smart. He's got me figured out and he knows how to work me over. I should be better about standing my ground and being consistent. But sometimes it's less trouble to give in than to fight him.

So yeah, Mom has some work to do.

We've started a reward system, since punishment obviously isn't working. Cole can earn snowflakes by obeying. When he has 3, he can play computer games or have a piece of candy. It's been going well so far. And hopefully he can fully understand what we expect of him by the time the baby gets here!

I don't mean to make Cole sound like a problem child, because he's not. For the most part, he is happy and loving. I just want to make him that awesome kid 100% of the time. I guess that's why we have 18 years to raise them, right? :)

On another note, baby CJ is growing steadily. I definitely don't feel ready. But I am starting to look ready. People ask me all the time when I'm due, like they're expecting it to be any day now. But I have confidence we will make it to Utah for Christmas and be back in plenty of time for this little guy to come. Soon things are going to be very different! For what seems like forever, it's been just the 3 of us. We had Cole 10 months after being married, and he'll be 4 in April. And to be honest, I don't remember much before Cole. Except just waiting for him to get here!

But We are so so happy to be adding another little guy to our family.

33 Weeks today!

Yesterday, we had a little water start dripping out of our ceiling fan...that is never a good thing.

Turns out, our washer was leaking. But it was sitting on a wash pan, so really, there shouldn't have been a problem. Except that in the last couple of days the weather has changed drastically-from high 60s to low 40s. So we think that caused the PVC drain underneath the wash pan to shrink and crack, letting all the water from the leaking washer drip down to the sheetrock ceiling beneath it.

We had to move the couch and christmas tree in order to take the wet panel of sheetrock down, so now the guts of the house are all exposed. What a mess! Hopefully we can get everything taken care of before Cole and I leave for Utah.

Oh the joys! We have had more house trouble in our 4 months living here than we had our entire time in AL. It would have been nice to get some of this life experience out of the way, while my handy father was close!! :) We are learning a lot, and have some great guys in the ward who are willing to help with anything. I am very grateful. We seriously had minimal tools, no ladders or anything like that when we moved. I guess I should pick up a new hobby and start collecting these things! Seems like we're gonna need it...

I can't wait to see our dear friends and family in Utah in just a matter of DAYS! I am so excited! I'm still working steadily to get Mikenzie's quilt done though. Gotta get it done before we go!

I sent out our Christmas cards the other day. If you didn't get one, I'm sincerely sorry. I did my best. If you really want, you could always print it for yourself at home. :)

Things I want to remember about right now

A friend just did this on her blog, and I love the idea. Hopefully she doesn't mind if I copy her!

Things I want to remember about right now:

-The church is true. It is organized perfectly. Christ is it's perfect head. The people in it, however, are not perfect. Myself included.

-I am making an effort to sincerely thank my Heavenly Father everyday for the blessings I take for granted. I have SO SO SO much to be grateful for.

-I love feeling this baby inside me move and grow. We are excited to have baby CJ as part of our eternal family. (He is doing great! This US was on Halloween and he weighed 2 lb 12 oz at the time. He is measuring right on schedule and appears to be as healthy as possible!)

We visited Alabama. A week wasn't nearly long enough. I love my family dearly. I'm so grateful for the friendships I cherish. These girls are my best friends! I'm so grateful our relationship is eternal.
Things I want to remember about this guy:

-He was the cutest Flynn Rider you've ever seen this Halloween. He asks to go trick or treating every time he notices it's dark outside.

-He makes me laugh every single day.

-He loves music and dancing. And he's not afraid to sing along.

-He is learning to be more self sufficient. Putting on his own shoes, feeding himself. Hopefully we'll have this mastered by January.

-He will tell you 5 different ways to spell his name (but he really knows the right way) On a lucky day, he'll even write it for you! He is identifying numbers and letters and finding such joy in learning.

-He can list of 7 different super heroes and he is making progress saying each one of their names correctly- with both consonant sounds at the beginning (SP-ider man, GReen lantern, etc.)

-Still loves to cuddle with mom, even though baby CJ is in the middle.

We are starting to look forward to our trip to Utah for Mikenzie's wedding/Christmas. I decorated the house this weekend, thinking I might as well get some use out of these decorations since we're leaving December 11. We are excited to see friends and family we haven't visited in two years. It'll be good to be at one of our homes for the holidays :)

General Conference Oct 2011

I was pretty proud of myself. I stayed awake through every minute of all 4 sessions of conference. :) I tried to take brief notes, but still there are a few talks that I want to go back and listen to again.

On Sunday, Jared's friend from school and his wife and daughter spent the day with us. It was fun to entertain and eat tons and tons of food!

Here are a couple of my favorite notes from these two days:

Pres. Uchtdorf's 5 Forget Me Nots-

1.Forget not to be patient with yourself

2. Forget not the difference between a good sacrifice and a foolish one

3.Forget not to be happy now

4. Forget not the 'why' of the gospel

5. Forget not that the Lord loves you

:) Good one

I'm so excited for the Provo tabernacle to be rebuilt into a temple! What a special building :)

Another great thought from Pres. Uchtdorf-

"Even though man is nothing, it fills me with wonder and awe to think that 'the worth of souls is great in the sight of God.'"

"The Lord uses a scale very different from the world's to weigh the worth of a soul."

Carl B Cook- It is better to look up!

D Todd Christofferson-

-The invitation to repent is an expression of love.

-Repentance means striving to change.

-Repentance means not only abandoning sin but also committing to obedience.

-Repentance requires a seriousness of purpose and a willingness to persevere, even through pain.

-Whatever the cost of repentance, it is swallowed up in the JOY of forgiveness.

I Loved Tad R Callister's talk on the Book of Mormon. Either it's from God, or it's not. Like how Jesus was the Christ, the son of God, or else a madman or something worse... And let me add my witness to his. They both are divine. The divine law of witnesses is a 'second opinion' for things of an eternal nature. I loved his illustration. How many lines can one draw through the center of a circle? The answer is infinite. Add a second circle, representing the book of mormon, and one can only draw one straight line between the two circles. "Again and again, the Book of Mormon acts as a confirming, clarifying, unifying witness of the doctrines taught in the Bible so that there is only 'one Lord, one faith, one baptism.'"

Elaine S Dalton (another awesome one)- The most important thing a father can do for his daughter is to love her mother. Fathers are the guardians of virtue.

M Russell Ballard- The importance of the name of the church. I wish his entire talk could circulate through mass media. It would eliminate so much confusion. He talked about polygamy and those fundamentalist churches who also claim to be 'mormon'.

Pres Monson- IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT WE REJECT ANYTHING THAT DOES NOT CONFORM TO OUR STANDARDS

J Devn Cornish- Much like medicine, prayer only works when we use it as directed. -Pray then go to work. Live your prayers.

As expected, this conference was another great one. I'm so grateful for the knowledge I have of living prophets. My family is so blessed to have their guidance and I consider it a privilege to follow their council. I hope you all felt the spirit while watching, or reading my simple notes.

If you missed the conference or want to go check it out, you can read, watch or listen to every talk at lds.org

Hmm...

I just realized we have had some pretty crazy things happen in the last 6 weeks....

A hurricane

An Earthquake

A Flood

And now...Our car was broken into and our brand new GPS was stolen.

...among other things, it's been a pretty eventful few weeks!

24 weeks today!

We are here! We are here! We are here!

(From Horton Hears a Who)

It seems many of us bloggers are getting too busy to keep up with current posts. I'm always backtracking, trying to think what we've missed because life is rushing by. But don't worry, we're enjoying ourselves :)

Jared is still loving school. I love that he always tries to do his best. Yes, it does take away from our few moments of family time. But I wouldn't want it any other way. He still wants to specialize and he is applying for a scholarship through the Air Force. They would pay for all his schooling and we would pay them back a year for a year. There's nothing about it we don't like, we just hope he can get it!

Cole started preschool a couple weeks ago. He absolutely loves it. He goes to a local church 3x a week --all by himself. The worst part is that he never cried. Not even a whimper. And now he doesn't even look back at me. He just bolts for the door. (sigh)

He is big enough to play computer games.

First day! Just outside the school. It wasn't cold at all but he sure loved that hat! He did finally take it off halfway through the day.

This was the artwork they did on the first day of school. They focus mostly on social skills for this first year. And in this activity they had to paint with a friend--share the easel and paints and everything. He loves to be around other kids so this has been perfect for him. I am so grateful!

I have kept busy sewing and cleaning and what-not. We keep busy around here and that's the best kind of day. It's when Cole and I are both at our happiest. Preschool 3x a week, Dance class at the church on Tuesdays and Playgroup on Thursdays. There's also a scrapbooking group every other Tuesday for the ladies at the church. We have been so blessed and taken care of.

The 'new baby' as we've come to call it, is growing and growing. Cole notices almost daily and says, "You have a new baby in your tummy, Mom?" He wonders if it's a boy or a girl and he always asks me what the baby's name is. He comes up with some pretty cute name like 'Lights'. :)

I'm doing my best not to call it an 'it'. Ha! Because by now it really is not an 'it'. I'll be able to go to the doctor soon... There's a waiting period for insurance to kick in. Lame. I'll do my best to be patient. But for now I have the comfort of feeling the baby move all the time. :) I am not sick anymore, just hungry! And I'm enjoying watching my belly move. I have been having a lot of ligament pain, though. I had very minimal pain with Cole. I didn't start hurting until he was almost here. But with this pregnancy, it's been since the start. I guess I have been straining myself a little more than last time--with my job, and moving to PA and what-not. I can always tell if I have been doing too much because I can barely walk. :)

I am so grateful to be able to spend this time at home and with Cole. We have been SO blessed, as always. I can't even start to count all the ways.

We are looking forward to general conference this weekend! It is my favorite time of year!!

We miss you all in AL and UT. We will be visiting AL Oct 19-26 and UT over Christmas. I look forward to seeing many of you again soon!

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