Baby

So today a miracle of sorts occurred. Anyone that knows anything about Lauren knows she LOVES her baby. She was given this baby by Mimi Robb when we lived in Texas. Baby has been her constant companion ever since. There have been many times when I have considered buying another baby just for back up and especially when baby has been missing (Once Lauren locked her in her lunch box and forgot. Our life was miserable for one week) but I have never taken the plunge. This particular baby is somewhat difficult to find. I took Lauren to a kids store to look for some ballet shoes. They happen to have not one but TWO of her babies for sale (dirt cheap, I might add) so I bought them both. I feel so much more security knowing I have back up if the original baby disappears. Lauren ran right up and said she wanted to buy the baby so I hope she will adopt one of the new ones. As you can see from the pics.....the original baby is in bad shape. Miracles do happen.

Avery's New Tricks

• found her in the crib sitting up this morning
• sticking her cute little tongue out when you ask her
• clapping when you clap and ask her too.....it is seriously the cutest thing
• saying ma ma more frequently....usually all she says is da da
• pushing up to crawling position more and rocking back and forth
• laughing with the cutest laugh ever...i really need to video it
• saying hi in the cutest sing song voice

Football

This weekend was all about football. On Friday we drove to SLC to watch Nate play in a state championship game at Rice Eccles stadium. Nate did a great job. He had some really good blocks but they did lose the game. Teresa had a party after so we got to visit with Nate a bit. A highlight for Landon was getting to look at Doug's telescope. He was so excited because space is one of his current obsessions. We stayed in Springville that night with the Barson's. We missed Jeannette because she was out of town tending grandkids but sure appreciated Clyde's hospitality. Jerry had an awesome opportunity to attend the BYU vs. Utah game thanks to our gracious friends the Wright's. He had a great time. I was well taken care of in Springville and spent some time with Jill, Brent and kids. Landon had a few mishaps with the treadmill and also an unfortunate accident when he pretended to be a ghost and got hit in the head with a Ronald McDonald doll. We really enjoyed our time together. On Sunday, we met up with my parents and drove back home together. They will be here for a few weeks now and then for January-March. We are so excited.

Primary Program

Landon participated in his first primary program. It was so much fun to watch him. It was definitely one of those rewarding moments as a Mom. He is so bright and works so hard to do his best. I love to hear him talk about the gospel and seeing him sing all the songs made me cry. I am so grateful to be his Mom!

Soccer

Landon had his last soccer game today. He made two goals. He really learned to play well. I started to understand what he was supposed to do and was on fire after that. He was a leader on the team and always wanted to play. He had lots of enthusiasm and I know his coach really appreciated him. We had a great time watching him play and looking forward to next year.

Eleven Months Old

It has hard to believe little Avery is eleven months old! She is becoming her own person and showing her personality. She has started to turn on her tummy so she can face all different directions. She has an opinion about things and is starting to tell us especially when it comes to food. We started her on milk and she is doing great with it! She likes to be entertained and sometimes is not happy when we leave her alone. She is such a cute baby. One of the nurses in the dentists office said she is the perfect baby with the perfect features. We agree! She loves her Dad and always butts heads with him (gently) or buries her head on his shoulder and acts shy when she sees him. Landon still goes to great lengths to make her laugh. We haven't seen any more teeth besides her bottom two pop up but she sucks on her fingers and slobbers constantly. She has her Daddy wrapped around her finger and he has a hard time leaving her in her crib if she cries so he informed me I would be the sole parent who would have to discipline her. She is a darling baby, so happy and easy going. She is a ray of sunshine in our home and brings us so much joy. We love you Avery!

Veterans Day

It's not very often that I think about my involvement in the United States Navy or the fact that I am in fact a veteran. That part of my life although only 8 years ago seems like a dream to me. I served from July of 1995 until July of 2000. During those 5 years of service I learned a lot about discipline, honor, sacrifice, and most importantly God. I've seen many different parts of the world and have spoken with people that lived in those areas. I remember going to Euritria which is a war torn country on the East coast of Africa. When we arrived I noticed that most of the buildings were destroyed by mortar rounds, gun fire, and explosives. The people of Euritria were so happy to see us. They gathered around us as if we were movie stars. We took books to their library and medical supplies to their "hospital". Oh, I will never forget that scene. It was concrete building with rooms opening up to the outside. As we walked around the floors we witnessing medical basins outside the doors with blood and amputations. Blood stained the concrete floors and there were very few clean practices being used. However it was all they had and they were grateful for anything we could bring to help them. Another experience I witnessed was one night as I was walking down the main streets I noticed a hole in one of the buildings that resembled a door opening but only about 3' wide by 4' tall. As I walked by I noticed a person peeking out the "door". As I got a closer look I noticed 10 -15 people in the 1 room 'house' huddled together. The floor was dirt and it looked as though they only had one light in the room and no furniture.

The point I am trying to make is, well I guess a couple of points. First, I am so grateful that I served my country and was able to do a little part in the world to help others in need. Most of the things we hear about the war and military is so negative. But I am here to tell you that most of what we do as a country in other countries is good. War is ugly, I do not deny this. But I feel it is our duty as a free country to help others who have the same rights to freedom as we have. Second, when things are hard and it seems our economy is falling apart I doubt many of us will ever live in the deplorable conditions our brothers and sisters live in other parts of the world. I am grateful to live in this free country and enjoy the blessings I have.

God bless America and God bless those who are sacrificing their lives so we can enjoy ours.

My Veteran

I neglect to tell my husband how grateful I am for his military service in the US Navy. He served for five years as a Navy Medic Corpsman stationed with the Marine Corp at Camp Pendleton, California. Countless blessings have come to our life because of his unselfish service. The most important being he found the gospel of Jesus Christ. I love him and am grateful for his determination to do hard things. Thanks to him and all others who have served our country so faithful and well.

Lauren-isms

Response to something shocking....."What in my heck?"

Response when asked to do something....."I betcha!"

Response when not sure what to say....."Whatever."

Response when Mom attempts to discipline her....."Mom, stop saying that!"

Response when Dad asks her to do something...."I can't hear you!"

Response when she does not want to go to bed..."Mommy, your my best mommy!"

Request for approval, "How do you think of me?"

I am sure I will be adding to this post.....

Staheli Farms

We made it to Staheli Farms but turns out it was closed. Thanks to a nice older man, we still got to go in. The kids didn't know the difference and had a ball. They saw the animals, went down the slide, got lost in the corn maze, rode on the swings and got really, really dirty! We ended the night with a trip to McDonald's playland. It doesn't get much better than that.

Grateful To Be An American

(This is Jerry's first post) When all is said and done regardless of the outcome of any Presidential election I am an American and as an American I feel it a patriotic duty to support the President of the United States. Yes, he may not be perfect but I ask of you that are perfect to step forward. I believe President Obama will do the best he can to lead our country. Yes there are moral, economical, political, and social issues that we may or may not agree with but the fact of the matter is, what are we doing about it? What are we doing in our own lives and homes to keep the principles we know and believe in alive? I am grateful that the Lord allowed me to be born in a country where I would have a choice. There are so many who don't have the same privileges or freedoms that we enjoy. I pray for President Obama and hope he will be guided to make the right choices. God bless America and God bless those who stand for freedom.

Patriotic Kids

I am so proud of these Old Navy shirts I got for my kids that remind people to vote (especially since they were $1). They both make the shirts look so cute!

America

I am so grateful to live in America. I am grateful we have an opportunity to vote. I am grateful for those who are serving and protecting our country. I am grateful for all the freedoms and opportunities America provides. I am grateful for religious freedom. I am grateful for the prosperity our nation enjoys. I am grateful that God inspired the writing of our constitution. A sister in our ward was sharing her testimony on Sunday. She shared an experience when her son asked her if they could go to Disneyland. She said no. He said, "We're poor aren't we?" She then said, "No, we are very, very wealthy." She proceeded to express her gratitude for all the blessings they had. I was touched by what she said and reminded of how easy it is to acknowledge things we don't have instead of recognizing all we do have. I am grateful for my many, many blessings. God bless America.

Halloween

We had a really fun Halloween. We went to the ward trunk or treat on Thursday. Landon had a party at school and we trick or treated Dad at work (we had to bring the treats). Then we had dinner at the Bingham's and trick or treated in our neighborhood with them. It was quite the experience with Jerry hiding and scaring people. He reverted back to his military days and had "black ops" going on all over the place. It was a fun and spooky night!

Jerry's Costume

Jerry acquired this new hunting outfit from a friend just in time for Halloween. He was a maniac scaring all the poor little kids and adults. He did say this was the most fun he has had in a long time. He even scared us a few times!