The blessings we are given.

I have been lacking this last few months in posting blogs. It's not that I haven't had great memories that my family has been making, it's actually the opposite. We have had so much going on and happen it has been so fun.
With inner battles and the path didn't seem to logically make sense, and with three kids and a super busy husband and life, the spirit guided me, and us with the stumbling blocks being opened one at a time for me to go back to school and finish. It has been a crazy blessing! I have cried more in the last few months from being so overwhelmed, to being so grateful for this experience. I have gained greater respect for those single moms who are full time students and full time mom. But the difference is I have an incredible husband, who has felt the need to do this for us also, and has picked up my slack and has become mom and dad. I COULD NOT do this without Jake! I love you, and am so grateful that you have given me this opportunity, even though it has required so much more of you then we ever expected.

I love the feeling of learning, I am taking physiology, anatomy, and physics. They are super hard classes. I think that is where the biggest blessing lye's though. It has pushed me harder than I ever have had to do in school. I have gained a greater respect for our maker, in the magnificence of the body, and what it is made up of and how it works.

People say it all the time, that they don't know what they did with their time before when they weren't so busy. I feel like our family accomplishes so much more, and we are more content. Life goes on, and it is what we do, or don't do with our time that is most remarkable, because there are so many directions that our time can take us.

Jake has been given the opportunity to work in the operating room at our local hospital. This position normally requires certain schooling and training. They have offered to train him on the job. He has loved being there, and also this has opened up time for him to be home with the kids more.

Life is Good!

Happy Halloween

The kids were so excited for Halloween this year! We got to go to Grandmas and Grandpas for Orange and Black dinner, then head over to their trunk or treat. While we were leaving, Spencer approached a van that was opened with the dad at the drivers seat and the kids in the back, and asked, " excuse me sir, why is your car so messy, as we are trying to get away as fast as we could, as Spencer is continuing to say this over and over, he wanted a answer. I look at the mans face and he is looking at this boy like, "Who are you?" Wow, I love kids honesty and the way they can make you not be able to stop laughing of embarrassment.
I also took the kids to the library trick or treat. Of course Spencer was more interested in the outfits what were lining the halls. He watched carefully to see the ones he liked and then made sure he went up to each one and told them that he loved their outfit. I wish I could be like that and not be scared to go give a compliment that easy.
We continued throughout the rest of trick or treating and Spencer approached a cop, he must have been keeping track of what was given to him, because when the cop went to give him the treat Spencer looked real frustrated, with a reply to the cop, " Excuse me sir, I already have one of those that you are giving to me. The cop replied back with, "son, it's ok to have two of the same. Spencer replied back with, " But, you have some things in that basket that I haven't gotten yet, could I please have one of those instead?" The cop looked at me with a defeated look and handed it over to him, then Spencer looked up and said, "Thank you sir, have a nice day!" You can imagine how the line was backed up and the impatient kids behind us. I was so embarrassed and so proud of his persistence. Wow, I think I have some trouble on my hands.
We had a great time with all of the Halloween festivities, it was a great day! Spencer also begged me to dress up like wonder woman.. I couldn't tell him no. To say the least I was totally embarrassed, but found later as we were running from door to door with our super hero races and kicks that I didn't care what I looked like, I looked like a super hero to Spencer and he couldn't have been happier, and I was having so much fun. Why can't we always look at life through a childs eyes, it is so simple and beautiful. I think that is going to be mt new goal. I am grateful that I can be a mom, so I can learn these lessons. So ... Pictures are pending.

Fun times

We all had fun at the Uintah High Homecoming game with Dad and Grandpa. Spencer had fun making friends with the people sitting by us in the bleachers, and Baylie loved watching all the dancers. It was a great night.

Family for conference

My Mom, sister, brother, and sister in-law (and kids!) came out to visit us over conference. Spencer and Baylie loved having their cousins here! We had a fun filled time celebrating Tiffany's birthday, chasing our pigs and spending time with each other. Thank you guys for coming.

Spencer turns 4!

We had a fun-filled "SUPER" day with Spencer. He had picked out his favorite birthday cake months before and begged me to make it for him.(I'm not sure what sight I found it to give credit for the design- So here is credit to you!) He also had a list of super-hero outfits he was wishing for! Thank you grandma and Jenna for them- He LOVES them! Thank you to all who sent gifts and cards, He loved every- single one of them!

Jaxon turned one! Awhile ago...

Jaxon turns 1!






I can't believe Jaxon is one now! He is such a wonderful little boy with a smile and a cuddle that makes my every single day!! He has been such a delight to our family. We LOVE you Jax!!!!

Jake wanted to make Jaxon a birthday cake of all his favorite things! We had a great celebration.

Byu game with the Bingham's

Jakes Dad and Mom took Jake and I to the BYU Vs Florida football game. It was so fun! Thank you Scott !

We've been married 5 years!!!

Jake and I got to spend the whole week together at education week! He picked me up from my parents house on the motorcycle and we headed to Provo. We had so much fun spending just one on one time together, celebrating our 5 year anniversary, learning many new and wonderful ideas/things, and making goals with each other for our marriage and for the family. Thank you Tiffany and Mom for watching the kids for us so that we could go! We also got to stay with some good friends there. Thank you Howcroft's for letting us play with your family, and thanks for the amazing, yummy meals. It was so good to see you!

Thank you Jake for 5 wonderful years! We have had so much fun learning and growing together! You are a great Dad and an amazing husband, I look forward to many more years!

Up Up and away

My mom, sister, and I took the kids to the Eden balloon festival. We were there bright and early( really bright and early!) The kids loved seeing the balloons get huge right before their eyes. We ate breakfast and watch them get blown up and take off. It was great fun!

Hello my friend!

I was able to catch up with a dear friend of mine, Brindee( We were best friends growing up.) We got together with our kids and rode the train to Salt Lake for the day! After we got done playing in the water we decided it was time to end our adventure and head back home. We had to get on the trax to get to the front runner station. Well we were loading up the strollers. I put my stroller on first and my mom and sister got on. Then went to help Brindee put her stroller on and the doors closed and off went the train. The boys decided that we were just going to have to stay there in Salt Lake. So they laid down and were just going to go to sleep . Then all the sudden Landen had an idea and Spencer said a prayer.

Spencer saying a prayer.

It went something like this, "Heavenly Father we are sorry we missed the train, please send another one so we can get home."It was the cutest thing ever. Kids are so inquisitive!

We had a great day! We loved spending the day with you guys!

A new do?

I went to see Jocelyn in Logan and told her I was ready for something new with my hair. I told her I trusted her and that she should do what she wanted. didn't get to see it until I was done. TADA! It's a new me! A much more manageable do for a momma with lots to do. Thanks Jocelyn I love it!

Lunch with Ernie

We go to go see Ernie, and he took us to lunch,
Spencer just loves him. Thank you, it was so good to see you!

Fun in the sun-at Snowbird

I got to take the kids to spend some time with my family up at Snowbird, We had a great time! I even conquered....(well not quite conquer, but softened) my my biggest fear of swimming-jumping into the deep end of a pool, I know it sounds silly, but I was absolutely terrified! Just picture it, ( my mom on one side, my brother on the other side of the deep end, with their arms outstretched, While I am standing with my knees shaking like crazy and my heart pounding out of my chest, wondering in my mind if this is really worth it. Then I hear from the balcony ahead, my kids yelling " jump mom, you can do it!" Well thanks for the encouragement! I gave my mom and brother one deep look into their eyes with the message that read loud and clear,"you better catch me. I don't want my kids to watch me drown!" Like I am really going to drown! I jumped, and it felt exhilarating! Never in my life have I done that. I did it over and over and over, that is until other adults came into the pool. Can you just see it. An adult girl jumping into the pool and yelling "Yes I did it again, and I didn't even drown." Well, I will spare you the picture of me jumping in, and share with you some other cute pictures of my darling kids!

motorcycle/camping fun!

We had a great time camping with the Bingham's. We got to see some of Jakes' dad's family history carved into the trees..what a wonderful experience. The kids enjoyed fishing, and Jake even talked me into going with them on the day motorcycle trip. Boy...was that an experience. Thank you husband for picking up my slack- up the hill!! I forgot to take pictures of my battered/bruised legs. It quite hurt to walk for the next following days. I bet I was quite the sight to watch. but it was fun and challenging! Thank you Deb for watching the kids so I could go.

A day spent with the cousins

We took the kids to aerospace museum and to a water park. We ended the day with fire in the backyard, cooking hobo dinners, hot dogs, and smores...yums! They had a blast. I also enjoyed spending the day with my Mom, Tiffany, Tacy and Josh. Thanks guys

Nothing like a day with the kiddos..outside

A picture says it all!

Lunch with the girls..and a few boys

I look forward to our get together lunch with great grandma, grandma, mom, and the girls every year. We had a great time celebrating my mom's birthday with lunch at Archibald's in Gardner Village. The kids loved the petting zoo, and they even got to ride on a horse of their choice- needles to say....they loved it we got a few YE-HAWS!

Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness

We had a fun 4th of July this year. The kids loved the parade and fireworks. I am so grateful for those who have given and those who continue to give to our country, so that we might continue to have the freedoms that were given to us from our founding fathers.

United States Declaration of Independence
1823 facsimile of the engrossed copy
Created	June–July 1776
Ratified	July 4, 1776
Location	Engrossed copy: National Archives Rough draft: Library of Congress
Authors	Thomas Jefferson et al.
Signers	56 delegates to the Continental Congress
Purpose	To announce and explain separation from the Kingdom of Great Britain[1]

The United States Declaration of Independence is a statement adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, which announced that the thirteen American colonies then at war with Great Britain were now independent states, and thus no longer a part of the British Empire. Written primarily by Thomas Jefferson, the Declaration is a formal explanation of why Congress had voted on July 2 to declare independence from Great Britain, more than a year after the outbreak of the American Revolutionary War. The birthday of the United States of America—Independence Day—is celebrated on July 4, the day the wording of the Declaration was approved by Congress.

After finalizing the text on July 4, Congress issued the Declaration of Independence in several forms. It was initially published as a printed broadside that was widely distributed and read to the public. The most famous version of the Declaration, a signed copy that is usually regarded as the Declaration of Independence, is on display at the National Archives in Washington, D.C. Although the document was approved on July 4, the date of its actual signing is disputed by historians, most accepting a theory that it was signed nearly a month after its adoption, on August 2, 1776, and not on July 4 as commonly believed.

The sources and interpretation of the Declaration have been the subject of much scholarly inquiry. The Declaration justified the independence of the United States by listing colonial grievances against King George III, and by asserting certain natural rights, including a right of revolution. Having served its original purpose in announcing independence, the text of the Declaration was initially ignored after the American Revolution. Its stature grew over the years, particularly the second sentence, a sweeping statement of human rights:

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

This sentence has been called "one of the best-known sentences in the English language"^[2] and "the most potent and consequential words in American history".^[3] The passage has often been used to promote the rights of marginalized groups, and came to represent for many people a moral standard for which the United States should strive. This view was greatly influenced by Abraham Lincoln, who considered the Declaration to be the foundation of his political philosophy,^[4] and promoted the idea that the Declaration is a statement of principles through which the United States Constitution should be interpreted.

For: Just Because

There was a knock on my front door, when I opened it, to my surprise it was Jake with flowers. I love when Jake gives me Just because flowers, It sure makes my day. I love you Jake!

Farewell my friend!

Mandy died this week. The kids helped Grandpa bury her with "magic pictures and flowers." We will miss you sweet Mandy!

Why oh Why?

We woke up Sunday morning to ..... A flood in our basement, How delightful!!

A job well Done!

Jake ran the triathlon today. He did an awesome job!! I think it is so remarkable to see so many people out there being healthy and enjoying life...it rubs off on you(hopefully). Spencer even ran in the mini kid run and got a medal. Thanks for a great day Jake! And thank you Ashlee Valley Hospital for Sponsoring Jake to run!

She's learning the Sas...

I'd say she's got it down pretty good!

I got to do another cake

A few weeks ago I got to do another cake for one of Heidi's friends. Thank you mom and Tiffany and Heidi for helping me with it!

Dad took us fishing....

It was so fun to go sit on the canal and fish with the kids. Thanks Dad we loved it!

Oh....to be a little child

We woke up this morning and couldn't find Baylie anywhere! And then we were startled... I wish I could just fall asleep anywhere like this including on the cracks of two chairs under the table! What a little goof!

I got a new bed and table... and lots of other stuff. I love them!

Can I just say I love KSL!! Oh don't you worry, I still love the DI too! I just love getting unbelievable deals, seriously it makes my day!

Josh and Tacy

I got the opportunity to do Josh and Tacy's wedding cake and flowers. It was a beautiful day-We are excited to have you in the family Tacy!

Another year older and wiser too!

I go to go to lunch with my sister Heidi for her Birthday while I was down in Ogden. I sure Love her and am grateful for her in my life...Happy Birthday!

Being a mommy....Priceless!

Spencer

Baylie

Jaxon

I just love being a MOMMY-Yes sometimes hearing the name yelled, cried, screamed, well...you know.... all day long can get tiring, but I wouldn't trade it for anything. I am so lucky that I am a mother to 3 beautiful children. To look into their faces daily is such a miracle to know the Lord trusted me enough to care for them. I love them, I love what they teach me, and I love the person I am because of them! Spencer, Baylie, and Jaxon I love you so much and am so grateful that I am your mommy!

Another Wonderful Womens Conference

It was so fun to get together with both of my sisters and mom and just have a great time together.We loved having you come Hillary-I hope you didn't get to scared of us. I loved being able to be spiritually uplifted for a few days! Thank you Jake and Debbie for allowing me to be able to go and watching the kids.

We are so excited to have a new sister in the family. Josh is getting married and we were able to have Tacy's bridal shower this past week. Thank you to all of you who came.

Happy Birthday Jake

Jake's Birthday was on the first. Poor guy was sick and watching the kids while I was at Womens Conference. Thank you Debbie for taking care of him. Another wonderful year we have been able to spend with you Jake. We Love You!!

I think we will be seeing alot of this!!

Spencer and Baylie love the mud. Thank heavens for a hose and a washer!

Jake is so lucky!

Jake won a Wii and a Wii fit at a hospital meeting. We are so excited!

Beckys' Baby shower

We had Becky's baby shower today! It was a good turn out and was fun to visit friends and family. Spencer can't wait to meet their new cousin!

I asked them to help me pack

I asked Spencer and Baylie to help me pack what they want to take to Grandmas house(thinking it would keep them out of trouble!- and thinking they would grab clothes and toys) Spencer kept saying I guess that is all we need right!

Fhe bike ride and rolling easter eggs

We went for a long bike ride up to the gun range mtns and rolled us some Easter eggs. It was so nice to get out and get some exercise and have fun with the kids.

Just hanging out with dad....

Hmm, do these kids like their daddy?

I love pulling into the drive way and looking back to see this...

Not just seeing this.... But seeing....(look closely)






This,


Spencer just loves taking care of his brother and sister. It makes me truly grateful that I am able to learn from and love these sweet little angels.

The kidz on Easter Morning

We had a wonderful Easter Sunday, We got to spend it together as a family! Debbie Jake's mom made a wonderful passover dinner, I'm so grateful for her time and preparation she spent for us to be able to experience that. It was so neat to read the story together and eat the individual items of food as we were reminded of what they represented. I loved when we were able to open the door to the Savior and invite him in to eat with us, as there was a place set for him. The kids also got to go on a Easter egg hunt. ( I wish I would have gotten more pictures of the meal and kids on the hunt-oh well)
I am so grateful for the resurrection and for this Easter holiday to be able to spend the day thinking of that incredible event in history, and the wonderful life we are able to live because of all we have been blessed with!

A fun trip to Ogden!!

I took the kids last week to Ogden and we got to see lots of friends and family. It was a bummer we had to end early and come home because the kids were sick with ear infections and strep, so I am sorry if we got any of you that we visited sick! Thank you Jocelyn for the Haircuts!

A Navy Graduate

I got to go with Jakes Parents to see his sister Sara graduate from the Navy. It was so fun to spend time with his family and to be able to see Sara's accomplishments. Jakes dad even took me to see Medical College of Wisconsin. This is the School that we are hoping to get into. I loved it!!!!
Thank you so much Scott and Debbie for letting me come along with you. Jake I love you so much for taking the kids all by yourself the whole time and letting me go!



Here are the kids sporting their cute little Navy outfits!

Baylie Turns 2!!

We had a great day celebrating Baylies Birthday! Spencer stayed up late the night before setting up her new table and chairs, drawing pictures to decorate the kitchen and put decorations up around the house, he was so excited. Baylie helped me make her birthday cake.. mmmmm she said the whole time, it was so much fun. We had family over for dinner, cake, and wrote what we love about Baylie on balloons and sent them up into the Stars(she is obsessed with stars.) We have loved having you in our family Bay.. You are such a joy to us!!

We have been looking for Spencer hmmm!

Demolition Dad

The kids have had a great time with Jake while he has been knocking down a few old sheds.

Pinata with Kimmie and Shay

We made an extra pinata to hit when we went to Ogden. Spencer was excited to share it with his cousins. Thank you Tiffany and Mom for decorating it for us!

Lunch with the Girls

Every year I look forward to getting with all the girls in my family and having lunch at Maddox! We had a great time.

SLC on a train!

I decided to take the kids to SLC on the train while Jake was in Wisconsin. My mom and sisters came, we had a great time!

I love to look out my window to see........