The Christmas Season

I have found it hard this year to get into the spirit of Christmas. Probably because I am worrying about the baby and am trying to get everything on my list of 'to-dos' done before he comes. Not to mention my best friend Jane who is always at my side needing something. I haven't had alot of time to ponder or even think about the greatness of this holiday. Today though that all changed for me.

Jane and I were on our way home from her Doctor appointment and we decided to stop by the dollar store to pick up a few things. Like most trips to the dollar store we finally made it to the register with over twenty items in the cart that we just absolutly needed, instead of the three items we came to get. There was an older lady in front of us checking out and I couldn't help but over hear her and the cashiers conversation. The lady was paying with change because she didn't get paid until tomorrow. As she was counting she realized that she came up short, she could only put a dollar on her debit card because she only had about four dollars left in her account. She decided that she just needed to put one of her five items away and do without. Once I realized what was going on I looked in my wallet for some cash; when I realized that I didn't have any I decided to pay for the whole purchase. I looked at the cashier and said "I have this" as I gave her my card. The older lady didn't even realize what I was doing, she was busy looking for some more change. When she looked up and realized I had paid for her purchase she started crying and thanking me over and over again. I told her it was not a problem and that it was only five dollars. As she walked away I told her to "have a Merry Christmas," she was barely able to squeak out " Have a wonderful New Year." I realize that the $5.42 purchase may not have been alot to me, but it made the difference to this stranger. How grateful I am that I was able to feel the spirit and help someone else in need. I hope someday I can sit Jane down and tell of how this is a season of giving and service, not one of presents and greed. Just another reminder to me how I need to be a servant in the Lord's hand and do his will.

A Special Day

This might seem like an ordinary Sunday for most, but it was the most wonderful for me. Jane has finally hit the 18 month mark and went into nursery at church. Yes, I can finally sit through primary and do my lesson without the 'Jane' distraction. It has been especially nice since Derek has been gone on Sundays.

Here is some of our Sunday morning together. Jane loves to look at books now and pretend to read them. She just got out of the shower and is looking a little crazy with the hair.

This is where Jane spends most of her time when Mommy gets ready -- in the sink. She likes to brush her teeth, and play/get into everything on the counter. She lost my power brush the other day and Derek found it days later in the shoe bin in our closet. The price I pay to keep my daughter entertained.

October

Out our way is the most adorable little Farm. Ok it is actually quite large and we loved going there this year. There was great food, rides, petting zoo -- all for the kids. Jane's couldn't get enough of the 'bumble bee' ride. Poor Derek took her on it again and again. Just thought we would share some of the fun pictures we took together.

My favorite place on the farm was the sunflower patch. Only in Arizona can you enjoy beautiful weather and flowers in October.

Jane's two favorite things in life: her Dad and candy.

Roaming through the pumpkins, finding her favorite.

This picture pretty much explains my life right now. Jane always wanting to be picked up, and my belly growing bigger everyday. The two things I see the most!!

The Halloween pictures are a little out of order. By the end of our ward trunk or treat Jane crashed pretty hard. Sadly, we still dragged her to one more Halloween party.

Our growing family. The little guy was a pumpkin, with the help of his Mom.

Jane was the cutest little lady bug. Her favorite part of the costume was her red shoes. She loves them, and I don't blame her. She never got the concept of getting candy from people, but there is always next year.

Boy oh BOY!

Just in case you haven't heard--we are having a BOY!

What? You haven't heard????

Allow me to break the news to you!

I am now a big sister. My Mom and Dad get to find out in 24 days whether I will have a little brother or sister. Not quite sure how I feel about this whole situation.

Lets hope I learn to share by then.

- Jane

Summer Lov'n

Oh Utah

We went up to Utah twice this summer and I couldn't resist sharing some of our way to precious memories. Ok so I really just wanted to show Derek dressed up as a pirate. What would be a summer vacation without a Pirate Family Reunion. I was a little skeptical at first, but it was alot of fun.

Jane and her cousin Alex love to "play" together. Basically they just attack eachother and sees who wins the battle. He is a few months younger than her, but twice her size so it is usually not hard to predict the winner.

Look at these hot dogs!!!! Coolest hot dogs ever. The time that went into this afternoon was ridiculous, and all very much appreciated.

The family shot! You can't really see Jane's face but she is absolutly terrified of Derek. She did not like the mustache to say the least. Any time he got near her she would start crying. The child is literally death gripping me.

Instead of dressing Jane up as a pirate I thought it would be cute if all the nieces were fairies. So four tutu's later and way to much money...here they are. Jane didn't exactly love her outfit. You can see that in the picture below as she has thrown herself on ground and cried.

Just my favorite picture ever. I can never get Derek to dress up for anything. I guess all we really needed was his mom's help.

Jane not really sure she is liking what she is seeing.

The reason why we went to Utah to begin with was because Derek had NCO training at Camp Williams. It was nice that we were able to go to Utah together, and I had family to hang out with while he was off playing soldier for two weeks. This is us at his graduation.

We had plenty of time to go explore in Grammy Tammy's backyard.

Swing on the swing.

Play in her cousin's sandbox and eat some sand for the first time. She loved it and kept going back for more.

We couldn't go to Utah and not go bowling. Jane was not to impressed.

The last week we were there we took some family pictures in the backyard. Here were just a few of my favorites.

Our Utah journey ended after three weeks. We went back up a month later for Derek's uncles funeral. It was a wonderful way to celebrate the life of a great man, and once again be so thankful for the gospel that we have in our lives.

My First Brithday

Still playing catch up.

Jane finally turned one in May. Where did this year go??? Not exactly sure. We had a little party, more for Derek and I than Jane.

Eating her cake. She didn't even get messy.

She had no interest what so ever in even looking at her presents, let alone opening them.

Her favorite part of the party was the water. She is our little fish. We have been loving our new pool. Now that we are back from Utah and it is nice and warm we can finally really get some good use out if it.

Jane is a walking machine and is now saying words like: no, mom, dad, tickle, what, and thank you. It never ceases to amaze me how much I love this little girl. She is my absolute life.

Another Sundevil

Back in May my older brother graduated from ASU!! It was the first ceremony that I went to since I was in the hospital having Jane instead of walking at my own last year. Totally worth the trade.

This is hands down my favorite picture. Jane was so tired, and the ceremony was sooo long. She was done...as the picture shows.

If Jane's outfit looks familiar it is because she wore it when she was four months old. We just had to throw on some leggings and call it good again.

Congrats Brandon!

Happy Mother's Day

This time last year I was only a few days away from holding my little Jane in my arms. I still can't believe she came a month early, but we have loved her so much. I have had so many ups and downs this first year of being a mom but I have loved her so much it has made everything worth it.

I wanted to say Happy Mother's Day to all the special ladies in my life. I have had so many great examples from my own mother to relatives and friends.

I wanted to share one of my favorite quote about mothers by Sheri Dew:

"For Satan has declared war on motherhood. He knows that those who rock the cradle have the power to rock his earthly empire. and he knows that without righteous mothers loving and leading the next generation, the kingdom of God will fail"

Happy Mother's Day everyone.

...

Done Nursing - CHECK

...and I couldn't be happier

Upstairs 'kid' Bathroom

These are my wonderful stripes. I was a little worried about doing them because it was my first time, but everything went great. I have learned a few lessons. For example, if you are going to use a really dark blue get primer put in the paint. I had to use five coats which made it tricky to peel the tape off.

These flowers and my shower curtain inspired the whole bathroom. One day it just clicked what I wanted to do. I am starting on my downstairs bathroom, I can't wait until I can actually find time to start painting. Jane makes everything a little harder to get done. I still have to get my wood border up between the stripes and the solid, but I will probably wait to do it until we can put the border in the downstairs bathroom at the same time.