Outback Fundraiser Lunch

My friend Devon invited me to a fundraiser luncheon that was being held at the Outback. I bought tickets awhile back and then when the day arrived I wasn't sure if I'd be able to attend.It worked out that my mom was off and came and picked the kids and I up to go to it. I went to the luncheon and then came home and was a good girl making sure to not over do it. They had a wonderful turn out and raised over $4,000. All the wonderful people from the Outback donated the food as well as their time to put this on. All the proceeds are going to Angel statue tribute that will be in Idaho Falls.There was a band and a raffle as well. My mom won two copies of the book that was the inspiration for the fundraiser. I read the book years ago and look forward to reading it again soon. They need $15,000 to complete the statue and are closer after this fundraiser. There are families that have lost children that are making this happen. The Author of The Christmas box Richard Paul Evans will come and dedicate the memorial once it's complete. This is such a wonderful addition to our community. Families that have lost a child have been invited to write a letter about their child. On the day the statue is dedicated the letters will be put inside the angel and will make visiting the Angel statue that much more personal. Ryan and I are going to write a letter about Jaxon.


Jacob took these pictures for me. He's getting pretty good behind the lens.






This is the book and at the back of the book it explains about the Angel statue. I've seen the one in Salt Lake city.

Jaxon's Tribute Book

I thought it was pretty cool that Jaxon's Tribute book came today. I was walking out the door to go to the luncheon that was raising money for a Angel Tribute for families that have lost children. Ironic that this package came at the same moment. I was so scared to open the box. I worked so long and hard on this tribute that I wasn't sure what to expect when I finally saw it finished. Well you will all see for your selves soon enough, but I think it's amazing. When Ryan got up and was getting ready to go to work he saw it. He said it was beautiful. I asked him to hide the box from me until Christmas. I knew I wouldn't be able to not show everyone if I knew where they were. I am so grateful that I did this project. It was definitely one of the hardest things I have ever done.....Also the most rewarding. I hope everyone will treasure their copy as much as I will.





Jake took these pictures to help document the moment. I was shaking and so nervouse to see what was inside that box.

Bed Rest!?!?!

OK so last night I was up all night having major contractions. Ryan got up with me and was so supportive. I thought for sure we were going to the hospital to finally have this kid. I packed my suitcase and then the contractions got further apart. Ryan stacked a ton of pillows on my side of the bed and was doing all he could to help me get comfortable. I finally fell asleep around 3:00. I got up today and felt so sick. I dragged myself into work to get caught up thinking I wouldn't be there for awhile. I stuck it out until 1:00. I went to my dad's got the kids and came home. Those wretched contractions were coming on again with a vengeance. I called my doctor and they said for me to come right in. We packed up the Nissan and headed across town. I was in so much pain and was so ready for this to all be over. I was just at the doctor yesterday for my regular appointment.I am 36 weeks and one day. I told them that I had been having labor pains off and off for the last few days and felt like it was getting really close. They did a ultrasound and his head is completely down and he's ready. He weighs 6 lbs 9 oz. Marli weighed 6 lbs 10 oz when she was born and she was born at 36 1/2 weeks. The doctor told me yesterday to try really hard to not have him until next Tuesday when I'll be 37 weeks and considered full term. With RSV season approching they really want him to have a healthy immune system when he's born. So when I got there today they were not about to let me have him. I was burning up and felt so sick. The doctor said I have a stomach virus that is making me go into labor. I had a fever and many other symptoms I'll refrain from sharing. I received two bags of I.v.'s to help me because I was so dehydrated. When the fluids didn't help as much as they thought they should they gave me two shots in the arm of medication to stop the contractions. I was so bummed at first. When I was crying about how miserable I was and wanted to just have this over the doctors explained to me how important the next 6 days are for the baby. His lungs and immune system are developing right now and the longer we can hold off on him being born the better for him. OK I'll buck up for this little guy. My poor husband and children were in the waiting area while I was getting treated. We arrived at the doctor's office at 3:30 and it was after 7:00 when we finally left. Jake came back once to find me. When he saw the I.v.'s in my arms he got upset. Marli came back and they were staring at me and were so sad. I hugged them and told them I was OK. Poor kids. While I was waiting for them to let me leave the doctors lectured me on bed rest and how I am not to do anything for the next 6 days. I sat there thinking these guys are crazy. They don't know that will never happen at my house. I promised to sip plenty of liquids and take it easy so they would let me go home. I told them if they seriously want me to not do anything they would need to give me some super hootey drugs and knock me out for the next few days. Wish me luck. I will try my best to be a good patient. My next appointment is Tuesday and then our little guy can come. Man this pregnancy has been a trial from day one and will remain a trial until the last day. I am thankful that I feel better and I look forward to meeting our sweet boy.

Conference and Cupcakes

This weekend has had a significant impact on me. I am so thankful that we live where we can not only listen,but watch conference in the comfort of our homes. We as members of the Church Of Jesus Christ are so blessed. There were so many wonderful talks given. The one that stands out the most for me was about how we can look for the Lord's hand daily blessing our lives, our children's lives and our families lives and then documenting it. I love this idea and am going to start writing these experiences down. It will force me to see the good and see the Lord's hand in my daily life. Wow! How incredible this will be to look back on. I truly enjoyed all of conference and am so grateful the kids watched most of it with me. It gave us a lot to talk about.

Jake asked if we could make cupcakes. I thought oh man I really don't feel like starting that and they'll make such a mess. A feeling came over me that was so incredible. I knew I needed to put my feelings aside and do this for the kids. I don't know why ,but I hate Popsicles and cupcakes. They are so messy. I know I'm terrible. So I said sure we can make cupcakes. Then Jake says I want to make them like Grandma Lyn. OK...how does Grandma Lyn make cupcakes? Ya know Mom in ice cream cones. Well I didn't know how to do that, so I called my sweet Mother in law and asked.




We made the cupcakes and the kids had frosting everywhere before we even got any on the cupcakes.

They did such a beautiful job decorating them. I told them to be careful not to spill the sprinkles. I went behind them to move some stuff when low and behold I spilled a whole thing of tiny sprinkles. The kids laughed so hard. Mom you told us to be careful and your the messy one. The last thing I wanted to do was clean up sprinkles that were from one end of the kitchen to the other. Oh well! I got the broom out and the vacuum and was sweating up a storm before I got them all cleaned up. I didn't know making cupcakes would be such a work out. No wait I did....that's why I don't like them.



So as you can tell I didn't do very well at the ice cream cone cupcakes. I guess I didn't have the right kind of cones or muffin tin. These are some sad looking cupcakes. Jake was so sweet he told me not to worry about the ones that didn't turn out. He said look at all the little ones that did they're beautiful. I'm glad he wasn't upset with me that I screwed up the ones he wanted in the first place.



We even left a couple chocolate ones undecorated for Ryan. Ryan doesn't like any fancy smancy stuff on his cupcakes just frosting. So when he got home tonight from work Jake was so excited to show his dad the two cupcakes that only had frosting on them and no sprinkles. I'm thankful I listened to the prompting to do this small thing for the kids. It made them so happy.

Once There Was A Snow Man!

It snowed all day today. The kids were so excited. They asked me to watch Frosty the snowman with them in between conference. After we watched Frosty. Jacob called Papa Reuel on his own. He begged him to PLLLEEEAAASSSEEE come make a snowman with him. I was working on the rag quilt for the baby when all of a sudden I didn't feel so good. I went to lay down. To my surprise Jake came and took a nap with me. We must have been sleeping real good, because we didn't hear the phone or the door. Marli was sleeping in the living room. She came in all excited. Papa Reuel is out in the front yard doing something. I was like no way. So we got up and opened the front door. Sure enough Grandpa came all the way out to our house to make a snowman with Jake. Jake was like just a second I'll be right out. I have never seen him get dressed so fast in all my life.





When we lived on Circle S Grandpa Reuel made a snowman with Jaxon. He always said he was going to make a bigger one with Jax. They never had that opportunity. I was so touched that Grandpa was inspired to do this with Jake. It meant the world to my little guy. Grandpa you are the best. I appreciate you taking the time to come out and spend this time with these kids. They needed this so much. I'm sure Grandpa had a million things to do after conference before Priesthood meeting. He didn't even think about anything, but making Jakey's wish come true.




Jake told me when we were laying down for our nap..."When I wake up Grandpa Reuel will come make a snowman with me"! I didn't say anything. I never thought Jake would be so right.










Jake thought it was just as much fun throwing snowballs as making the snowman. He would get a little too excited when he would throw the snowballs at everyone. He was having the best time ever.



Marli wanted a snow dog. After they made this humongous snowman they made a snow dog for Marli. The three of these kids were having the best time. I wish you could hear the laughter. What an amazing day. The snow was so wet. Grandpa is so smart he made Frosty a chair to support him. It's a good thing,because he was so heavy he was starting to lean to one side.


When I asked Jake what the name of his snowman was he looked at me like DUH? Mom! Frosty of course. Marli said my snowdog's name is Frosty's snowdog. Ok then!

Isn't he the cutest snowman you have ever seen? I told Grandpa, Jake and Marli that Jaxon was smiling. I'm sure Jaxon was so happy watching this.

Shoveling Snow

The kids got the shovels out and were having a blast shoveling the snow.






This picture cracks me up of Miss Marli. Her gloves were having a hard time staying on. This snow was so wet. When I finally bribed the kids to come in for hot chocolate and soup they were soaking wet. I wish I would have taken a picture of them drinking their hot chocolate. It was the first time I made it in big mugs for them. They were holding the mugs like big people. Jake was so happy. He kept saying look Mom I'm drinking it like a grown up.


What a fun Saturday this turned out to be. I'm thankful that the snow brought our family together and made the kids so happy.

I Love This Kid

Today I really want to share these pictures of my sweet Jacob. I love this kid so much. Lately he has been so in tune with me and has been so sensitive. He has said things to me that have literally blown me away. I am so thankful for him.





Grandma Bette got Jake this Boston red sock T-shirt and hat for his birthday. He loves the red socks because Uncle Kyle loves them. He was so happy to wear this today. I had to take pictures of him looking so cute.


This last week Jake has really discovered Lego's. He has played with them nonstop. Jaxon loved Lego's and enjoyed making things. In Jake's room there are all of Jaxon's Lego's. They've been there all this time. Jake would play with them a little here and there. He never dumped them out and really just went for it. So after discovering Lego's and realizing he can make whatever his mind comes up with....my living room floor is covered in every size Lego ever made. At first I thought I was going to have a nervous breakdown over this mess. Anyone who knows me knows I hate clutter. I can't have messes. We have to contain this. Not in the living room. The room everyone who comes over sees. Then I realized he is having fun. He is being creative. He is entertaining himself. He needs to do this. So I have come to terms with this madness. It's all good. Look closely at this last picture. He is so happy with these little Lego guys. Wednesday Jake was at my mom and dad's and they found the hugest tub of Lego's. They were Brandon's. Jake was so excited he told Grandma Bette "I need your phone, I need to call Brandonbob"! So he called Uncle Brandon and asked if he could play with his Lego's. Brandon told him to have fun and enjoy them. There are some super cool Lego's in that tub. This week he has built some really amazing things. Ryan will get down on the floor and these two cutie pies will play Lego's for hours. I think this is so awesome. I love to watch them. I love how Jake will run up to me show me what he's made and explain to me what it is,how it works. His little voice is so happy and he is living. He is really living. This makes me so happy.



Today is my day off. The kids had pre-school. Papa Bill called me at 8:30 a.m. and asked me if the kids were ready for school. I said yeah. He said I'm on my way to get them and I'll take them to school. Before I could say anything he hung up and was at my garage door. My Dad is is the greatest. He knows I haven't been feeling well and is so thoughtful. It's rainy and gloomy out today. So instead of me having to drive clear across town to take the kids to school, to just turn around drive home for 2 hours to turn around and pick them up. I got to stay home and get so much done. Thank you Papa Bill, you are so good to me. I love you! I cleaned the basement, started laundry, showered, painted my toenails (which was a huge accomplishment), and cleaned my scrapbook room. Earlier this week I made cards and left my scrapbook room in quite a mess. I started a scrapbook calendar project back in April that I found unfinished. I'm going to get it completed today. Then I'm going to get going on the dragonfly rag quilt that I've been putting off. I want to get it done for our new little guy. I picked the kids up from school, we went to Fred Meyer's did a little shopping and then the kids and I went to Jalisco's by the river for lunch. Jacob loves Jalisco's. It was so fun just the three of us enjoying lunch. On the way home Jacob said the sweetest thing to me. He asked me if we were going to adopt our baby when he is born. I explained that Mommy is having the baby so he is ours and we don't have to adopt him. I asked him why he thought of adopting. He asked me questions about Aunt Erin and Uncle Mark. Then he said "I'm so glad Erin and Mark adopted Luke, because if they didn't he would have never come into my life". Wow! I called Erin and shared this with her. I was so touched by him thinking this.

Life Is Short

I am in shock as I'm writing this. Monday we lost two incredible ladies. Tuesday Ryan received a phone call from Lance Mccord our friend Leann's husband. Leann worked at 3B with Ryan for years. Ryan was her boss when he was lead supervisor. She was 34 years old and the mother of four. She passed away at her home Monday. She was the biggest sweetheart. She went to high school with us. Her youngest child was a little older than Jaxon and had a lot of health problems. She spent a lot of time at Primary children's with him. We always had so much in common. We would talk for hours. She helped with the fundraisers for Jax. It's interesting in high school people were afraid of her and thought she was a bad ass. When you got to know her, she would do anything for you and just the coolest girl. I love her and will miss her so much. I feel so sad for her family.

Yesterday I was at work and received a phone call from one of our patients Jason Onken. His wife was 36 and went to bed and died in her sleep. I had just seen them both at Walmart. I was completely floored when he was talking to me. I couldn't believe what he was saying. Jean ran a daycare in her home and had just bought all the groceries and supplies at Walmart for the week. Can you imagine going to bed with your spouse and they don't wake up? Jason was so upset when I was talking to him. I felt so bad for him. He just kept saying he lost his rock.

I guess I'll be busy attending funerals this weekend. I know life is short and it's so fragile. You never know when you see someone if it'll be the last time. I want all of you to know how much I love you and how very special and important you are to me. These two families will be in my thoughts and prayers. I pray our Heavenly Father will bless them with comfort,peace and the strength they will need to go on.




This picture made me smile today. It's Fall and the leaves are turning and I know it's going to be awhile before I see pretty flowers like these. So I thought I would share them. It makes me think in dark times Our Father in Heaven is there. He wants us to feel his love. There is still beauty around us if we just take the time to look around.

Tuesday's Update

I worked yesterday and and am still pretty under the weather. I went to bed exhausted and woke up in the night with a horrible migraine. I spent most of the night in the bathroom Nassau's and pretty much my head in the toilet. I had a to do list a mile long for today and got most of it accomplished even though I'm so tired I'm ready to crawl in bed and it's not even 5:30 p.m.

I ran errands, took Miss Marli to dance, took Jake to get a haircut, took the kids to Mrs. Powell's for a yummy bowl of soup, roll and a cinnamon roll for later. Jake was so cute when we walked in Mrs. Powell's I was telling him all they had, he walked up to this huge cinnamon roll and pointed at it...."That's what I want"! We came home and Ryan saw the cinnamon roll and was pretty much as excited as Jake. After lunch they shared it. Pretty cute.

Jakey before haircut




Jakey after haircut



Miss marli being her cute little self




I don't know if you can really tell,but if you look closely at Miss Marli's cheek there's a bruise. The kids have been playing this game they made up. They take racket's and hit balloons(from Jake's birthday).They laugh so hard and have been having the best time. Well they were playing in the basement and Marli got really excited and fell off the couch into the coffee table and landed on her cheek. Pretty rough.


In case anyone is wondering if we're closer to a name for our son that should be here in the next few weeks. The answer is NO! Tonight Ryan asked me what I thought of the name Butch. I just looked at him like he's lost his mind. I said that's a dog's name. He's like no it's not, I really like it. Are you flippin serious? What is he thinking?

OK so I needed to make birthday cards for the ladies in my ward and some more baby cards. I made 12 birthday cards for the ladies who have October b-days and 10 baby cards. Here are a few that I made today.





I'm glad I'm caught up on cards for this month. Now I'm off to mend some of the boys jeans, and make dinner. We're having spaghetti Miss Marli's favorite. Then I'll sit down and watch Dancing with the stars. What a perfect ending to a Tuesday.