A lot can happen in a few days......

So I left last Thursday with my parents and Abby to go and visit my sister Emily in St. George, and Marci was going to drive from California to meet up with us. My Dad has been recovering from recent surgery so we took it easy, did a little shopping and just enjoyed being together. I was glad that Jake decided to stay home because I knew he would probably be a little bored, and he had a bunch of fun things planned with his friends to do while I was gone, well as least that is what he told me...........

In actuality he was tearing down a wall in our house that I have been bugging him about doing so we could have a great room upstairs and have space to entertain up there as well as in the family room downstairs. Jake had made it seem like it would be too expensive and not worth it, so I just put it out of my mind, but really he had been scheming for weeks to figure out how he would get it all done when I was gone. He took 2 days off of from work, and worked until the wee hours of the morning so it would be done on time. He also had great help from his brothers and Mom to have everything done when I got home. He tore down the wall, created a new half wall, put beadboard up and stained in, built the shelf, refinished and painted the wall, put in new ceiling fans and heating vents, and painted another wall. Hello--am I worth all that work!?! The only thing that didn't come on time was the flooring to finish up the project but I didn't even notice it. I had no idea what was happening and the whole time I spoke to him while I was out of town, I never suspected a thing. I don't know what's worse, my husband's great ability deceive me, or my cluelessness. Either way, it was a FABULOUS surprise!! So I am giving a big shout out to my awesome husband for 1) Being so thoughtful to plan such an huge surprise, 2) Having mad skills when it comes to building and doing construction projects, I tell you he is pretty handy, and 3) Because he works hard so we can have the things we need and want.....like a new great room!! So a lot can happen in just a few days, here are pictures of the before and after and a video of my reaction. I apologize but I sound pretty annoying in the video because I am squealing with delight! I LOVE MY HUSBAND!!

Playing Outside on President's Day

Jake had Monday off for President's Day and because the sun was shining we decided to clean out the garage.....and by "we" I mean mostly Jake. But we realized that it was the first time Abby got to play outside since she has learned to walk because she started walking during this long winter of ours. It was so cute because she just kept walking around exploring things, and her hands and nose were getting cold, but she would throw a fit if I picked her up and tried to take her inside to warm up.

Jake also took her for a ride on the 3-wheeler and she really didn't know what to think of it. She was alright at first but by the time he came back down the street she was not a happy girl. According to Jake, we are going to need to get her used to riding with Daddy, because he wants to take her out for rides this summer.

All in all we had a great day and got a lot done, and Abby couldn't have been happier, although I could do without the tantrums when I say it's time to go into the house (I didn't think those started this soon!) We hope everyone enjoyed President's Day as much as we did!

Bring on the heat!

All I can say is, "Are you kidding me?" I am definitely ready for this snow business to be over. Yes, I am glad we have gotten a lot of it, and that it has helped us out in the drought, but come on all ready.....bring on the heat, sunshine and spring flowers!! Because I am in a hopeful mood for warmer weather I was telling Jake that I wanted to take Abby swimming to our local pool to get her used to being in the pool again so she won't have a hard time this summer, and in my mind I am thinking, "Yeah, I want to take her swimming, but does she even have a swimsuit that fits still? And if she doesn't, where am I going to find a suit right now?"

Well don't you fret my friend, we tried on her swimming suit from this last summer and it still fit!! Minus it being a little snug, and her cute belly sticking out, it works great. (Hmm, reminds me of myself when I try on my swimsuit for the first time after a long winter of snacking and hibernating!! yikes!)

Any who, I had to post the funny pictures of her in her swimsuit. Also I realized that I didn't take any pics of her at the pool this summer in this particular suit, so I am excited that it still fits and she looks as cute as ever. Now if I can just do something about this darn weather!

Our curious little one

As Abby has gotten bigger she has discovered new and interesting things that she can explore a.k.a get in to. Examples of this would be my makeup tote in the bathroom (I am still missing a brush and some eye shadow, that I have yet to locate any where in the house), our dresser drawers that I open when I am putting laundry away, she promptly reaches into the drawer and rapidly tosses the clothes out over her shoulder, and finally her most favorite item: the stereo in the kitchen. For months, she never even noticed its existance, but now that she realized that is has buttons and makes noise, it's her new favorite toy. I have tried asking her to not touch it, but she just can't resist. Here are some pictures of her mischieve then smiling at me when I caught her in the act, I swear she thinks that cute little grin will get her out of any trouble she gets in to!

Gratitude!

I haven't written in a few days, but my heart is full of gratitude! I don't want to come across too cheesy, but a few things have happened in the last week to make me appreciate all that I have been able to have in my life.

On Sunday evening, Jan. 27, Jake's Mom called us and told us that President Hinkley has passed away. I was so sad and a little surprised, but happy that he is able to be with his wife and other loved ones that have passed on. I was sad because President Hinkley has been the prophet most of my adult life and I have grown up with his wonderful guidance. He made the gospel so personal for me, and I felt like every time he spoke he gave us a pep talk, not to scold us but to just help us to want to do better, and "stand a little taller." I guess I never thought he would be gone, and now that he is it makes me so grateful to have been influenced by him!

On Wednesday, Jan. 30, It was my parent's 38th Wedding Anniversary!! I have been working for weeks on a DVD for them full of pictures of our family beginning from when they got married until now, and let me tell you that was quite the project! But it was so worth it to see how happy they were and how much they enjoyed watching the movie and remminiscing. I am so grateful for the example of my parents!! They have continued to work at their marriage and to try to make one another happy for 38 years and I think that is awesome. They have also always tried to do their best to take care of "their girls" (me and all of my sisters) and now that I am an adult I realize how much they sacraficed their personal needs or wants to make sure we as their children has what we wanted. For that I will always be grateful, I LOVE YOU MOM AND DAD!!!




Today, Feb. 4, they announced who the new prophet and first presidency of the church would be, obviously we knew that Thomas S. Monson would be the new prophet, but it was exciting to see who he would announce as his counselors. I really like both Elder Eyring and Elder Uchtdorf and look forward this new chapter in the church's history. I will be honest, it will take me a bit to get used to all of the changes, but I know that the men called will be exactly who the Lord and our church need right now.

It's neat because I was able to meet President Monson about a month ago at my grandfather's funeral. We actually were surprised and touched that he made the time to give his condolences. He was so humble and approachable, and it was really exciting to meet him, and Jake and I were so glad that we were able to meet him and be in his prescence. It was pretty intimidating for my father who was conducting the meeting, but Pres. Monson was very kind and remembered so many nice things about my grandfather and grandmother. He spoke so eloquently and bore a sweet and sincere testimony of the Savior, the plan of salvation, and the truthfulness of the gospel. Now with the passing of President Hinkley, I feel so lucky to have met the current prophet of the church, Thomas S. Monson.

I know that we will soon be using quotes from President Monson of his counsel to us, but my sister found this quote from President Hinkley that I thought was perfect for how I am feeling this week:

"Let us from this day forward be a little better, love one another a little more, treat one another with greater kindness and look to God and live."
-Gordon B. Hinckley