Family Vaca

My family normally goes up to Island Park for our family vacation, but this year we decided to do something a little different. We went to St. George and then to California! And, seriously it was so much fun! Avery LOVED the trampoline and swimming pool and loved playing with her cousins, especially Hadley. We left Thursday night and it took us almost six hours to get down there!! (I know, it really shouldn't take that long!!) But, it really wasn't bad. I thought for sure Avery would have a rough time sitting in her car seat but she did great! I'm not really sure why, but this trip I wasn't in any hurry to get anywhere and I didn't feel any pressure to be somewhere at some time. It was actually a really relaxing trip, even with Avery's crappy sleeping habits! We swam, the guys went and played golf, the girls went shopping, we went and saw Tarzan at Tuachan (slightly disappointing, it was just really slow!!) and went bowling. We of course ate until we couldn't eat any more and just enjoyed eachothers company.
My dad really wanted to go to the beach, so we headed to California! Jake and Mark had to go back to work, so it was Jaymie and I in the car! (Aubrey also came with us). We stayed at the Embassy Suites South Hotel and it was very nice. It was so funny, when we got there, Avery was so hysterical! She was so excited to be there that she was running, laughing and squealing down the hallway! I don't know if it was just the energy that she had built up from the car ride or what but she was so funny! When the Becker's got to the hotel room, Johnny was coming out of the elevator, Avery was so excited to see him, she ran up squealing and hugged his legs! He jumped because he didn't see her coming!! Avery and Haddy also had such a fun time together. They laugh at each other, kiss, and play pretty well together. The hotel had a pond down where you eat breakfast and all she wanted to do was see the fish!! She LOVED the fish, she would cry if I wouldn't let her go see the fish!!
The next day, we headed to the beach. (Driving in Cali is kind of a crazy ride! You have no idea what direction you are going or if you are on the right street!! Luckily we had gps!!) My dad was like a kid again! He LOVES the beach. I think he would have rathered stayed the week at the beach than in St. George. Avery LOVED the beach too! She had no fear. She would run out and then run in so the waves could chase her. She was making me a little nervous because it is deceitful, it seems shallow when the water goes out, but it gets pretty deep when it comes back in. We spent most of the day at Newport beach and then headed back to our hotel. Avery was so exhausted.
The next day we hit up Disneyland and OH my Gosh!! Avery has so much fun!! I had so much fun!! Avery again had no fear and wanted to go on rides. She met "Tink"erbell and was horrified of Mickey Mouse. I didn't really think Avery would like Disneyland, I thought she would be too little....oh boy was I wrong! I was showing Jake the video and she kept repeating "ride, ride"....she wanted to go on the rides again!
At midnight, we hopped on the shuttle and went back to our hotel room. Avery of course stayed awake the whole time and was so slap happy she was funny!! She is quite the character when she is tired!
The next morning we headed home. We didn't leave until about noon or 1, and I thought for sure it was going to be an awful ride, but again, I didn't feel any pressure to get home. I didn't feel any pressure at all...we could stop and stay somewhere if we needed to, but I wanted to make it home in one trip. I really didn't want to have to stay somewhere with Avery. I didn't want to pull everything out again just to have to repack it the next morning! It's A LOT of work!! So we made the trek home. It took us about 12 hours and the drive was actually pleasant. Avery got restless about an hour away from home. She slept most of the way and was a champion! Although, once we got home she was so excited to see her dad, that she had a hard time falling asleep! I think it was 3 or 3:30 before we fell asleep.
You know when you go on vacation and by the end you are ready to go home? This trip was not like that at all. I was ready for round 2! It was so fun and relaxing and enjoyable. It was a nice change from Island Park....so fun!

Memorial Day

This Memorial Day weekend was kind of lame. We stayed home and pretty much just hung around home. I guess that's okay once in a while. On Sunday, we decided to go visit the graves. We went to Jake's aunt's grave, his grandparents, my grandpa, and of course little James'. This memorial day has meant something a little different this year. Ya, it's sad to see loved ones pass through the veil, but somehow in my mind, I rationalize that "they are old, they lived a good life, they at least lived a life". My grandpa was pretty young when he died at age 65, or at least it seems young these days, but he at least got to live until he was 65. We went and got flowers to put on all the graves except for James'. Jake was really cute about the whole thing. I didn't want to put flowers on James' grave. It doesn't really seem fair that his little body never saw the sun, or never played with a tonka truck. So, I decided that he needed some toys. I went with Avery and we picked out a book (I know, what if it rains? I didn't care. Plus, I left the plastic on), a truck, and a Buzz Light Year. It was actually kind of fun to go and get something just for him. I called Jake and told him what I had bought, (mind you, this was Jake's idea in the first place. Love him!) and his reply was that if he were living, we would have spent the money anyway. That to me meant so so so much. Not that money should be an issue, but it was toys that would be out in the weather and most likely "be a waste". I don't think it was a waste, infact, going to his little headstone made it that much more enjoyable. I love to buy gifts for people. I try really hard to figure out what they like or dislike and try to know without them knowing I'm watching or listening to what they are saying. In the store, I was trying to picture this cute little James and what he would be play with. He would be 8 months this month and would probably LOVE trucks. Who knows, maybe he would have liked dolls ;) but it was very fullfilling to purchase toys just for him. I hadn't seen his headstone until this weekend, and it looked so good. It's kind of nice to know there is a place for his little body. We love you sweet little James, can't wait to meet you!

**Yes, Avery was dancing on his headstone (sorry Mark and Jaymie), it really wasn't out of disrespect. I figured they would have danced together if he was alive, so I let her dance. I was hoping he was ok with that!!

Grandpa's 80th B-day party

Seamstress?....not hardly!

My cute friend sewed a couple of dresses for her little girl who is a couple months older than Avery, and they were darling!! So....I attempted!! I am by far a seamstress but it has been theraputic for me. I'm not sure why but it was actually quite fun. It is far from perfection, but considering it's my first one, I'll take it!!

Mother's Day is the BEST!!

This Mother's day I ABSOLUTELY loved!! It was sooo fun! Jake took Avery shopping the other night to get me a present. I guess he took her to JC Penny because I had seen a purse there that I wanted. Anyway, apparently they didn't have the one I wanted so he found three and set them on the ground and let Avery pick it out. She picked out this really cute green one and apparently wouldn't put it down!! So cute! (and just a side note, I was getting out of the car, put the purse on my shoulder and Avery proceeded to point, say purse and smiled! I don't know if she knew it was the one she picked out, but I liked to think she did!! It was very cute!) Jake made it so special and enjoyable. I was woken up to breakfast in bed, which consisted of sugar coated strawberries (MMMMMmmm), toast with homemade strawberry jam, and chocolate milk! Breakfast of champions! Ü Jake then got Avery ready for church. We have 9 o'clock church so we are normally in a rush to get out the door, but Jake had gotten the diaper bag ready and Avery all ready to go. At church, the primary kids sang to their moms and one of our class members that we used to teach, Vlad, came up and gave me a hug, and told me Happy Mother's day! My heart melted again! How sweet, a 16 year old would come up and give me a hug and tell me that! It was very sweet. Jake made we lunch and we spent the rest of the day together as a family and went up to my parents for dinner. All the boys made dinner, lasagna, my favorite again!! and it was delish! It was just a really good day. Not only am I grateful for being a mom, I am so grateful for my own mom. What a great example she is to me and such a great teacher! Happy Mother's day mom! I hope it was as good as mine!! Happy Mother's day to all the other cute mom's out there! What a fun holiday!!

Yay for Nephews!!

Yesterday my sister delivered her baby!! His name is Kevin Chase Becker, after my dad. He weighed a whopping 9 lbs 6 oz and he is so stinkin cute! He is chubby and has a huge dimple on his left cheek. It was kind of a surprise delivery since her scheduled due date wasn't until the 17th. Can you imagine how huge he would have been?!! Oh man! Good thing he came out now! He is so cute and both mom and baby are doing well. It's so fun to hold him.

This is a little bit more on the personal side, but I guess that's what this is. When they wheeled Beckee in from having a C-section, little Chase was all bundled up and grunting. It was so cute, but I couldn't help from feeling a lot of emotions. I was sitting next to my sister Jaymie and couldn't help but want to start crying. I was holding back tears as thoughts raced through my head. I was so excited for Beckee but my heart ached for Jaymie. I wasn't in the room the day Jaymie delivered, but I know that it should have been a wonderful experience, but it wasn't. It was really hard. It was awful, but I know that little James' spirit was there holding Chase's hand through it all. (AHHH I'm bawling as I write this!) I want that day so bad for Jaymie. I want it to be happy and exciting and wonderful. She can put on a good front, almost too good sometimes. She was trying so hard to be happy for Beckee and I'm pretty sure she was, but I couldn't help but wonder what her thoughts were. I couldn't help but imagine how hard it is to hold a brand new baby. Jaymie, I love you and can't wait for the day that you can hold your little one too.

Lately it seems that there are a lot of miscarriages, well more still born babies. What is going on? I have a different perspective on that now. It has a whole new meaning. There is so much heartache and sorrow. I heard of another one, a friend of a friend, and I wanted to start bawling then too! The heartache she is just starting out on. This has got to be one of the worst trials. Those that have lost babies, my heart aches for you. Those that have had children, my heart rejoices. I know what it is like to miscarry, I know what it is like to give birth, I don't know what it is like to give birth to a still born, but how precious life is and truly a miracle.

I am so grateful for the knowledge that we have been given about the plan of salvation. I am so grateful that I believe in a life after this so we can hold the ones that we have lost. (This is supposed to be a happy post! It is, I am so excited for Beckee, you have no idea. There are just a lot of mixed emotions running. Maybe it is because Chase is the first one after James.) I am grateful for my cute family, Jake and Avery. What a blessing they are! I am grateful for my siblings and my parents and nieces and nephews. My cup is truly full.

May 8 2010

On to something a little different. Today is our 6th wedding anniversary!! I can't believe how fast time flies! Last weekend Jake and I went up to Midway to stay at the Johnson Mill bed and breakfast and it was sooo fun! You kind of forget what it is like with just the two of you! It was nice to get away for a couple of days. I love Jake more than anything. He truly is my knight in shining armor. I couldn't ask for better. He does have to clean up after me sometimes...okay maybe more than sometimes, but he just does it without complaining. He also is a very good dad to Avery. He is always making sure she is taken care of. Usually on Sunday mornings he has her diaper bag and breakfast ready to go. I was kind of taken by that and didn't expect him to do it all, but he doesn't even have to be asked, he just does it. He just DOES a lot of things. He and Avery went out shopping for me for Mother's day and bought me a purse! He was so excited to Avery and just do a daddy daughter thing! I love that!! He also brought me a plant home as well. What a cute guy! I just love him! I hope he knows how much I love him!! Happy Anniversary sweets!!! To many many more wonderful years ahead!! Can't wait!! I love you!

Spring!!

I should probably post about Easter, but I didn't take any pictures. It's kinda lame without pictures!! We had a good Easter. We headed up to Idaho on Saturday night (luckily Avery slept through the night!) and had a little egg hunt at his mom's. Avery LOVED the eggs. She would rather open and close them, than eat the candy! After our Ham, nummy funeral potatoes, and jello, it was delish! We headed down to my grandma's. This spring has felt more like winter than anything. There was still snow at my grandma's so we had the egg inside her house! I don't know that she was thrilled with everyone searching through to find their eggs and baskets, but I was thankful I didn't have to truck through the snow with Avery!! Easter was great!



The other day, Avery grabbed Jake's keys and said "dri" or something like that. She has never said it before and we couldn't figure out what she wanted. She wanted to go in to the garage so bad she was throwing a fit. So we opened the door and she went straight to the driver's side door of the car. Oooohhhh "DRIVE" she wants to drive!!! What 1 1/2 year old gets the keys and says they want to drive!! She kills me!!



I have to post this because it is too funny not to. I'm sure she will kill me when she is older but I can't help but laugh!!

So before I started video taping, I told her to sit on the potty and "push"...well, she pushed really well and a couple of toots came out! She clapped and was so proud of herself! She is hysterical! She thought that was so great, that something really came out! We sat in the bathroom for probably a half an hour, only for her to climb off the toilet into the tub and went to the bathroom! REALLY?! we were so close and we missed!! Oh well, maybe next time!! Ü

Little Sisters

All growing up, I desperately wanted an older sibling that could drive me places and....well just drive me places! I didn't know where I wanted to go, I just wanted an older sibling to play with! Don't get me wrong, Beckee is a GREAT older sibling, but there are only two and a half years between us and by the time she was driving, I was going to drive soon enough! Well, the reason I am posting this is because I feel that sometimes I get caught up in my crazy life and don't reciprocate that wishfulness to my younger siblings. My youngest sister is 17 and I was able to be the older sibling that could drive her "somewhere". We are 12 years apart and I have tried to be supportive but it definitely takes effort, not that that is a bad thing, we are just in two different pages in life. There is quite a bit of difference between her and my other sister and I think sometimes we just figure she is one of us, which she is, but she still needs her childhood too.
Anyway...what I am getting at is last night Avery and I decided at last minute to go and watch Angie's lacrosse game! What fun that was!!! I think the score ended up being 19-7 against Riverton, so complete blowout! Angie scored 5 goals! It was so fun to cheer for her and scream and clap and cheer her on! She is quite the talented little person! You could never meet a better person. She is very talented in a lot of aspects and excels in everything she does! (it's kind of sickening!!! just kidding!) She has already received a scholarship for a class this summer! who does that?! It's awesome and I couldn't be a more proud sister!! It's fun to be proud of your siblings when they are successful! It's a great feeling, for me its almost the same as accomplishing something for myself. Maybe that comes from being a mom, learning to appreciate, acknowledge and understand someone elses success. I love you Angelina!! You did great!!!

Happy 80th Birthday Grandma!!

On February 27th, my cute grandma turned 80!! I hate that we have to get old!! It's so lame! Anyway, she was so cute about it. I guess when my dad told her about the party, she was so embarrassed and didn't want the attention. The week before, people were asking her about the party and congratulating her on making it to 80 at church and she couldn't figure out how everyone knew!! It was so cute to watch her see her friends and family. Her only living brother Terry, and his daughter, came up from St. George just to see her!! She was grinning from ear to ear. It was so great to see her so excited to see people! My deceased grandpa's sister also came. I have never met her, (and still didn't, just observed from a distance!!) but how fun that was to see her. I saw my grandpa in her and it was amazing. I can't even describe it, it felt like a little piece of him was there. After 17 years it feels like he passed away just yesterday. Anway, back to my grandma!! I asked her if she was having fun in the middle of it, and she said it was so great!! I just love her and think so highly of her. I hope that the next 80 years are just as great!! I love you grandma, Happy Birthday!!

June (my grandpa's sister, Shauna, my aunt Thoma Lee)

The Girls

Terry (grandma's brother), grandma, Tammy, Kristylyn??

Cute Haddy Bryn with her Inn and Out burger hat on!!

Moments like this make being a mom worth it.

At Discovery Gateway, Avery thinks the water is pretty cool. She spends most of her time in the water and/or in the cars.

"It's double coupon day at the Market"....sweet! I'm there!!!

Avery-18 months

Avery LOVES to talk on the phone!

She also LOVES to put on other people's shoes

Annie and cute Boston at the acquarium

My cute grandma and us at the acquarium

Last night we had another rough night. I was so exhausted that I didn't feel like getting up and down, so instead of fighting it, I took Avery downstairs and we slept in the guest bedroom. Avery cracks me up in the middle of the night and I try really hard not to laugh, but most of the time we end up giggling together. Anyway, as we laid there, I was holding her in my arms, she wrapped her arm around my neck. I told her I needed a smooch and she willingly gave one up. But then all of the sudden she didn't want to stop!! I don't know if she just needed our lips to touch for a few moments or what, but I was dying inside!!! She has had a runny nose and cough, so it was kind of a gooy smooch...but whatever, I'll take them anytime from my little peanut!!

We also had her 18 month appointment at the doctor. She is in the 39% weight, 33% height, and 47% head circ. Everyone thinks she is so chubby, but she still only weighs 23 pounds! She hasn't gained much in the last six months, but she has gotten taller. She is developing very well, and I may be biased, but she is very smart. They have me answer a survey on their development and quit after answering 3 no's, but I got to the very end with only answering no to 3!! She's so SMRT! Ü

We have also gone to the Discovery Gateway, the zoo, and the acquarium this winterness season. We have had lots of playing which has been great. I love to spend time with her. She is such a delight.

Here are some pics to catch you up in our lives!!

...and P.S. I survived my first RS teaching on Sunday. ....I cried....but what's new. I think it went okay, I'm glad the first one is over. I felt like throwing up while I was up there. To make matters worse it was Ward Conference, so I had the Stake leaders there as well. I really really really hate teaching. I feel like there are better teachers out there than me, but I was given this oppurtinity to grow...so that's what I'll do. Hopefully I will learn along the way.

Callings....

This week I recieved a phone call that I needed to go in to see the Bishopric. I figured I would be getting released as the 14-15 year old Sunday School teacher as Jake had just been released, and this would have been our fourth year. I also wasn't really planning on a calling at the moment because, normally, Jake has gone with me and they didn't invite him this time. I was pleasantly surprised to be released! ;) I don't enjoy teaching. I feel like "how am I supposed to teach something I have no idea what I am talking about?!" I am HORRIFIED of teaching. Yes, I have heard the stories over and over, but to teach them to someone?! Ya right. And....to make things worse, have you seen the manuals in Relief Society?!!! They are only 2 maybe 3 pages long!

After he released me from my calling, he asked if I would accept a new calling to be the Relief Society teacher, every 3rd Sunday!!!! I literally started to sob. I'm not even kidding you! It was one of those cries where I could not get composure. It was awful!! I am so emabarrassed that I couldn't get it together. And then he asks me or says "I'm hoping that is a good cry?!". I said "No, I am terrified!! I don't know how to teach!!!" He sat and talked with me for a moment and I left. I am so embarrassed that I couldn't get it together, but I am horrified that I have to teach. I don't know if I just feel inadequate and that is where my feelings are coming from, but last night I tried to talk to Jake about it and literally started to cry again. My worst fear came true. I have to teach! Can't I be the baby specialist or something?!!! The funny thing is, is I was complaining a couple of weeks ago that Jake got released and I didn't and Jake told me that I would be doing it until I learned to enjoy it. Oh great.....I LOVE IT, I LOVE TEACHING!!! ;)

Trials are given to us for a reason. I need to buck up and overcome my fear. I have a great ward and on the positive side, at least it is only once a month. I hope no one goes inactive because of my teaching!!! Just kidding. It's funny because a lot of people in our ward don't go to RS because they don't understand the teacher (that I am replacing) and her personality. Great. Now, what if people don't want to come becuase of the way I teach!!! Oh man. I'm in for a ride!!

Friends

So, January is a real downer of a month for me. I really hate it because I think I get seasonal depression. I hate that the sun doesn't shine and then I start feeling sorry for myself. Lame, I know. Anyway, the other day after teaching a couponing class for Jaymie's ward, I was talking to one of my friends in my ward about how, after almost being in my house for 6 six years I still feel new. I feel like I go to church and only have a select few friends and I really hate that. I am one that needs to have people around me. Anyway, after talking with my friend on our LONG drive up to Canada (Kaysville!!), we decided that we needed to take action! I am not one to go out of my way, infact I keep to myself and if someone talks to me then I'm feeling pretty good. We decided that we needed to get our neighborhood together and have a game night!! So....I invited the entire Relief Society/neighborhood over on Wednesday to have a girls night and play games and eat treats! I was a little nervous because I didn't know if anyone would respond. It was seriously like Christmas moning for me when I saw all the people that wanted to come!! I love that the "older" ladies and the younger ones too are coming. I remember my mom saying once that in Relief Society she has grown to love the "older" women of her ward. They have a young heart in an old body. I kind of want that. I go back to my mom's ward and all my old young women leaders always wave and say hi and it feels like home. I want my new ward to be that way. So I decided to have a game night. I think it is a pretty selfish reason to have everyone over, but maybe if I can be on a personal level with some of them, it won't feel like I just moved in. I'm actually really excited about it. If you know of any great group games, let me know. Hopefully it won't be a flop!!

Tender moments

So, the other night Avery woke up with a fever. I went in her room about 2:00 am to see how I could help her get back to sleep. After a dose of tylenol and her blanket and binkie we sat in her rocking chair and rocked. Avery has quite the personality. As I held her in my arms (mind you she is getting longer by the day and is getting more wiggly by the moment, so to hold her in my arms is a rare occasion) I looked down at her a smiled. Through her binkie she smiled back and waved (opening and closing her fingers). Oh, my heart melted. We have also been pretending to sleep and showing her how to snore. Not too soon after she waved, she gave me a little snore!! She doesn't really know how to do it, it comes out as "zzzzzz" and that's about it, but it was so funny! We both started to crack up. What a funny little girl!!

Bah Humbug

I'm kind of feeling like a bah humbug this year and I'm not sure why. We had a tree for over a week and just got around to decorating it. Jake had to seriously beg me to help him. I was just not in the mood, nor am I. I don't really feel that excited this year. I should be, Avery is at a fun age, but I feel like sometimes the most important part of the holiday is over looked. Everyone is caught up in gifts that I'm having a hard time. Maybe since it snowed I will feel like it more and realize it is in two weeks. I don't know. I don't know what my problem is. Maybe because Jaymie is looking forward to it being over and I know that she is sad, so maybe I am feeling a little bit of that as well. I have no idea, but I think this is the first year I truly am not really in the "mood" for Christmas. How sad is that?! Our first Christmas party is on Sunday and we are hosting....I better buck up and get in the mood!

THANKSGIVING

Man, is it December already?! Wow!! Thanksgiving was so fun this year. However, I did forget to bring my camera. We had Thanksgiving at my mom's house. My aunt Denece and all of her kids, except for Trevor who just left on a mission, and their wives came and celebrated with us. My mom worked so hard to make such a special holiday for all of us. It turned out so nice. My parents purchased a table that has 12 leafs so we could all eat together, it was pretty impressive! The food of course was yummy! I LOVE turkey! Jake and I cooked one of the turkeys for the first time and it actually turned out pretty good! I think I want to brine one next year. I hear that is the only way to go. We'll see. My mom also put on a crazy game of bunco for all the adults. It was so crazy with all 20 of us, but it was very fun. We need to get together and do it again. Thanks mom for a great Thanksgiving.

I have so much to be grateful for. I have the best family in the world. We have had some trials recently and it is impressive how we can all come together. We definitely have our moments with each other, but for the majority of the time we have SO much fun together. We can get laughing so hard we cry. I love moments like that! I love all of them and wouldn't trade any of them for the world. (even you, Ben and Mark!!)

I am so grateful for the wonderful husband and sweet little girl that is in my life. Avery is such a blessing and such a sweet little spirit. I truly thankful for the opportunity I have to be her mom.

It is a great time to be thankful and I am so thankful for everything in my life. It couldn't be better.

Cousins are so much fun...

Avery LOVES her cousin Reese. She laughs at her all the time. She thinks Reese is hysterical on most days and it is so fun to watch them learn to play. They haven't always played "together" but as of lately they are starting to interact with each other even more. To listen to them laugh and hug and kiss each other is a blessing. I love staying home and being with my little baby. She is naughty sometimes but most of the time she is a sweetheart!

They were sitting together looking at the mirror with Reese's arm around Avery, but I couldn't get my camera fast enough...this one will have to do. Pretty stinkin cute if you ask me!!

Happy Haunting

Halloween was a success. The Friday before, Avery and I went to Jake's work for a little trick or treating. Avery is hysterical! She thinks she is so big it kills me! After she warmed up and got off Jake's lap...she was all about getting the candy and putting it in her "bah". I don't know that she knew it was candy, but she sure did like getting it and putting it in. She has such a small little body I was cracking up as she walked down the hall!! She is so cute I could eat her up!!



On Halloween, Jake ended up going to the U of U game and I ended up taking Avery around with her cousins trick or treating. I thought for sure she would be too little and not get it, BOY was I wrong!! She thought it was great!! Cute Hadley would run up to the door yelling "Cany, Cany", so cute!! In all it was a lot better being the parent excited for my kid than it was for me when I was a kid. I liked the candy, don't get me wrong, but dressing up is so not my thing!!

Two cute Japanese Princesses! I couldn't find Avery's chopsticks as this was the third time she had dressed up so I had to use pens. I was so bummed.

Johnny and his cute friend-Darthvader (however the heck you spell it!!)

My cute grandma and us (You can tell it is getting later! Avery's costume is off and makeup is rubbing off!!!)

....Now bring on the turkey!