2008

Fig had this on her blog. It made me think about how this year has gone for us. Most answers apply to both Jon and I. The ones that don't have both answers.

1. What did you do in 2008 that you’d never done before? Had a baby and moved into a house with our little family. Oh, and put an offer on a house (it was more intimidating than we thought it would be...and we didn't even get it!).

2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year? No and kind of (I'm calling them 'plans' because maybe Jenni is right about the resolution thing). Jon doesn't even remember what his were from last year, I'm working on getting him to make some 'plans' for this year.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth? Yes. Family: Lea, Charmaine, Nikki, Katie, Chris, Amy, Houng, Cory, Janae. Friends: Alyse, Nikki, Nicole, Lacey, Carol. I think that is all...

4. Did anyone close to you die? Yes. Taylor (friend's newborn), Mavie (aunt), Alex (nephew), Brandy (Sis' BF).

5. What countries did you visit? None.

6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008? A family vacation (trips home don't count).

7. What dates from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? May 5, Tae's birth. Thanksgiving, because of the car accident. End of October, because that is when Jon knew Sherrie (his step mom) longer as mom than he knew Elsa as his mom.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year? I think doing all I did as RS Prez while being heavy with child. I would put Jon's as being passing both of the math classes he took. He says he didn't have any.

9. What was your biggest failure? I constantly wonder if I did enough during that time. I also doubt my decision to ask to be released. Jon says he doesn't have any. In his words, "I'm a pillar of success!" I refer you to his answer on the last question.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury? Just minor things.

11. What was the best thing you bought? Stackable washer and drier. Jon agrees (he was the one that spent the most time at the laundromat).

12. Whose behavior merited celebration? Hmmm...

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed? Hukabee.

14. Where did most of your money go? It's a toss up between auto payments and rent.

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about? Tae's birth and moving. Jon is already really, really, really excited about spring (we will have a garden this year).

16. What song will always remind you of 2008? Drawing a blank...

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder? happier (both)
b) thinner or fatter? I'm thinner, but only because I was pregnant last year!) Jon is about the same.
c) richer or poorer? richer. This is the first year we have both had full-time jobs (funny-we don't feel richer though!).

18. What do you wish you’d done more of? Service (Jon's answer, and I totally agree).

19. What do you wish you’d done less of? I say complaining, Jon says sleeping.

20. How did you spend Christmas? With my family and driving back in a terrible snow storm (our 2.5 hr trip turned into 4.5 hrs).

21. Did you fall in love in 2008? Yes. With Tae, and having her made me fall more in love with her daddy. Jon says the same, vise versa.

22. What was your favorite TV program? As previously stated, we don't do TV. Monarch of the Glen via NetFlix.

23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year? Nope. Still hate the same people! ;)

24. What was the best book you read? Jon says, "Did we finish reading a book last year?" Other than the Twilight books and Host... I don't think we actually finished reading any books. Don't worry, one of my 2009 'plans' will address that.

25. What was your greatest musical discovery? Handbells (the primary kids LOVE them). Jon says handbells because they make him feel musical.

26. What did you want and get? Baby. Moved into a house. Washer/Drier. New wardrobe (me).

27. What did you want and not get? Bike Trailer for the baby (me). Jon says he has everything he wants.

28. What was your favorite film of this year? Jon says WALL-E; I think we really didn't have much of a selection this year...other than the yearly HP movie.

29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you? Jon: spent day at wife's family reunion, 30. Me: Took Tae in for vaccinations. Jon made dinner. I turned 27.

30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? I say we have been so blessed. I honestly can't think of anything. Jon says, buying a home in the Basin so we could move home and live happily ever after.

31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008? Poor. As always. My new wardrobe has helped immeasurably, though. Jon is totally comfortable with his jeans and Ts (occasionally I can talk/force him into a polo or sweater-if the occasion is special enough!).

32. What kept you sane? My best friend, who happens to be my spouse (answer some for both of us).

33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most? We didn't fancy any of them at all.

34. What political issue stirred you the most? Jon says the bail out and Proposition 8. He didn't give any details or explanation. I say Proposition 8. Mostly just the aftermath. I'm totally disgusted by the protests and attacks that have taken place because people exercised their right to vote. I am totally appalled that there are many who have lost something (ie, job) because they donated $ to one side or the other. OK, lets be honest, I've only heard of people being discriminated against because they supported it. Honestly makes me sick.

35. Who did you miss? Grandma... Jon misses his parents most.

36. Who was the best new person you met? Jon, who is kind of a hermit, couldn't think of anyone. I would have to say Nikki. She is so positive and caring. She is so strong. She is a great example to me.

37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008. This is a little more personal than I want to post. If you are really interested, you can ask.

38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year. My thought is "I have been blessed". When I asked Jon he said "It's a wonderful world" (but only after I wouldn't accept his "It's the end of the world as we know it").

Family Update #5

Paul was released from the hospital on the day after Christmas. Jon's phone is on the fritz, so we didn't find out until we found an empty room when we went to visit on Saturday. It was welcome news.

We went down to visit on Sunday. He looks so much better and is happy to be home. He is actually putting some weight back on too. He lost 50 pounds from his month long hospital stay (shy a day or two). He has been moving around a little and working on getting his muscles (especially his legs) to work again.

Paul's family made the most of him being in the hospital on Christmas. They went up Christmas Eve and spent the night in the hotel provided for the patients' families. Christmas morning they stayed in their pajamas and took the gifts to the hospital to open as a family.

When they found out he was being released on Friday, they called Joe and let him know they were coming. The trip was rough. When they got there, preparations had been made. Family had managed to lift the bed a foot. Ben, Paul's daughter Heather's boyfriend (did that make any sense?), cleared a path to the back door so they could get almost to the bedroom by car. Let me explain this "path". When we got there, it looked like he had used a tractor. It was ~12 feet wide and completely cleared. He used a shovel. Impressive, most impressive.

Anyway, thank you all for your thoughts and prayers. We are continuing to pray for Paul and Jeff and their recovery.

As far as Russ and Cary and their family, we continue to pray for them, too. We stopped by last night, but no one was home. It has been a couple weeks since we saw them last. I still can't fathom what they have to face every morning they wake up...especially with Christmas. It is doubtful that the next few weeks will be any easier. January 12 is Alex's birthday. He would have been 12.

Sorry to end on a sad note. Thanks again for your prayers.

The Reason We Moved Our Blog

I have several friends that use "pseudonames" for blogging. Smart. Others have been going private with their blogs for safety reasons. Also smart. I debated the issue. I don't think I could handle the pseudoname idea when blogging (too complicated for my liking...besides I couldn't come up with any cool names). I didn't want to go private with the blog, either, but realized I needed to do something. I started by deleting references to where we live and work. Lacey inspired me to not include our last name in the URL. It may not be the best option, but it is a start.

I feel safer already!

Merry Christmas!

Can't believe it's almost here. Only one week and so much to do! Just wanted to share these pics.

As you can tell from the last two pics, she felt pretty picked on when I didn't save her from the hat when she pulled it down too far. I was too busy trying to get a few good pictures...

Mom, are you there?

So I was wondering why my mom hasn't checked my blog lately...then I noticed how few pictures I have posted. Just hasn't been a priority.

This post isn't going to make much sense, but oh well! Here are a few (and then some) pictures and captions from the last 2 months.

We had an enrichment meeting where we learned to knit. I'm working on a scarf...purple, of course! Well, I wasn't paying attention for 2 seconds and Taelyn decided to help. She had the skein completely unwound in nothing flat. Talented, huh? Then she 'helped' mommy fix it.

Taelyn comes and visits me during lunch. All there is for her to eat in my cube is papers. Usually I'm pretty good at clearing her a spot, but occasionally she catches me off guard. That is when she gets moved to the floor.

Just us chillin' on the couch. I'm glad she is still in that cuddly phase. Oh, and we had to cook for food club again. We made rice pilaf and grilled veggies (with chicken added to one for Travis).
Not included in this post is my Black Friday Shopping. That deserves a post of its own. Maybe someday I'll get to it!

Oh, and Mom, if you're there, please leave a comment so that I know my target audience even checks this blog...

Change in Bishopric

A welcome change occurred yesterday. The old bishopric was released and a new one called. I knew that Jon was asked to share his testimony with the rest of the outgoing and incoming bishopric members. I was caught off guard when the President Wentworth ask the wives to also share their testimonies and I got to start.

All week we have been looking forward to Jon being released. It would mean that I would have help getting Tae and her stuff ready Sunday morning. It would mean that I could sit by Jon during the meeting. We could sing together (he has a really nice voice). He could help with the baby. No meetings before church. No meetings after church. No meetings during the week. And best of all, no more late Saturday night, or early Sunday morning, 2.5 hour trips from the Basin to the city to make it back for early morning meetings!

It didn't dawn on me until after Sacrament that I really don't know how to be married to Jon without him being in the bishopric. He was called as the 2nd counselor 2.5 months after we got married.

Now I just have one question: What are we going to do with all this time!?

[oh wait, that is what I thought when I graduated...I hope this extra time doesn't disappear like that extra time seems to have!!]

Family Update #4

So Paul is seeming to do better all the time. Last week they moved him from the ICU to the MICU. Yesterday he was moved from the MICU to a normal room. They are talking about moving him to a nursing home until he gets to the point that he can start physical therapy.

Women's Ski Jumping

How many of you know that ski jumping is an Olympic event? Of course it is, we've seen it, right? Anything about it stand out to you? Me either...'til it was pointed out.

Did you know that ski jumping is the only activity in the Olympic Winter Games that does not allow women to compete? I would encourage all of you go to this link and sign the petition to allow Women's Ski Jumping in the 2010 Olympic Winter Games.

The Grand-daddy of all Christmas Parties

So Jon had his company Christmas party last night. It was AWESOME!!

Location: 26th floor of the Church Office Building

Guests of honor: President Eyring and his wife, Elder Ballard and his wife, Elder Nelson and his wife, and Bishop Burton and his wife.

Entertainment: John Schmidt (w/ gift copy of hymns without words piano solos)

Speaker: President Eyring

Good food. Great atmosphere. Awesome company.

The neatest thing was one of the comments that President Eyring made. Background-when we heard about the car accident, Jon was clinging to "It's true." The only way he was able to be as strong as he has is because of his testimony of the gospel, and subsequently the plan of salvation and the sealing powers. President Eyring spoke about it being true and the strength that comes from it being true. Nice to have it reaffirmed, especially by an especial witness of Christ who is ordained as a prophet, seer and revelator.

My U Spirit

Have you ever pulled a prank and no one has figured out it was you? Did it ever drive you crazy and you just wanted to yell that it was you?


Well...

IT WAS ME!!

MWAH-HA-HA-HA!!!

This is my boss' office door. He is a HUGE BYU fan. I decorated it Friday before the game. I was a little hesitant because I didn't want to have to beat him to work on Monday morning (before 7:30) if BYU won. I must admit, when the U whomped all over BYU I was a little worried about rubbing it in...

Well, I should have done this while I was still in school because it sure brought out my school spirit. I was singing Utah Man the rest of Friday night and all of Saturday.

The best part was hearing everyone try to guess who it was. Because I'm such a bad liar, I had to come up with quick comments to keep from giving myself away. Now it is driving me crazy that it has been 2 weeks and I was never found out.

Man I think I'm clever!!

Family Update #3

Paul started coming out of the coma yesterday. A lot of what he says doesn't make sense. He just wants 2 things: to go home and a d@#* Diet Coke. They still have the feeding tube in. They are worried about him aspirating because of his swollen throat and how long it has been since he has swallowed. Joe did smuggle in some contraband, but when Paul started coughing Joe decided maybe the doctors were right. We have been told that he will most likely be in the ICU for 2 more days.

Feeding Taelyn #4

So we have been introducing Taelyn to solids for the last month or so.

Things we have learned:

• Feeding babies can be quite messy.
• Bibs are amazing!
• Texture matters A TON!
• The initial gag reflex was mostly caused from having the spoon in her mouth, and was easily overcome by letting her chew on and play with the spoon.
• If you don't feed her something she likes for over a week, she may forget she likes it (squash).
• She loves vanilla yogurt, fruit smoothie, lemon pie and grandma's potato salad.
• She hates mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, pears, apples and plain cereal.
• She LOVES her sippie cup.
• She drank from a normal cup very well...until she discovered how much fun it could be to stick her tongue in it!

I have to agree with Lea. Babies are so cute when they start eating!

Family Update #2

Thanks to all those who have kept our family in their prayers.

As an update, Alex's viewing was on Monday and the funeral on Tuesday. It was difficult, with much heartache and tears. There was also a peace. I'm grateful for the Spirit and the peace it brings. We continue to pray for that peace to continue to be with Russ, and especially Cary.

As far as things at the hospital, Jeff came out of it on Tuesday. It was so good to see him sitting up and joking with everyone. He was released from the hospital yesterday. I am amazed he was released so soon. It is quite a blessing. Paul had hip surgery on Tuesday, then they took him off of the pain meds so that he would come out of the induced coma. As of 10:30 last night, he still hadn't come out of it. They did a MRI Wednesday night. The good news is that they didn't find anything. The bad news is that they didn't find anything. They said that there is no reason that he hasn't woken up yet. I suspect that his body is trying to recover from the 3 surgeries. Additionally, there were some things mentioned in the blessing that he was given that I think are taking place right now.

I will post another update when there is something to report.

Family Update

This post is hard to write, and I'm not sure quite what to say.

Friday evening we received a phone call to let us know that Jon's brother, Paul, and 2 of our nephews had been in an accident. His son, Jeff, and Russ' son, Alex, were with Paul at the time. Alex was killed instantly. Paul was immediately life flighted. Jeff was first sent to the hospital down there, then life flighted to the same hospital as Paul.

We have spent much time at the hospital the past few days.

Paul broke his back, all his ribs on the left side, both femurs, broken foot, punctured lung, broken hip... initially it was thought that he broke his neck also, but we have been blessed and they were not able to find any problems with his neck. He had his legs operated on Saturday night. The surgery went well. His back was operated on Sunday morning. It also went very well. He is still in ICU. He was unconscious after the accident and they have kept him sedated since then. Paul will go in for hip surgery tomorrow. After that they will take the breathing tube out and wake him up.

Jeff has been moved out of the ICU. He broke his back (compression fracture) and cracked his hip. He has been having some major pain in his head. He was conscious after the accident, and has been in and out of it since then.

Last night we went down to see Russell and Cary and their family. It broke my heart. When we got there, it looked like a parking lot out front. So many people there to express love and sympathies. We didn't think it would happen, but we were blessed with some time alone with them. I cannot imagine the pain they are facing.

I wish there were more I could do. I feel so small and lost. All I have to offer is love, tears and prayers.

Things I Have Done

I got this from Molly's blog. It made me want to go to Europe. It did not make me want to go bungee jumping or sky diving! The bolded ones are the things I have done. If there are any that someone has questions about, just ask!

1. Started your own blog

2. Slept under the stars

3. Played in a band

4. Visited Hawaii

5. Watched a meteor shower

6. Given more than you can afford to charity

7. Been to Disneyland

8. Climbed a mountain

9. Held a praying mantis

10. Sang a solo

11. Bungee jumped

12. Visited Paris

13. Watched a lightning storm at sea

14. Taught yourself an art from scratch

15. Adopted a child

16. Had food poisoning

17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty

18. Grown your own vegetables

19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France

20. Slept on an overnight train

21. Had a pillow fight

22. Hitch hiked

23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill

24. Built a snow fort

25. Held a lamb

26. Gone skinny dipping

27. Ran a Marathon

28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice

29. Seen a total eclipse

30. Watched a sunrise or sunset

31. Hit a home run

32. Been on a cruise (dinner cruise on the Potomac-I think it counts)

33. Seen Niagara Falls in person

34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors (my Grandparents are my ancestors, right?)

35. Seen an Amish community

36. Taught yourself a new language (oesday igpay atinlay ountcay?)

37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied

38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person

39. Gone rock climbing

40. Seen Michelangelo’s David

41. Sung karaoke

42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt

43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant

44. Visited Africa

45. Walked on a beach by moonlight

46. Been transported in an ambulance

47. Had your portrait painted

48. Gone deep sea fishing

49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person

50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris

51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling

52. Kissed in the rain

53. Played in the mud

54. Gone to a drive-in theater

55. Been in a movie

56. Visited the Great Wall of China

57. Started a business

58. Taken a martial arts class

59. Visited Russia

60. Served at a soup kitchen

61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies

62. Gone whale watching

63. Got flowers for no reason

64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma

65. Gone sky diving

66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp

67. Bounced a check

68. Flown in a helicopter

69. Saved a favorite childhood toy

70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial

71. Eaten Caviar

72. Pieced a quilt

73. Stood in Times Square

74. Toured the Everglades

75. Been fired from a job

76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London

77. Broken a bone

78. Been on a speeding motorcycle

79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person

80. Published a book

81. Visited the Vatican

82. Bought a brand new car

83. Walked in Jerusalem

84. Had your picture in the newspaper

85. Read the entire Bible

86. Visited the White House

87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating

88. Had chickenpox

89. Saved someone’s life

90. Sat on a jury

91. Met someone famous

92. Joined a book club

93. Lost a loved one

94. Had a baby

95. Seen the Alamo in person

96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake

97. Been involved in a law suit

98. Owned a cell phone

99. Been stung by a bee

I really wanted to add a 100 because the fact that it ends on 99 is driving me nuts!

My Kids

When I was called as the chorister in July, they only knew half the songs they were supposed to. [Guess that is what happens when the primary is understaffed and there hasn't been an official chorister for 4+ months.] I was so overwhelmed. I was certain that there was no way that we were going to pull it off.

They did. And beautifully.

Sunday was our Primary Program. I am SO PROUD of my children. Not only did they learn the songs, but they learned how to play the bells for "I am a Child of God". I bought a set of bells, and the primary bought a set. With 2, C-C scales (16 bells), we had enough for every child in the program to have a bell.

Every child, you ask? Yup. We are small in number, but it sure does make them a tight knit group. This picture is missing 2 that were in the program and 2 that were not (guess I need more bells!). They are sure adorable! This picture was taken at our practice. The back row, our Senior Primary, just had one of the service missionary couples called to teach them. The other 3 teachers are shown in the picture. I'll throw this picture in because it is related. Here are a few of my primary children at the Ward BBQ back in August. 2 were not in the previous picture.

Cakewrecks

I love this blog! There are some amazing cakes highlighted on "Sunday Sweets". I was in awe of the these, the amazing cupcakes, the Mario and Tim Burton wedding cakes, Lego Gotham, Wall-E, Autumn Awesomeness, and the amount of talent and time that went into the Muppets. But, true to its name, there are many wrecks on this site too (far more than the glamorous works of art). Jen's comments are hilarious! This site had me laughing so hard I was crying...multiple times. I'll leave you guessing as to which ones I found the most comical. If anyone needs a laugh today, I highly recommend checking out this blog! [Keep in mind these are cakes that people actually paid money to have made, or that are on display to purchase. Wow!]

Last Post for Today

So I have a few pictures that I haven't blogged yet. Most are of Taelyn (of course!). Sorry about the randomness of the pictures. They need to be posted for Grandma and Grandpa (#1 reason for my blog).

Taelyn has gotten to be quite the raspberry blowing pro. She usually ends up completely soaked down the front because she gets a little carried away.Just a random picture of her being a ham while I was taking pictures.

I took this because she used to hate being on her tummy. It was just recently that she learned that she can turn her head to the side to avoid grinding her nose into the blanket.

She also just started holding her own bottle. She knew how to before, but refused to. She prefers to eat with her arms up and hands behind her ears. I'll admit, it usually takes a little bit of a fight to get her to take it. I have to dangle the bottle an inch above her mouth, she fusses because she wants me to hold it, then she gives in and takes it on her own. And so the drama begins...

I've found the most effective way to get anything done around the house is to have a babysitter. When Riley isn't around, I've found a substitute. I hope this doesn't make us bad parents, but she LOVES Planet Earth. I've got Baby Einstein (all 30 million of them) in my NetFlix queue.

And the next picture is totally unrelated to Taelyn. Last week I had to go down to the RioTinto building (no, I'm not talking about the new Real Stadium...I'm talking about the new Kennecott Land building in Day Break). Before I could go in and have a meeting with one of their Engineers, I had to watch a 5 minute safety video and take a quiz. All I remember is that in an emergency, you don't run up and down the halls screaming (an option on the quiz), you call 2222. Oh, and they didn't have a north arrow on their evacuation map. I find that very annoying. Anyway, the RioTinto building is just south of the new temple. I got a few pictures before I left.

Oh, and I do have pictures of the new house...but they are on my camera's internal memory. Somewhere...in the remaining few boxes we haven't gotten to yet, is my camera cable. I'll find it this weekend so I can post pics of the house next week. The date may be wrong on them, too...but I did just change the date. Future pictures won't say it is January 2006!

Riley

Riley, our nephew, is living with us until he can move into the apartment/studio upstairs in the house we are renting. He has been such a huge help.

He fixed the kitchen sink so that the hot is hot and the cold is cold (it was backwards when we moved in).

He helped Jon fix the back door.

He helped unpack boxes in the spare room (partly so that he could move out of the living room).

He helped carry things to the garage.

He helped Jon fix the garage door handle so that it will close.

He helps with dishes.

He helped Jon get leaves off of the roof and out of the rain gutters.

He helped rake leaves.

Best of all, we have a live-in babysitter that is always willing to help with Taelyn. While we have been using evenings to continue unpacking (or to work on Jon's math homework), Riley will take Taelyn into the living room and feed her or play with her. Usually, they end up like this:

Taelyn's First Ponytails

A child of mine with ponytails at 6 months...

who would have thunk it?

Tribute to Food Club

Top 10 reasons why I love the food club:

10-Fun way to be involved

9-Multiplying the recipe by 5 wasn't too bad

8-Pan size is large enough that we usually have leftovers for lunch

7-Saved us while we were moving

6-Allows us to try new things

5-Can put it in freezer and save for another day, if so desired

4-Saves $$

3-Saves Time

2-FREE FOOD!

1-My favorite thing about Food Club is when I'm like: "Crap, I don't know what we are going to have for dinner... Wait! We have Food Club tonight!!"

I may be breaking rule #1 of the food club (there is no food club and we don't speak of it), but I LOVE THE FOOD CLUB! What is food club? Well there are 5 ladies, including myself, that are participating this time. Basically, once every 2 1/2 weeks I cook the main dish for 5 families. That is it. What do I get in return? Food delivered to my front door twice a week. Doesn't that create a problem with pans? No, because we all bought 3 identical pans at the start. At the end, we'll just make sure everyone is left with 3 pans. [Technically we only needed 2 pans each-for details, see the first comment for this post.]

Last night was our first time to cook for the food club. I was worried, but willing to give this "Food Club" idea a try. We made Italian Chicken and Couscous (except we only stuck chicken in ours because we have vegetarians in the club). It worked like a charm...other than Jon took over and I didn't get to help much...

6 Month Checkup

We had our 6 month checkup on Monday.

Weight: 14.62 lbs (25th percentile)

Height: 26.25 inches (75th percentile)

Head Circumference: 42.5 cm (75th percentile)

Vaccinations and flu shot were not the highlight. I cried...again...

Tagged by Chelsey

So I started filling this out on Monday, but never posted it because I got too busy to finish.

8 Things


8 TV Shows I Love to Watch...

(maybe it is weird, but we don't do TV...no cable, satellite or even an antenna. We do love NetFlix. Here are a few things we have gotten into with that:)

1: Monarch of the Glenn

2: Planet Earth

3: Myth Busters

4: Murder She Wrote (watched while I was on maternity leave...but by season 9, they all started to feel like re-runs)

5: Sliders (also watched while on maternity leave...loved seasons 1-3, 4 was OK, never made it through 5--could see why it was cancelled)

6:

7:

8:

8 Things That Happened Yesterday...

1: Walked to church

2: Had 1 hour of singing time in primary to prep for the program. It exhausted me. I even sang "Stories I would tell him to ask me". The children thought it was a hoot. Can't believe I'm so tired I'm mixing up the words...

3: Walked home from church in the rain. It was cold and Taelyn hated being under the blanket. She insisted on keeping her hand out in it.

4: Sat in front of the window with Taelyn (she loves looking out our new window)

5: We both fell asleep

6: Went to the Keller's for dinner (such a huge help considering the stacked/packed disaster our Kitchen currently is)

7: Went for a short drive in the rain

8: Went to bed at 9:00!

8 Favorite Places to Eat...

1: Sawadee

2: My Thai

3: Cafe Rio

4: Greek Market

5: Citrus Grill

6: The Roof (special occasions)

7: McGraths Fish House

8: My parents house

8 Things I'm Looking Forward To...

1: Unpacking

2: Getting a washer and dryer

3: Thanksgiving at home

4: Fixing up the house

5: Setting up our grill that has been in a box for 3 1/2 years

6: Taryn's B-ball season starting (I loving going to her games)

7: Going to the Roosevelt Institute fireside on the 30th (speakers: my mommy and daddy)

8: Spring Break vacation (haven't decided location yet...)

8 things on my wish list...

1: Washer and dryer

2: A back door that opens without a fight

3: Leaves raked

4: Bicycle Trailer for Taelyn

5: Bike for Jon

6: New tires for the Camry

7: I'm with Chelsey on a day at the spa

8: A cruise...someday...

And I won't pass this one on because I think my usual "Tag-ees" are getting tired of me...

Tae's First Halloween

Unfortunately, we are moving, so I didn't have a chance to even think about dressing up this year.

Fortunately, we had the skirt and cape from Ella's first Halloween, so Taelyn could dress up.

Unfortunately, between work and moving, we have been putting in 17+ hours every day this week.

Fortunately, tomorrow is Saturday.

Unfortunately, the apartment still has some things in it.

Fortunately, it should only take one more trip to get everything out.

Unfortunately, we have to be completely moved out and have the apartment cleaned by tonight.

Fortunately, Jenni, shown tickling Taelyn in the last picture, has volunteered to watch Taelyn. [THANKS JENNI!!]

Thanks Terri!

Taelyn has several really cute summer dresses (passed down from Ella-thanks Kirk!). With the weather turning cold, they don't quite work alone. Just wanted to say thanks to Terri for the sweaters. With tights and the sweaters (white, pink, purple and blue) we can keep using them.

I have had several people tell me how cute the sweaters are and ask where I got them. I let them know that they were knitted by a lady I met on my mission. I think that I need to start using Jon's response though... When the YW told him how cute Taelyn looked and how much they liked the sweater, he said "Yup, it was knitted by a blind lady!". They thought that was even cooler.

Thanks for the sweaters, Terri. They are so cute. I'll post pictures of the other sweaters once I get pictures.

(and yes, Taelyn is setting up on her own in this picture. She only stays up 2-3 minutes, though!)

Fun Tag

I've been double tagged thanks to Darla and Jenni! Guess that means I really have to do it.

1. Go to your pictures

2. Upload 4th picture of 4th folder

3. Post.

4. Tag 4 of your friends.

Truck came over 2 weeks ago to have me take some pics so that he could update his myspace page.

And I'll tag...Aun, Deb, Lauren and Julie (sorry guys-I gave into the peer pressure!)

Breastfeeding: Is this the end?

As a expectant mother, I had so many plans and ideas of how various things were going to be. Over the past 5 1/2 months, I have learned that some of these plans were ambitious, impossible and in some cases, foolish. I had not expected breastfeeding to fall into this category. Yet here I am. I had anticipated how I would go about weaning Taelyn. I had crazy ideas of the excitement I would feel when we hit this point. I had planned to wait until she turned one, or started biting me, which ever came first. Never would I have expected her to be done with me before I was ready to be done myself. Funny, everything else runs on her schedule, I just didn't expect this to follow suit.

Producing isn't the problem. I think it is more related to letdown. I don't feel super stressed, but for some reason, it is taking me longer than it used to. She is also giving me less time than she used to. After approximately 3 sucks, if she isn't instantly rewarded, she starts screaming (trust me, screaming is the right word). She is then too upset to continue trying. The more I try to force her to try again, the harder she screams. I feel frustrated, discouraged, and even...broken...
Feelings aside, this leaves me with one decision. Pump or use formula? I know which takes less time, but don't want to base my decision on which is easiest for me. Is breast milk really better than formula once we reach this point? Am I going to be hurting my baby by not feeding her breast milk? Hey Dad, maybe I'll pump and sell my milk to Ben & Jerry's!! Um...maybe not...

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated. Let me clarify. Thought on pumping vs. formula at 5 1/2 months, not on Ben & Jerry's using breast milk instead of cows milk, would be best!

A Conversation from Our Trip Home

Me: We can't leave until Taleyn's clothes are dry.

Mom: I might have something she can wear.

Me: Isn't that for Christmas?

Mom: Maybe.

Taryn: Can I dress her?

Me: Sure.

Taryn: How do I do this?

Me: Usually you start by putting her legs in the leg holes...

Taryn: What do I do now?

Me: Now you pull them up over her bum. How do you put your pants on?

Aunt Lori's Book

So I have wanted to do more reading...but just haven't been motivated. Between Taelyn, Jon (and the time I spend tutoring him for his math) and our illnesses (just starting week 2 of being sick as a family) I just haven't made time these last few months. Being that this is the last month at our current address, I probably won't have much time within the next 4 weeks either. So why am I posting? Because I think I just found motivation to read a book. In fact, I think I'll go buy it on the way home from work. Why? Because Aunt Lori talked about her new book at the Woodland reunion we had back in August. I just heard it advertised on the radio (I listen while at work). I'm excited to see what she has compiled from the firesides she has given. I'll let you know what my thoughts are after I finish it.

Happy Birthday Sis!

Taryn,

I find it hard to believe that it has been 16 years since you were born. It hardly seems that long. I remember when I found out mom was pregnant with you. I was telling mom about some present that one of my friends got for her birthday. She told me I was getting something better. I started guessing. A box turtle? Better. A horse? Better. A baby sister?! I still stand by my belief that I prayed you into existence. I wanted a little sister more than anything. I want you to know that I couldn't have gotten a better one. I'm so grateful for the relationship we have.

Mag, this post is for you.

First I want to share 16 memories I have of you. These won't be in any particular order. Just fun memories I have.

1. I remember fights my senior year of high school. You always ended them with "I can't wait for you to go to college!" Without fail, 4 minutes later you would come back in tears to let me know that you didn't want me to leave.
2. I remember driving to Salt Lake with you and mom when we got stuck in the snow. You were about 5, I think. We waited for a long time and no one was driving by. A lady came in a truck and instead of helping us, she turned around and went home. Mom was worried. You asked me if we could say a prayer. While mom was trying to get us out, you and I prayed. 5 minutes later 4 trucks showed up at the same time and all the guys stopped and pushed the car back on the road. Remember the toothless guy throwing the snowball at the windshield and smiling and waving as mom got back in the car? Your faith has always impressed me.
3. On that note, remember when Jet was born? We didn't know if he was going to live. You asked dad to give him a blessing. I hope you always remember the power of prayer and the priesthood.
4. Remember eating my chili burger when we were in Oregon because it was too spicy for me?
5. How about the time that we went to Disney Land. You were so upset that you were too short to go on the fun rides. No matter what I said, I couldn't convince you that Colton and Truck were lying when they said they could stretch you. I don't remember how long you let one of them pull on your hands and the other on your feet while mom and dad were gone.
6. There were several times that we talked dad into letting us get kittens. You always managed to talk me into sneaking them into our bedroom after mom and dad went to sleep.
7. I wanted to do something special for your 10th birthday because I was going into the MTC 1 1/2 weeks later, but I had to work that day. I had Colton check you out of school and bring you to the golf course. I pulled some strings to get you a golf cart so that he could take you out on the back 9 while I made you both lunch.
8. Remember when you were talking about your best birthday ever being when Colton took you to the golf course. Yah, still bitter. That was so my idea-and I even paid for it!
9. I'll always remember the 'pet fight' at the Brady's. We had gone to have dinner at Shay's parents' house before Colton and Shay got married. Before we left, we were standing out front visiting. That is when it came out that dad shot Bubba, Nala ate your bunny, dad stepped on the kitten, etc. You were in tears, Colton was upset, mom was in trouble, and dad was the bad guy. Not the best way to show the Brady's that their daughter was marrying into a good family! Jon thought it was hilarious!
10. I remember how upset you were when Jessie threw a fit in the arena when you were trying out for Neola Rodeo Princess. You felt like you had done so bad. In actuality, you were amazing. You handled it so well. You made her calm down and you finished running the pattern. You are an amazing horseman (woman).
11. I called from the airport when I was on the way to North Carolina. You wouldn't believe mom when she kept trying to tell you that I really didn't need the rundown of what had happened on Smallville the night before.
12. The cutest thing ever was right after I got married and you asked me when I was going to move home for the summer.
13. One of my favorites was taking you with when my friends went to Vernal to see one of the new Star Wars episodes. You insisted on dressing up with us. Ty carried you around all night on his back and called you his Padawan learner.
14. Oh the nic-names! Remember when I called you 'booger eater' just to show Colton that you had so many nic-names that you would answer to anything. I was right. Because mom didn't like me calling you that, I started calling you Fred. When that didn't fly, we went to Mag and Maggie (I think I still owe you several quarters for calling you Magpie). The funny thing is that you never got mad about any of the names I called you.
15. Remember the BYU-I sweatshirt I gave you. You wore it everywhere. My favorite was when you insisted on wearing it over your off-white dress when you came up for my graduation.
16. I know it was only a month ago, but I loved taking the trip with you to the Tabi store. Which one? All of them. We were enjoying talking to each other so much that even on the last trip, we forgot to get everything we were supposed to.

I'll wrap this up with a photo highlight. Now these aren't all of my favorites, just 16 that I have taken. Let me know if there are any you have questions about.

Oh, and my one bit of advice for you would be to remember that dad is a smart guy. You probably won't believe that during this phase of your life (I didn't), but he is. Always follow his counsel. I promise you will be happier if you do.

I love you, Mag. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!