I just have to say that I have awesome kids! I have the sweetest, kindest, gentlest, and just the best little boys ever. I am a boys mom. I wouldn't trade any one or all of my boys for one girl. I sometimes wonder why I was blessed by my Heavenly Father to have all boys and how it is that He has deemed me worthy to have these 3 beautiful boys. For you see, I truly am blessed by having boys. I get to see the world through the eyes of 3 different personalities and it gives me much to think about each day. I have one who is the most gentle and kind little boy I have ever known. I have one who is so passionate about learning and living that I am often worn out simply by watching him for a few minutes. And, I have one whose imagination is blooming bigger than I ever thought it could at such a young age.
Since my pregnancy with Korbin, John and I have made a "list" of sorts. It is a list that we keep, mentally for the most part, of why we are thankful to have boys. One of the top reasons is that I will one day have great daughters in law. So, you see, I will have the blessing of having daughters one day, but right now I am just so thankful to have boys....to hear their stomping feet running through the house, to see their joy in nature, to hear their laughter each day, and to feel their hugs each and every day.
Just for the record: I would never be disappointed if a girl were to come to our family.
Monday, December 29, 2008
Friday, December 26, 2008
An(other) Year in Review
Here it is, the end of the year, yet again!! For weeks I have been thinking that I should be sitting down to update our blog. I mean, really, I haven't been very diligent in updating since our move. And then of course, there is the fact that the end of another year has arrived. Now, if I could just fine more time in my life, I might actually get to everything that I want to do done. So, without further ado...
This year has certainly gone much faster than we wanted it too, and it has brought to our family, many blessings and new experiences. We are truly grateful and abundantly blessed.
We began this year living in Murray, Utah, surrounded by lots of white, powdery COLD snow. We end the year back in Humboldt County, CA surrounded by family, friends, and lots of cold, wet rain. This was not exactly how we thought the end of the year would find us, but we have been reminded yet again that we are not always in control of the whole of the plan!
We returned to Utah after spending last Christmas with Sarah's family, leaving Connor to spend another couple of weeks with his grandparents and great grandparents. He got to fly home alone....how is it that they grow so quickly? John went back to his job at Gold's Gym and Sarah continued staying home, watching the neighbor's kids and making scrapbooks. Life was carrying on.
In April, John was offered a job with a local college in Salt Lake, doing admissions recruiting for their Personal Fitness Trainer program. This gave us a higher income, better benefits, and a pretty normal schedule. Plus, he had the opportunity to take classes at a reduced rate as well. It was during his time with the college that John decided he really wants to complete his Bachelor's Degree in Exercise Science or a related field and perhaps go on to teach. He is a trainer at heart, and since losing a fair amount of weight, getting in shape and becoming a trainer, he has never looked back. Since moving back to Humboldt County, John has gone to work in the furniture department at Gottschalks and he will return to school in January.
In July, Sarah began working a part time job, only on the weekends, at a Hilton hotel in Midvale, Utah. It was a good way to pay for the student loan payment that was incurred while she finished school in the previous years. And, it provided a little extra for some fun acitivities for the family. Plus, Sarah got to use her Spanish speaking abilities with co-workers on a regular basis. Since coming back home, Sarah has returned to her job with the Humboldt County Social Services Branch as an eligibility worker for Medi-Cal and Food Stamps. It is hard to be at work all day and not at home with the boys, but we are thankful that grandma cares for them and that Sarah was able to go back to her job within just a couple of weeks of our return. Sarah just applied for, and was appointed to a position on the Scotia Unified School District School board. At least that education degree can be used for volunteer work!
Connor is growing like crazy! He is now 8 and in the 3rd grade. Connor had an exciting year in 2008! Turning 8 is pretty special for us being members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (aka Mormon) because at 8 we are ready for baptism. Connor was so excited for his 8th birthday since he was able to be baptized, his grandma was coming, and of course the presents involved in a birthday. Since we lived in Utah where there are lots more church members, we explained to Connor that he may have to wait until the month after his birthday to be baptized with all of the others turning 8 at the end of February and throughout the month of March. For Connor, the black and white in all aspects of life child that he is, this was seen as a major problem. Thankfully, our neighbor's children asked if they could learn about the Church and be baptized. They were taught in our home by the missionaries, and they decided to be baptized on Connor's birthday and our Bishop said that Connor could be baptized then too. What an awesome experience! Connor is still our very black and white child. He never seems to question what is right or wrong, he really just does good and seldom does anything wrong. Connor is doing well in school, enjoys Math and Science, and is probably going to be taller than his mother by next Christmas.
Aidan had an exicitng year this year, too! Since he was not able to transfer to school in Utah last school year, Aidan got to spend each day at home with his mom and Korbin. Not being in school also meant that Aidan got to come home with grandma for about a month after Connor's birthday. It also meant that Sarah was doing lots of stuff with the two little boys during the day, or trying too. By summer time, Aidan was reading pretty well thanks to Aunt Karen lending us her Hooked on Phonics program. Connor and Aidan went to spend 6 weeks with granparents again this summer and returned to Utah just in time for the new school year to begin. Aidan happily started Kindergarten with a great first year Kindergarten teacher named Ms. Miller. She told us several times that she was afraid she was not challening him enough and we worried that this could be very true. When we came back to visit Humboldt County prior to moving, we enrolled the boys in school at Scotia Elementary. Before doing so, we had Aidan tested to see if we could possibly put him in 1st grade. He passed the test with flying colors and began 1st grade after only having about 8 total weeks of Kindergarten. He is doing very well, and we are so grateful to have him as part of our family. Of course, there will probably come a day when we can no longer help him with his homework, but for now we are doing okay.
Korbin turned 2 and officially became a toddler in February! He is a great joy for us, and we are so glad that he is a part of our family. One would never know by looking at him, that he had such a rough start in life. Korbin has really developed his verbal skills this year and has really started using his imagination more than ever. He recently started to say his own name and somehow learned that he is "2 half" and not just 2.
So, as we have mentioned, we are back in Humboldt County. This year has brought us full circle. We made the decision to come back in October, when we realized how hard, health wise, the previous few months had been on Sarah's grandpa. Perhaps the biggest lesson (or reminder) of the year for us is simply that family is important, family ties cannot easily be untied, and in the end, family must support one another. In the end, we want nothing less than happiness and success for our children. We have really come to believe that for that to happen, we need to be near our family. We are truly grateful for the never ending love and support that we receive from our family and hope and pray that we can give them the same in return.
May all of you be blessed throughout the new year and always!
This year has certainly gone much faster than we wanted it too, and it has brought to our family, many blessings and new experiences. We are truly grateful and abundantly blessed.
We began this year living in Murray, Utah, surrounded by lots of white, powdery COLD snow. We end the year back in Humboldt County, CA surrounded by family, friends, and lots of cold, wet rain. This was not exactly how we thought the end of the year would find us, but we have been reminded yet again that we are not always in control of the whole of the plan!
We returned to Utah after spending last Christmas with Sarah's family, leaving Connor to spend another couple of weeks with his grandparents and great grandparents. He got to fly home alone....how is it that they grow so quickly? John went back to his job at Gold's Gym and Sarah continued staying home, watching the neighbor's kids and making scrapbooks. Life was carrying on.
In April, John was offered a job with a local college in Salt Lake, doing admissions recruiting for their Personal Fitness Trainer program. This gave us a higher income, better benefits, and a pretty normal schedule. Plus, he had the opportunity to take classes at a reduced rate as well. It was during his time with the college that John decided he really wants to complete his Bachelor's Degree in Exercise Science or a related field and perhaps go on to teach. He is a trainer at heart, and since losing a fair amount of weight, getting in shape and becoming a trainer, he has never looked back. Since moving back to Humboldt County, John has gone to work in the furniture department at Gottschalks and he will return to school in January.
In July, Sarah began working a part time job, only on the weekends, at a Hilton hotel in Midvale, Utah. It was a good way to pay for the student loan payment that was incurred while she finished school in the previous years. And, it provided a little extra for some fun acitivities for the family. Plus, Sarah got to use her Spanish speaking abilities with co-workers on a regular basis. Since coming back home, Sarah has returned to her job with the Humboldt County Social Services Branch as an eligibility worker for Medi-Cal and Food Stamps. It is hard to be at work all day and not at home with the boys, but we are thankful that grandma cares for them and that Sarah was able to go back to her job within just a couple of weeks of our return. Sarah just applied for, and was appointed to a position on the Scotia Unified School District School board. At least that education degree can be used for volunteer work!
Connor is growing like crazy! He is now 8 and in the 3rd grade. Connor had an exciting year in 2008! Turning 8 is pretty special for us being members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (aka Mormon) because at 8 we are ready for baptism. Connor was so excited for his 8th birthday since he was able to be baptized, his grandma was coming, and of course the presents involved in a birthday. Since we lived in Utah where there are lots more church members, we explained to Connor that he may have to wait until the month after his birthday to be baptized with all of the others turning 8 at the end of February and throughout the month of March. For Connor, the black and white in all aspects of life child that he is, this was seen as a major problem. Thankfully, our neighbor's children asked if they could learn about the Church and be baptized. They were taught in our home by the missionaries, and they decided to be baptized on Connor's birthday and our Bishop said that Connor could be baptized then too. What an awesome experience! Connor is still our very black and white child. He never seems to question what is right or wrong, he really just does good and seldom does anything wrong. Connor is doing well in school, enjoys Math and Science, and is probably going to be taller than his mother by next Christmas.
Aidan had an exicitng year this year, too! Since he was not able to transfer to school in Utah last school year, Aidan got to spend each day at home with his mom and Korbin. Not being in school also meant that Aidan got to come home with grandma for about a month after Connor's birthday. It also meant that Sarah was doing lots of stuff with the two little boys during the day, or trying too. By summer time, Aidan was reading pretty well thanks to Aunt Karen lending us her Hooked on Phonics program. Connor and Aidan went to spend 6 weeks with granparents again this summer and returned to Utah just in time for the new school year to begin. Aidan happily started Kindergarten with a great first year Kindergarten teacher named Ms. Miller. She told us several times that she was afraid she was not challening him enough and we worried that this could be very true. When we came back to visit Humboldt County prior to moving, we enrolled the boys in school at Scotia Elementary. Before doing so, we had Aidan tested to see if we could possibly put him in 1st grade. He passed the test with flying colors and began 1st grade after only having about 8 total weeks of Kindergarten. He is doing very well, and we are so grateful to have him as part of our family. Of course, there will probably come a day when we can no longer help him with his homework, but for now we are doing okay.
Korbin turned 2 and officially became a toddler in February! He is a great joy for us, and we are so glad that he is a part of our family. One would never know by looking at him, that he had such a rough start in life. Korbin has really developed his verbal skills this year and has really started using his imagination more than ever. He recently started to say his own name and somehow learned that he is "2 half" and not just 2.
So, as we have mentioned, we are back in Humboldt County. This year has brought us full circle. We made the decision to come back in October, when we realized how hard, health wise, the previous few months had been on Sarah's grandpa. Perhaps the biggest lesson (or reminder) of the year for us is simply that family is important, family ties cannot easily be untied, and in the end, family must support one another. In the end, we want nothing less than happiness and success for our children. We have really come to believe that for that to happen, we need to be near our family. We are truly grateful for the never ending love and support that we receive from our family and hope and pray that we can give them the same in return.
May all of you be blessed throughout the new year and always!
Sunday, November 9, 2008
MY MOM IS THE BEST MOM EVER!!!!!!!
I just wanted to let you all know that my mom is the best mom in the whole world! If you have read our last couple of posts, you know that my mom has had all three of our children with her since we left 11 days ago. Caring for her grandsons, in and of itself, makes her the best! But, on top of providing the day to day care, running them to school and back, helping with homework, feeding them, etc..., she also visits Mimi and Papa quite often and helps out there a lot as well and she helps her mother and father in-law as well. That is a lot for her to do, and we love her for it. In addition to all of this, my mom has managed to find us a stove, refrigerator, washer, dryer, dresser and a love seat to put in our new home, in the course of just 10 days. Isn't that great?!
So, I just wanted everyone to know how awesome my mom is! And, I want my mom to know how much we appreciate her and everything she does for us and our beautiful children!
THANKS MOM!!
So, I just wanted everyone to know how awesome my mom is! And, I want my mom to know how much we appreciate her and everything she does for us and our beautiful children!
THANKS MOM!!
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Moving madness!!!
Wow!!! John and I managed to get everything packed in just a little under a week. I hate moving....really, I absolutely hate packing all of our stuff in boxes and piling them up. I hate having to load them into a truck and trailer...I despise carrying them down the flights of stairs. There is one thing that I like about moving, in general, that is that I get rid of stuff that is no longer used or is unnecessary. I still hate packing and moving. This move makes me feel better only because we will be back with family and our children are so happy and excited. I am VERY ready to be back to my boys....my heart jumps every time we talk on the phone and I think about them constantly. I am so blessed with awesome kids! I know that I say it a lot, but really, I am blessed!
So, John and I have everything packed and Monday morning we will load it up in Salt Lake City. Then some big rig driver will drive it to Santa Rosa for us. Then we will have friends help us get it from there to our new home in Scotia. I will post pictures of our new home once we are there, I promise. We will head out after loading everything up and be on our way. Tuesday we will be home with our boys!!!!
So, John and I have everything packed and Monday morning we will load it up in Salt Lake City. Then some big rig driver will drive it to Santa Rosa for us. Then we will have friends help us get it from there to our new home in Scotia. I will post pictures of our new home once we are there, I promise. We will head out after loading everything up and be on our way. Tuesday we will be home with our boys!!!!
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Ireland family news!!!!!!!
So, as any of you who read our blog know, Sarah's grandpa has been ill. On October 21, her mom called and said that things were not looking great and Mimi wanted us home. So, John got time off work and so did Sarah, then we headed out to California. Papa was in the hospital for the 3rd time in 5 weeks. He finally went home yesterday, by the way. Papa has been through so much!!! The doctor has taken veins from both arms to graft into his leg and attempted taking one from the "good leg" as well. It is going to take some healing time, and a lot of help will be needed. So, after much prayer and thought, we have decided to move back to Humboldt County! Our boys are so much happier there, close to grandmas and grandpas and great grandmas and grandpas. Of course the schools are smaller, and in many ways they are better. Of course Sarah will have to go back to work, but Ga-ga is quite ready to have the boys each day! John will work also and he will continue to finish school. The upside is that he will be able to get his degree in Health and Exercise Science, which is what he really wants. By the way, he received a A and two B's this last term. We are proud of him!!!!
We have a cute little house to move to in Scotia, the mill town, and we are trying to quickly get packed for the move. The boys are already going to school in Scotia and loving it. In fact, we had Aidan tested and he jumped right out of Kindergarten and into First Grade! He is much smarter than we are sometimes...what will we do?! Yes, this means that we left the boys with Ga-ga and Pop while we pack. And yes, we even left Korbin! I have broken down in tears several times, and I expect that I will do so until I get back and hold them in my arms....motherhood does that to us!
We know that we have made the right choice, because we prayed about it a lot. We each prayed and we prayed as a family. That is how decisions are made. We do not expect, however, that the move will be totally easy. We expect to have difficulties for awhile...we are leaving behind our jobs and our stability. Thankfully we have a great family who is willing to help us get back there. Of course, it may just be that they want Connor, Aidan and Korbin back....and we just happen to come along with them.
So, wish us luck in packing..or come help us if you want to. We are ready to be done with the snow and back to the beauty fo the redwood coast!
We have a cute little house to move to in Scotia, the mill town, and we are trying to quickly get packed for the move. The boys are already going to school in Scotia and loving it. In fact, we had Aidan tested and he jumped right out of Kindergarten and into First Grade! He is much smarter than we are sometimes...what will we do?! Yes, this means that we left the boys with Ga-ga and Pop while we pack. And yes, we even left Korbin! I have broken down in tears several times, and I expect that I will do so until I get back and hold them in my arms....motherhood does that to us!
We know that we have made the right choice, because we prayed about it a lot. We each prayed and we prayed as a family. That is how decisions are made. We do not expect, however, that the move will be totally easy. We expect to have difficulties for awhile...we are leaving behind our jobs and our stability. Thankfully we have a great family who is willing to help us get back there. Of course, it may just be that they want Connor, Aidan and Korbin back....and we just happen to come along with them.
So, wish us luck in packing..or come help us if you want to. We are ready to be done with the snow and back to the beauty fo the redwood coast!
Saturday, October 18, 2008
YouTube
You know, you can find all kinds of stuff on YouTube. Why is it that we, the human race, think that filming ourselves doing silly things is fun and entertaining? Maybe because we all watch some of the "so stupid, it is funny" shows. There are some things on YouTube, obviously, that are not funny, they are stupid, and some things that are just plain wrong! But, in the end, there are some good things also. I am going to post two of my favorites from YouTube. These are just things that I have found and liked. The first is a cute little song that helps my kids, and I, remember who the leaders of our Church are right now. I like it because it helps us remember not only their names, but a little something about them. The other is about Prop. 8 in California. It just makes it simple. It just illustrates, in a simple way, why I believe marriage should be defined as a union between a man and a woman. Simple.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DX5ho7nFlT0
www.youtube.com/watch?v=vI-GjWY-WlA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DX5ho7nFlT0
www.youtube.com/watch?v=vI-GjWY-WlA
Friday, October 10, 2008
Genuine...Good...Loving People
Sometimes I look around this crazy world and wonder if there are any Genuine, Good and Loving people here anymore. I can say that indeed there are people in this world who are all of these things and more!
We received an invitation to go to a 50th wedding anniversary celebration for some wonderful family friends, George and Sylvia Jutila. They are in our Church ward back home in Cali, but were having a second party here in Utah, and Sylvia sent us an invitation. It was awesome to see them and to visit for a bit. Part of their celebration included scrapbooks of messages and photos that were shared by friends and family. It was neat to look through and see pictures and stories from other great friends back home. We miss them all so much! We filled out a card with our name, location and a favorite story about the Jutilas and then we had our picture taken...the boys even smiled, I think. It is so hard to think of just one story when thinking of George and Sylvia, and that seemed to be the case for many friends, in looking at the scrapbooks. All in all these are two Genuine, Good and Loving people. And these are two people who have used these attributes to raise beautiful children who are raising beautiful grandchildren. They have touched many lives over the years and the effects are long reaching. We are truly blessed to know and associate with them!
My two favorite memories of Sylvia, especially, demonstrate just how far reaching the effects can be. It is because Sylvia sent missionaries to my neighbor's house to teach both my neighbor and myself about the Gospel of Jesus Christ, that I am who and where I am today. It is because of that act of kindness and love that I strive to become who and what I know I can become. Thank you Sylvia! The other great thing that Sylvia, and George, did for me was to help support me when I served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. After I was baptized, I wasn't sure that I would serve a mission, I really didn't know. One Sunday at the end of our 3 hour meeting block, Sylvia approached me and said; "Sarah, if you decide to serve a mission, we want to help support you." I don't remember how I responded, other than a simple "thank you," but I do remember thinking that I wasn't even sure that I wanted to serve a mission. Well, it wasn't long after that short conversation that I knew I was supposed to serve, and Sylvia and George did help support me. I remember Sylvia gave my mom a letter just telling her about the way Sylvia had felt when her own daughters had left to serve missions. That letter would have been support enough! Because of their support, I was able to serve a mission, and I was able to teach people about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I met and taught many people in that 18 months, and hopefully the effects will be long lasting. I know that the effects are long lasting for me and my children...and will continue to be for generations to come.
So, I want to again say THANK YOU, from the bottom of my heart, to George and Sylvia Jutila for your love, goodness, and genuine caring for others! We are so blessed to know you!!!
We received an invitation to go to a 50th wedding anniversary celebration for some wonderful family friends, George and Sylvia Jutila. They are in our Church ward back home in Cali, but were having a second party here in Utah, and Sylvia sent us an invitation. It was awesome to see them and to visit for a bit. Part of their celebration included scrapbooks of messages and photos that were shared by friends and family. It was neat to look through and see pictures and stories from other great friends back home. We miss them all so much! We filled out a card with our name, location and a favorite story about the Jutilas and then we had our picture taken...the boys even smiled, I think. It is so hard to think of just one story when thinking of George and Sylvia, and that seemed to be the case for many friends, in looking at the scrapbooks. All in all these are two Genuine, Good and Loving people. And these are two people who have used these attributes to raise beautiful children who are raising beautiful grandchildren. They have touched many lives over the years and the effects are long reaching. We are truly blessed to know and associate with them!
My two favorite memories of Sylvia, especially, demonstrate just how far reaching the effects can be. It is because Sylvia sent missionaries to my neighbor's house to teach both my neighbor and myself about the Gospel of Jesus Christ, that I am who and where I am today. It is because of that act of kindness and love that I strive to become who and what I know I can become. Thank you Sylvia! The other great thing that Sylvia, and George, did for me was to help support me when I served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. After I was baptized, I wasn't sure that I would serve a mission, I really didn't know. One Sunday at the end of our 3 hour meeting block, Sylvia approached me and said; "Sarah, if you decide to serve a mission, we want to help support you." I don't remember how I responded, other than a simple "thank you," but I do remember thinking that I wasn't even sure that I wanted to serve a mission. Well, it wasn't long after that short conversation that I knew I was supposed to serve, and Sylvia and George did help support me. I remember Sylvia gave my mom a letter just telling her about the way Sylvia had felt when her own daughters had left to serve missions. That letter would have been support enough! Because of their support, I was able to serve a mission, and I was able to teach people about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I met and taught many people in that 18 months, and hopefully the effects will be long lasting. I know that the effects are long lasting for me and my children...and will continue to be for generations to come.
So, I want to again say THANK YOU, from the bottom of my heart, to George and Sylvia Jutila for your love, goodness, and genuine caring for others! We are so blessed to know you!!!
Happy Birthday MOM!!!
52 years ago today (well, yesterday actually...I just looked at the clock and noticed that it is already Saturday), my grandparents welcomed their first and only daughter to this world. Today, she is not only a daughter but a wife, mother, and grandmother. I am so glad to be her daughter, and my sons are so blessed to be her grandchildren. My mother has always stood behind me and given me 100% of her support, no matter what. She taught me to be who I am, not who everyone expects me to be. She has taught me to love unconditionally and to help those around me. She has cared for my children while I have worked and gone to school. She has held me when I have cried and laughed with me too. She made most of the food for our wedding and did all of the decorating too! She calls me (well, the boys) everyday. I love that she calls everyday. My mom worked hard to give me everything that I needed and wanted while growing up and she taught me to work hard. I love my mom and I am grateful to her for so many things!!! Thank you for being the best mom and grandma ever!
Saturday, October 4, 2008
My Dear Husband
I got this from Karlyn's blog.....let's see what there is to say about my hubby
About my DH (dear husband)
1. Sitting in front of the TV, what's on the screen? Heros, CSI, Criminal Minds, Family Guy, Simpsons or anything on SciFi
2. You're out to eat; what kind of dressing does he get on his salad? Ranch.
3. What's one food he doesn't like? Sushi
4. You go out to a bar. What does he order? diet soda
5.Where did he go to high school? Franklin High School, Portland, OR
6. What size shoe does he wear? Depends on the shoe, but usually a 10.5
7. If he was to collect anything, what would it be? Watches
8. What is his favorite type of sandwich? Tuna Melt
9. What would this person eat everyday if he could? Frozen Pizza (the little frozen microwave things...yuck!)
10. What is his favorite cereal? Kashi...any kind
11. What would he never wear? Plaid golfer pants (he's a pretty snazzy dresser, so that's all I can think of)
12. What is his favorite sports team? Sports? He only likes to watch things like boxing
13. Who will he vote for? He won't vote
14. Who is his best friend? Me!
15. What is something you do that he wishes you wouldn't do? Nag about housework
16. How many states has he lived in? Three
17.What is his heritage? Irish (duh!) Scottish, German, and probably lots of other stuff
18. You bake him a cake for his birthday, what kind of cake? Angel Food
19. Did he play sports in high school? Again...Sports? I would have to say...NO!! Unless there is anyone out there who considers drama club a sport!
20. What could he spend hours doing? watching Star Trek, Stargate, or searching E-Bay
21. Does he belong to any men's organizations? Ummmm.....
About my DH (dear husband)
1. Sitting in front of the TV, what's on the screen? Heros, CSI, Criminal Minds, Family Guy, Simpsons or anything on SciFi
2. You're out to eat; what kind of dressing does he get on his salad? Ranch.
3. What's one food he doesn't like? Sushi
4. You go out to a bar. What does he order? diet soda
5.Where did he go to high school? Franklin High School, Portland, OR
6. What size shoe does he wear? Depends on the shoe, but usually a 10.5
7. If he was to collect anything, what would it be? Watches
8. What is his favorite type of sandwich? Tuna Melt
9. What would this person eat everyday if he could? Frozen Pizza (the little frozen microwave things...yuck!)
10. What is his favorite cereal? Kashi...any kind
11. What would he never wear? Plaid golfer pants (he's a pretty snazzy dresser, so that's all I can think of)
12. What is his favorite sports team? Sports? He only likes to watch things like boxing
13. Who will he vote for? He won't vote
14. Who is his best friend? Me!
15. What is something you do that he wishes you wouldn't do? Nag about housework
16. How many states has he lived in? Three
17.What is his heritage? Irish (duh!) Scottish, German, and probably lots of other stuff
18. You bake him a cake for his birthday, what kind of cake? Angel Food
19. Did he play sports in high school? Again...Sports? I would have to say...NO!! Unless there is anyone out there who considers drama club a sport!
20. What could he spend hours doing? watching Star Trek, Stargate, or searching E-Bay
21. Does he belong to any men's organizations? Ummmm.....
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Pictures!!!!
Since I posted the "heavy" stuff about life, I thought I would lighten things up by posting the pictures of the boys and their first days of school this year. My mom will probably hate that I put this picture of her and Connor on here....but Connor wanted it there, and I think it is a great picture. I love my boys!!The power of prayer
Did you know that the power of prayer is a very real thing? I have and do know this to be true. There are times, however, that I need a reminder of this simple yet enormous power! I am so thankful that we are given the opportunity to talk to a loving Father in Heaven and to ask him for things that we need.
So most of you who know me, know that I come from a somewhat small but very close family. I have been so very blessed in this life to have my grandparents in my life since the day I was born and to have had a wonderful great grandmother in my life until I was 14. My children are blessed to have my parents and my grandparents in their lives and to have John's siblings in their lives. Connor is lucky enough to remember his "Oma" (John's mom) even though she is no longer here on earth. Can I just say again, for the record, how very GRATEFUL and BLESSED I am to have the family that I do? So, my grandfather, better known as Papa, has been having problems with circulation in his leg. About 15 years ago, he had some vein by pass work done on his legs to open up the circulation and he has been lucky enough to not have too many major problems with his legs since then. Unitl a month or so ago, that is. He started having some problems with pain and coldness, meaning no circulation. The doctors put him on meds, looked at the veins on an ultrasound, and kept watching. They told us that they could not open the blockage with a simple procedure but would have to take veins from his arms. The thought is scary enough, let alone actually having to go through the procedure. So, on Friday the doctor told my grandma that they would be doing the less invasive procedure but not until next month. Uh, no, not working for us since Papa can barely get out of bed due to the pain. So, off to the E.R. went my family yesterday. WOW!! Do you know that it is hard to know they are at the hospital and I am here, in Utah? So, my mom kept me updated and I prayed. The doctor decided to do the procedure yesterday. They basically insert a "balloon" in there and blow it up, trying to move the blockage. The procedure worked, and Papa had a warm foot almost free of pain, almost immediately. The doctor said that they really did not think that they would be able to do what they did, and that if it had not been successful, Papa would have lost his leg above the knee. How grateful we are for his not losing his leg!!! Prayers are answered and there is power in prayer! I am so grateful for that knowledge. I am grateful for my Papa. He has always been one of my greatest heros, and I am glad for that. I talked to him today and he is doing well. The hardest part for us is that we were not there. Thankfully we have technology like phones and cell phones. I love you, Papa! And, Mimi, Mom and Jay!
On another note, I work at a hotel. Just 3 days a week. There are several people who stay here because a family member is in the hospital here or just got out and needs to be close by the hospital during recovery. So, we have a really sweet guest who has been here with her companion of several years. He just had heart surgery and was recovering from having a new pacemaker and some other stuff. I spoke with her Friday evening, and he was doing well. Saturday morning at about 2 a.m., he had a heart attack and died. I cried with this woman that I barely know several times yesterday. She asked about Papa, as we had talked about him the night before. I told her that his procedure was successful. Do you know what she said to me? She told me she had had him in her prayers. Again, the power of prayer is awesome! She has enough of her own worries, but she prayed for a man she doesn't even know. How great is that?! She is in my prayers also, and I hope and pray that I can have even a portion of her strength when I inevitabley go through my next trial in life.
Let us all be grateful for what we have and remember who gives us everything! Let us all remember to pray, giving thanks always, and knowing that a great power comes along with that prayer of faith! Just remember to be careful what you pray for....because it just might happen! :>)
So most of you who know me, know that I come from a somewhat small but very close family. I have been so very blessed in this life to have my grandparents in my life since the day I was born and to have had a wonderful great grandmother in my life until I was 14. My children are blessed to have my parents and my grandparents in their lives and to have John's siblings in their lives. Connor is lucky enough to remember his "Oma" (John's mom) even though she is no longer here on earth. Can I just say again, for the record, how very GRATEFUL and BLESSED I am to have the family that I do? So, my grandfather, better known as Papa, has been having problems with circulation in his leg. About 15 years ago, he had some vein by pass work done on his legs to open up the circulation and he has been lucky enough to not have too many major problems with his legs since then. Unitl a month or so ago, that is. He started having some problems with pain and coldness, meaning no circulation. The doctors put him on meds, looked at the veins on an ultrasound, and kept watching. They told us that they could not open the blockage with a simple procedure but would have to take veins from his arms. The thought is scary enough, let alone actually having to go through the procedure. So, on Friday the doctor told my grandma that they would be doing the less invasive procedure but not until next month. Uh, no, not working for us since Papa can barely get out of bed due to the pain. So, off to the E.R. went my family yesterday. WOW!! Do you know that it is hard to know they are at the hospital and I am here, in Utah? So, my mom kept me updated and I prayed. The doctor decided to do the procedure yesterday. They basically insert a "balloon" in there and blow it up, trying to move the blockage. The procedure worked, and Papa had a warm foot almost free of pain, almost immediately. The doctor said that they really did not think that they would be able to do what they did, and that if it had not been successful, Papa would have lost his leg above the knee. How grateful we are for his not losing his leg!!! Prayers are answered and there is power in prayer! I am so grateful for that knowledge. I am grateful for my Papa. He has always been one of my greatest heros, and I am glad for that. I talked to him today and he is doing well. The hardest part for us is that we were not there. Thankfully we have technology like phones and cell phones. I love you, Papa! And, Mimi, Mom and Jay!
On another note, I work at a hotel. Just 3 days a week. There are several people who stay here because a family member is in the hospital here or just got out and needs to be close by the hospital during recovery. So, we have a really sweet guest who has been here with her companion of several years. He just had heart surgery and was recovering from having a new pacemaker and some other stuff. I spoke with her Friday evening, and he was doing well. Saturday morning at about 2 a.m., he had a heart attack and died. I cried with this woman that I barely know several times yesterday. She asked about Papa, as we had talked about him the night before. I told her that his procedure was successful. Do you know what she said to me? She told me she had had him in her prayers. Again, the power of prayer is awesome! She has enough of her own worries, but she prayed for a man she doesn't even know. How great is that?! She is in my prayers also, and I hope and pray that I can have even a portion of her strength when I inevitabley go through my next trial in life.
Let us all be grateful for what we have and remember who gives us everything! Let us all remember to pray, giving thanks always, and knowing that a great power comes along with that prayer of faith! Just remember to be careful what you pray for....because it just might happen! :>)
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
A new school year for Connor
Connor started his 3rd grade school year yesterday! I still cannot believe how big he has gotten. Ga-ga and I took him to school after he said good-bye to daddy and his sleeping brothers. Connor's teacher this year is Mrs. Smith. She is new to teaching this year, but has been an aide in 2nd grade at the school for the past few years. She is very nice and very friendly. When we picked Connor up, he was all smiles and said; "I have the nicest teacher in the whole school!!" That was coming from a kid who loved 2nd grade teacher, Ms. McCurdy. So, Connor is thrilled to be in the class he is in and I predict having a great 3rd grade year.
Even though this is the 4th year of taking him for his first day of school, I still cried. And, as I type this, I get teary-eyed again. I know that he will do well in school and that he needs to be there...really, I do. I guess it is just something about letting go, even for a mere 6 1/2 hours, that gets me emotional.
Aidan will go in for testing this morning and then Kindergarten officially starts next Tuesday. I am sure I will be sobbing that day! Oh what a blessing my children are! What will I do when my baby starts school and there won't be another to follow? I better take a whole case of tissue with me that day.
I will try to post pics of Connor's first day this afternoon!
Even though this is the 4th year of taking him for his first day of school, I still cried. And, as I type this, I get teary-eyed again. I know that he will do well in school and that he needs to be there...really, I do. I guess it is just something about letting go, even for a mere 6 1/2 hours, that gets me emotional.
Aidan will go in for testing this morning and then Kindergarten officially starts next Tuesday. I am sure I will be sobbing that day! Oh what a blessing my children are! What will I do when my baby starts school and there won't be another to follow? I better take a whole case of tissue with me that day.
I will try to post pics of Connor's first day this afternoon!
Sunday, August 24, 2008
I am a slacker!!!!
Okay, I am a slacker! Did you see that? It has been over 6 months since I last posted anything. A lot can happen in 6 months...wait, a lot has happened. So, I will try to catch everyone up who does not know.
So, in March our baby turned 8. Okay, so Connor is the oldest and not exactly the "baby," but he will always be my baby! Connor turned 8 on March 15 and he was lucky enough to be baptized on that very day! Here in Utah, there are so many more children to be baptized than back home in Cali, that there is generally a stake primary baptism day. Well, the one that would have included Connor was on April 12 or something like that, and that made Connor a bit distraught. For those who know Connor, you know that he is very black and white and for those who don't know...well you know now. So, the thought of not being baptized on his birthday was just not very acceptable to him. Besides the fact that he just felt that not being baptized on his 8th birthday could possible be considered disobedient to the commandents, Sarah's mom was going to be here, and he wanted "Ga-ga" at his bapism. So, two of Connor's friends, who happened to be our neighbors, said that they wanted to be bapized and would do it on his birthday so he could be baptized then also. Not only was this a great opportunity for Connor to get his wish, it was a great opportunity for us to do missionary work and have the full-time missionaries in our home teaching for a couple of months. Connor chose to have his cousin, Kyle, baptize him and his uncle, Alan, confirm him a member of the Church. It was awesome! I get all teary just typing this, because I can still feel the Spirit that was there. I love all of my children very much and I am so proud of them! Connor has never once doubted that he would be baptized at 8 and he is determined to hold the Priesthood at 12 and serve a mission at 19. I love that he is so very black and white and almost never makes a bad choice. I hope and pray constantly that he will forever live his life in such a way! Connor had his birthday party the day before his birthday at NickelMania where we all enjoyed games, pizza and ColdStone Creamery ice cream cake. (because mommy's cake flopped, BIG time!) All in all, a great birthday, even though mommy cried some at the thought of that very first baby growing up so much already!
April brought John and Sarah's 9th wedding anniversary and Sarah's 35th birthday. Both were celebrated without Aidan who had gone home with "Ga-ga" after Connor's birthday. We did get to go to dinner and a movie thanks to Aunt Valerie watching the boys and taking them to Chuck E. Cheese. April also brought a slight change in occupation for John. John applied for a teaching position at Eagle Gate College and was offered the opportunity to be an admissions representative for their Personal Fitness Trainer program. The pay is a bit better, the hours are a TON better, and the benefits are TONS better! So, he has been working there and training some private clients as well. It is so nice to have him home in the evening to sit down with us for dinner as a family and help get boys to bed in the evening. Besides really enjoying the job, John has also been given the opportunity to finish his Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration free of charge. They really want him to stay with the school and eventually teach there. John is staying busy and enjoying it.
May brought Aidan back home and our 1st and only trip to Lagoon for the year. Ga-ga went with us to Lagoon and enjoyed it a lot! (I think)
June brought the beginning of summer, with Connor finishing 2nd grade and mommy again realizing her babies are growing way too quickly! We had fun just doing stuff together. We went, as a family, to Cherry Hill water park for a full Saturday and loved it! We had one camping trip over Memorial Day weekend which was fun also. We went to the park, to the Gateway, and just hung out.
July brought fireworks, of course. It also brought Ga-ga here to get the boys and take them back to Cali. for 6 weeks. While she was here for like 3 days, we went to the zoo. That was a fun experience as we hadn't been since last summer and Ga-ga hadn't ever been there. We also went out to dinner at Joe's Crab Shack. We love that place! Plus, kids eat for $1.99 on Tuesdays. Ga-ga and the boys left for Cali on the 9th...Sarah had a harder time than she thought she would, but soon just got busy doing stuff. July brought a new part-time job for me. I am now working 3 days a week at Homewood Suites by Hilton. (great discounts for family and friends at any Hilton family hotel.) It is a little extra for things like karate and just fun activites.
Here we are in August! Ga-ga and the boys arrived this past Wednesday, and it was none to soon! We spent Thursday school shopping, and I continually told Connor to stop growing for awhile! Thankfully we have grandparents and great grandparents who love our children and spoil them rotten! Thanks to Mimi and Papa for summer sandals, school shoes, and hoodies!! Friday I had to start my 3 day work week, so we hit DI in the morning and then my mom and the boys dropped me off at work and she drove back to our place. She even picked John up at the Trax station. (big accomplishment when you don't know your way around too well) Yesterday we got a free lunch for up to 15 people at IHOP (John won some drawing) so we went there with some friends from Church and my mom and us. It was a nice little lunch. Tomorrow Connor will start 3rd grade and next week Aidan will start Kindergarten. Where does the time go? I just don't know how they get so big so fast.....I just keep trying to cherish every moment with each and every one of my boys!
on a side note, when my mom and the boys came in on Wednesday, there were missionaries coming and going like crazy....I realized that day, just a little, what it will be like to send each of my boys off to serve as missionaries for the Lord....happiness and sadness all wrapped up in one....kudos to all the moms who wave good-bye to their kids each day!
I will try to keep up on the blog posting more....at least weekly while I am enjoying the quiet at work.
So, in March our baby turned 8. Okay, so Connor is the oldest and not exactly the "baby," but he will always be my baby! Connor turned 8 on March 15 and he was lucky enough to be baptized on that very day! Here in Utah, there are so many more children to be baptized than back home in Cali, that there is generally a stake primary baptism day. Well, the one that would have included Connor was on April 12 or something like that, and that made Connor a bit distraught. For those who know Connor, you know that he is very black and white and for those who don't know...well you know now. So, the thought of not being baptized on his birthday was just not very acceptable to him. Besides the fact that he just felt that not being baptized on his 8th birthday could possible be considered disobedient to the commandents, Sarah's mom was going to be here, and he wanted "Ga-ga" at his bapism. So, two of Connor's friends, who happened to be our neighbors, said that they wanted to be bapized and would do it on his birthday so he could be baptized then also. Not only was this a great opportunity for Connor to get his wish, it was a great opportunity for us to do missionary work and have the full-time missionaries in our home teaching for a couple of months. Connor chose to have his cousin, Kyle, baptize him and his uncle, Alan, confirm him a member of the Church. It was awesome! I get all teary just typing this, because I can still feel the Spirit that was there. I love all of my children very much and I am so proud of them! Connor has never once doubted that he would be baptized at 8 and he is determined to hold the Priesthood at 12 and serve a mission at 19. I love that he is so very black and white and almost never makes a bad choice. I hope and pray constantly that he will forever live his life in such a way! Connor had his birthday party the day before his birthday at NickelMania where we all enjoyed games, pizza and ColdStone Creamery ice cream cake. (because mommy's cake flopped, BIG time!) All in all, a great birthday, even though mommy cried some at the thought of that very first baby growing up so much already!
April brought John and Sarah's 9th wedding anniversary and Sarah's 35th birthday. Both were celebrated without Aidan who had gone home with "Ga-ga" after Connor's birthday. We did get to go to dinner and a movie thanks to Aunt Valerie watching the boys and taking them to Chuck E. Cheese. April also brought a slight change in occupation for John. John applied for a teaching position at Eagle Gate College and was offered the opportunity to be an admissions representative for their Personal Fitness Trainer program. The pay is a bit better, the hours are a TON better, and the benefits are TONS better! So, he has been working there and training some private clients as well. It is so nice to have him home in the evening to sit down with us for dinner as a family and help get boys to bed in the evening. Besides really enjoying the job, John has also been given the opportunity to finish his Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration free of charge. They really want him to stay with the school and eventually teach there. John is staying busy and enjoying it.
May brought Aidan back home and our 1st and only trip to Lagoon for the year. Ga-ga went with us to Lagoon and enjoyed it a lot! (I think)
June brought the beginning of summer, with Connor finishing 2nd grade and mommy again realizing her babies are growing way too quickly! We had fun just doing stuff together. We went, as a family, to Cherry Hill water park for a full Saturday and loved it! We had one camping trip over Memorial Day weekend which was fun also. We went to the park, to the Gateway, and just hung out.
July brought fireworks, of course. It also brought Ga-ga here to get the boys and take them back to Cali. for 6 weeks. While she was here for like 3 days, we went to the zoo. That was a fun experience as we hadn't been since last summer and Ga-ga hadn't ever been there. We also went out to dinner at Joe's Crab Shack. We love that place! Plus, kids eat for $1.99 on Tuesdays. Ga-ga and the boys left for Cali on the 9th...Sarah had a harder time than she thought she would, but soon just got busy doing stuff. July brought a new part-time job for me. I am now working 3 days a week at Homewood Suites by Hilton. (great discounts for family and friends at any Hilton family hotel.) It is a little extra for things like karate and just fun activites.
Here we are in August! Ga-ga and the boys arrived this past Wednesday, and it was none to soon! We spent Thursday school shopping, and I continually told Connor to stop growing for awhile! Thankfully we have grandparents and great grandparents who love our children and spoil them rotten! Thanks to Mimi and Papa for summer sandals, school shoes, and hoodies!! Friday I had to start my 3 day work week, so we hit DI in the morning and then my mom and the boys dropped me off at work and she drove back to our place. She even picked John up at the Trax station. (big accomplishment when you don't know your way around too well) Yesterday we got a free lunch for up to 15 people at IHOP (John won some drawing) so we went there with some friends from Church and my mom and us. It was a nice little lunch. Tomorrow Connor will start 3rd grade and next week Aidan will start Kindergarten. Where does the time go? I just don't know how they get so big so fast.....I just keep trying to cherish every moment with each and every one of my boys!
on a side note, when my mom and the boys came in on Wednesday, there were missionaries coming and going like crazy....I realized that day, just a little, what it will be like to send each of my boys off to serve as missionaries for the Lord....happiness and sadness all wrapped up in one....kudos to all the moms who wave good-bye to their kids each day!
I will try to keep up on the blog posting more....at least weekly while I am enjoying the quiet at work.
Friday, February 1, 2008
Korbin's birthday!!!!!
I cannot believe my baby is already 2 years old! We have been asking Korbin for days if his birthday was coming and his answer has always been the same; "NO-NO!!" Even until last night, he was saying this. This morning after he woke up, I asked if he was the birthday boy and he half-heartedly gave me a yep answer. Then he came out to the living room to find his first present, a "Diego" ride on toy from mommy and daddy. I think he is finally happy that it is his birthday! We will all be going out for lunch and more present opening tomorrow after daddy is off of work....I will update more then. Time goes way to fast!!!!!
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
It is a New Year!
Hello all!
We hope that you all had a wonderful holiday season! We certainly enjoyed our trip to California to spend time with our family. Bringing Aidan home with us after a month was pretty exciting as well! Of course, we missed our Connor boo who stayed behind for two weeks. He did say something about not thinking it was fair that he got to stay for 2 weeks when Aidan got to be there for a whole month, but he has to get back to school!
In the New Year we have many goals, as always. We hope to be able to do many fun things this year as we watch our boys grow with absolute wonder.
We feel so blessed that our boys have been blessed with both grandparents and great grandparents! Over our Christmas time at home we had pictures taken of the boys and their grandparents and great-grandparents so that we could preserve the wonderful blessing forever! I think there may even be some small resemblance of my own family in the boys...though you would never know it when you see them with their daddy!
We are already almost to the end of the first month of the year...crazy!!! John is staying busy with training and the boys continue to keep me on my toes. Connor is getting more and more excited for his birthday to arrive....he is so excited to be baptized...it is awesome to see the pure joy in his eyes whenever he talks about it. Aidan, of course, wishes that he could just be 8 now so that he could be baptized also. It seems to us that the last 8 years has gone by so quickly that it is almost unreal. It certainly puts things in perspective when we think about the fact that in just another 8 years, Connor will likely be super excited about getting his driver's license! We just want to continue to enjoy every moment!
We hope that you all had a wonderful holiday season! We certainly enjoyed our trip to California to spend time with our family. Bringing Aidan home with us after a month was pretty exciting as well! Of course, we missed our Connor boo who stayed behind for two weeks. He did say something about not thinking it was fair that he got to stay for 2 weeks when Aidan got to be there for a whole month, but he has to get back to school!
In the New Year we have many goals, as always. We hope to be able to do many fun things this year as we watch our boys grow with absolute wonder.
We feel so blessed that our boys have been blessed with both grandparents and great grandparents! Over our Christmas time at home we had pictures taken of the boys and their grandparents and great-grandparents so that we could preserve the wonderful blessing forever! I think there may even be some small resemblance of my own family in the boys...though you would never know it when you see them with their daddy!
We are already almost to the end of the first month of the year...crazy!!! John is staying busy with training and the boys continue to keep me on my toes. Connor is getting more and more excited for his birthday to arrive....he is so excited to be baptized...it is awesome to see the pure joy in his eyes whenever he talks about it. Aidan, of course, wishes that he could just be 8 now so that he could be baptized also. It seems to us that the last 8 years has gone by so quickly that it is almost unreal. It certainly puts things in perspective when we think about the fact that in just another 8 years, Connor will likely be super excited about getting his driver's license! We just want to continue to enjoy every moment!
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