Thursday, February 16, 2012

3 Months and Growing

Benjamin Jack is growing every day. He's weighing in at 15 lbs. 1 oz. as of yesterday. This poor little buddy has been sick. So it required a visit to the doctor. He ended up having two double ear infections in both ears, some form of baby bronchitis, and a super yucky cough. They even had to hook him up to the machine that sucks all the snot and buggers of their lungs. He hated every second of it, but it was amazing how quickly it cleared up his ability to breath and sound SO much better!

Why I thought to take a few pictures while he's not feeling great, I don't know. Other than I guess I wanted to torture him! But I will have to take a few more pictures to capture his adorable smile. Until then you can just enjoy this sweet little boy. We all love him dearly, and we are so thankful for modern day medicine that clears up their sicknesses so quickly. I love having this little snuggly buddy in our family. It's amazing how much we love him. Get better soon little fellow!
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Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Happy Valentines Day!

To all those I have around me...let me tell you how much I LOVE each of you. I've pondered a lot on this day, and I decided that today means to express love and gratitude to those we have in our lives.


It might be a totally commercialized holiday, which is nauseating to say the least. But besides the candy chocolate boxes, stuffed animals and roses. There is a deeper meaning to how we can approach today. It's honestly loving those around us and sharing in the meaning of love.

I have been pondering what I love. And that is my knowledge of my Heavenly home, family and dear friends. I truly have been so blessed. So in honor of those we love I wanted to make it known. Today for our family also has tender feelings attached to it. It was 9 years ago that Jared's mom was killed in a car accident. So in honor of the love she had for so many and we have for her. I wanted to express my love to those around me. It's amazing how we continue to grow and mature in life. I feel the Lord has blessed me so abundantly to love more as He does and to see more as He does. This morning while I was studying I came across this scripture...Moroni 7:33..." If ye will have faith in me ye shall have power to do whatsoever thing is expedient in me." I love this thought that we truly can overcome all things if we have faith in our Savior...so much so that if we choose to follow Him He will give us POWER to do whatever we might need help with. As I pondered those words I have come to understand that through our faith in our Savior we are truly showing the purest love we can to Him.

So today I have made a choice to see all the LOVE my Heavenly Father has given me...I'm going to see those smiles, the sunshine, the yummy treats, family, beauty, scriptures, good health, my children, compliments from others, love notes...there is so much to see.


Now, I did make a post on my sisters blog (Deals to Meals) about Sugar Cookies. And since the cookies are really honestly that YUMMY I wanted to let my fellow readers (all two of you) have my FAVORITE cookie recipe (Thanks Marci!) beware though you won't be able to keep your hands off of them, as you can see it was impossible for Caleb!!!

Sugar Cookies
1 C. butter
2 c. sugar
2 eggs
3 teaspoons vanilla
1 c. sour cream
5-6 c. flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt

Cream butter and sugar together in mixing bowl. Add the eggs, vanilla & sour cream. Combine dry ingredients in separate bowl and add to wet mixture. Add just enough flour to handle without being too sticky when rolled. Roll cookie dough on lightly floured counter till 1/4" thick. Bake 7-8 minutes @ 400 degrees. Makes about 4 dozen.

Frosting
3 sticks butter (softened)
1 ½ teaspoon butter flavoring
3-4 Tablespoon milk/cream
Cream together then add 1-2 lb. powdered sugar and add a pinch of salt.

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Monday, February 13, 2012

Grandkids...

Look at all 15 of these grandkids...The only one missing is sweet 16 baby of Angela's. But since he hasn't been born yet he doesn't count. What a gang! Seriously, these kids are individually so special. As I took the time to write their names on each kid, I wanted to write a little bit about each personality, things I love about them, etc. Honestly, What an amazing posterity my parents have to claim!

Those are some happy grandparents!
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Wedding Bells...


10 Years later...

What do you have...four kids! That's right we were married in the Logan Temple 10 1/2 years ago. What a wonderful journey it has been. This was the first time we had returned to Logan temple with all of our kids...It really was crazy to have so many memories of our wedding day, and then to have four kids! Who knew life past so quickly.

Ashley, Brian and darling Baby Mikey.

Jared's siblings...Brian, Heather, Lisa, Jason and Jared

Caleb and Jacob

Jake told me to take this picture because he would like to be married in this temple, just like us and Grandpa Randy.

Bride and Groom...Randy and Mary! Congrats.

Darling new couple.

Grandpa and Grandma

Ashley and Emily, and smiley baby Mikey!

Love this guy!


Kissing Couple.

It was a wonderful day. The spirit in the temple was very strong. We are happy for Randy and Mary. The reception was beautiful and simple. We enjoyed all the company, friends and family...and who can't forget those amazing rolls and butter! YUM. Right after the wedding we returned home to pack up and leave for California. It really made for a very busy weekend!

Sunny California 2012

Livin it up by the pool...

Our little fishy names Caleb.

Happy baby Ben. He LOVED the lazy river. He layed on my lap and slept for a really long time. It was the most relaxing moments of the vacation.

Is there really anything better than playing games by the pool? For kids I think not. They really were having so much fun together.

Swimming...Swimming...Swimming

Exhausted after a many long days of swimming...Caleb loving playing "Stack the States" on my ipad.

The annual taste test...My vote was for NONE of them...I made my own homemade and it was MUCH better!

Night games...The kids LOVED it!

Happy as can be!

Happy Birthday to Jared!

So many kids!

One GIANT recees peanut butter cake! YUMMM!


Baby Ben and Baby Rhett

More swimming smiles...

More games in the sunshine!

Cute baby!

Really, his smile melts me! Oh, California why did this week have to pass SOOOO quickly? Honestly, I don't think I will ever tire living this vacation year after year!!!
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