Happy Birthday!!

 

 

Just wanted to announce that Miguel is now 3 yrs. old. He has been so excited about this birthday. When I told him it was his birthday this morning he said, "SUPER". He is so cute! Just thought I would share that with you.

Be careful what you say

So I told Trae about my goals for the new year and though he is a great support, I am starting to wonder if I should have given him so much information. Though he is only 5 yrs. old he is smart beyond his years. All I hear at the end of the day is Mom we need to read, you said you wanted to. Or I hear, come on Mom let's go for a walk or come and play with me. I do love that I have been blessed these last two weeks to get to spend more time with my boys. I was able to rock Miguel to sleep yesterday, for the first time in forever. Traeton then wanted to lay down by me. I was exhausted and just wanted to get in a nap of my own when Trae said, "Mom can we just talk?" I wouldn't change that moment for anything in the world.

Goals for 2009

It seemed like every year while I was growing up my mom would do a family home evening some time in January and we would write down our goals or resolutions for the new year. Though I hate the thought of having to set goals every January, I find myself thinking about what I would like to work on this year. Of course fitness and exercise always comes in at the top. It seems like life got crazy about this time last year and I really gave up on exercising with any regularity. I am going to work on that this year. Actually there are a few things I want to work on and I hope that by putting it out there for others to read it will motivate me to stick with it.

Goals for 2009

*Exercise atleast 4 times a week for atleast an hour.
*Eat more fruits and vegetables
*Read scriptures daily
*Meaningful daily prayer
*Support husband's passions
*Relax more-Be more patient
*Play with my kids
*Read bedtime stories nightly
*Lose baby weight by Oct.
Before Aug. Fix up house, Sell and move to Utah

Insight and Clarity?

I am starting to freak about this new baby coming. When you start the nine months you think it is going to be forever before you have the baby and then you get to 4 wks. to go and it seems like it is all happening too fast. I am anxious and excited and scared all at the same time. I just keep thinking about how I am going to get through each day with a newborn again. Fortunately, I have taken some time off work and that has helped. If things work out then I won't have to go back and I will be able to focus on being at home.

I keep telling myself that lots of other women have three or more kids and they seem to be doing just fine. I don't know why I stress so much, it is just my nature I guess. With Jeff's new schedule of working 3 weeks and home for 1 week, he is supposed to be home Feb. 2-7. I am due the 16th. I am praying that this baby cooperates and comes when we need her to. HaHa I know that at the end of the day, the things I am stressing about are not that major.

I realize that my life could be so much harder. I truly am blessed by all that I have. As scared as I am to do this whole baby thing all over again, I told Jeff how amazing it is that I am able to. That God gave me a body capable of bringing life in to this world. I am so thankful for that blessing. I have to remind myself of that sometimes, especially when I start getting down on myself for the toils of pregnancy and motherhood. So this year I am trying to gain some insight into myself and what I really want. What do I want for myself, my boys, my husband, my family? What is it that I can do to make my life better? I know I need to enrich my life spiritually, but there are tangible things I need to do that go with that. I want overall Happiness-emotionally, physically, spiritually, mentally. That's not too much to ask right?

5 weeks to go!!!

I can't believe the big day is getting so close. It really didn't seem real until I attended the shower on Friday night and I received so many adorable things that I felt like I might actually be having a girl. I have been in denial this whole time, not wanting to get my hopes up-for fear that the ultrasound was wrong. I am starting to get excited and a lot nervous for this baby. The shower was so nice. My sister Sharen went to a lot of work and so did my mom and other sisters who helped with food and games for the night. I was happy to see some friends that I haven't seen in a while and be able to catch up with them. I was surprised by how many people were there-not a ton, but the perfect amount for a great party. I really had a good night and need to say Thanks to those that helped pull it off. Thanks Sharen, Mom, Tara, Sam, Emmy, and Maggie. And Thanks for the gifts and those that came. Baby Maleena will be so cute!

 

 

 

Jeff worked hard on Saturday to put the crib together. I was pleasantly surprised to see that he had put the whole thing together. He put the sheet on, the bumper pad on and laid the blanket out. Bows tied and everything. I am starting to think he really is excited about this baby. Jeff was home for a few days and it was a great weekend with the shower and Tara's wedding. Congrats Tara-the night was beautiful and we are happy for you.

Christmas

Sorry that it has taken me such a long time to get to the updates lately. It feels like the last few weeks have just gone by so quickly. We did have a great Christmas and New Year's. Trae was out of school for two weeks and it was nice to have that break. It almost felt like too long though, because he sure had a hard time getting back into the swing of things. We have been so blessed these last few months and with the New Year I have been thinking a lot about 2008 and all that it brought us. We definitely had some challenges, but we also had the most amazing moments. I am proud of my little family. Proud that when Trae broke his arm he gained a profound respect for the priesthood and the power of a blessing from his Dad. I am thankful for the lessons Jeff and I have learned about our faith and the strength of our love for each other. Grateful for Miguel and how much he has grown-it is fun to see him finding his place. We really have had a good year, despite how hard it has seemed. I am excited about this new year and all the surprises 2009 will bring.

 

 

 

 

It's Winter!

Right around Christmas we got a lot of snow and it was fun for the boys to get to go outside and play. I was especially grateful that Jeff was here to help with the shoveling. I have to say Thank you to my mystery neighbors who came by with a snow blower at one point and to my father in law who came over with his after an especially bad snow fall. It was nice having a white Christmas, there is something about needing the snow to feel like Christmas.

 

 

 

Updates

 
Isn't he cute?

 
I had to show a picture of Miguel's breakfast a few weeks ago. Broccoli and waffles-he loves broccoli-I usually have to fight Trae to eat anything remotely healthy, but Miguel can't get enough of it.

 


 

Traeton and I love to have this family favorite-hot chocolate and toast. I have loved this on cold days since I was little. Jeff thought it sounded like an odd combination and no way will he dip his toast into the hot chocolate, but the boys and I sure love it.

Jeff's new job

 

Here is a picture of Jeff hard at work. He said it was about 20 below in this picture. I do feel terrible for him, but I am proud of his hard work and diligence to make things nice for our family. Thanks, Jeff-We Love You!!