Tender Mercies Tuesday: Autumn Leaves

On Sunday, I had the opportunity to drive out to Vernal with my Mom, husband and Ty. We were going to see a friend who just returned from a mission in Sao Paulo Brazil and he was speaking in Sacrament Meeting.
As we drove out we had the pleasure of driving up Provo Canyon, through Heber and around Strawberry Reservoir. It was AMAZING. I must say, that even though I HATE winters here in Utah (to an extent, I wouldn't mind if it was a month or two but we all know it's much longer), I am SO thankful to live in a place with such BEAUTIFUL seasons. I snapped a few pictures of the GORGEOUS colors. My oh my it was amazing how God creates such awe inspiring scenery for all of us to enjoy. Every season has it's own amazing growth and change, we just so happened to stumble upon Autumn at it's best. I loved it.
Sorry it's so late, I've had a busy day! I'll post much more fun weekend pictures tomorrow.

Special Edition: Matt Post

Over the past week, I have tried an experiment. The goal was to see if I could go a week without TV or movies, and see if I found a difference in my attitude and view of things around me. At first, I didn't think it would be difficult. Surely there has been a week when I was so busy that I didn't turn on the TV. Maybe, this was the difference in my test. I was left with the situation of, Mickie and Ty going back to Medford for a week and I was left at home. I get home about 4 PM and I am out of school, so I don't have a lot of responsibility when I get home. I remember in high school, this was a challenge assigned to us in seminary class. I failed miserably.

So, why try it now? I guess I needed to do a self assessment to see if one of my natural habits of coming home and turning on the TV, or watching a movie before bed, was now a mindless act of habit. Think about it, do you avoid something of greater value for doing things of lesser value, and then try to convince yourself that it's not a bad use of time, I'm not doing anything wrong? No, your not doing something wrong, but could you have found something better to do? Isn't this life about progression?

What did I learn? I learned that the TV and movies we watch play a huge role in our attitudes and behaviors. I feel more optimistic about life and I would attribute that to not watching the news when I get home. My mind seems more clear as I have had plenty of time to think about anything and everything. Last, I feel a greater sense of accomplishment with all the things I was able to get done.

I came across an interesting bit of information in a book I was reading through the week. The book says, "It is naïve to believe that what we watch on television or in movies that it doesn't affect us. Marketing departments will spend at least $1.5 million dollars on a 30 second advertisement during the Super bowl. Apparently, a host of advertisers felt confident that in thirty seconds' time they could influence you to buy their services or products." It is pointed out, afterwards, how much time we spend watching TV. Of course, that amount time will affect our attitudes toward family life and other important issues.

It was a great experience and a challenge for myself. You might challenge yourself with something you struggle with, for the benefit of increasing your own self mastery. An interesting fact for all you health nuts. You burn 85 calories watching TV and you burn 95 calories sleeping. What does that tell you about some of the mindless TV shows you watch. (I'm not talking about watching a football game, that's an exercise in itself.)

So here are a few pictures of what I did while Mickie and Ty were away, it took a few nights and I am pleased with the results. ( I wanted to take a before and after picture but Mick had the camera in Oregon)

The bottom is a Dark Navy Blue the top is called "Cloth" I still think it's too close to our original color but I'm okay with keeping it. I separated it with a chair rail and I put crown moulding up as well both a whitish color, the one we used in Ty's room. I also bought new blinds for both windows and hung them up. Mickie gave me all creative license and this is what it ended up being. I still need to hang up the pictures and build a headboard for the bed. Mickie is REALLY happy with it and both of us think that it makes the room look and feel bigger.

Glitter, EVERYWHERE

Yesterday was a busy busy day! A friend came over and showed me how to sew these little hats, now I have all these ideas on what I would like to do with them. They are so cute! Thanks for showing me Joy!

We ran a few errands including dropping by a high school friend Jessica's house who is in town with her 3 week old baby Gavin, my goodness he has the softest hair! Such a cute little guy and it was really good to see Jess again. I should have taken a picture of us with our babies, Ty seems huge compared to little Gavin :)

Then later in the evening a whole bunch of moms and girlies came over for a glitter toe party, I cranked out 12 people! Whoa right? Man who knew that a year and a half I ago I would be able to do that many people in less then four hours. My mom even put little decals on the corners with rhinestones and such, the girls LOVED them and even one mom had never ever had her toes painted or anything! I was the first one to use anything on her! She was excited to match her girls. All of the girls and moms got together and bought me 8 MORE colors! So now I have 24 yeah! With all those different colors, (i think there was only 1 repeat) there was TONS of glitter EVERYWHERE.All over me and the rug I was doing it on, we did it in the kitchen wisely because the girls were clutching their color like nobodies business. Sometimes it would spill a little etc etc. SO we have some cleaning to do this morning.

Today we are making Jerky, planting flowers, dropping off some things to some people, and cleaning before we leave tomorrow! Busy last day here :)

Ty in Oregon

On our drive out Ty was checking out the trees for about 30 minutes. It was so cute.
In case you haven't heard, there was a huge fire that burned most of Roxyann on Monday, it took forever to get any where that day because people were pulling over and just watching the fire. It came with in 100 feet of some houses but didnt get a single one... very close though! Now the valley smells very strongly of smoke, No running outside this week. Here is Ty just hanging out... we've been planting flowers, baking, shopping, and exercising. We leave friday so there is still a whole bunch to do! :)

Tender Mercies Tuesday: Mom Job

Last August, something happened: I came into work and left around 1 in the afternoon with a one week severance check in one hand and a box of my stuff in the other. Times were hard and they didn't want to let me go but they had to, I was sad but not devastated. It was fun working where I did and I had a ton of friends there. I went to talk to Matt at his work and both of us went home. We sat down and tried to figure out if I really even needed to work. We decided if both of us were attending school then I needed to because tuition and books were going to cost over 5k a semester for both of us.

I started looking for a new job and went with my first idea of calling my friend Jeff, a Real Estate Agent that worked with the company that just laid me off. I asked him if he needed an assistant or anything, he told me he would call me back the next day.

In usual Jeff fashion he forgot to call me the next day so I called him. He said "Oh yeah I talked with Bryson and Jacob and we all decided that we need an assistant. So you will be assistant to all of us"

I was so excited to make the transition to my current employer, I started the next week so I didn't even miss a day of pay.

Now no one wants to be laid off, but for me it turned out way better then I could have imagined. My old job was pretty rigid on hours worked and where. My new job worked around my school schedule and even better when I got pregnant all the Dr. appointments were no big deal (I had quite a few more then the average preggo). Matt and I kept talking during the pregnancy and decided that I should probably stop working after having Ty and just focus on being a mom.

After a turn of events (finding out our insurance didn't cover a dime of Labor, Delivery and Newborn care) it was VERY apparent that I would have to continue working after having Ty to help pay off the medical bills. I spoke with my bosses and told them I would continue working after having Ty and they were so happy.

I am now able to work from home 4 out of 5 days. I work where ever, when ever, they provide me with a work cell phone and a lap top. If I have a rough day with Ty and don't get anything done no big deal. If I have a lot to do and work a ton, no big deal. I make my own hours so I can work a BUNCH or not much and they don't mind. As long as certain things are done at certain times the rest is on my schedule. The craziest part is on the one day I need to go into the office I bring Ty WITH me and everyone loves him. He is an angel baby at the office and half the time people forget he is there. The office ladies love to hold him while I am in my meetings. It is wonderful.

I was pretty sad to be laid off, but working where I do has been so awesome and there is no way working with my old employer would have worked out in the last year. (In fact they have tried a bit to get me back, NO WAY I say :) My current employer is extremely flexible and what I do works perfectly as a mom job. Hopefully in the next year or two I wont have to work at all but for now, I actually like it and am so grateful to be blessed with such a perfect employment situation.

The reason I thought of this is because I came home with my parents for the week and no worries I can just work a few hours from here. :) What a blessing.

Matt's Tri

Saturday morning was Matt's first Triathlon. It was fun! We woke up and got there about an hour early, which apparently wasn't early enough! He just barely got all checked in! Matt got his timing chip and put his bike and other stuff down with 3 minutes to spare.

The Daybreak lake was closed down a few days earlier because of some sort of outbreak of something, so they bussed all of the racers to a pool a mile away had them swim a lot less then run back the mile and get on their bikes. Matt only had a wetsuit which he didn't need for the pool swim so he swam in his under armor so he didn't get his shorts wet ha ha. Braden and I were there with Ty bright and early. Here is Matt running back from the swim,

Here is Matt on the bike. My work gave him a biking and running jersey to wear which was really nice so we could see him from far away! By this point my parents and Sharon had come to cheer him on.

Here is Matt finishing the 5K at the end. Look closely you can see my mom running along with him! Suzanne and Preston came too to see him finish.

His total time was 1:18.25. We are all so proud of him! He did so well and had fun for his first Triathlon, he said he would do it again. I am looking a doing a mini one with him next month in Provo.

Yay Matt way to go!

Just Some Yummy Syrup

What do I do now? Suck on my hands... thats allll I do. Mom pulls them down sometimes, see what I do in the last picture when she does this...
I get a little upset then put them right back in, don't worry when I am tired I still use my pacifier...

Still chuggin' along

So do you ever feel stagnant? I have tons of stuff I could do but I don't feel like doing anything... I want a break from everything but when I choose not to do anything I get bored haha. SOOOO I wrote myself a list of things to do today so I don't ever get bored today.

Sorry the post today is boring, these are videos only grandparents would appreciate. BUT if you have a few minutes have a look, we need to get Ty a jumper I bet in a few more weeks he'll LOVE it. Why does he always have the hiccups? Haha we don't mind if he doesn't mind and if you know my child he doesn't mind anything...

Since Ty is holding his head up really well and is getting bigger, Matt has been playing with him little bit more. Holding him upside down he likes and also when Matt swings with him. Ty gives him big smiles and giggles. Isn't he sooo long now! When I hold him his legs just dangle off to the side. I can't believe he used to just cuddle in my arms completely.

Tender Mercies Tuesday: Family Around the World

This last Sunday I had the opportunity to teach the lesson “How Glorious Are Faithful, Just, and True Friends” It was an awesome lesson that taught me so much. Joseph Smith is such an example on what a true friend would be. As I read through the lesson I was thinking of who my true friends are, of course I thought first of my best friend, my husband. Then I thought of my family: parents, sisters, brothers, in-laws and extended family members. THEN there are those special few people that even if you don’t see them for years and years you know you could see them randomly and it would have been like you never missed a beat. In our church we refer to others as Sister or Brother, one of the reasons that I think we do this is because in the Lords eyes we are all brothers and sisters in the gospel, and not only that but we should love one another like brothers and sisters. I cry whenever I think about how much I love my brothers and sisters and that I would do anything for them. After teaching this lesson I saw the members in my ward in a different light. If they needed help with something do I know them well enough (like a sister) they would call and ask for help?

I had an experience right after I got home from church that just floored me, I was so glad that I could help and it strengthened my faith.

I received a phone call from a very dear friend that I haven’t spoken with in quite a while. The second I picked up the phone and heard her voice I chuckled a little because I was happy to speak with her, almost immediately I knew some thing was wrong. She was calling to inform me that 3 of her nephews, ages 18, 21 and 24 were in Medford for the summer selling security systems. One of them, the 21 year old was hiking with some friends a few days before they were supposed to leave and got separated from his group, it was dark and he ended up falling off a 300 hundred foot cliff to his death. I knew right where she was speaking of, I have hiked it many times, Table Rock. The mother of these boys (my friends’-husbands’-oldest sister) is a single mom of 9. She was devastated, she didn’t know what to do, she couldn’t up and leave her other 6 kids to go to Oregon and help her 2 boys. This had only happened about 12 hours earlier and the lot was then left up to the oldest brother to I.D. his brother’s body, and to prepare him to cross state lines and bring him home (there are certain laws stating that particular things have to be done before they could take him). I could only imagine how terrible it would be to go I.D. a brother of mine that has fallen so far off a cliff. As my friend was explaining this my heart sank, she asked if my parents were still living in Oregon, I said yes and that I knew who to call and how to get these brothers some help. She gave me a phone number, an address and a few names. Right after hanging up with my friend I called my home wards bishop and let him know what was going on, he said he would try and contact the bishop of the ward that they were living in and take care of it. With in an hour he had called me back saying that he tried to contact the bishop but he wasn’t available, knowing that these boys needed immediate help he called the oldest brother straight away. He could tell that these boys needed divine help after his discussion with them. He had the missionaries go over right away to give this family a blessing and comfort them while his wonderful wife could make a hot meal for them and they could go over themselves. About 15 minutes after receiving that information my friend called back saying that the mother, her sister-in-law was loosing it and just wasn’t sure if anyone could help. I confirmed with her that the right people knew and that prayers and blessings were being said and a hot meal was on the way. After that, my friend was able to calm her sister-in-law down and let her know that her boys were loved and taken care of wherever they are.


I was amazed after thinking about the situation. I simply made a phone call and that helped one family tremendously. It doesn’t matter where we live, our church members are willing whenever disaster strikes to take care of a complete stranger like a brother or a sister, within our church organization or not. I personally know that wherever I go I have an instant family, my brothers and sisters in the gospel that would love and take care of me in an instant. I hope that I can be that person as well that when something happens to a complete stranger I can help them with out batting an eye and serve them with love just like our brother Jesus Chirst would do.

It's on it's way!

FINALLY! My jogging stroller was in stock so I SNATCHED it up... I am SO excited!!! (Kristin and Will THANK YOU SO MUCH for loaning us yours until I held out for this one...we'll be returning it soon :)

Jeep® Overland Limited Jogging Stroller
"Love to listen to music when you run but worry about not hearing your child? Both of you can run to your favorite tunes with Music on the Move® parent tray; Just attach your own portable audio electronics, like iPod® and go. Jogging enthusiasts will appreciate its height-adjustable handle to maintain good running form and the unique rear disc brake makes for quick stops. And unlike many jogging strollers when you're done exercising, the stroller folds upright for compact storage."

Features:
• Music On the Move® Parent Tray Allows Parent & Baby to Enjoy Their Favorite Tunes Using Their Own CD or MP3 Player. Includes Speakers, Amplifier & Jack. Includes 2 Cup Holders for Parents
• Soft-Ride 16 Inch Air Filled Tires with Air Pump
• Smart Handle® Adjusts to Multiple Heights
• Convenient Free Stand™ Stands Upright When You Fold
• Multi-Position Reclining Seat
• Large Basket, Water Bottle Holder & 2 Cargo Pockets for Storage
• Snack tray with Cup Holder
• Speed & Distance Odometer
• Adjustable 5 Point Harness, Safety Tether & Reflectors for Safety

P.S. GO COUGARS!!! #7! Okay, who cares about the polls (I do kind of... but not THAT much) I am EXCITED for Saturday! Matt has his Triathlon and we'll be going to the first home game of the season against the FSU Seminoles. Woot Woot! :)

Today

8 years ago, in my sophomore year of high school I was on a bus with my soccer team headed to play a team in Redmond. The bus driver turned on the radio through out the entire charter bus... and we listened. At first I didn't understand, I thought it was a little plane, an accident...then when it was explained that this was no accident on the radio I understood the magnitude. We weren't that far away from home, our coach got a call explaining that the game was cancelled. The bus turned around with all of us saying silent prayers in our hearts. As I got home I sat down on the couch in shock with just enough time to turn on the television and see the second plane hit. This was no mistake we were under attack, then news of the pentagon crash came in. I kept thinking what next, I was in shock my mouth was hanging open as I remember having to consciously think to breathe. Why would anyone have so much hate in their hearts that they would want to do this. Then news of another plane that went down in a Pennsylvania field came in because the passengers fought back. It was then that I felt a sense of pride to be an American that I had never felt before. On that day I was thankful for my country, thankful for my family, thankful for my belief in God and my religion. I prayed and prayed for the families that lost loved ones that day, so much that it brought me to tears. I felt like that was all I could do being on the other side of the country. Now today, on this anniversary, I still pray for those families who have lost ones dear in such a horrifying and tragic event and will never forget the many stories of bravery and heroism that were displayed in the midst of these events. God Bless America.

3 months!

Wow! Our Ty is 3 months old today! Boy does time fly let me tell you. He can hold his head up really well now, he sits in his Bumbo chair a lot through out the day. He likes to smile all the time and laugh every once in a while. He holds a blanket right next to his face when he sleeps and loves his pacifier. He coos to get your attention then when you look at him he flashes a BIG SMILE meaning hey come pick me up! :) Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. He has been sleeping through the night for about a month now, and it is heaven! He is still really easy going. He is such a good little baby and we LOVE having him here.

1 Day

1 Week 1 Month

2 Months

3 Months ( Sorry it's blurry I turned the flash off as to get a smile but when he smiles he moves a lot!)

09-09-09

Just thought the date was cool, so in honor of the date I'll post 9 pictures... Most of them you have all ready seen on Kelly's blog, facebook or even on this blog when I updated it yesterday. They are of our fun weekend in Rexburg. Matt and I woke up on Sunday morning and both thought, heck why don't we go up to Idaho this morning? Matt had the day off on Monday and I can work from anywhere. It was great to see the family and the newest member Calin. Anyways thanks Kelly for the pictures... When Calin has his baby blessing and the whole fam is together you know we'll need more. Hopefully the weather is as cooperative!

1. Hanging out at the park
2. No smiles?
3. Matt always says for Ty "Ohhh Mom no kisses in public that's embarrassing" Haha you know he is kidding.4. Isn't he so cute? Okay you don't have to think so, but I sure do.

5. My little Ty guy6.Three of the 4 brothers families together7.Matt Ty and myself8.Fathers and Sons9. Mothers and Sons

Tender Mercies Tuesday: Football?

Yes, Football. I am SO glad that Matt and I equally enjoy football, especially our team the BYU Cougars. In years passed this wasn't the case, being married to a Texan makes him have very high standards in a football team he would root for, (Hello those Texans eat, breathe and sleep the sport) so when I moved to Utah and wanted to start going to BYU games Matt wasn't a fan and even teased me about how into the season I would get. This was I think, 5 years ago? In that 5 years he has now turned from a non-believer to a TRUE BLUE BYU Fan. We have had season tickets for 3 years running and as long as we live here we will continue to have them. It is one of our FAVORITE things to do together, plus we look forward to it and talk about the upcoming game allll week. We swap news articles we've found or little tidbits of info we've found out about the team. (I get good insight from deepshadesofblue.com)

Anyways this weekend was a HIGHLY ANTICIPATED GAME... both of us were nervous but we came out VICTORIOUS! It was a fun game to watch, and boy was it loud at Will and Kristin's on Saturday night. Both Matt and I wish we would have GONE to the game but none the less we will remember it for a long time and are PUMPED for the rest of the season! Go Cougars!

Oh and I was actually bummed to see Sam Bradford hurt, you never want to see a player injured this early in the season, especially a Heisman trophy winner! Get well Soon Bradford.

Look how messed up Matt's hair is, haha he gets intense...

Brother Bonding Time

While Braden was here we did a few activities with him. We went to Tucano's a favorite restaurant of ours that we KNEW Braden would love, I mean who doesn't LOVE that much meat! (By the way I ate BISON! I didn't even know that's what it was, I thought it was beef it didn't taste any different to me... just a little dry.)
While they bring the meat around Braden would just say yes to it all, we were all surprised when they said Chicken hearts and Braden said yes... CHICKEN HEARTS?

(FYI I hear it DOESN'T taste like chicken)

Matt and Braden also played Tennis, of course Braden beat Matt, The game was a lot more fast paced then this video shows... they were warming up and I decided to video it.

Then they went golfing, I think Braden won there as well... Matt says it's because he TOTALLY BLEW IT on one hole or he would have won :) Haha Brothers...

Here are a few of the latest of Ty, He has started laughing at me when I sing or dance with him, he is SUCH a morning person (which is funny because neither Matt or I are) and Matt has yet to hear him laugh because he is at work in the morning! If I put the camera right in front of him he wont even smile so I have to distract him and put the camera on the other side, that's why this shot is so cockeyed. He was CRACKING UP at me... we were waiting for Matt to get out of work. I am sure he'll hear Ty laugh soon enough. Also, I have officially packed up all of his 0-3 month clothes and he is fitting in his 3-6 month now. Growing right on track, all though I think he is still skinny and long for his age.
Last night it took a few hours but we paid most of the bills for Ty, it's such a relief to get most of them taken care of, it was late so we were a little punch drunk, then we looked over at Ty who was clutching his Teddy Bear that Matt got him... it was PRECIOUS! I was TRYING to take a picture but it was on video...

P.S. after that Love Language talk yesterday Matt thought he better take care of my 7% gift receiving quota... so he bought me a beautiful rose. Yep all 7% taken care of in one shot I would say :)