Give Thanks

This is our "Gratitude Tree" that we made for Family Home Evening last week. It sits in our entry way to remind us of just a couple of the things we are grateful for. Each leaf represents one item of thanks...Rob and Jack came up with some pretty good ones (Utah Utes, the Wii, my "Best" friends Tommy and Luke). It was a really fun activity we had, but most importantly we learned to GIVE THANKS for our infinite blessings. Happy Thanksgiving!

Religious Ponderings

I was sitting in Relief Society on Sunday and was impressed by the lesson. It was on the gifts of the Holy Ghost and listening and understanding what the Holy Ghost tells us. Up to this point in having this Blog I have specifically stayed away from any posts that were "overly" religious. I have been a little guarded about what I am willing to post on the Internet for ALL to read. It's not that I am ashamed about my religion, in fact I feel very blessed to be a Latter-Day Saint. As I was sitting in class I realized that one of the main reasons I have this Blog is so I can pass along a history to my children. Then came the thought...what do you want your children to know more about, the everyday happenings of their lives (which is worthy and happy), or do you want them to know of the eternal nature of this mortal existence. It was a no brainier...If I had to leave my children a book, I would want it filled with my testimony and thoughts of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ and my love for them and the truth of the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ. Look forward to more posts on religious matters :).

Parker, Parker, Parker

This is a picture of Parker and Grandpa Gary at Felt Lighting. Parker has now taken over Jackson "job" at work...which is sitting in the jumper or being carried around to help customers. He NEVER gets enough attention when we're there :). This week has marked some big changes for Parker. He cut his first tooth and is now sitting up all on his own. He and Jackson have a new little relationship budding. Parker has found a whole new world by being able to sit-up and play with toys. There is something about seeing them from up above rather than eye level that makes them so much more exciting. We love to see you learn and grow little man!

Motherhood Part 1

I've been letting some thoughts percolate in my brain for quite some time now and I think they are needing to be put down in written form. I've been contemplating what it means for me to be a mom and what that entails. Before I was a mother I knew exactly what type of mom I wanted to be. Now being a mom and actually living it day in and day out, it's harder to be the mom that I'd thought I'd be.

The pre-mom-mom in my head was a cool headed, well-groomed, stylish lady who had well-behaved children who loved to do the things that she did. I was around children and babies a LOT when I was younger. I babysat all the time and even was the "mom" for multiple families of multiple children while their parents were on vacations. I was the "cool" babysitter who did lots of fun things. I thought I understood what it meant to be a mom...boy was I fooled!

I knew being a mom would be hard- that's what I signed up for. But what I didn't know was how trying and tearful and gut-wrenching it would be. I have young children and I know it's not going to get any easier. So here are my thoughts- raw and unedited.

MESSING THEM UP- I worry that some of the decisions I make will mess them up and I will have raised someone who is spoiled or not self-sufficient or, or...the possibilities are endless.

DISCIPLINING- Am I being too hard on them, am I breaking that strong spirit they were sent with? Am I too easy on them- are they getting away with too much? Where is the line and how do I know?

UNDERSTANDING THEIR NEEDS- When they come out as babies it's easy to understand what they need- pretty straight forward; eat, sleep, changing diapers and giving LOTS of loves. When they get a little older it gets a little harder. What do you need when you can't communicate it to me, or you can talk, but you can't understand what it is you need yourself. It's tricky and sticky and trying.

Those are just a few of things that I struggle with. It's a daily process. One day I feel like the mom in my dreams and the next day I feel like I've been replaced with the Wicked Witch of the West! What I have finally concluded is, motherhood is not for the faint of heart.

California 2010

We had such a fun family vacation to California. We spent most of our time in Disneyland and California Adventure, but we did fit in some "Beach Time". This was the PERFECT time to go, we got to see all the Halloween decorations and be part of the Halloween party in Disneyland, and then the following morning (after the park was open until 1 a.m.) Christmas decorations were out. The lines to get on rides were short if there was a line at all. We would play all day and then go back to the hotel and swim...we were all worn out by bedtime. Favorites: Buzz Lightyear ride, Toy Story ride, Screamin' Rollercoaster. Great memories!

Handy Manny with the Family
Jack and Luke playing on the beach

My boys with Buzz

Pluto, Jack and Meggan

Sugar Please!!

CHEESE

Toon Town Trolley

Huntington Beach Pier

Halloween 2010

We spent this Halloween in Disneyland...partying and trick-or-treating with Mickey and his friends. Jack was a Utah Football player and Parker was a Tiger. We were able to go to our school party before we left- lots and lots of fun!

Rob, Jack and Mickey- Jack's showing Mickey his "U"
Tiger in deep thought...

Preschool class- Top Row: Toothfairy aka Mrs. Mikel

Bottom Row: Superman, Tinkerbell, Bumblebee, Utah Football Player, Ladybug

Game Day

It's "Game Day" tomorrow and although we will all be wearing our BLACK for the big game, we will be wearing our RED underneath! Re-watching "Film" tonight to get ready for TCU tomorrow. Here's hoping we can pull out another W for the season! Go Utes!