Counting My Blessings Day 20

I am thankful for James!! What a doll, this little guy is so cute, smiley, and ACTIVE! He loves to unload all the pans under the oven, pull out the crock pot from the cupboard, drag the blender base around by pulling on the chord, and push the spring button found in the bottom inside of the rice cooker--all of this done in about three minutes. Next, he will find his way to the computer desk and dump out all our chords and blank cds.
He LOVE to wrestle with Daddy on the bed and can never walk past it without extending his hands and saying "ehh ehh!"begging to be tossed aboard. He will stand with his head to the ground (like a triangle) as long as it takes for you to clue in that he wants to play sommersault (where you flip him over). He climbs up on the tv stand and knows exactly how to turn it on, and more recently he's been experimenting with the dvd player while Emma is watching a show. It's so adorable when he walks around with Emma's headbands about his neck and carries my paddle brush.
He will smile and laugh so readily for you and is always hoping you will come play with him. He loves to be in the middle of all the action, I just love it! He says "uh oh" all the time, and has learned from Emma to say "ow" when he's hurt, but most of the time he uses it to express that you have hurt his feelings (like when I say "No! James"). We love this little guy SO much.

Counting My Blessings Day 19

There are few things so fantastic as a glowing sunset. Tonight's was especially beautiful. Wow! I am thankful for the beauty of the earth and for the beauty of the sky. I love the see the artwork of God. I am privileged to have panoramic west-facing windows that allow me to capture a beautiful sunset almost without even thinking about it, practically every day. I love it!

Counting My Blessings Day 18

I am thankful I have been taught the value of hard work. I am grateful to have the ability to work, and I enjoy the satisfaction that comes from my labors. I have a great job at my apartment complex taking care of the hot tub, pool, and club house. I've been able to learn about the ph and chlorine levels, and better understand what makes for a clean hot tub. Daily, I am challenged to get out of bed and go unlock the club house rain or snow. Such a challenge helps me choose what kind of person I want to be, and I am striving to be someone who is hard working, honest, and reliable. I have also been blessed with a paycheck from this job, every other Friday. It is such a convenient job and has been a blessing for our family as Andrew has pursued his medical training.

Counting My Blessings Day 17

I am thankful for Andrew and how hard he works to be a great doctor and a great father. He is smack dab in the middle of his transition year, one of the more challenging programs in the country, and instead of complaining, he is doing his very best to learn all he can so he can be the best doctor possible. He gives much more effort than is required and is dedicated to making sure things are done right and that patients are well taken care of. On top of this, he spends hours consulting with family members and friends regarding health related issues, and he's been studying night and day for the third round of board exams. And, he manages to remain the favorite parent around here. Emma and James will race to the front door when he walks in, squeal with delight if they manage to sneak into the bedroom when he's trying to get some rest, and every time, he will pick them up, play, wrestle, tickle, and adore them, just the way they love. Emma said this morning, "Daddy, I need to make sure and say goodbye to you before you go." On the days he leaves too early, the first words from her mouth upon waking are: "Where's Daddy?" We love you, Andrew, thanks for working so hard and doing a great job!

Counting My Blessings Day 16

I am thankful for the Book of Mormon and the way in which the spirit can teach countless lessons through the same verses. Yesterday's gospel doctrine lesson was on studying and pondering the scriptures as Jesus taught in 3 Nephi 22, 23 & 26. I have been focusing on the teaching qualities of the Savior, and, as a personal progress goal, noting the divine qualities of the Savior as recorded in the Book of Mormon. Well, yesterday, I read 3 Nephi 26:14 which says "And it came to pass that he did teach and minister unto the children." A marvelous thing He did was teach children, and minister to them. For the first time, I thought of ministering in light of the way I attend to the needs of my children. As I do so, with love and care, and teach them correct principles, I, too, can be like the Savior. I am grateful for this lesson that came to me while studying from the Book of Mormon.

Counting My Blessings Day 15

I am thankful for the power that is so unique to music. I am grateful to have spent countless hours of my life in the creation and consumption of beautiful music. Some things cannot accurately be said, they must be sung, or played. Here (or here) is my latest joy that I heard at a BYU Singer's concert. Music like this speaks to my soul and warms my heart. I feel a deep love from my Father in Heaven and an appreciation for the beautiful things He has created as I listen to something like this.

Counting My Blessings Day 14

I am so thankful for good deals. Living with student debt can make things tight, but luckily there are ways to have a few perks. Here are some things I have been grateful for recently: an adorable pink Land's end winter coat for Emma from a second hand store, a pair of new boots for me that were originally labeled at $50 that I got for $3, snow boots for Emma for $1.99, a Christmas gift I purchased that rang up $4 less than the discounted sale price, 20 cents off my gasoline. :)

Counting My Blessings Day 13

Oh thanks for dirty dishes,
They have a tale to tell,
While others may go hungry,
We're eating very well.
With home, health and happiness,
I shouldn't want to fuss,
But by the stack of evidence
God's been mighty good to us.

Counting My Blessings Day 12

I am thankful to be a violin teacher, to be able to work with students, and to create beautiful music together. I have been so blessed by my interactions with students and their families. Also, I am glad  to have something that requires me to keep violin an active part of my life.

Counting My Blessings Day 11

I am thankful for my grandmothers. I am so blessed to be near them. I have been all my life and it is a privilege I do not take for granted. Grandma Marian is such a wonderful example of love and faith. I always sense her goodness and love even just over the phone. Grandma Jean is like a best friend to me, and I am honored to be blessed to have a daughter so I could give her the name of Jean. Both women are remarkable, beautiful, kind, and loving. I have felt so loved my whole life and now that love has grown as I see them love my children.

Counting My Blessings Days 9 & 10

November 9th: Sing with me up the chord: "snow, Snow, SNOW!" It's definitely snowing here, and I loved it when the radio announcer gave the forecast: "The forecast for today looks like snow and more snow." :) Everything is covered, and it is remarkably beautiful, especially from the panoramic view of my apartment windows.

November 10th: I am SO thankful for the amazing privilege I had to attend Brigham Young University. I am honored and proud to be a cougar. I am thankful for the fabulous education I received, both by learning and by faith. I am thankful for the beauties of the campus, the magnificent Y mountain, the people, the spirit. Wow! Every time I go back, I think, "If I could relive my years I was here, I'd do it in the blink of an eye." I am so thankful that was a part of my life.

Counting My Blessings Day 8

Today I am thankful for a quiet moment in the day, a chance to pause and recuperate. There are many blessings that come from work, but the ability to take a break from it all adds a delightful contrast.

Counting My Blessings

I don't know about you, but I can't believe we're in November! Where has twenty twelve gone? Well, the highlight of the month is Thanksgiving for sure, and I've decided to count my blessings each day leading up to it. If you'd like to comment your thanks each day too, I'd love to hear it. You'll notice that I've started a little late, but that's no reason to keep me from being thankful, so here goes:

November 1st: I am SO thankful to have a nice, reliable car that can take me and the kids to and from the places we need to go in safety and comfort. SUCH a blessing that I hoped for for years, and now I finally have it! :) James is now forward-facing in the car seat, and every time I do a right head-check, he thinks I'm just looking at him, and he grins from ear to ear. It's adorable!

November 2nd: I am thankful for the temple and the privilege to attend the historic Salt Lake temple. I am grateful to be able to shut out the world for a few moments and be instructed by the spirit and know that my Heavenly Father hears and answers my prayers.

November 3rd: I am thankful for my Saturday morning step class. I have never been so excited to get up and out the door on Saturday mornings as I am now. Gotta love Suzette and all her pep! "Give me corner, corner knees!!" :)

November 4th: It didn't take long for me to realize the blessings my Heavenly Father has in store for me in my new calling as first counselor for the young women. I LOVE it! The women with callings that I work with, and the young women all bring such great enlightenment to my soul. I so look forward to going to that third hour of church. I am SO thankful for this opportunity. I know that this calling came from God and was the right thing for me, though initally it seemed like a challenge to accept at the time.

November 5th: I am blessed to have my sister Mary on bed rest with twins. I have ached for years to live by her, and just recently, she has moved to Utah. Her being on bed rest has been such a great blessing and opportunity for me to take advantage of having her close by. Today, and every Monday, I get to go to her beautiful home and help her out, though she always seems to help me more. I inevitably go home with something, such as Halloween costumes, hand-me-down clothes, and, lots of great ideas and love. One great idea this week was a cute turkey FHE activity. She cut with me as we made our turkeys and feathers. Each feather has something we are grateful for written on it, and an activity to celebrate that. I love you, Mary!

November 6th: I am thankful for the beauties of the earth. I have little purple pansies, along with blue and yellow ones, too, and looking out the window at them standing tall and blooming amidst the cold brings great joy and warmth to my heart. Best part of my day.

Today: What a privilege it is to spend my days with my darling daughter. Emma has been so dear of late, saying things that encourage me, like, you're the best Mom, and giving me a big squeeze. She is also an avid artist, painting volumes a day. She inspires me with her joy and enthusiasm. Today we painted toenails together on the balcony. I just ate it up as she painted well beyond her nail, practically covering half the toe! :) So cute to have a little girl around.

Happy Halloween!

We've had so much fun this Halloween! We've attended a ward party, a friend party, a special children's party at the library, and, of course, trick or treating! 

Presidential Campaign

Last night for family night, we focused on the importance of government (i.e. we watched the final presidential debate). We made snicker doodles  separated the dough in half, dying one batch red and the other blue. *(I strove for exact evenness, yet there were two more red cookies than blue). It actually turned out to look a lot like a baby shower for twin boy and girl, but the cookies were great. And so was the debate. The campaign has been around long enough for Emma to be able to identify Obama. She is rooting for him. When asked last night who she wanted to win, it was a confident vote for Obama. This morning, she was quite interested and asked: "Did Obama win to be president yet?" I guess there's no more need for polling, it's decided. :)

Millcreek Canyon

For the past four years, we have loved driving up Millcreek Canyon this time of year to see the beauties of autumn. Take a look:

I am so grateful to live (at least for now) near the mountains and to revel in God's artwork. Also, how about a beautiful family? What a gift!

Happy October!!

Autumn, Halloween sugar cookies, and a birthday for the little boy of my life (more on that to come), such a great month!

Kid Moments

So fun to be a mother! I'm enjoying the many moments that come with caring for precious little kids. Here are some recent ones from this week:

 Tonight, as I was getting Emma in her pjs, I heard James pounding in the other room. When I came to see just what, this is what I found:

My Goodness!! The little stinker! He can't even walk, but here he is up on the TV stand, and not even one year old. And so it begins . . . :)

This morning, Emma went to her first day of preschool!!  

It was no big deal for her, she wasn't nervous or shy. Just happy to be learning and playing with other kids. I'm so excited for all that she's going to learn, socially and intellectually.

Finally, my last moment is the most precious. Yesterday, I took the kids with my in-laws to see the Brigham City Temple open house. Unfortunately, it was Labor Day, and the wait to get in took three hours. It was like "outer darkness" as my brother-in-law said, and I was worried that Emma wouldn't get anything out of it, even after a special FHE about temples the day before. When we FINALLY got to walk through, it was wonderful. The spirit was tangible, and despite being her three-year-old self, Emma was exceptionally reverent. I tried to tell her about a few things as we walked past, like the baptismal font, the sealing room, and the celestial room. This morning, on our drive to preschool, we shared the following conversation:

"Mom, what was that temple yesterday?"
"The Brigham City Temple?"
"Yeah. My favorite part was the sparkles [chandeliers in the celestial room] and the kneeling room [sealing room]."

"You mean the celestial room where we get kneel at an altar to be married?"
"Yeah. I wish I could do that when I'm bigger."

"You can. If you keep the commandments, you can get married in the temple when you're bigger."

"And when I'm bigger, I want to do that, and I really want to kneel with James and hold his hand because I really love James, and I want to be with him forever. Can I please, please marry James when I'm bigger?"

Perhaps one of the most precious moments of my life.

Broken Arm

Emma has always been a little bit of a climber (the video below is from 6 months ago) and this spring she had a large fall from her crib and broke her arm. The break was pretty severe, and she had to have a small surgery with 3 pins put in her arm. She was very brave through the whole ordeal, and now her arm is as good as new! She still climbs a lot, but often says things like "I need to be careful or Dr. Hawes will be angry." (Dr. Hawes was her orthopedic surgeon.) Thanks to all of you who expressed concern while she was healing.

Moab Canyonlands Half Marathon

Megan ran the Canyonlands Half Marathon this March for the second time and did a fantastic job. Congrats, Meggie!

Match Day

In the world of medical school, match day is perhaps the biggest day of all four years. This is the day where you find out where you will go for residency training. The match process is long and complicated. For Andrew, it involved being out of town every week of November and December, and into January (and a week in October after James was born) to interview for transitional year and residency (that's 7 TY interviews and 14 radiology interviews), flying on 47 planes, renting one rental car, visiting 15 states in all. Not to mention the months of hard work he put into the application process, nor the hours, days, nights, years put into training. Needless to say, it's a BIG deal. And hence, match day is a BIG day.

On March 16th, the day finally arrived.

Andrew's mom joined us:

  

Along with James:

Promptly at 10am, a red tape was cut and students ran up to find their envelope containing their destiny. Here is Andrew coming back with his. Thankfully he had the patience to walk back to me before opening it:

And here's what was inside:

We matched at Intermountain Medical Center in Murray, UT for his Transitional Year, and Mallinkrodt Institute of Radiology at Washington University in St. Louis for Radiology Residency. We couldn't be more thrilled!!! 

Grandma Karen, with her ESP, had a St. Louis flag for Emma :)

We got exaclty what we wanted. We both feel SO blessed and grateful. It kept feeling like a dream to me, and some days I couldn't help thinking about match day coming up, even though it had passed, just because we anticpated this day for SO long. We were both so surprised by the results, not that we didn't think we could get them, just that our dreams had really come true. I am so proud of Andrew. He has been unrelenting in his dedication to do well and provide for our family. We have so much to look forward to, including his first real paycheck after eight years university training. Way to go Andrew, we LOVE you!!!

James Update

I think the last post I did of James was when he was six weeks. Well, now six months later, I am back at it, mostly thanks to Grandma Jean for giving us a camera after mine got stolen! 

James is growing up SO fast. 

Here he is at six months. He started sitting, so he graduated from the swing to the high chair . . .

and he loves it! Food is one of James's most favorite things. He never tires in reaching for the placemats and plates at the dinner table. If I put the baby jar of food on the table, he will wail until I get it in his mouth! Feeding him is not the problem, feeding him fast enough is. ;)

Here he is sitting, so cute!

He also moved into Emma's room, and he does really well in the crib. He LOVES toys. Asleep:

or awake:

He is such a boy, he will roll a ball for EVER!

He loves to go on walks to the park, 

and he can swing:

Here he is at 7 months:

We love our James so very much. Every day is a joy to be a mother of such a darling little boy. I am grateful to have a baby! I spent so many months being pregnant, but I am so thankful, because he is so worth it! I am happy every day because of my little James.