Thursday, May 29, 2014

utah living

 One of the top reasons I love living here is the mountains.  When we lived in Alpine we were right under them.  Every day was a beautiful drive home.  Yes we still see the mountains just living a few miles south, but nothing compares being right there.  So over the weekend we went to our favorite Alpine park and enjoyed the view. And it was a gorgeous day.


Tuesday, May 27, 2014

first of the season swim

and we'll be coming back for more.
Now that summer is finally here!

Wednesday, May 21, 2014

a letter {to lennon}

Lennon,

Hey girl.  I love you so much.  And I'm not just saying that because I missed your last month's letter......life got a little busy.  But that just means I have more for this letter!

At 8 months you're crawling.  Backwards, but still crawling.  You can get up on your hands and knees to rock back and forth.  So we're working on the forth part.  You're legs are also working on standing.  You can grab my hands and pull up to a stand. You can't completely balance on your own yet, but you like to stand by the table or other things that are you height to hold onto.  I think we're going to have to lower the crib soon.

So far you have 3 teeth-- two bottom and one on top.  I can see two more coming in so that number may change.  While we are on the subject of your mouth, you like to eat.  You love peas, squash, sweet potatoes, papaya, carrots, pears, avocados, and zucchini.  We're working on a sippy cup with water and you'll drink out of it as long as we clap for you after. 

The cutest thing you are doing lately is a sort of clap.  But it's only one hand and it slaps the top of your other hand.  So precious.  You are normally quiet and reserved, but as soon as you get comfortable, you are loud and very talkative.  (Hmmm, that sounds a little like your mother....)  It mostly happens when we are all talking and you want in on the conversation.  Or when we are in quiet church and you like to hear your voice echo in the chapel.  It's always a wonderful surprise.  When you are gabbing, the sounds you make are "dadadada" and a lot of high pitch soft squeals.  And if you want one of us to notice you, you give a little laugh to start something.  Myer is always game.

I can already see the girl in you--how you turn pages in books, how excited you get every time we walk in my closet to touch my clothes, how soft you place your hands on people's faces, how you are drawn to cute stuffed animal toys, and how cuddly snuggly you are.  I forget how soon these mannerisms show up and it gets me every time.

You are still very much a mama's girl.  I have some serious buff arms holding you all day.  We have a special bond that melts me so I can never put you down.  Please love me like this always. 

-your mama



Tuesday, May 20, 2014

my weekend favorites

 That face,
 Jake came back from his business trip and Myer was glued to his hip,
 Accidentally all matching in coral,
and walks with my 3 favorite people.
I do not like Mondays.

Friday, May 16, 2014

Natural History Museum of Utah


What else do you do in Utah besides check out all the cool dinosaur museums?  So yes, here we are again, at another museum.  But, this one probably the most entertaining and varied we've been to.  We hands-on explored 5 floors of bones, fossils, animals, rock, water, and chocolate.  Yes chocolate.  We ended the day with a few truffles so it was not a bad afternoon. I wonder what next museum we'll see next...



Monday, May 12, 2014

their mom

Many tragic things happened lately surrounding babies, children, and mommies that I almost feel guilty celebrating Mother's Day.  I mean, I have both of my kids--healthy, happy, and mine. So how do I celebrate this sensitive holiday?  When tragedy happens, it repeatedly influences me and reminds me to treasure what I have.  Each time I hear something heartbreaking it rocks me back to what's important-- I worked hard to get my kids here, I promised my husband and God when we got married that we would try to have children, and I have given up career opportunities to be mom.  This should be celebrated within our little family because promises have been fulfilled, and indeed, we have Myer and Lennon which make me a mother.

I've also made a personal goal as a mom to raise to well behaved, polite, serving, happy, faithful, God-seeking children so that we can all end up together after this life.  This what my life has become.  I am mom.  I am their mom.  I'm not perfect and some nights I rip myself up and down with guilt of how I've handled a 3 year old and a 7 month old.  So why celebrate when I feel like I am nowhere near my goal?  Why celebrate when I am impatient my kids when other women long for kids?  But every day I am working to be better; to make my children better.  And that is something celebrate.  At least that is what I'm telling myself.

I also celebrate my mom who gave up a life she could have had but instead had 6 children.  I celebrate my sister Jamie whose example of patience and special way of caring gives me aide when I'm struggling.  I celebrate myself (vain?) because Myer and Lennon give me purpose to my life.  They remind me of my lifelong goal of an eternal family and that is worth celebrating.  And lastly, I celebrate those mothers who have lost a child, can't bear children, or who have never married as special women whose strength I can never match.  It's not about who has the best mom, who was spoiled the most, or who has the most kids, it's about what's after this life.  Some will raise children, continue to raise their children, or enjoy their posterity in the eternities.  I hope we are all there because we are all mothers.  Happy Mother's Day to you ALL. 
Love,
Jake, Bryton, Myer and Lennon

Thursday, May 8, 2014

Lord Farquaad

As per the usual, my little brother Oakley is in a musical.  This time he's playing Lord Farquaad in the musical Shrek in his junior high production.  Jamie and I saw him Friday night and basically laughed off all of our makeup.  Oakley was made to preform on his knees.  Killer.  I wonder what else this little man can do.

Tuesday, May 6, 2014

Fae in Spanish means "Faith"

My niece, Elodie Fae, was blessed on Sunday.  And since my sister now lives here, we were able to be a part of it.  This means I'm 3 for 3 seeing all her kids given a name and a blessing.  This rocks having her here again.  And you know what?  Her husband Mike got a job.  He started yesterday.  They moved here just a few weeks ago; on a leap of faith and now things are working out.  Quickly I might add!  Congrats Jamie and Mike on beautiful Elodie, getting a job, and becoming official Utahns.  Love you guys.  Thanks for your example of faith and strength.
Annnnnnnnd of course the complimentary family picture with a cooperating Myer, wind in our faces, and our adopted son Maddix.  Your welcome.