Jaydan at Pre-K

Jaydan's class has been on two field trips and is having lots of fun! She loves school and is learning many things!

Dominic and Jaydan

Jaydan in the purple shirt laughing

Jaydan is the fourth from the right

More Pics of the House

Brian's brother, Mark, came in from Kansas and is helping this week. Today, 3 elders came and helped also. Unfortunately, I didn't get any pictures of them. Maybe next time. So much was accomplished!

I Made it to the Finish Line

On September 27 I walked my first 5K! I wouldn't have even tried without the help of friends. Dawn Brown is the most encouraging person I know. I felt like she was my cheerleader cheering me on! And Nicole Gatewood talked to me Friday and told me I could do it! There were four of us that went; Dawn Brown, Emilee Davis, Shellee Kuykendall, and myself. The other three ran and did great. Emilee came in 4th of the women! I was very happy with my 48 minutes. My goal was to make it to the finish line and not be the last person across. I did it! I was so proud of myself that I wore my t-shirt to school on Monday!

How are you living your dash?

http://www.adashmovie.com

It looks like a house!

I know, 3 blogs in one day is too much. Life has just been busy lately. The house is going up fast. We are getting excited!

Jaydan's 4th Birthday!

We had a party for Jaydan at home with family. She thought it was great. I made ice cream cone cupcakes and Brian grilled burgers. Gigi, Pops, Desiree, Mary, Haley, B, Alec, and Mommy and Daddy were here. Whenever we would ask her what she wanted for her birthday, she would reply "a shooting gun" or "a horse". Even though she didn't get either one of those things, she seemed very happy with what she got. We got her CandyLand, a CareBear, a new dress and dress shoes. She got $10 from Gigi and Pops. Mary got her some jelly beans and lip gloss.

Mom's 90th Birthday Party!

My brother, sister, and I decided to give our mom a surprise party for her 90th birthday. We invited her 4 living sisters and her 2 living brothers and lots of cousins and friends. We had a huge turnout. The best part of the whole party was when my aunts all got up and said things about my mom. My mother was the 2nd oldest of 14 children. She quit school in the 8th grade to stay home and help her mother. My aunts (with tears in their eyes) shared stories about how my mom looked after them. My aunt Bonnie shared how she lived with my mom and dad with her little girl, Sheila. My mom took care of Sheila while Bonnie worked. My aunt Ruth shared how she lived with my mom and dad for a while also. My aunt Essie cried as she told about how my mom made their school clothes and took care of them. I didn't know my mother had done all those things. It was a great day! Here are some pictures. The sisters had fun posing for pictures! Uncle Joe bought the t-shirts.

L to R: Essie, Betty, Joe, Bonnie, Ruth, and Della seated


L to R: Brenda, David, Anita and our Mom

Grandchild #4!!!

Yes, Dominic Cooper Daniel was born today at 11:56 a.m. in McAllen, Texas. He weighed 7 lbs. 1 oz. and was 21 inches long. He has dark brown hair. I have a picture on my phone, but for some reason can't get it to the computer. I just can't wait to get down there.

Sleepover at Nana's

From left: Dylan, Jaydan, Laney, Pandora

Makynzee - the only one who actually slept!



Pics of Grandma's 90th birthday coming soon!

The walls are going up!

Wall 1 went up today! It's so awesome to actually see progress! Brian had 3 sections up when we got home from school. B and I helped him put the last one up. I was so afraid it was going to fall on me! Check back here for further updates.

The JOY Movie!

It's worth a few minutes to watch this.

http://www.thejoymovie.com

Who are You?

Take the Quiz here!

First Day of School

August 19 was Brian's first day of school and August 20 was Jaydan's first day. I took Jaydan to school her first day and neither one of us shed any tears. She is enjoying school and doing good! Today, August 22 was her first day on a school bus. She rode the bus from her school to my school. She did really good! Another teacher has a daughter in 3rd grade that rides the same bus, so they walked off the bus together holding hands. She is growing up so fast!

Post-it Memories

I saw this on my friend's blog and enjoyed posting a comment on hers so I hope you all will do the same for me. Here's what you do:
1. Add a comment to this post on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn’t matter if you knew me a little or a lot…anything you remember!
2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It’s actually pretty cool (and funny) to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I’ll assume you’re playing the game and I’ll come to your blog and leave one about you.
3. Go!!!

Blessings!

I am grateful for the priesthood that Brian holds and honors. I have been sick a lot this summer and have lost 10 pounds in 2 months. I was prescribed birth control pills and then diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Last Sunday Brian gave me a blessing and I have felt great this week! It's my own little miracle. Another doctor has told me that I need a hysterectomy and bladder repair (which should take care of the problems). It should be a relatively easy surgery with only one night in the hospital. What a blessing it is to feel good and have the energy to do things.

Today I spoke with my sister, Brenda. She had major surgery on her foot on June 2. She was in a wheelchair for quite a while. Then she had to use a walker. She was so excited when she called me today because she was actually standing up ironing! We both laughed because who would have ever thought we would be excited about being able to iron. Just another one of those things we take for granted. What a blessing it is for her to be able to stand and do things around her house!

The Engine that Brian Built

Brian spent many hours, some late at night, rebuilding the engine on our 1998 Ford Windstar with 204,000 miles. Pops and Alec lended a hand when it came time to actually put it in the van. It will probably last another 10 years. He really takes care of his vehicles. The inside of the van is immaculate and there is nothing wrong with the outside. I consider myself lucky to have such an industrious husband!

Fun at the Lake

Greers Ferry Lake finally went down enough for us to go have fun. The water was so high under the narrows bridge that Brian could stand up in the boat and touch it. Jaydan was a little afraid of tubing this year, but Brian finally talked her into it. She loves riding on the boat, though. I realize there are no pictures of me, but I was the one taking the pictures. Maybe next time. I know everyone wants to see pictures of me skiing. (LOL)

Swimming lessons

School is out and we finally got to start swimming lessons! Jaydan's primary teacher is her swim instructor and she knows 2 of the other children in her class so she is very comfortable. She is doing great!

And of course, there is time for a little fun with friends after the lesson!

New Bishopric

I did have a slight lapse in blogging for a while, so I am trying to catch up. On April 13, our Ward sustained a new Bishopric. My amazing husband was called to be the second counselor. We had been having a few trials in our lives and it was very humbling. It is such a blessing for our family and a wonderful opportunity to serve. I am striving to be a loving, supportive wife!

Brenda's new baby!

Jaydan couldn't wait to go see Aunt Brenda's new puppy. Jaydan absolutely loved Belle! The pics were taken with my phone so they're not the best, but still cute.

Another first for Jaydan

Today was Jaydan's first time to sing with the Primary in Sacrament Meeting! It was such a precious moment and brought tears to my eyes. Brian, Jaydan, and I visited the Moms after church and are finally home. It has been a good day spent at church and with family.

New pics!

May 6, 2008
James and Makynzee


Makynzee

Jaydan and Laney

Laney sliding down the stair rail.

Dylan, Jaydan, and Makynzee

Nana and Makynzee

Our Garden

We tilled and planted all day on Monday. It was hard work, most of which was done by Brian. I am just not good at physical labor. I'm great at planting seeds, though. I can't wait to pick fresh tomatoes and squash. We put up a fence in hopes of keeping wildlife out and Cinderella (our black lab - named by Jaydan). Hopefully, we'll have enough veggies to share this summer.

Home Again

Makynzee's billiruben was too high, so she had to spend 2 more nights in the hospital. She went home again today! I can't wait to get my hands on her tomorrow.

Update on Makynzee

James called last night and they were back at the hospital. Makynzee's billiruben (not sure if that's spelled right) was too high. I can't reach them yet today. Hopefully she'll be back home today.

Thumbsucker

I couldn't resist putting this one up!

Makynzee is here!

Isn't she beautiful? I can hardly wait to hold her and kiss her! Pictures are not enough. She was born at 8:02 this morning. She weighed 6 lbs. 8.6 ozs. and is 18 1/4 inches long. She and Beth are both doing good! I am so grateful! Look out, Brenda, I'm catching up. This is #4 for me and #5 is due Sept. 6.

Choices

Attitude is a choice! I decided today that I am going to be happy no matter what. At a Primary Presidency meeting a couple of nights ago, I realized that I am happiest when my life is focused on living the gospel. There are just too many distractions in the world.

My little business idea, "Treasure Me This" has finally found a purpose. The mission statement is simple and to the point: "Treasure Me This will provide families with vintage and shabby chic faith-inspired furniture and accessories at an affordable price." How can furniture and accessories be faith-inspired?, you ask. Soon to come are pillows, pictures, plaques, baskets, dishes, and furniture with scriptures, quotes, inspiring words, and family memories. I can just envision this going in so many wonderful directions. Of course, it's just a little flea market booth right now.

Nauvoo the Beautiful

Carthage jail and visitors center

Jaydan writing in the Pendleton Log School

Pioneer memorial - lists all the pioneers who died traveling west

View from Parley St.

headstones of Lucy Mack and Joseph Sr.

Jaydan and Anita on a cold wagon ride through Old Nauvoo

Anita and Jaydan in front of an original sunstone from Nauvoo Temple

Anita, Brian, and Jaydan - Carthage, in front of statue of Joseph and Hyrum

Jaydan in the Women's garden - one of my favorite places

It was definitely the trip of a lifetime! Talk about life-changing! There aren't words to explain the thoughts and emotions I went through while we were there. I have read many pioneer stories in my life, but to actually be where they were and experience leaving such a beautiful place and beautiful temple was so touching. I am amazed at the faith and strength these people had. Ever since I joined the church, I never felt the importance of learning about pioneers. I don't have any pioneer ancestors. I didn't feel like it was part of my heritage. Between going on Trek last year and visiting Nauvoo this year, I now understand. How will any of us ever be able to show our gratitude to these pioneers for what they sacrificed?