Wynettes

I know what you're thinking.

2011-11-21T11:36:00.000-08:00

I know, I know. I'm a total slacker when it comes to my blog.

Pardon me, I've just been a little preoccupied with this:

And this:

And this:

And especially these: (Primarily because all they want to do is wrestle and hurt each other.)

But my, OH MY, are they worth all my time and effort!

Shout out to Lindsay for the pictures! I ADORE them and I'm so grateful to her for taking them for me. She is such a sweetheart!

Oh, and another reason I've been slacking? Because I'm debating making my blog private. I'm sorry, I know its an annoyance. I just wanna be safe and I PROMISE to post more pictures and write more details if its private. Thoughts anyone?

Going WHERE?!

2011-09-21T06:39:00.000-07:00

Marc and I had our 6th anniversary on September 8th. We switch off years planning what we'll do. This year was gonna be lame cause Marc had to work. I believed him because he can't fool me. Love the guy, but he can't keep a secret nor surprise me to save his life, I THOUGHT! So when he surprised me with a week long vacation I was pretty impressed.

Two days before we left Marc told me that tomorrow (the day before we left) I needed to pack myself and the boys. I asked why. He told me we were going on a vacation and that the boys were staying at grandma's house. Being the obedient wife that I am, I told him I'd pack! No prob! At that point I figured we were either going down town and staying in a hotel, or maybe a Park City get away. He then proceeded to tell me that we needed to be at the airport by 9:00 AM. I said "AIRPORT?!...we are going on an airplane?" (Not that I haven't been on an airplane a million times, but excited that we were actually going on a vacation, VACATION!)

I still didn't know where we were headed until we got to the airport.
He didn't tell me, I had to look at my ticket.

I was MORE than excited when I found out we were headed to ORLANDO, FLORIDA! This is where Marc and I went on our honeymoon so we could do the Disney World thing, plus visit Marc' mission.
Try not to let the mint bother you. It sure bothers me, in fact I hate that it is in my mouth. Moving on.

Once we landed, we had to run a million miles an hour so that we could make it to our hotel in time for the BYU football game. If you don't know Marc, he does not and will not miss a game.

Our hotel was SO nice. The best part of it was that Marc got a steal of a deal on it!

After the big game, Marc had THIS pick me up to go out to dinner.
Okay, not really.

Here's the man of the hour!
One of my favorite things about traveling is being able to visit the different temples. The Orlando Temple was SO beautiful! We went to it when we went on our Honeymoon, but I don't remember it being so pretty! (Not that they aren't all, but you get what I'm saying.)

Then we hit up Universal Studios! It was a BLAST!

My BIGGEST mistake was going on this twirly roller coaster first. I was sicker than a dog for half the day after that. I did take some Dramamine, but that of course makes you tired.
I chose tired over sick.

The rides were SO much fun and the crowd was almost non-existent.

This is me showing off the lines for the rides. This is how they all were.

I LOVE the lady behind us coming up the stairs. I have often wondered how many peoples' pictures I am in looking stupid.

Interestingly enough, Marc ran into his old mission companion at Disney World! That was a highlight! This is the best picture I got though, unfortunately.

I'm falling into the water. Can you tell? Okay, so I'm not the best actress.

Universal Studios in Orlando is about, hmmm, one-thousand times better than the one in California.

My favorite ride by far is The Tower of Terror. I have no clue how many times we went on it. I felt like it was my duty to go on it a billion times, since there was no line and we could walk right on.

Once again, the line. Apparently the week after Labor Day is the best time to go to Disney World. Who knew? Don't tell anyone that though, cause I don't want it to be packed the next time I go.

There were several times that Marc and I would say, "Luke would have loved this ride!", or "I would have loved to take Payson on this one." The Winnie the Pooh ride was when we were TOTALLY missing our little ones. (Hence the frowny face)

We have this exact picture from our Honeymoon, so this was a must.

All in all, we had a GREAT time. It was so much fun to have Marc all to myself, no school or work to work with. We were excited to see our children though! And my little Shanley was sicker than a dog the whole time we were gone. It broke my heart to not be able to be there knowing that she was so sick. Luckily I have such a wonderful family, especially my mother, who were willing to deal with her constant need to be held. I couldn't thank them enough! I couldn't thank Marc enough!

I highly recommend it!

2011-08-24T13:53:00.000-07:00

Shanley has fallen head over hills with the golf cart. I say "wanna go on the golf cart?" She jets to the garage door like crazy!

A few weeks ago we took the kids to the Hogle Zoo. Disappointed big time. No Zebras, no bears, no nothin'. They're turning it into some dinosaur theme deal, and I don't really get it. Lame.

Payson is into Thomas The Train. That being said, he was not a happy camper when his Thomas broke. However, it wasn't his birthday (and it won't be for quite some time, much to his dismay) so I thought it'd be a good time to learn to work and earn some money. He did it too! He'd ask for jobs (aside from the others that he already "gets" to do) and complete them. He was SO excited when he finally earned his $10, which only took like 3 weeks, and we headed for the store.

It was a great to see him understand that he has to earn things in life, not just to expect things to be handed to him. He also got to experience and understand tithing.

The boys are gonna be sad when it cools down and we won't be able to take the golf cart to feed the horses. BOOOOO!

And here's some cute pictures of the goof balls-
Mr. Luker Boy:

Shanley and her infamous scowl. Don't get on her bad side or you'll get one of these:

And my little man, Pay Boy!

Despite all the garbage that comes with living, LIFE IS SO GOOD TO US!

Summer Family Fun

2011-07-25T18:56:00.000-07:00

This summer is flying by fast and we have had MANY opportunities to spend it together and with family. Having a close family is such a huge blessing and I cannot describe how grateful I am!

The only thing that would make it better is if Marc had more time with us. However, getting an education is so important and I'm so grateful he's willing to go to school and work full-time, that I simply can't complain. Okay, I can complain and I do. But I shouldn't.

So what have we been doing? (Thanks for asking)

We went camping to our usual spot...
I couldn't pass up the opportunity to take a picture of my little Pay-Boy with the Payson sign.

Here's Luke swinging in the hammock. He loved that thing! It sure kept him busy.

At least Shanley slept well! I was so grateful that she was kind enough to sleep through the night EVERY night.
The boys were so good at camp. I was worried that I would be chasing them around the whole time and lose at least one of them momentarily. They stuck around and made taking all 3 of them without Marc a breeze.

Here is the world's CUTEST camper. She spent more time in the dirt than she did on her feet, but hey it's only dirt, right?

Shanley turned 1 in June. (Can't remember if I posted that or not.)

One of my favorite things about summer? Softball! I love playing with all of my cousins. We have SO much fun and I love that not only do my cousins play, but my grandma, aunts, and mom are always in the stands watching. I love my family! I am so grateful to have the knowledge that families can be together forever, and that if we do our part, I can spend eternity with them!

Here's my cute grandma with some of the Great-Grandchildren. My grandma has 20+ great-grandchildren with 3 on the way! And they are all buddies!

The Wheadon Whompers. We didn't get first place, but we sure loved spending the time together.

She's just so cute, I couldn't pass up this picture.

We also went to Lake Powell with Marc's family.
The boys just LOVE the water!

My little sweetie-

My little sports guy-

My little cowboy-

Last, but not least, one of our favorite things about summer...BUDDY RIDES! The boys love when Chaundie comes and picks them up on the horse. (Another reason we love living close to grandma!)

Life is great here!

I'm Ba-aack

2011-06-09T20:39:00.000-07:00

I'm a slacker lately when it comes to the blogging world. My bad. I'm lame, what can I say?

The boys played T-ball this spring. The games were FREEZING. They'll play again next year, but I'll tell ya I've learned my lesson here. A 2-year-old does NOT need to play T-ball. Period. Ever.

My mom compared watching the games to watching cement dry. It was THAT exciting.
Pay-Boy was sure into it though! He loved it.

Don't mind Luke. If he'd known he had to stand up on second base he wouldn't have agreed to this. Yes, the majority of the games were spent getting Mr. Cooperative to keep his mitt on, keep his helmet on, stand where he is suppose to, run around the bases, listen to the coach, and STOP ASKING WHAT THE AFTER-GAME TREAT IS.

Shanley is getting big-big-BIG! She LOVES watching the boys take their baths. I took this picture while she and I watched the boys. Have you EVER?! She is SO perfect. I just adore this little monster.

As it turns out, it wasn't the boys she liked...Its the water.

I was scared to death when I stepped out of the bathroom to grab something and hear Luke scream from the bathroom, "SHANLEY'S IN THE TUB!" Someone stab me now.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!

In April my little cowboy, glove-lovin, goofy boy Luker had his birthday. We went and saw his daddy at work and had lunch. He loved it.

I cannot say enough about my little Luke. He seriously makes me laugh! I just love that boy. He's the quirkiest little man you'll ever meet. No doubt you'd love him. I want to squish him right now just thinking about him.

Is he really THREE?!?! I CANNOT have a three year old.

Oh wait! Come to think of it, I actually have TWO of them. (For a few weeks I did anyways.)

Man I love these cheese balls.

And speaking of birthdays, Payson turned 4! Good grief, this could not be happening.

The most exciting gift he got, you ask? A train that goes around a Christmas tree. Yep. I got it for 10 bucks at a garage sale. The guy loves trains, I had to splurge.

The Little Miss had her first birthday, I might add.

To celebrate she got some yogurt, a balloon, and $10 worth of stuff from some garage sales. And guess what?! She was delighted! Imagine that! She also got to spend time with grandma at our Wheadon Whompers softball game.

I'm a lucky lady, ya know. Because a good percentage of my day is spent looking at this little face. If she isn't in my arms, she is standing at my feet waiting to be held. She is much clingier at home than when we are out and about. Apparently I'm exciting when we are home. But its okay. She's perfect!

We are loving summer around here!! We love living close to the farm. We love our golf-cart. Or at least we did until a week ago when it ran over my aunt. PS, that was NOT a typo, I did not mean "ant". The golf-cart ran over my AUNT. Luckily it wasn't nearly as ugly as it could have been.

I'm sick of tired of typing, so you'll have to caption the last few photos yourself. You'd probably do a better job anyways, so have at it.

I'll try to be better at this blogging thing. No promises though.

Oh, and speaking of puzzles...

2011-04-12T06:12:00.000-07:00

Lately Payson has really gotten into puzzles. It amazes me how well he can do them. I decided to just watch him one day complete the puzzle by himself. He does great now that he puts the border together first.

(My mom made these wooden puzzles that have their pictures mod-podged on. They are adorable and the boys LOVE them. Thanks to my mom, even though she does not read my blog. She's too busy serving me to take time to read it.)

Anyway- the reason that Payson amazes me with these puzzles is because as you know, when you just look at one piece of the puzzle (especially some puzzles) there is no way you can know what exactly the picture is.

I instructed him to find the edges first and put it together, then its easier to complete the middle.

I loved the analogy Elder Uchtdorf used in his conference talk about testimonies being like puzzles. There are some who think that if we pray for a testimony of the Gospel or to feel the the love of God, it is automatically going to come as a vision or some huge life-altering response. But for most of us, such as myself, it does not. It is like a puzzle we have to put together ourselves and that is what strengthens us. I am sure that Heavenly Father could just whip out the puzzle and hand it to us, like he does for some (Elder Uchtdorf uses the example of Paul on the road to Damascus.) Fortunately for us, he trusts us. I watch Payson and know he can do it. He knows we can do it. Just like I tell Payson to put the edges first and then its easier to complete the puzzle, our Heavenly Father is watching us and gives us guidance and direction. It is with those directions that we can complete our puzzle or gain our testimony.

Some would say, "Once I know that the Gospel is true, then I'll...be worthy of a temple recommend, go to the temple more often, go to church, serve others, be baptized, forgive so-and-so, etc." It doesn't work like that. Some of the instruction he has given us is to pray. It should not be hard to wake up in the morning and fall onto our knees, yet I often forget. My puzzle is not always complete. I know that the gospel is true, yet I don't always follow his instructions. I don't always read my scriptures as thoroughly as I should, then wonder why my picture isn't as clear as it was when I was watching conference. I am not always kind and forgiving and the puzzle isn't clear. It is a constant process and I am certain that our Heavenly Father is watching over us and cheering us on as we go through life trying to form our puzzle and gain a testimony.

Some things that have help me with my puzzle, you ask? (Thanks for asking):

* Watching conference. Not just watching, but applying the principles taught.
* Attempting to teach my children the scripture stories. The other day during quiet time (AKA Shanley's nap time) I sat on the couch and showed them pictures of Jesus on the cross, explained how and why he died (they were in awe over the nails in his hands and were mad at the "mean guys") and then showed them a picture of the Savior coming out of the tomb. I actually almost started crying as I told them the story because I could see it was starting to click. They were learning the love our Savior has for them. My testimony was also strengthened.
* Watching my children from a distance. As I watch them play together happily (which happens every now and again:) I have found myself tear up just a little as I reflect on how much I love them. I can't help but long for them to stay strong in this demoralizing world. As I stare at my heaven-sent baby who I seriously can't get enough of and love more than I can even explain, I can't help but get a small sense of how much our Heavenly Parents must love us.
* Going to church even when it isn't convenient. While in Mexico over a Sunday, Marc and I found a church to go to. It was quite an experience because it was in downtown Cancun, which is NOT a tourist attraction. There were people all over the streets. We saw a little girl peeing in the street. There was poop on the side walk. Garbage in the gutters. The cute Spanish lady at the hotel recommended riding the bus into the city and catching a taxi there to take us straight to the hotel cause its dangerous for a couple of dressed up Americans to walk through the city. But did we get a taxi? No. We got off the bus and walked to the church. To be honest I was scared as they stared as us walk down the side walk. At one point I said to Marc, "Where do these people live?" There were no houses, just run down shacks and such. Marc's response, "You're looking at it." You can't scare Marc, and even he told me to just walk and not look at anyone, just straight ahead. It was about a ten minute walk but we finally got to the little red brick church. It was surrounded by a ten foot chain-linked fence which has a gate that is only unlocked right before and after meetings. I would have loved to have taken a picture of the church and street, but didn't dare stop walking, let-alone pull my camera out of my bag. I couldn't help but feel my testimony strengthened. Just stepping onto the church grounds brought SO much comfort. I couldn't help feel the spirit as I quickly opened the door and just about ran in. The safety and peace that came over me as I walked into that little building was so testifying in and of itself. Then as we sang "Because I Have Been Given Much" as the opening hymn in Spanish (of course that would coincidentally be the hymn chosen- OR PERHAPS NOT COINCIDENTALLY, BUT INSPIRED BY A LOVING HEAVENLY FATHER WHO WANTED ME TO FEEL GRATITUDE FOR THE MANY THINGS HE HAS BLESSED ME WITH, SUCH AS THIS COUNTRY TO LIVE IN, A HOME, THE FEELING OF SAFETY, MARC'S JOB, A FAMILY, etc.) I could not help but have tears in my eyes. I could not help but feel the love of Heavenly Father. I could not help but have my puzzle all together and see the whole picture.
*Sharing my testimony. Thanks to ANYONE who might have read this far. You have helped my testimony grow, just by allowing me to share it with you. So thank you.

President Ucthdorf said, "The truth is, those who diligently seek to learn of Christ eventually will come to know Him. They will personally receive a divine portrait of the Master, although it most often comes in the form of a puzzle- one piece at a time. Each indivitual piece may not be easily recognizable by itself; it may not be clear how it relates to the whole. Each piece helps us to see the big picture a little more clearly. Eventually, after enough pieces have been put together, we recognize the grand beauty of it all. Then, looking back on our experience we see that the Savior had indeed come to be with us- not all at once but quietly, gently, almost unnoticed.

I KNOW our Heavenly Father is there. I have felt it too many times in my life to deny Him. I hope you do. If your testimony is lacking, I ask you to lean on mine until yours is strengthened.

These things I say in the name of our Savior, who loves us ALL and desires for us to seek Him out, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Lukers

2011-04-04T14:59:00.001-07:00

My baby boy is 3 tomorrow! I can hardly stand it. I don't know what I'd do with out this little man.

I LOVED Elder Robbin's talk at conference, "To Be or Not To Be" (that's what I've titled it.) I needed it. Bad. He talked about the difference between doing and being. He spoke about parenting. While I love Lukers to absolute death, I realize now that I need to be enrolled in "Parenting 505", as Elder Robbin put it.

It's funny how different each child is. Luke is my little fire cracker. He's my cowboy. He's my jibber-jabber. He has the BIGGEST imagination. He's Payson's best friend (so he says.) He is such a tease. He is a smarty pants (which I attribute to him being his daddy's clone.) He is my helper.

In Elder Robbin's talk, he said something that really hit me. In reference to children that require "Parenting 505" (as apposed to Parenting 101), that perhaps "the child needs you as much as you need the child." And boy, do I ever need Luke. He teaches me EVERYDAY.

A few things I've learned from Luke since he was little:
Sometimes you've got to let them sleep in the tub.

Sometimes you've gotta just let them cry.

Sometimes the best fix to a problems is Ruthy.

Baby powder takes Vaseline out of hair.

It doesn't matter how long you sit on a tractor-it's never long enough.

...Just to name a few things I've learned.

I am SO thankful that Luke is in our family! He brings so much life into our home. And have I mentioned that Luke is such a good big brother? Yeah, he is. He loves Shanley and looks after her. She is starting to get into everything and he is always telling me (much more than Payson) when she is into something. He runs into my bedroom just about every morning and says "Sister Susie is awake! Come get her."

I love my little cowboy! B-day pictures are to come.

"I WANT MY MOMMY!"

2011-03-28T11:29:00.000-07:00

I left on our vacation on the 18th of March. When I got home on the 24th, my mom had left for her dream vacation to Jerusalem/Egypt. They are on a 2 week vacation. That totals 3 weeks that I won't see my mom. Yes, I am 26. Yes, I still have an attachment to my mom. "What of it?", as my mom would say. I honestly don't know how people move a ways away from their parent's! I am pathetic!

Despite all of that, I am SOOO happy for her, that she is going on her life-long dream vacation. She has talked about this for as long as I can remember and I'm so glad she is there and happy. We have been in communication with them. They are all well and happy.
Oh, and another thing my mom has always talked about? Riding a camel. So here she is:

I LOVE this picture. And of course she talked my grandma into getting on it with her. She sent an email out and she sounded SO happy and they are having the time of their lives!

But when she gets home I'm not letting her out of my sight for at least a week to make up for lost time :)

Thank You Fidelity!

2011-03-26T20:16:00.000-07:00

Months and months ago Marc won a trip at work. I wasn't surprised. He's a great worker, smart, and cute. (Okay, maybe Fidelity doesn't care if he's cute. But he is.)
After going back and forth about where to go (there were several options: Florida, Bahamas, Dominican Republic, California, and Cancun) Marc decided to go for Cancun. So off we set for Mexico. I was SO excited to be able to spend a whole week with Marc, no work/school. Yay!

We met Marc's sister and brother-in-law (Heidi and Wes) there.

The water was SOOO blue and pretty. I could not get over it!

Oh, and did I mention that the resort that Marc's work paid for included food? Yeah. Five restaurants. Any food. Anytime. Now you're speaking my language. Here we are at one of the restaurants eating dinner.

Marc and I. It was so warm and I got used to wearing shorts and a t-shirt. I was NOT happy to come home to a blizzard. What the heck?!

Marc swam through the ocean for hours trying to find sea shells. He found this sand dollar for me! He showed it to the Mexican lifeguard and he told Marc (thank Heaven Marc speaks Spanish) that he hadn't ever seen a more complete sand dollar come out of that part of the ocean before.

We got to do a ton of excursion-type activities. My favorite was when we rode four wheelers through the jungle, to a cave full of water. Here's Marc and I on our four wheeler.

Oh, and did I mention that drinks were free too? I'm not sure how many virgin Pina Colada's I had. Who's counting?

We did some snorkeling. I'm not gonna lie and say the snorkeling was awesome. It wasn't. Snorkeling in Hawaii and in Cabo were world's better. Hardly any fish to see and WAY too many people in the water.

Zip-lines? I love them. Especially when they make you land in water. SO much fun! This is in that cave I mentioned previously. It was AWESOME. My favorite thing by far!

This is us jumping into the cave. I was nervous to jump cause it was 20 feet high or so and I felt like it wasn't deep enough cause I could see the bottom of the water. Come to find out, it was fresh water and was SO clean it was clear. The water was 20 feet deep, but I could see the bottom. Pretty sweet.

More zip-lining. It seemed a little sketchy, to be honest. We did it anyway. However it didn't seem extremely safe.

And speaking of not safe, there was a kite sailing thing that Marc did. It never would be legal in the U.S. They put you out there on this little swing, you're not strapped in. Worse case scenario, you fall into the water from 30 feet up or so (much further than I'd like to fall, personally.) You just sit up there and the wind blows you around.

I'm so thankful for this Marky-boy. He works so hard and deserved the break.

We missed our kids SO much. We found ourselves talking about them, or telling stories about them. Luckily they were in good hands and had a blast!

And don't worry, while I was off in Cancun sitting on a sunny beach and drinking Pina Colada's, my mom was slaving away. I came home to a painted house! My family is SO good to me. I am a spoiled rotten brat. That's all there is to it.

We were gone for the perfect amount of time. Just long enough that we were ready to come home (not necessarily to a blizzard) and couldn't wait to squeeze our little munchkins. Even though we got home at like one in the morning, I couldn't help but wake them up just a little. I had to kiss their faces off!

I am a lucky girl.

How embarrassing...

2011-02-13T07:54:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I was *invited to participate in a 5K. Paige, Callie, Jeff, and Goober and I went and ran in it. I use the term "ran" VERY loosely. Like, as loosely as it gets. I am extremely embarrassed to tell you, but figured you'd like to know, that I am SOOOOO sore this morning. As in I can barely walk. As in my hips, legs, thighs, and butt feel like I ran 10 miles straight. The embarrassing part is that I only ran probably a half mile out of the 3. HEY NOW, when I say "walk", it was a BRISK walk, okay? I'm not even joking, I am so out of shape its not funny. It is totally ridiculous.

It was for a good cause, not just to prove to myself that I'm terribly lazy and out of shape. To read about it go here: irunforlove.com You can still donate to the cause there if you so desire.

*By invited, I mean I invited myself. I tend to invite myself everywhere I go.

Mother, May I?

2011-01-17T21:00:00.000-08:00

Marc pointed this article out to me that was on deseretnews.com, about blogging. If you have time to read it, HIGHLY recommend it.

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/700101459/Mormon-mommy-blogs-immensely-popular-beyond-LDS-sphere.html

For those of you who don't have time or don't want to take time to copy and paste that link, just read the following quote by Elder Ballard, given in 2007 (I think.)

"Now, may I ask that you join the conversation by participating on the Internet to share the gospel and to explain in simple and clear terms the message of the Restoration," he continued. "The audiences for these and other new media tools may often be small, but the cumulative effect of thousands of such stories can be great."

That being said, I am committed to do more of sharing spiritual moments and my testimony with the few people who read my blog. With any luck at all maybe I'll change someones life. If not, perhaps I'll still get credit!?

Payson has fun using my camera. The thing I like about this picture is that it portrays what I think my life is like...moving, chaos, and blurry. And while I do NOT always have a smile on my face, I LoVe my life and wouldn't change anything about it.

Being a mother is such a blessing.

Sister Dew said, "As daughters of our Heavenly Father, and as daughters of Eve, we are all mothers and we have always been mothers. And we each have the responsibility to love and help lead the rising generation. How will our young women learn to live as women of God unless they see what women of God look like, meaning what we wear, watch, and read; how we fill our time and our minds; how we face temptation and uncertainty; where we find true joy; and why modesty and femininity are hallmarks of righteous women? How will our young men learn to value women of God if we don’t show them the virtue of our virtues?"

I am so lucky to have so many mothers in my life. My own mother, for one, who I could call right this second and ask to crawl on her hands and knees to my house to come pour me a drink of water and WOULD do it. I also have my dear Grandmother, who would also do anything for me. I have aunts who I have relied on my entire life. My Aunt Judy, is my interior decorator and therapist. If you want someone to talk to, she's your gal. I told Marc a long time ago that if I want to talk about my problems and get sympathy, I talk to Judy. If I want solutions to my problems and help fixing them, talk to my mom. SO TRUE! My Aunt Jan. She's our numbers lady. If you call her she can do your taxes, give you phone numbers, recite addresses, or look anything up on the computer. I always have access to information if I can get a hold of her.

And then there are those who have no obligation because they're not related to me, yet still mother me and my children all of their lives. Kim Bob. I could never look at her and think she wasn't a mother.

I am grateful that my children also have more than one mother, cause heaven knows I cannot do it alone! Heavenly Father knew I'd need all the help I could get! I need not mention my mother again, who also mothers my children. I am certain that my children would agree that my sisters also act as mothers to them. (In a good way.) When we go to my mom's house and "Brookie" is not there, they point it out and ask when she's coming home. They know Brooke is always good for a treat. The boys also look forward to Joanie coming over to visit, and have gotten to the point where the first thing they ask her when she comes is, "what did you bring us?" I am also trying to point out pictures and tell stories of my sister Shannon, in hopes that her example and life can somewhat mother them through their life as well.

I also have numerous cousins who mother my children. How blessed I am!

Well, on to bed! Crossing my fingers that squish ball will sleep through the night! But if she doesn't, that just means some extra kisses. Lucky her!

Quack

2011-01-13T11:12:00.000-08:00

It's gone back and forth. Shanley looks like Payson. Shanley looks like the Wyners. Shanley looks like me. Hmmm... I think that Payson and Shanley look A LOT alike in these pictures. See what you think-
They definitely have identical noses and lips. (Payson above, Shanley below.)

Their cheeks are different, Shanley's are chubbier. (Which is comparable to MY cheeks, not Marc's.) Here's Pay:

Shanley's eyes are much bigger and she has longer eye lashes (good for her). Payson's are more blue.

Oh, and here's the two of them together.

I don't think Shanley looks ANYTHING like Mr. Lukers. Hence no comparison pictures. Luke is "Mini-Marc", as my aunt calls him. Maybe that's why I like him so much!

We want a picture, not a belly itcher

2011-01-06T19:05:00.000-08:00

Picture overload here. Just a heads-up. Sorry if you are on facebook and have already seen some of these.

What better way to start out a million pictures than with one of this little munchkin?

Sometimes when I look at pictures this cute I can't help but tell myself she could not possibly be mine. She is just too adorable. I would have no problem kissing those cheeks all day. And I do.

Some of my fondest memories growing up were made behind this sleigh. It makes me miss my grandpa.

I'm so happy to see my own children enjoying it now.

And speaking of kids, am I the only one who still thinks there is no possible way I could be married, let alone have kids? I swear I am still in Ms. Larsen's second grade class.
Oh my heck, I love this little Luker boy. He is such an animal. A dare devil, actually. Yes, he is a boob when he does get hurt (oftentimes when he isn't hurt) but he would try ANYTHING.

And of course Payson has to ride with his grandma. Good grief, if there ever was a Grandma's Boy, HE'S IT! It is quite adorable. Its kind of sad for me though, being second choice and everything. (If that.)

On to Christmas.

Payson SO badly wanted the Hungry Hippos game. We've played it everyday since he got it. I love playing games with my boys. I purposely let them get all of the balls and then they feel bad for me cause I lose, and put them in my container. It is awfully cute.

See that everyone? Yes, that is a sewing machine. I am going to learn to sew. I should probably re-phrase that. I am going to ATTEMPT to learn to sew. Typically by the time I am 10 minutes into a project and already unpicking, I just want to jump off a cliff. However, with the new year and all, I am committed to learning to sew.

There are several times during the day that I tell this little one that if she'd stop being so cute all day that I'd stop mauling her. But she doesn't listen. So really, its all her fault that she gets nearly a million kisses and squeezes a day from me.

As far as cuddles go, Luke is NOT a huge fan. Sometimes I get lucky though. He seriously has the softest little cheekies. (Cheeks for those of you normal people.) He is the goofiest little kid, and sometimes I can't help but tackle him and kiss those cheeks. And to all of my photo friends, sorry about the flash. There's something wrong with me or my camera, but even in good lighting my pictures are blurry unless the flash is on.

Then there's my precious Pay-Boy. How could you NOT love a kid this cute? Between his bright blue eyes and his cute little voice, he is sure to get his way most of the time.

Oh my. These two are just a blast. I couldn't ask for cuter, that's for sure. I keep wondering if the desire I have to just squeeze them to death when they are being sweet and cute will ever go away. I can already see me ripping Luke away from a girl he's brought over to our house (at age 25 of course) to kiss his face off. Will that urge ever end? And speaking of Payson's voice. People always tell me he has the cutest little voice. I agree. Is there ANYWAY of getting his voice to not ever deepen or grow up? Cause I promise I can't take the growing up thing.

This picture is right before Payson tackles Luke to the ground. It is VERY clear that boys come as they are, and they are boys through and through. WHY, oh WHY, do they have to have the natural tenancy to wrestle and tackle each other?! I am NOT accustomed to that.

Either way though, I just love them. I can't get enough of them. Right now they are in bed and just talking about them and looking at their pictures I am tempted to go in to their rooms and just squeeze them. Christmas is SO much more fun with kids. I could hardly sleep Christmas Eve cause I was SO excited to see what Santa brought them. Not being able to see sleep Christmas Eve because of excitement hasn't happened to me since I was 13.

As a side note, stay tuned for the video of my dad receiving his Christmas gift. It's worth the wait. I just have to figure out how to get the darn thing on here.

Hope you all had a MERRY Christmas. We were once again spoiled rotten. I don't know why everyone is so good to me. It's not because I deserve it, that one I know for sure.

Double Trouble!

2010-12-16T06:45:00.000-08:00

WARNING: While the context of this blog may sound like I'm complaining, I am not. Just venting.

Okay, carry on.

The following picture is of Luke when he was just born.

This is how big Payson was when Luke was born. Note, this is Payson crawling (he was not walking yet) on the hospital floor (yes, gross) while visiting me after I had Luke.

Here are both of my babies when Luke came home from the hospital. To answer a few questions I've been answering their entire lives- No they are not twins. (They look nothing alike.) Yes, they are only 10 months and 14 days apart. Yes, that is as close as you could possibly have them. Yes I am crazy, but not because of the children.

Oh, and NO Luke was NOT a mistake. But thanks for asking. It took me almost 2 years of being married to finally get Payson. I was not gonna waste time. You're right, it is none of your business. Thanks for pointing that out. Especially to those of you who meet me at the grocery store, library, etc. and ask me these questions.

The first 2 years of Luke's life, people would always tell me how hard it must be for me. How I may as well have twins, cause its just as hard. I would consistently tell people it wasn't bad. And it wasn't. Isn't. I'd tell them my sister-in-law has twins and I watch her and wonder how she does it.

Typically things were under control, despite their ages. I love them both. I've bonded with them both. Some have wondered if I ever had time to love Luke, since I had them so close. (Come on stupid people. People have triplets and love them all. VERY stupid question.) Given the chance I would not send either of them back or change their distance.

Since people started telling me how hard it must be to have them both so close, I kept waiting for it to come. Where's the difficulty? After all, I don't know a difference.

Well folks, I'm not gonna lie. IT'S HERE! The difficulty has arrived. These two have really given me a run for my money the last month or two. I don't know if its because Marc is constantly gone to work and school, if it is just that they've gotten older and are both acting like 3 year olds (rightfully so), if its the fact that I've added a 6 month old into the mix, or what the gig is. BUT SOMETIMES I WONDER IF I AM GOING TO LOSE MY MARBLES! Don't get me wrong. I love them to death, but I wonder if they are trying to gang up on me. When we go in public places I leave thinking I'm the world's worst mother. I wonder if I'm doing something wrong. At home they are containable. When we leave it's over. The scream non-stop, cry like crazy, hit uncontrollably, and whine! Are my children just hooligans or what? Does anyone else have this problem? What am I doing wrong?!

Don't get me wrong. I have loads of help. I have a family who would help me, watch them, do anything for me at the drop of a hat. I really do. However, the responsibility lies on me and my shoulders are feeling REALLY heavy as of late.

Knowing that the semester for Marc is drawing to a close has really brought some comfort to me. I saw a dim light at the end of the tunnel. However, Marc broke the news to me yesterday that he has signed up for 4 classes next semester. 4. He has 3 right now and I thought that was overload. 4 people. FULL-TIME. Which really wouldn't be that big of a deal except he works full-time. I am SO grateful for Marc and his willingness to work hard and go to school. I know that this is what he should be doing right now, and that getting an education is important.

Enough of the complaining. There are people who would LOVE to have a family. I honestly feel SO blessed to be a mother and wouldn't change it for anything. I really do feel like I am doing the best I know how. I KNOW I'm not a perfect mother. I am just trying to ask around to get some advice...suggestions?

Christmas list

2010-12-02T07:42:00.000-08:00

Here's this little girl's Christmas list...

Dear Santa,
I don't care so much about my two front teeth, but if it is at all possible, could I just not have to go through this many bibs in 4 days?

(This is approximately 25 bibs that my mommy has to wash every 4-5 days. I manage to saturate all of them.)

Thank you Mr. Claus!
Love,
Shanley

This little girl is the pukin'-est kid you'll ever meet. I have had SEVERAL people who have had/babysat/raised children tell me they've NEVER seen a child who spits up this much. We've tried every medicine, formula, and bottle under the sun. Nothing changes it. Luckily she's as happy as the pictures show and it certainly hasn't stopped this little chubster from growing.

Geez, I love her so much! Despite the fact I get puked on several times a day. PS, this is also on my Christmas list.

Good times, good company!

2010-11-03T20:27:00.000-07:00

Because of this lovely lady....

...the Wheadon family set out once again on another family vacation. While traveling with close to 40 people may seem like a pain, it sure makes for a good time. The memories made on this trip will forever remain in mine and my boys hearts forever. We make memories on these trips that I wouldn't give up for anything. No wordly possession.

Here's part of the group before splash mountain. Yes we are wearing panchos, (or garbage bags, whatever you want to call 'em), but come on, give us a break- it wasn't even 70%! Being cold did not sound like fun. Hey, at least we're being festive with our pumpkin face garbage bags!

A favorite story we like to talk about is from years ago, when my grandpa snuck Chaundie on the white roller coaster at Lagoon. So when my mom realized Payson was just a hair (quite literally) too short for Splash Mountain, she took matters into her own hands. (Keep in mind that only MY MOM would have thought of this.)

..Yep, that's right. She just put a granola bar in each shoe and on he went! Is that not hysterical?

And here he is on the ride! He LOVED it!

Might I add that The Tower of Terror is my absolute FAVORITE ride? I especially love it when I'm riding it with the people I love!

Here's Jeff throwing Payson up in the air. We have a picture from when we went to Nauvoo just like this one. Jeff told me that we're gonna make it a tradition for all of our vacations. He said he's not sure what he's gonna do when Payson is 12!

I was SO happy that the boys loved the rides so much! They soaked it in! I thought that Pirates would scare them, but nope! Payson and Luke just kept saying, "it's just pretend".

And on we went to Legoland!

This place is seriously where its at for kids! It's lame if you aren't somewhere between 3-9 years old, but oh how my boys loved it! Like, more than Disneyland. And I loved watching them go on the rides.

Luke and Vienna having fun on the airplanes. PS, we also had to sneak them on a few rides here. Just make sure if you ever take your little kiddos to Legoland that they are 48" tall (which luckily Luke barely meets that) or you basically have to lie, cheat, steal, beg, and whatever to get them on every ride.

PSS, I am not proud of the fact that we lied and deceived to get them on the rides. However if I had to do it again, I would. Mainly because there would not be a lawsuit if one of my kids fell out of the cars that go not even 3 miles an hour. Besides, my boys are experts at driving. These people are unaware of their experience driving golf carts! They were by FAR the best drivers out there and Luke technically wasn't suppose drive. He looks 3 years old, doesn't he? :)

I absolutely LOVE this picture with both the boys arms up! The loved it SO much!

All in all, great trip. I was tired most of the time because one of my loving children had a hard time sleeping EVERY night. However, I am grateful I could be there, tired and cranky or not, and watch them have a good time.

And once again, I HIGHLY recommend Legoland. Thanks Granny for making it possible!

DCFS

2010-09-26T19:46:00.000-07:00

Do you think I'd get turned in if I ate her?! Cause I promise it could happen at any moment. This bundle of squish makes my day!

I hope they call me on a mission!

2010-09-24T08:52:00.000-07:00

When the boys say their prayers at night Marc and I usually make sure they pray for the missionaries. Why? Many reasons. For one, in hopes that one day they will choose to go on a mission themselves, and that they will know that people are praying for them.

As a side note, Have I ever mentioned my love for Garage Sales and Hand-Me-Downs? My love is great. My nephew Kade grew out of his suit years ago and I pulled it out of a bucket I've been storing for a while. Payson looked SO dang cute in it. He ran around the house Sunday morning saying he looked like a missionary. I told him he was right. The CUTEST missionary I've EVER seen!

Then I decided a little something like this would look adorable in a mission scrapbook someday:

After I got Luke dressed for church I decided that I'd do one of these, since they are only 10.5 months apart in age, they should be serving at the same time (if all goes as well as planned):

Try to not let Luke's "Sister Ward"* tag disturb you. Its the best we could do, okay? Its the thought that counts.

*So as to clear up any confusion, I did not serve a full-time mission. I just went on a 3 week "mini-mission" to Kentucky and was my cousin's companion while they were short a missionary. I got a tag for that. I thought it was pretty sweet. From that experience alone I learned that missionary work is HARD work. Harder, oh so much harder, than I ever thought. From that experience I learned how important it is to be prepared to serve a mission. I learned that if my children were to serve a mission I needed to start from babies to train them. I needed to teach them the importance of missionary work and the power of prayer. I needed to teach them to pray for the missionaries.

So there you have it. My missionaries in training. Departing 2026 and 2027. It will come so quickly, I'm afraid.

5 down, eternity to go!

2010-09-12T16:32:00.000-07:00

Marc and I celebrated our 5th anniversary a few days ago. My sister Joanie and cousin Chaundie were kind enough to keep the kids while we went to an early dinner. I'm lame and didn't take any pictures. I guess that is what happens after 5 years, I get lazy. Then we did what we love to do most together, went and played in our softball games!

Marc is our pitcher. Marc had never pitched until we started playing a couple years ago. You may think, "well duh, there's not much to lobbing a ball in to get hit." But let me tell you folks, it is NOT easy and I wouldn't trade him straight across. He does GREAT under all the pressure, and I'm grateful he'll do it cause I certainly wouldn't want to.

The above picture is me, pretending like I know how to play short-stop! It is SO much fun and I'm SO glad that Marc and I can do it together, with my entire family! We LOVE it!

And as a side note, we totally kick trash.

I am SO grateful to be married to such a great guy! Marc seriously is the BEST! He treats me like a queen (despite the fact that I don't deserve it.) Any time we have a disagreement, he lets me win. He honors his priesthood and is a great daddy. The boys love him! On top of that, my family loves him. Probably more than they do me. I think if they had to save one of us, I'd be history. I feel the same way about him too though.

Here's to many more years...eternity!

Oh what do you do in the summer time?

2010-08-27T21:14:00.000-07:00

I have about a million and a half pictures that I've taken over the summer that I haven't made time to share on here. Sorry for the overload. Luckily these kids are stinkin' cute!

I just can't get enough pictures of this sweet thing:

The boys love when I take them on a walk around the block. They get to ride their "bikes". Payson drives like an animal! Luke does his best to keep up with Pay. I cannot believe how fast they can spin their little feet on those little peddles.

Here's Pay petting a camel, yes a camel, at the petting zoo at the County Fair. Okay, well I thought it was pretty sweet.

OH. MY. I LOVE these three. The boys just LOVE their sister. Perhaps a little too much at times. I wish the lighting was better on this picture. Help from my photography friends?

I honestly don't know who is enjoying this more, Luke or Grandpa Randy. Sorry Wyners, he still likes driving the tractor more.

Syd, Luke and Payson on the tube. Marc's dream is coming true. He has water-loving children. The boys even got on the water weenie this year. I just don't have a picture of it. Payson talked about it for days.

This summer we also hit up good ole' Nephi for camping. Here's Payson and Vienna on the hammock. I believe I have a picture just like this, only it was me and Callie on it. Same place, same hammock.

Camping was SO fun. I was not looking forward to it in the least, because camp is SO much work. However, as I sat up there and watched my boys play with the pine cones and run in the dirt, I couldn't help but think of how much I loved camping growing up! I have SO many fond memories of camp. I'd never want my children to miss out on making their own memories! They LOVED it. The whole thing. The dirt, the tent, sleeping by mom in a sleeping bag, the creek, painting rocks, kicking rocks, playing by the out house (can't figure that one out though.) They loved it!

Little Luker boy, living in a care-free world.

No matter how hard I try, I can't take enough pictures of this cute smile! She totally melts my heart! At a garage sale this summer I found a saying on a vinyl wall covering thingy that says "A baby fills a whole in your heart you never knew was empty". SO true with this little one.

Cute little girl on her blessing day. I never had a baby that was already smiling on their blessing day!

Here's the boys playing on the beach at Pineview with MARC'S cousin, Olivia. It seems weird to me that Marc has a cousin that young. He has a LOT of cousins.

The children on the 4th of July. All ready for church!

Payson is getting good for posing for pictures! I love it! The only problem is that now every time I take a picture he has to view it. It gets a little annoying. I can't wait until he can understand me when I tell him I used to have to wait for my pictures to develop for a week before I could see them.

So far, so good.

2010-07-28T13:52:00.000-07:00

Life as a mother to three children, three and under is going fairly well. At times I think I'm gonna lose my marbles, but for the most part all is well. There are three reasons why I LOVE my life, their names are Payson, Luke and Shanley. (Four reasons if you count Marc.)
Payson: I'm staring to learn that teaching him the Gospel back fires every now and again.

For instance, the other day Payson and Luke decided to empty an entire package of wipes. Because this has happened SO many times, each time it happens I get just a little more irritated. Some of you with kids may buy the wipes in the blue plastic packages from Costco. I LOVE them. They don't smell. I HATE wipes that smell. They are cheap. And you just chuck the whole bag when they are gone. There is no refilling, etc. The problem with them is that once the whole package is emptied, it is next to impossible to put them back in the package. Then you have to put them in a zip lock bag to keep them "moist" (have I mentioned that I HATE that word?) Anyways, on with my story. Once I gathered up the wipes, I was about to throw the empty package in the garbage. The boys conveniently were standing in the way of the garbage so I just took the empty package and smacked them in the butt and said "...Now don't do that again!" Payson responded with "HEAVENLY FATHER DOESN'T HIT!!!" I had no response to that. I couldn't help but laugh. If I had it to do again I would have said "Well that's because Jesus wasn't disobedient!" PS, please don't turn me in for smacking my children with an empty plastic package.)

Another quick story. We went boating over the 24th of July weekend. I had to convince Payson it was okay to get in the water. He was afraid of being swallowed by a whale. Apparently we have read the Jonah story one too many times!

Luke: He thinks he has grown out of naps. The problem with having 2 children so close in age, is that I feel bad not making Pay take a nap and making Luke. He doesn't want to nap but every day I find him on the floor in a position much like this...

I have to admit thought, it sure makes 8:30 bedtime run smoothly.

And last but not least, Shanley:

I had to put 2 pictures of her in here just for good measure. She doesn't do much to write about, unless you want to hear about sleeping, puking (a LOT of puking) and diaper blow-outs. BUT SHE SURE IS CUTE! She is starting to smile and it just makes my day!

Everyday I want to take her picture in every outfit I put her in. Is that weird? I just love dressing her up! I got made fun of cause I painted her finger and toe nails. Her and I like to snuggle on the couch. The boys (including Marc) get jealous. I've been the lone ranger being the only girl in the house for so long, that now that I have a girl I'm just soaking it in!

So there you have it! My reasons for loving life!

Our little Shanley girl.

2010-07-19T07:58:00.000-07:00

My very talented friend Lindsay was kind enough to come to my house a week after I had Shanley to take her pictures for me. I absolutely LOVE them and think Lindsay should go pro! She seriously rocks.

I had a hard time picking and choosing which pictures I'd put on here cause there are SO many and I love them all. It took me forever to get these on my blog so she is not this little anymore. I'm not sure where the time is going, but you know that story.

And of course we had to get one with the boys. I dare you to get a picture where both of them are smiling and the baby is looking in the right direction. Lindsay had her work cut out for her, that's for sure!

Thanks Lindsay! You're seriously the best. NO joke.

I wish I were kidding

2010-06-30T06:41:00.000-07:00

Yes, this is Vaseline.

Yes, it was a pain in the neck to scrape out.

Yes, with the help of Baking Soda I did get it out.

No, I did not freak out. Yes, I did want to.

LOVE this.

2010-06-17T11:04:00.000-07:00

This is totally how I feel right now.

"I don't want to drive up to the pearly gates in a shiny sports car, wearing beautifully, tailored clothes, my hair expertly coiffed, and with long, perfectly manicured fingernails.
I want to drive up in a station wagon that has mud on the wheels from taking kids to scout camp.
I want to be there with grass stains on my shoes from mowing my Sister Schenk's lawn.
I want to be there with a smudge of peanut butter on my shirt from making sandwiches for a sick neighbor's children.
I want to be there with a little dirt under my fingernails from helping to weed someone's garden.
I want to be there with the children's sticky kisses on my cheeks and the tears of a friend on my shoulder.
I want the Lord to know I was really here and that I really lived."

Marjorie Pay Hinckley

*Insert "mini-van" where station wagon is. (For all you mini-van lovers:)

PS, I just LOVE(d) Marjorie Hinckley! What a stalwart woman.

Blessing from heaven: Shanley

2010-06-07T19:39:00.000-07:00

I was MORE than anxious to find out if this baby was a boy or girl. I honestly don't know if I could have been happier to hear the words, "It's a girl!"

This is her only seconds old.

I was SO happy to be meeting my little GIRL! I would have put money on the fact that it was a boy. However, secretly I REALLY wanted a girl but I didn't have the nerve to say it.

Here is Payson meeting his baby sister for the first time. I LOVE this picture!

Here are both of the boys with their baby sister that they LOVE! Every time my mom would have the boys call me while I was at the hospital, the boys would always as me how the baby was and if she was crying. They worry about her when she cries.

Here's Marc and I chillin' in my hospital bed. Marc got a little stir crazy in that hospital room.

Marc and I decided to name her Shanley. Her name has SO much meaning to me and I'll explain a little to you. The year I graduated from high school, my sister Shannon passed away. I've told the story on this blog before so I won't go into details. However, she left a legacy and had many qualities that I wish for my daughter to have.

We debated on naming her Shannon, but Marc didn't really like it and it didn't really seem right. We debated on several other choices, but I wanted the root of the name (if that makes sense) to be based around Shannon. There were many choices: Shandell, Shanlynn, Shanny, or just Shan.

My sister-in-law suggested the name Shanley. It was basically love at first...sound? I was talking to my should-have-been Aunt Kim-bob. She and I did some homework and between the two of us we came up with a couple of meanings of the name.

Isn't she precious?

On with the story... There are some who think that Shanley is just a name I or my sister-in-law just made up last week. WRONG. It is an actual name with an actual meaning. One of the meanings of Shanley is "Hallowed field". Another is "Crimson Red".

Many people may not know this, but RED was my sister Shannon's favorite color. She loved the U of U and EVERYTHING she had was red. Including her car (that I ruined a few years ago.) For years I have tried to keep Shannon in my heart. I have her picture and other things on display at my house.

Without sharing too much due to it's sacredness to me, I KNOW that Shanley and Shannon are kindred spirits and that they have been buddies for the last 7 or so years. I feel so blessed to have another part of Shannon in my home.

Headed home!

Going CRAZY.

2010-05-26T20:11:00.000-07:00

Everyday I talk to the boys about the baby coming soon. Payson responds "Today?" I respond with, "Boy do I wish! But probably not." True, I am not even to my due date, but I am sure getting anxious to know that this baby is a boy (or so I believe.)

The boys have decided that they like stickers on their foreheads. They got new shirts and went a good portion of the day with stickers on their heads.

Crazy kids. Here's both of my two-year-olds. I don't know what I'd do with only one. They do fight, but boy do they love each other! They play together and entertain each other. I LOVE to watch them play with each other and have their little conversations.

I found both of the boys four wheelers at garage sales. They both were $20 a piece and easily have been worth it. They both love them. For some reason though, Luke always wants to ride Pay's. We keep them at grandma's though cause she has more room to ride them.

Here's Payson with his. Just what we needed--one more reason to go to grandma's house. (Since the golf cart, ducks, horses, chickens, trampoline, and people that they absolutely adore wasn't enough.)

Mr. Pay Boy turned 3 last Sunday. We had a little birthday party and because there are so many people who love Payson, there were a LOT of people at the party! He got these sun glasses from this Grandma and Grandpa Wyner. He thinks he's pretty cool in them.
Can't have a party without a little cake, right? You'll have to pardon me for being in these 2 pictures. I promised I wouldn't put prego pictures on my blog, however I happened to make it into these ones. Yikes.
He got way too much stuff, but he LOVED opening up the gifts! He was SO grateful (he told me.)
He has since been asking when his next birthday is. I think that when you are under 8 you should have 2 birthdays a year. He talked about his birthday for months before it came. Now that its over we are back to "Hey mom, my birthday is coming up!" Yep Pay, it sure is. Only 11 months and then some to go.

On my mind as of late

2010-05-24T13:50:00.000-07:00

...Cinnamon Rolls
...Homemade Oreos
...A soft cookie
...Peanut Butter Brownies
...Carmel of some sort
...Cheesecake
...Carmel of some sort (Not listed twice on accident)

Still no baby. As some of you may know, I've been fighting the idea of having a C-Section. My doctor has told me that he "recommends" it with my condition. To make a long story short, apparently I wasn't built to have babies the "right" way. My doctor agreed to letting me try if I was (as he put it) "insisting". However, a few days ago while I was trying to fall asleep- quite a task for a pregnant women as some of you may know, I had a really bad feeling about NOT having a C-Section. Perhaps the baby would get stuck, perhaps I'd just have to have a C-Section anyways, Perhaps I'll never know why, but I am supposed to just go for the C-Section. I had a C-Section with Luke and thought I was going to die. Everything about it was horrible. My entire pregnancy I have DREADED the thought of not being able to have a VBAC, but I have come to grips that this is what I am supposed to do. Not to be confused with what I have been wanting to do.

I have found peace in knowing that I have received personal direction from Heavenly Father as to this being right. Unless I get to the hospital and my doctor says that things have changed miraculously, C-Section here I come. June 2nd will be my baby's birthday unless I go into labor first (which I am hoping for.)

...until then I will continue to think about all of the heavenly things I will be eating within the walls of IMC.

My dream come true.

2010-05-10T05:28:00.001-07:00

This is basically a novel, sorry.

When I moved into this ward I was asked to be spotlighted in the Relief Society Newsletter. A nice lady in the ward came over to interview me and asked me a bazillion questions about myself. One of her questions was, "While you were growing up, what did you always want to be?" I sat there for a split second with answers running through my head, I thought, "hmmm...good question. A nurse?...not really. An attorney?...No. A teacher?...heck no." Then I said to her, "All I've ever wanted to be is a wife and mother! I am living my dream!" I had honestly never thought of it that way.

I've talked to people before who feel sorry for stay-at-home mothers. They'd be "bored if they stayed home all day"..,They just "have to get away from their kids everyday." Then there are people who will tell me how lucky I am that I get to stay home. While I KNOW I am blessed, and I am SO grateful to have a husband who supports me in staying home, I would not say that I am "lucky". Yes, I am blessed. However, there are sacrifices that Marc and I have to make so that it works. Neither of us drive new cars, wear expensive clothes, have the best decorated house in the neighborhood, or have the best of everything. And you know what? It's okay! I wouldn't trade my time with my children for any of that stuff. I don't even want any of that crap, I really don't.

I LOVE being a mom to the cutest darn boys in the world. Yes, at times I get frustrated. Payson still does not always sleep through the night (AT ALMOST THREE YEARS OLD.) Luke does tend to scream over just about nothing. They both jump on my pregnant belly at unexpected moments. I don't always have time to do everything I'd like to do. BUT I LOVE IT.

I love reading and doing scriptures with them in the morning. I love taking them on walks. I love watching them go down the slippery slide 50 times a day. (For some reason my boys love for me to watch them go down. They sit up at the top of our swing set and say "watch mom!") I love singing songs with them at night before they go to bed. I love peeking in on them while they are sleeping. I love seeing them in the morning- and has anyone ever figured out how it is possible that kids are SO cute when you go in their room to take them out of their crib in the morning, or after a nap? What is that feeling where you just want to kiss their faces off cause they are just SO dang adorable?

Anyways, because it was Mother's Day I just got to thinking about how grateful I am to be a mother. While there are a few who may be critical of me, I can assure you that I am doing the best I can to be a good mom to my boys. I have learned not to care about what others think. I contemplate ALL of the time about the weight that is put on my shoulders to teach them what is right.

Oh, and a shout out to my mom, who just so happens to be the best mom in the world. I love that saying, "All I am and hope to be I owe to my mother." SO true. She'd do anything for me, for anyone. Of the things on her TO-DO list, her very own things are always on the bottom. If you've got a question, she's got an answer. I hope to be more like her.

Happy Mother's Day to all of you!

PS, my next post had BETTER be about this baby I need to have ASAP. PLEASE no c-section!

Newest member(s) of our family-

2010-04-06T16:34:00.000-07:00

Nope. Didn't have the baby yet (thank goodness, it is WAY too early.) But we do have a couple of new members of the family to introduce you to.
What's that you ask? Their names? Oh yes, this is Mr. Brown and Mr. Green. Hope you can see them both, its not the greatest picture. Oh, and I'll bet you can't guess what color they are. You may remember my previous post about the ducks. WE OFFICIALLY CAN'T GET RID OF THEM. We've gone over a week without feeding them and without fail they visit us everyday. They are friendly ducks, too friendly. The boys just LOVE to watch them, but I on the other hand am not enjoying all the duck poop all over our deck and grass.

This is Payson's reaction when he sees that they are in our backyard again:

Once they see that the ducks are back they go out there and follow them around like this:

...Until they fly away.

This is Payson's reaction once they fly away:

Oh, and here's another addition to the Wyner Casa. We got a steal of a deal on KSL for it. $600. The dude paid a whopping $4500 for the darn thing.

Good news! This little guy turned 2 years old yesterday.

I officially have 2 two-year-olds. And boy do I LOVE THEM! This is the best picture I could get of him on his birthday, sadly. He doesn't like to sit still for a picture, and when he does I can't seem to get my camera to take the picture fast enough.

This next picture is my boys getting ready for the Easter egg hunt at Grandma-Great's house. Check out Paige's little boy, Ty, all the way to the right. Does he not look like he is ready for some serious candy?! He can't believe we are messing around taking pictures at a time like this.

simple minds, simple pleasures.

2010-03-18T19:19:00.000-07:00

Some of you may remember from my posts from last summer, but my boys are obsessed with ducks. They love to go on the golf cart and feed them on the canal. Well, the last couple days (since its been warm) they've got to go on the golf cart. Apparently they saw a few ducks in one of their outings with Grandpa. Payson has been thinking about them. We'll be driving down the road and he'll say, "Guess what mommy?" I'll ask him "What?" He'll say, "The ducks are back!"

On with the story-

So this morning I was doing my usual round around our house opening the blinds. When I opened up the blinds on our window that faces the backyard, I saw two ducks wandering around our backyard. Immediately I hollered for the boys to come and look. They ran over. You would have thought someone had dropped a million dollars in our backyard. Their eyes were glued to the window. Then the ducks flew away. Rude.

Payson talked about those ducks ALL day long. We had to call Grandma to tell her what we'd seen. I thought it was a little weird, of all the peoples' backyards to roam, they chose ours this morning. I was delighted that the ducks made the boy's day.

When Marc came home from school (he had a test today so he got home early- 7:30 pm), Payson had to tell daddy about the ducks. Payson then was pointing through the window, showing daddy where they were this morning. AND GUESS WHAT? Marc said "Hey, I DO see them! They're right there!" They came back!

Marc took Payson and Luke in the backyard and fed them some bread. The boys were in heaven. Maybe we've made some friends.

Creation

2010-03-14T12:09:00.000-07:00

I have babies on my mind today. I'm sure for a few reasons: One being that I'm pregnant. Trying to move is a constant reminder of that. Two, my cousin/sister Jessie is supposed to have a baby soon (as in she is due TODAY.) And three, in Relief Society today we talked about the creations we have that are reminders of the love our Heavenly Father has for us.

When the subject was brought up in Relief Society, I immediately thought of my children. I was reminded of when I was in the NICU holding my little Pay-Boy. Being born at 2 pounds and 10 ounces, living, and having NO extreme medical problems is nothing short of a miracle. As I looked down at that little body that I could hold in the palms of my hands, I could NOT help be realize that this was God's creation.

He loves us.

I could get used to this!

2010-02-27T18:02:00.000-08:00

Can I just say how nice it is to have only one kid in diapers? I better soak it in for the next few months.

Also, how young is too young to potty train? Here's the thing, I've said before that Luke is learning really quickly--I think because of Pay. The last 3 days in a row Luke has told me he needs to go poop, then within 10 minutes of telling me he goes. I ignored it the first few times because I am SO not in the mood to start potty training another child. Yesterday I took him when he asked, but he didn't go until 5 minutes after he got off the pot. He has asked to wear underwear and takes off his diapers. He isn't even 2 until April. I don't want to push it, but could I really be so lucky? Could I have no children in diapers for a few months?

Even if I keep him in diapers (because really, in some instances diapers are MUCH easier to change than it is to find a potty everywhere you go) it is okay. It is AWESOME to only have one in diapers.

Oh the Joys...

2010-02-22T14:19:00.000-08:00

Things I love about being a mom:

* The mornings. Any of you who have kids know what I'm talking about. There is something about walking into their room after they have just woken up. They have cute little smiles on their faces and are SO happy to see you.

* Getting them dressed. I LOVE picking out their clothes (especially if they are matching, I'm crazy like that.) I love making them look cute.

* Doing their hair. Yes, I have 2 boys. But I LOVE doing their hair. I love the way they smell like their daddy with his pomade in their hair.

* Reading. Or "readings" as my boys call it. Back when Pay was really young, my cousin (thanks, Callie) made some reading cards for my boys. They have pictures on one side of some of their favorite things (temple, Grandpa, horse, farm, etc.) with the words written on the other side. While I can't say we are perfect, my boys make sure they do "readings" about 4 times a week. Because of these cards, Pay has just about mastered his colors and can spell his name.

* Play time. I LOVE watching my boys play. They like to wrestle, play horses, pretend they are dogs, and watch Elmo together. I love that they love each other. Payson tends to beat up on his brother every now and again, but he does LOVE him. He watches out for him.

* Prayer. I love listening to the boys pray. Pay comes up with some pretty darn cute things to pray for. We have family prayer before Marc leaves for work and before bed, then of course at meal times, before we go to nursery, etc. However, no matter what time we pray, Payson has to say it. He loves saying prayer. I hope that never changes. Luke copies Payson while he's praying. Would it be inappropriate to record one of their prayers?

* Their excitement. I love watching them scramble around the house when I tell them we are going to grandma's house. It wouldn't matter if we did the exact same things at our house, they'd rather be doing it at grandma's. Luckily I hear that is perfectly normal. When I say "time to go to grandma's" they do all sorts of things nobody would know that they COULD do. They both find their shoes and jackets. Luke will go get the pomade out of the bathroom (because we do hair before we leave.) Payson will find my keys, my phone, and get my coat out for me. It's incredible.

* Bedtime. Not just because I get to get them out of my hair. I love brushing their teeth. Payson will not get his teeth brushed without me singing the "Brushing My Teeth" song. They are both REALLY good about going to bed as of the last few months. Every night before I leave their room, they both insist on singing a few songs. In December I started singing the Primary's version of 'Away in a Manger', with the obnoxious chorus "asleep, asleep...asleep, asleep..." They both fell madly in love with that. Without fail we are still singing that every night.

* I love you's. I love hearing my boys say "I love you". Last night Payson was playing with me on our couch and he said "I have a secret." Then leans forward in my ear and says "I love you." He has NO clue how much I love him back.

I wouldn't trade this job for ANYTHING. Before I had children I used to say "when I'm a mom my kids won't________ or _______ or_______." I was completely clueless. I was clueless on how hard of a job it is. I was clueless on the amount of energy it takes. I was clueless on how much a mother loves her children. You can't know unless you are there, and what a blessing it is to be here! I've learned that no matter how hard I try or what I do, there will be others who are standing by (as I once did) critiquing my mothering. AND IT DOESN'T MATTER.

PS, my boys have been napping. Luke is awake in his crib. I can hardly wait to get into grab that little boy who is now shouting "Hey, You!"

Our gift...

2010-02-16T10:05:00.000-08:00

On Saturday (the day before Valentine's Day) Marc and I decided that our gift to each other was the cruise we went on 2 weeks ago. Happy Valentine's Day to us. My parent's were kind enough to keep the boys while Marc and I went with his family. It was SO nice for Marc to have a break from work and school!

We went to Mexico. Here's a picture of Marc and I at dinner one of the nights.

I won't be posting a lot of pictures from the cruise, mainly because I absolutely HATE pregnant pictures of myself. On a side note, props to those lovely ladies who can go get professional pictures of themselves while they're pregnant. I can't even stand to look at myself in the mirror, let alone go pay for pictures to keep for a lifetime. Yuck. That being said, I will not be posting belly pictures or any of the such on my blog.

However, here is my Valentine on the cruise ship. Isn't he adorable? Boy, I'll say.

I often forget how great I have it. I couldn't have asked for a better husband or father for my children. As my wise Aunt Judy constantly says to me, "We couldn't all marry a Marky." Which is the truth. I got the best of the best! He'd swim the 7 seas for me, and probably without a complaint. It breaks my heart to hear of stories where husband's yell in their wives' face and complain about their bodies. He treats me like a queen. And I love him. A lot. More than I ever knew was possible.

We had fun on the cruise together, but were not saddened in the least to come home to this:

Or this:

There's more love in these three boys than a girl could ever ask for! What a GREAT Valentine's gift!

It's a.....!

2010-01-12T13:28:00.001-08:00

BABY!

I had my 20 week ultra sound today. For those of you who didn't know, or thought maybe I changed my mind, Marc and I have decided to wait to find out what the gender is on this here baby. Yes, out dated and out of style- but hey, that's the story of my life. To answer some of the questions that may be reeling through your brain (these are everyone's favorite questions to ask me)

QUESTION: Why?
ANSWER: Why not?! I think it'll be fun! Here's the thing: It used to be that when someone had a baby the first question out of everyone's mouth was "WHAT IS IT?!" These days, people know the gender, have the name picked out, etc. The only thing to ask is "How much does HE/SHE weigh?" How boring is that? (PS, I NEVER could have waited on the first)

QUESTION: How can you wait? And without fail EVERYONE ALWAYS SAYS "I'm too big of a planner."
ANSWER: Believe me, I was half tempted to change my mind. However, I keep reminding myself how much fun the anticipation will be! And as far as everyone I know being a "planner", I do not believe that there is THAT much planning going on in the world. Perhaps some are confused on the difference between being a "planner" and not being able to handle just waiting. Afterall, where were all these "planners" 20 years ago when you couldn't find out?

QUESTION: What if it's a girl and you only have all boy stuff?
ANSWER #1: Good question, afterall I do have 2 boys. However, girl stuff is SO easy to come by! Keep in mind that I'm having this baby mid-garage sale season. (That means a lot to me.)
ANSWER #2: What if?! SO WHAT?! I have a crib, a room, and a mother who can make blankets like nobody's business. Why do I need to have everything in advance?

On top of everything else, it is NO secret that when I have this baby my blog readers (all 3 of you) will be waiting anxiously to read what it is. Don't worry, don't worry, I'll have Marc post it as soon as I have him/her.

PS, any guesses? I've got a 10 minute back massage that says this kid is a boy. Pretty sure I'm going to be a mommy to three adorable boys...and you know what? I'm totally okay with that. I will not be disappointed either way. I wouldn't trade either of my boys.

Seriously though, does anybody have any vibes?

Early birthday surprise

2009-12-22T22:15:00.000-08:00

On Friday morning as Marc was getting ready for work I noticed that he was wearing street clothes. I said "You get to wear regular clothes to work?" He said "Yep". It didn't throw me off though cause occasionally they'll let them have a dress down day as rewards for stuff they do. We had our usual family prayer, kisses, wave to daddy from the window, and such. We then went about our morning having breakfast, getting ready, doing reading, etc.

I already have a love for Friday's because I know that only one more day until Marc can stay home with us. Also On Friday, the boys and I go and play with their Great-Grandma Darlene. We had to run a few errands before we were going to meet her at Jungle Jims. To make a long story short, I forgot my stroller and had to go back home to get it before we went to Jungle Jims with Grandma Darlene. As I hit the garage door button and the door started going up, I immediately spotted Marc's car in the garage! The moment I saw it I knew he had surprised me and had taken the day off. Question was, where did he go when he left in the morning?

As I walked in the garage door, I immediately saw the flowers he had gone and gotten me and he had also cleaned up the house a bit. He told me that he tried to get my birthday off but its so close to Christmas that its too hard to get it, so this was my birthday-day early. YAY! He came with us to Jungle Jims (which the boys LOVED!)

He had already made arrangements for his mom and dad to watch the boys and had the day set up. Not everything went as well as he'd planned, but it didn't matter. My weekend was great. I LOVE long weekends.

THEN! On Monday he was getting ready for work and once again was putting on street clothes. I didn't even ask cause a lot of times around holidays they can wear whatever they want. I didn't even DREAM that he had another day off. He left for "work". I start going about my day. At about 8:45 AM, I started hearing the garage door going up from my kitchen. I thought "no way". I open the door, and sure enough! He had just ran to the DMV. He told me that he had 2 days he had to use up before the end of the year or he'd just lose them. Another beautiful day.

I realize that I've been married for over 4 years, but call me crazy, I still love to be with him. I LOVE it when he's home. It was a GREAT birthday surprise. However, I'm VERY glad that he has a job and wouldn't trade that for anything. I'm just grateful he's so willing to do it!

Dashing through the snow...

2009-12-17T07:37:00.000-08:00

Of all the things I loved growing up, sleigh riding was definitely at the top of the list (for winter activities.) I'd run up the stairs each morning to look out the window to see if it had snowed so grandpa could take us sleigh riding with Molly (the horse, who is a complete champ and is still living.) Grandpa would go out with the tractor and make us bumps, hook up the horse and sleigh with tubes and plastic sleighs behind and pull us out in the pasture. I. LOVED. IT.

So, obviously I couldn't pass up on the Kodak moment for my boys' first sleigh ride. They're a little small for the tubes and bumps though, so they just rode with grandma.

Payson just LOVED it, as you might be able to tell by his face. He's also happy that he gets to sit by his favorite babysitter, Syd. After a little ride he got cold and was ready to come in.

My little Luker loved it even more. The funny thing about Luke is that he can sit on a horse, tractor, lawnmower, golf cart, or whatever and be completely emotionless. Yet when you go to take that little boy off, WATCH OUT.

Oh the perks of being raised on a farm.

Christmas Card

2009-12-10T20:31:00.000-08:00

As far as Christmas Cards go, this is as good as its getting for this year.....SO Merry Christmas!!!
Here is Mr. Pay Boy ready to go to nursery. (At least he isn't crying yet, right?)

Now before I show you the individual one I got of Luker, I have to tell you one thing. We ALL know Marc has an adorable smile. He does. The only problem is he absolutely cannot smile on command. For whatever reason, he just can't. He and I have spent hours practicing for pictures cause even he knows he just can't do it. That being said, we also know that Luke is Marc. He looks like him, acts like him, etc. As Luke has gotten older, he has figured out that when we say "cheese" he's suppose to smile. The kid CANNOT smile on command for anything. Every time I take a picture I feel like a terrible mother for laughing at him. But he's just so darn cute. I basically have to make them laugh and not tell him I'm taking a picture. SO! Here is one of the practice pictures we took with both of the boys. Luke ALWAYS squints his right eye and opens his mouth funny. I cannot tell you how many pictures I have of that funny face. Isn't it cute?
As for Luke's individual picture...

This is him being fully cooperative and being a good boy about getting his picture taken. Need I say more? Like father, like son. (I say this as if I take a pretty picture.)

Side notes

2009-12-01T18:31:00.000-08:00

I used to be much better at blogging, but it is starting to become more of a chore than anything. I LOVE to read and keep up with yours, but I really don't like updating mine all that much anymore. With that being said, I thought I'd just jot down a little of what each of us are doing.

Marc is finishing up another semester of school in the next few weeks. He only has school on Tuesdays and Thursdays this semester, but is sure feels like more. Next semester he will be going even more. Pooptacular. I'm glad he is getting closer to his BA. A few more semesters. Only a few. I'm just grateful he is willing to work and continues to go to school. He's a hard worker, and they are hard to come by these days (or so it seems.)

I am starting to get out of the sick stage of pregnancy. I think that I'm going to wait to find out the sex of the baby and have a surprise. We'll see if I can do it! I have a 2 hour back massage bet with Marc right now though, so that is some encouragement to wait. (Marc doesn't think I can wait--don't tell him, but he may be right.)

Can I just say how proud I am of my Mr. Pay Boy? We switched him over to a "big boy bed" and our lives have become extremely less difficult. Don't get me wrong, he is still a light sleeper like his mom and grandma. He still gets up during the night to sleep on the couch. However, it is not a fight to keep him in the crib when its bedtime. He gets in and he goes to sleep--imagine that.

As for my Little Luker-boy, boy is he cute. Everyday he surprises me with another word. Yesterday I dropped something and he asked me "wuh appen?" (what happened). I keep telling him he's 19 months old and he shouldn't talk so much. One of my personal favorites is when he says "Mommy ats funny". Or he'll have Syd's baby and he'll say "Mom, shhh... baby sleep." He is learning so fast and the only thing I can contribute it to is that he and Payson are so close in age that he is just learning stuff with Payson. (It certainly isn't cause of my spectacular mothering.)

Anyways, kind of boring so I'll stop typing.

Have a great day!

Oh and by the way,

2009-11-20T12:08:00.000-08:00

These little buckeroo's have something like to tell ya:

They are going to be big brothers!

Luke will finally have someone to pick on.

Payson will have another sibling to drive crazy.

Hang on tight. I'm afraid that this is where the road gets wild.

With Thanksgiving coming up, I couldn't go without writing a few things I am grateful for. Kind of boring, you don't have to read:

1- The Gospel. It is my rock. I would not have made it thus far in life without the comfort of the Gospel. I feel bad for those who walk around this world without it. I'd be lost.
2- My dear husband, who is also my rock. He is a hard worker and provides so much for our family. He honors his priesthood and treats me like a queen.
3- My adorable children. (All three) PS, this is your formal announcement. We are excited and nervous all at the same time. I am 12 weeks along.
4- Our family. I can promise you that my family would do anything for me. I am spoiled rotten. Also, I am SO blessed to be able to live so close to my family. My boys absolutely LOVE love LoVe it. Which brings us to...
5- Our new home. I had my concerns. Mainly that it was close to a somewhat busy road. It has not been a problem at ALL. It is not noisy. The boys have not escaped. No near-misses. I'd buy it again in a heart-beat.
6- Marc's job. We have the things we need.

Everything else falls into one of these categories.

Things we love:

2009-11-09T06:49:00.000-08:00

Here are a few of my boy's obsessions:

Pay loves to go sit on the scooter with the helmet on and pretend that he is driving like daddy.

Payson loves to ride the horse. This is the fake horse at the Childrens' Museum.

Luke LOVES to ride the horse even more than Payson, which I didn't know was possible. He could ride for hours and even then he'd scream while I take him off.

Pay has a thing for sleeping on the couch. He wakes up during the night, climbs out of his crib, and goes and sleeps on the couch. Who knows...

Anyone who knows my Luker-boy, KNOWS that he has a small (or large rather) obsession with gloves. If he's upset, give the boy some gloves.

One of Pay's favorite things is going to grandma's to feed carrots and apples to the horses. This is him practicing while at the Children's Museum. I can almost promise you that he is the ONLY child who has gone to the grocery area, gotten a carrot and apple, then ran to feed the horse in the horse area. I have no idea who the girl is in the picture, but Payson must have given her an idea cause she is ready to feed the horse after him.

As for the picture above and below, both of my boys are obsessed with their "Chaunie". Even Luke runs around the house saying her name. She got them wrapped around her finger by taking them on Buddy. Chaundie is very good to them. She and Jac always tell me that they are the cutest things they've ever seen. Jaclyn has no clue how I got the cutest kids. Neither do I.

Another year of goodbye.

2009-10-18T21:05:00.000-07:00

As most of you know, the year I graduated from high school my sister passed away. 6 years ago today. Little background, Shannon suffered from A.V.M.'s and brain tumors. When I say "suffered" I am not exaggerating in the least. No one can count the amount of surgeries and procedures that she underwent for the period of almost 2 years. When she was relieved from her trial and taken from this earth she was under 100 pounds, on a feeding tube, and completely reliant upon my dear mother to move her and change her. Not enough can be said for the bravery of my mother who nursed Shannon to her death. Forgive me for the following picture.

Someone once told me (as if to comfort me) that someday I will completely "get over" her dying and that it will get to the point where I don't think about her everyday. While I am not in a state of depression and though I do miss Shannon, it rarely hurts me to think about her. I certainly hope a day NEVER goes by that I do not think about her. I cannot remember a day that I haven't. This is hanging in my house.

A few things about Shannon:
* She NEVER complained about her illness. NEVER. As she got more sick the more I noticed her positive attitude. When you'd ask her how she was, she'd say "lovely" or "just peachy".
* Shannon had long blonde hair forever. She begged the Dr. to do her surgery without cutting her hair. He had never done this before, but because he liked her he agreed to work around it. After that she adopted the motto: FOCUS ON THE MIRACLE.
* Shannon was what you'd call "down to earth". She was not fake in the least. She never colored her hair or got her nails done. She did not care what people thought. She was not worldly in the least. She wore what was comfortable and not what was fashionable.
* She was always organized. She was a business major. She'd help me with my homework and always make me use a pencil so that it didn't look sloppy. She'd get mad at people when they'd put the dishes in the left side of the sink where there is no disposal. She'd lecture us, "is it really that much easier to put the dishes on the left side rather than the right?" Then she'd follow up with "Or how about just putting them in the dishwasher?"
* Shannon had quite the sense of humor, even until she passed away. She'd tease her brain surgeon and nurses. And boy was she sarcastic.
* Shannon named her AFO Fred(an AFO is a boot type thing she had to wear on her foot for balance and to help her walk again.)
* She was a money saver. She'd go hungry before she bought a meal. We'd go shopping and she'd try something on then get to the check-out line to pay and say "do I really need this, or am I just buying to be buying?" Then she'd set it down and we'd walk out of the store.

When I got married my mom surprised me by making me a blanket out of all of her clothes. I of course hung it up in my house and LOVE it like crazy.

A few memories of Shannon:
When Shannon was REALLY sick it was sometimes hard to get her to talk. Days would go by that she wouldn't say much at all. One day I was watching Shannon while my mom left (probably to do something for someone) and Shannon hadn't said anything all day. I'd talk to her and she'd sit there and listen but it was a one sided conversation. I asked Shannon if I could paint her nails. Once again, I got no response. I got the nail polish out and started painting her nails despite the no answer. While I was painting them I continued to talk and she'd just look at me. Then I asked her "Shannon, what if mom gets mad that I painted your fingernails?" Clear as day she answered, "she'll get glad in the same shoes she got mad in."

Shannon had a red Jetta that she loved. She named it "herb". She was very protective of it. One time I was visiting her in the hospital on one of her many stays there, and again she hadn't spoken much that day. She wouldn't say anything to me. Finally I said to her "You'd better say something to me Shannon or I'm going to go home and drive your car!" She said in a very calm, yet stern voice, "You'd better not." These are the moments when I knew Shannon was still in there! She was just too weak and tired to talk. On a side note, and not a happy one, when Shannon died I got to drive her car. My dad helped me take care of it by changing the oil and what not for me. When I got married I didn't think about the fact that my dad was not going to change my oil anymore. It totally slipped my mind and I didn't think about it. It was totally my fault. I proceeded to run the car out of oil, murdering the engine. I did not sleep the night that I realized I had ruined Herb. Luckily I know that Shannon has probably gotten over her obsession with her car and probably just rolled her eyes at me from up there. It's no wonder she didn't want me to drive it.

I am SO thankful for the Gospel and the testimony that I've been blessed with. I KNOW that Shannon is in a much better place and surrounded by people I love. I know that she was taken from this earth because Heavenly Father needed her. I can just see her up there with her clipboard, getting things organized. I am grateful that my parents made the choice to be married in the temple and that we are sealed. I know that families can be together, but it takes work on our part. I know that if I remain faithful I can again live with Shannon (and my adorable grandpa who I sorely miss as well.) I think about her all the time. I miss her like crazy. I long for the day when I will see her again. However, until that day I will find comfort in the Gospel. I'm so grateful for our Savior, Jesus Christ, who made it all possible.

Kitchen number dos:

2009-10-14T12:56:00.000-07:00

When my cousin Jeff was engaged he was looking for a place to live. At the time I was working on moving. We got our house in the very end of July, beginning August. Being as we have a finished basement (which I am grateful for) the thought crossed my mind to have Jeff live down there. Granted it had no kitchen- do newlyweds even use kitchens? Anyways, I talked with Jeff and he said that he would be interested in it if we'd put a kitchen in. There was one room down there that was not framed or anything, it was a "storage room". I didn't get a picture of it when it was all cement, bummer I know. However, here it is near the start of the project.

Mid-project. By the way, Ken Snow (Snow Construction) and his son-in-law, Daniel, did 95% of the work down there. They did a GREAT job and we recommend them to anyone if you are looking for something like this to be done.

The final project. There are still a few things that need to be done. Everything barely got completed while they were on their honeymoon! Luckily they trusted that we were going to get the work done.

One downer, the washer/dryer is in the kitchen. That's where the water hookups were and hey, better than no washer and dryer right?

Julianne's mom did a ton of decorating down there. This is the family room area. They have a dining room table down there for visitors to come eat with them (hint).

The other direction of the family room area. As you can see they have a ton of space down there. More room than I had with two kids for two years!

We are so glad to have them down there. We mainly on see them in passing. Here is their master bedroom. (PS, I hope they don't mind that I put pictures of their house on my blog)

Selah.

Nerve

2009-10-07T09:30:00.001-07:00

So a few months ago we needed a new dryer. When I went camping with my family, my cute husband surprised me by finding one on KSL.com and having it in and ready to go when I got back. I was delighted! He told me that he found a WASHER AND DRYER for $150, so he just bought the set so we could just sell our old(er) washer and have a matching set. Great idea on Marc's part, or so we thought. He only put in the dryer though cause he was in a hurry and had to go to school, so in theory, the two of us were going to put it in together after my return.
About a day after using it I started noticing that my house had a slight smell of skunk. I thought, oh no, we bought a house that has a skunk living in it, under it, or around it. This isn't good. Then I noticed that it was coming from the laundry room (which by the way, can I just say how grateful I am for a laundry room? Even one that smells like a skunk.) After further examination I realized that the stench was coming from the dryer. For a slight moment I had the thought that it'd go away. I didn't say anything to Marc about it for a few days cause he had gone out of his way to surprise me. He hadn't said anything about it so I can just deal with it.
This changed when I opened up my linen's closet to grab a towel. I was nearly knocked off my socks by the horrible smell fumigating from the closet. It is no wonder that they were selling the set for $150. The previous owners must have gotten sprayed by a skunk and they tried to wash it out in the laundry. BAD IDEA. So when they realized that they ruined the washer and dryer, they decided to sell it. BAD IDEA. Not only was it a bad idea, it was INCREDIBLY RUDE. Who does that? Why would someone want a washer and dryer that not only stunk up your house, but also your clothes? Along with a bad idea, incredibly rude, does anyone else find this dishonest?! We don't have their name or number anymore, otherwise I would have called them and given them a piece of my mind.
We have since purchased a new dryer and we're using our old washer. What do we do with the skunk set now? They are sitting in my garage and taking space. Someone suggested we sell the set on KSL. Immediately I replied, "Are you joking? I am TICKED that someone did that to me!" I could load them in my parent's truck and haul them to the DI. Would the DI want them? I don't want to drive to clear to the dump. I could put them on KSL for free and tell the person who wants them they can have them if they come get them. You never know, someone may want a washer and dryer that bad. OR EVEN BETTER.... if I have to re-load them in a truck to get them out of here, I could just take them to the previous owner's house and leave them on their front lawn during the night! I just can't believe someone could be so rude and dishonest.

COWBOYS!

2009-09-30T11:24:00.000-07:00

I always laugh when my friends tell me about how much their kids love movies. Many people tell me that their little boy (usually around their age) love to watch the movie "Cars" or "Finding Nemo". People will say that they have to limit their kids TV time, etc. While I recognize that kids shouldn't watch much TV or many movies, I have almost been a little jealous at times cause once in a while it'd be nice if my boys would just sit and watch a movie! I'd love it if they weren't under my feet while I was folding the laundry or loading the dishwasher!
Anyways, I FINALLY found a movie that my boys will watch: HORSES A TO Z. With as much as they love to ride the horses, I should have known to put this movie on! They've never watched it from start to finish, but they LOVE it! Now I am going to have to start limiting the time my little cowboys can spend in front of the TV in a day.

He may never do it again-

2009-09-23T10:23:00.000-07:00

Casey and I thought we'd take Payson and Vienna on the tube. Everything started off great!

Even the kids were having fun. I knew they would as long as they didn't fall in! Doug pulled us really slow so the kids wouldn't get scared.

Then the rope broke and the tube sank. We were all flipped into the water.

Payson was traumatized. Perhaps he won't be the boater that Marc would like him to be. We'll see if he ever does this again.

Sunday rolls around again.

2009-09-19T21:45:00.000-07:00

I tell you this story because I am in need of help. PLEASE.

This is going to sound awful of me, but on Saturday nights I start dreading going to church. It isn't the going to church thing though, I don't mind church- in fact, I love going to church. About two and a half years ago I started LONGING for the day that I could actually go to Relief Society and actually listen to the lesson. My life sure eased up a ton after Payson went into nursery. While you all know my boys are extremely close in age (I can pretty much guarantee they are closer than any two children you know with the same parents. I basically have twins.) Because they are so close in age, I actually had TWO children too young for nursery for 8 months. With Marc's calling, a majority of the time he couldn't take either one cause he had other responsibilities, so I was hauling two children to Relief Society ever week. With that said, you must understand how excited I was for this cute boy to start nursery:

Lets get this out in the open: I love my little Luker-boy. I really do. He has the most adorable smile and quirky giggle you'll ever hear. He is bullied a lot by his big brother and is usually the peacemaker (he surrenders the toys if they are fighting over them.) He is ALWAYS so forgiving to Payson after he gets picked on or bit. He is ALWAYS my happiest child to see me and is always willing to give me lots of hugs and kisses. Oh, and also, Luke seems to be a VERY smart child. He talks a TON for being 18 months old. He seems way older than other children who are his age.

Along with those lovely qualities, he is also known for his quick tear ducts. He is and has always been a very emotional child. At times I haven't known quite what to do for him or with him. I've had to do things that most mothers would never hear of doing with their child- for instance, making him sleep in the bath tub to prevent him from waking up everyone in the house at night when he is crying for absolutely no good reason. Or not giving him attention when he is holding his breath and is about to pass out cause he isn't getting what he wants. He knows what he wants and is a little stubborn (no idea where he gets that from.) I do not feel like I spoil him, or pay attention to his poor behavior. On top of that, he is a momma's boy.

OH, on a side note, I found two Halloween shirts that I could NOT pass up for my boys. Luke's has a mummy on it and says "I want my mummy!" Payson's has a bat on it and says "I may be cute, but I still bite". Both of those shirts were manufactured just for them, I just know it.

Anyways, Luke is NOT liking nursery.

The first couple weeks I left him in there the nursery leaders came and got me after 5-10 minutes. One of them said "He is just non-stop screaming." I sarcastically questioned, "Luke?" They went on to tell me that they thought if they kept him, he'd eventually stop crying, but he just wouldn't. The third week the leaders (who were filling in for the leaders who took care of him the first 2 weeks) told me to just go to class and they'd take care of him. That was the week that Luke was officially uninvited to nursery. Our choices were to A) Come in and sit with him for a few months so he can warm-up. or B) Try again in a few months when he is ready.

Because I know his personality, I really do not believe that a few months of waiting for him to be "ready" is going to help. I do not believe that me going in there for a few months for him to "warm-up" to everyone will help. (I have cousins that he sees on a regular basis, LIKE DAILY, that he screams bloody murder if I leave him with.)

I know that some parents don't want their children to cry when they go into nursery. I've heard of nursery leaders who HATE when they have parents who just sit in nursery every week. It isn't that I don't want him to cry- believe me I am used to it. I just feel bad for the leaders who have to try to calm him down, and have to worry about him holding his breath and passing out. People get really nervous about a child who isn't breathing :) On top of that it isn't fair to all of the other kids who are listening to him cry. Keep in mind that Payson is also in nursery and does just fine. He is a little shy when he first goes in, but is fine if I leave. You'd think that with Payson being in there that Luke would be okay, but no.

SO...seriously. Does anyone have ANY suggestions? Has anyone ever had this problem?

I dare you-

2009-09-14T20:15:00.000-07:00

To tell me this isn't the cutest thing you've ever seen.

My dad was babysitting the boys. This is what we came home to. Sure hope Luke is doing okay! I took it through the window so the quality isn't that great.

Another year..

2009-09-10T20:37:00.000-07:00

Marc and I just celebrated our 4 year anniversary. Marc took the whole day off and we spent the ENTIRE day together! We started it off by going to the Jordan River Temple (where we were married) and doing sealings. This is a really bad picture of us, but its the only one we got. So take it or leave it.

Then we went to lunch. It isn't a party if there is no food, right? Here I am, enjoying my water.

And this is my cute husband.

Even after four years he still amazes. I still watch the clock everyday waiting for him to come home. I still LOVE Friday nights cause I know I have him for the whole weekend. I still dread Sunday nights cause I know my weekend is over. I still wonder how I got so lucky.

I do not do-

2009-09-02T09:30:00.000-07:00

My family is always talking about three things we do not do. While we were allowed to have three, my list is rapidly growing. Please do not be offended by anything I say.

Note that chewed gum is not on my list. That is because EVERYBODY knows I do not do sticky gum. Period.

My original three-
* I do not read. (novels)
* I do not run.
* I do not hike.

My add on's-
* I do NOT do picky eaters.
* I do not do really nice people. (May sound rude, sorry, but I just don't.)
* I do not do homosexuality.
* I do not do high waisted pants, skirts, or anything of the sort.
* I do not do pointed shoes or high heels.
* I do not do the acronym "LOL", or the word moist.

Anything you don't do?

PS- DOES ANYBODY HAVE ANY CLUE WHAT IS GOING ON AT THE BOTTOM OF MY BLOG? I'M GOING TO GO NUTS TRYING TO FIGURE IT OUT!

Rewind

2009-08-10T08:45:00.000-07:00

So I didn't finish putting my Nauvoo pics on here, so I will treat you to a few more. You're welcome.

We went to John Deere World (that's what I'm calling it anyways.) For those of you who don't know, my boy's room is decorated in John Deere. It is just a tractor company, but mostly it reminds me of my grandpa. It makes me think of what a hard worker and farmer he was. It makes me want to be a better worker.

Here is Pay. He was loving life sitting in all of the big tractors. Oh and make sure to look close- he is smiling in a picture for once!

Two of the three cutest boys I've ever seen (Little Luker boy got to stay with his favorite, Ruthy.)

Here is Marc and I. Have you ever? What a huge tractor bucket! My grandpa used to bring his tractor down the road to my house and lift us in the bucket to pick the cherries off the top of the tree. Now THIS bucket would hold a LOT of cherries!

Looking for a good time? Get these three together- WOW! Our van was a blast!

Speaking of vans, there were 6 total with our group. When we went to the Amish Country I'm sure they thought we were from the government or something. Being that Marc is 25, he got to drive our van, Jeff at co-pilot. What a riot. Here is the back row of the "teenager van" (even though there was one teenager in the van, we will forever be considered teenagers for whatever reason). Pardon Jaclyn for looking a little loopy. Not sure what happened on that, but typically she is quite a pretty little thing.

I just had to capture this one. I guess there is NO age limit to riding a motorcycle. I used to worry about 80 year old couples driving a car. NOT ANYMORE. Double click on the picture so you can better see how old they are. I pray for their safety.
Here we are at Carthage Jail with Granny. Thanks will never be enough to give my grandma for blessing us with these memories.

Here is most of the gang. I believe there were a total of forty-something that went with us. Some may think we are crazy, but we just consider ourselves blessed. Not everyone (perhaps anyone) could go on a trip with ALL of their extended family. There were a few party-poopers who decided to stay home. They missed out on the memories, their loss!

By the way

2009-08-06T11:19:00.001-07:00

We moved. So long, Midvale. I will definetly miss my little home. It our first. It was where we brought both of our boys home to. It was easy to clean. It was cheap. It was cute.

However, it was a good time to by a new house. We were able to sell our house and make money. We found a good deal. It was in the right location. We prayed and it was the right decision. It is a little bigger. It is a little newer.

That's it.

The moment you'be been waiting for...

2009-08-02T19:47:00.001-07:00

Some may know of my obsession (healthy obsession) with taking pictures of funny things. I ALWAYS carry my camera with me at all times just because I love to capture stuff like what is to follow this brief story:

While in "Missipi", home of the redneck, we just about stopped at every gas station there to fulfill my family's addiction with Diet Dr. Pepper. When I saw this stylish fella I knew I HAD to have a picture.

While I did get a kick out of that picture, it wasn't good enough. I told Marc to go stand in front of the building so I could pretend to take his picture as this handsome gentleman came out.

My conscience is starting to get the best of me for posting this. I'm sure this man is a VERY good guy. Only he could pull this off though.

Time

2009-07-20T07:04:00.000-07:00

I have no idea why it is that I am sitting here blogging. I have so much to do it isn't even funny. Unpack, pack, and more packing. I do have laundry going, so I guess that counts for something. I just thought I'd pleasure you all with a few more Nauvoo pictures. Way more still to come.

We couldn't take our Clydesdale "Buddy", Payson's favorite horse to ride, so this is as close as we could get to it.

They had these sack races that we did. I did not win. I don't remember who did. The important part is to notice Jaclyn's hair. Wow. Only you could pull that one off Jac. Oh and be sure to note Payson in the back. The dude running the races carried him through the race. I thought it was pretty cute.

Zak sees things and then repeats. Something tells me he saw Doug sleeping on the plane. There is no way that he is actually sleeping in this picture. He gets so excited about vacations and being on a plane that he could go a week without sleeping and still not fall asleep on the airplane.

Now back to what I was supposed to be doing this morning.

Vacaysh

2009-07-16T19:21:00.000-07:00

Peace out!

This picture is of cute Pay Boy and Jeff. I think its a pretty sweet picture. They are in front of the Missippi River.

My dearest Grandma has taken us to Nauvoo. Just imagine 39 people all traveling together. Yep! People hate us. Who gives a rip? We have fun! Someone once told me that they "don't like traveling in herds, like the Wheadons." I would say that I wouldn't have it any other way. I am so blessed to have such a close family!

More pics to come! Stay tuned!

Give me a bite

2009-07-05T11:50:00.000-07:00

COULD ANYONE TELL ME WHY....

...THIS CHILD BITES EVERYONE?

I have known little kids who, on occasion, bite other kids. Payson is one of those kids. However, I have NEVER met any other kid who does it as much as this one. Yeah, he looks somewhat innocent in this picture above. Luke would tell you otherwise. If I could only count the times that he has bitten JUST Luke! I'm amazed that Luke still wants to play with him, follow him everywhere, and wants to sit by him in the car. I would not blame other parents if they didn't want their kids to play with him cause he bites. Hard.

I feel like I am a terrible mother cause he is such a bully, but I don't know what to do. I have tried talking with him- yeah, that doesn't work. Tried "time-out", didn't work. I then turned to flipping his lip- seemed to help a little. (Please do not tell social services on me.) But he still bites.

When I sat down in Relief Society today and had Luke on my lap, I noticed that he had teeth marks on his forearm. Poor kid. This has GOT to stop.

Congratulations Bop!

2009-06-22T05:44:00.000-07:00

Well, he did it folks! He graduated from "college"! AKA South Valley School.

Zak is going to miss South Valley. He loved school. He probably won't miss South Valley as much as my mother will (if you know what I mean). Now he gets to stay home all day every day! Here he is with one of his buddies.

Of course we all had to go to graduation. It was a total of 30 minutes max- the length EVERY graduation should be. Sweet and simple. Here is Paige and I. We have to be on the end of the row, for reasons that any mother of young children can understand.

And the reason that he went through all these years of school....

CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR "GRADULATION", ZAK. We love you!

Wouldn't miss it for the world!

2009-06-11T07:43:00.000-07:00

I decided that since I don't really have a descent picture with both of the boys together smiling, that I'd take them in for a picture or two. Getting a picture with both of them smiling is nearly impossible.

Here is Mr. Pay-Pay. I have a picture from when I was little that looks nearly identical to this. It is hard to believe someone could look so much like me and be SO cute!

Payson is a busy boy. Always, ALWAYS on the move. I have wondered if having two girls would have made my life easier...

...but then again, this mischevious boy is SO much fun! I don't know what I'd do without him! Even if he climbs on the counter. Even if he picks all of my flowers. Even if he broke my blinds. Even if he gets into the toilet incessantly. Even if he won't sit quietly in church for anything in the world. Even if he purposely spill his food. Even if all he wants to do is run around outside. Even if he wants to climb in the dishwasher. I wouldn't change him for anything. ANYTHING.

Here is my cute Luker-boy. He is our Marcus Look-alike. Gotta love that blonde hair!

Some have labeled Luke as our "Little Whiner" (NO WYNER JOKES PLEASE. Heard 'em all.) I wouldn't call him a whiner, just a child who knows EXACTLY what he wants and when he wants it. When he starts crying and holding his breath (he is FAMOUS for going blue when he gets upset) I sometimes wonder if I should've waited longer before having him. (NO. LUKE WAS NOT AN ACCDIENT.)

However, after wondering about that for a split second (or less), I realize what I'd miss out on. His ADORABLE smile. His quirky giggle when he is trying to run away from me. His little waddle when he walks. His love for food (we're still trying to trace that gene.) The way he wants to do everything that his brother does. The ways he peaks his head around his crib, watching for me to come in and get him.

MAN! I couldn't love these two boys MORE! Everything about them. They keep me on my toes, but I'm better because of it.

Nap time is over. Gotta run! Back on the clock.

#2

2009-06-02T12:24:00.000-07:00

Pay had his 2nd birthday. This year we decided to have a birthday party for him (as I am somewhat anti-birthday parties for 1 year olds). Was it worth throwing a party? Um... not sure. I decided to let him take a nap an hour before the party so that he'd be rested up and happy to open his gifts. This was NOT the case. He nearly fell asleep opening his gifts.

Sadly, Luke was happier with Payson's gifts than payson was.

Here he is falling asleep while opening up his gifts. Brother.

about an hour after the party was completely over, he decided that he liked his Elmo ("Memo") cake that Brooke made for him.

I can't believe that he is 2 years old now. I know that is what every mother says, but it is true.

Now its on to bigger and better things: POTTY TRAINING. My mom started potty training him while I was gone to Lake Powell last week (pictures to come.) He is actually doing pretty darn good! Pull-ups are the best! Any suggestions for potty training? I hear you don't want to start too soon and that its harder for boys than girls. He is showing interest in going potty and can't wait to get off the pot to flush it. He has peed several times in the potty so now I just gotta stick to it!

Hands

2009-05-10T09:23:00.000-07:00

This is what happens when you are the hardest working women in the world:

My Mom hit herself in the hand with a sledge hammer on accident (obviously she wouldn't do it on purpose.)

I found this poem a few years ago that reminds me SO much of my mother. The author is unknown.

I saw you hide your hands in line, behind that lady fair,
I noticed too, hers soft and white - immaculate from care.
But Ma, I say, it’s no disgrace to have workin’ hands like you,
And had she lived the life you have, she’d have hands just like that too.

But her hands have never hauled in wood, or worked in God’s good earth.
They’ve never felt the bitter cold, or chopped ice for waitin’ stock,
They’ve never doctored sick ones, or dressed a horse’s hock.
They’ve never pulled a hip-locked calf, or packed water to the barn.
They’ve probably never patched blue jeans, or had worn ol’ socks to darn.

They’ve never touched a young’n, or caressed a fevered head,
With hands so gently folded, all night beside his bed.

They’ve never scrubbed a kitchen floor, or done dishes everyday.
They’ve never guided with those hands a child who’s lost the way.

They’ve never made a Christmas gift, shaped by a lovin’ hand.
They’ve never peeled apples, nor vegetables they’ve canned.
They’ve never worn a blister, or had calluses to show,
For all they’ve done for others, and the kindnesses I know.

So you see, my dearest Mama – yours are hands of love.
And I bet the Lord will notice when he greets you from above.

I never did a post for Mothers' Day, so I guess this can count. I do have the greatest, hardest working mother in the world.

I nearly died...

2009-05-07T10:36:00.000-07:00

...watching this.

Choices

2009-05-04T08:02:00.000-07:00

Lately I've been thinking about choices. Choices I make, choices others make, choices everyone makes. Big choices, small choices, choices that don't really matter. Choices I make that effect others, choices others make that effect me.

One thing I've learned when making choices is to listen and ask around. I decided a long time ago that whenever I am making a big decision to listen to those who love me the most. They want whats best for me and can see the bigger picture. They'll help me pull my head out. It may not be what I want to hear, but their wisdom will lead me to my best choices.

Just a thought.

Crazy Wheadon's

2009-05-02T08:08:00.000-07:00

Here we are...the weird people who like to spend every waking hour together (and often the non-waking hours as well).

Guarenteed you'll never meet a more entertaining group of people in your life. Man I love em'.

Mike Rogers took these pictures for us. He is fabulous in everyway, if you ever want a good photographer!

"Crap Happens"

2009-04-27T08:30:00.000-07:00

The last week and a half have been a complete blast, let me tell ya. Here's what it has consisted of...

A ONE YEAR OLD WITH A BLACK EYE:

A ONE YEAR OLD WITH A COLD SORE:

Have you ever seen a baby with a cold sore? Have you ever had a cold sore? I thought the misery would never end for this poor child! It started out small, but everyday we'd wake up and it'd be bigger. He was completely miserable. I was told a long time ago that it is worse to watch your baby suffer, than if the pain was on you tenfold. I didn't believe it, but I realized the moment that Payson was born that it was true.

I adopted a theme a few years ago that has really put me in place when stuff like this goes on in my life- "Crap happens--get over it."

Luke has now started walking, so I fear that the injuries have just begun.

"May he never stand alone again"

2009-04-12T06:21:00.000-07:00

Just take 4 minutes to watch this video.

I am SO grateful for the life and resurrection of the Savior. I can't imagine going through life not KNOWING that because of Him I will see my grandpa and Shannon again. How blessed we are!! My hope is that after watching this video we will strengthen our commitment in following his example and living his commandments.

ARE YOU SERIOUS?!

2009-04-08T19:39:00.000-07:00

Yep, its true- My "baby" is ONE! I can't believe it. Anyways, here are some pictures (cute pictures, I might add!!)

I have to say, I am kind of "anti-birthday party" when it comes to the celebration of a 1 year old's birthday. The way I see it, I wrap presents that I am going to open at the birthday party, then once they are open and they don't care about the gift you didn't really need to spend money on, then you spend the rest of the night cleaning up wrapping paper. However, I did it. Mainly for the pictures, but also because I feel like a complete slime bag for not celebrating the birth of my child.

By the way, I would just like to mention that I am officially a mother of 2 one year olds for a month and a half. LET THE FUN BEGIN.

Although some of my days are long and at times I wonder if I will make it through the day, but at the end of the day I lay down in bed and wonder what I would do without the two of them.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LUKER BOY!!!

Oh, what do you do in the summer time?

2009-03-29T12:39:00.000-07:00

Does anyone remember that obnoxious primary song, "Oh what do you do in the summer time when all the world is green? Do you fish in a stream, or lazily dream on the banks as the clouds go by? Is that what you do? So do I." I think the main reason I despise that song is cause it never rang true in my life. I remember working out in our garden (its gargantuous for those who haven't seen it) growing up and singing that song. When it got to the part that says "so do I", I'd scream "NOT ME!!!" It seemed like we were always working on some project. Garden, irrigation, yard work, etc., etc.
I have no idea where I was going with those thoughts, but whatever. I hate that song, so there.

The weather started warming up and it got time to take Payson and Luke outside and let them play (yes I know, it is back to being winter weather). My little brother Zak, loves it in the spring when he gets to loose the horses up in the pasture. I don't know if you've ever seen a horse in the spring after they've been corralled up all winter, then they regain the freedom of being able to run around in acres and acres of land. They go CRAZY. They get out there and run like nobody's business. Even our horse Molly, who happens to be extremely old- like older than me I think, gets out there and runs as if she was in the Kentucky Derby. So the other day when it got warm, I took Payson and Luke outside and as I watched Payson I felt like I had just let one of my horses free.
The kid was going bananas! It was like freeing a prisoner.

I wish this picture wasn't blurry. I'm the first to admit that I need to take a photography class (Heidi).

Even my adorable Luker-boy was loving life. I might add that Luke has gone from being my hard child (as a baby he was quite the little stinker) to my angel child. He and I will be on even better terms when he decides to stop holding his breath and going blue. One battle at a time, right?

Who can't help but love this face?! I could just kiss his face right off! He looks a lot like Marc in the picture above. Judy calls him "Mini-Marky". OH!!! And if you look REAL close you can see he has a little dimple on his right cheek (your left), just like his Aunt Kristine. I have an obsession with dimples. I've always wished I had one. What a weirdo.

Believe it or not, I did not dress them alike so that I could go outside and have a photo shoot. I am one of those obnoxious mothers who dress their kids up alike. I love when they are matching.

POTW #9

2009-03-16T13:08:00.000-07:00

My grandma just celebrated her 84th birthday, so I figured it'd only be appropriate to give her the title of Person of the Week!

Here she is in all of her glory. Does she look 84? I THINK NOT. For those who don't know her, she is the most giving person you'll ever meet. She'd give you the shirt off her back (literally) if she knew you wanted it.

A few things about my grandma:

She loves to travel- She lives for her next vacation. She isn't just satisfied traveling in small groups. When she travels, her whole family (and I do mean whole) gets to go.
She is a temple worker- She has worked at the Jordan River Temple for years.
She LOVES the Jazz-Her and Marc could talk for hours about the players, the games, the coach, etc.
She is humble- She could have any car in the world and she chooses to drive a minivan (hey, I'm just trying to be like my grandma). She could live anywhere in any house she wanted, and she chooses to live in an old brick house next to her family. She could wear any brand of clothes, yet her favorite shirts are the ones that have her grandkids' and great-grandkids' names on them.
She likes to be where the action is- If there is a party, she's there.

To celebrate her birthday of course we Had to go out to dinner! We went to Goodwood Barbeque. Good stuff, but anyways. This is one of our tables. (For some odd reason they don't have one table to accommodate 40 people.)

This group is the happiest family you'll ever meet. I won't say we never have our disagreements, but in the end we still all love and care about each other. It is because of Grandma that we are so close. She and Grandpa worked their whole lives working hard and making sacrifices to bless their future generations. I blessed to be able to say that I take part in the fruits of their labors.

Everyday I wonder what I'd do without my family, where I'd be if it weren't for my grandparents. The thought scares me. My grandma is such a great example of a stalwart follower of our Savior. She is always thinking of how she could bless us.

So what do you get for a person who could get anything they ever wanted or need? Something they'd NEVER buy for themselves....da-da-dada.... YEP! YOU GUESSED IT! JAZZ TICKETS! ROW 6, BABY!

Anyways, as you can see, my grandma is far more than deserving to be the Person of the Week!

Come what may...

2009-03-12T10:47:00.001-07:00

With the way the economy is, it has many people questioning what is going to happen. Is the stock market going to crash? Are we going to lose our jobs? Will we really need to use our food storage? I don't know how people make it in this world without the assurance of the Gospel. I would be completely miserable living without the knowledge that everything will be okay. That there is a God that loves us and is watching over us. That the prophet is leading us and will not let us stray.

As I re-listened to this I was again comforted that all is and will be well.

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Meeting

2009-03-05T08:11:00.000-08:00

We had another successful Chub Club meeting. This month it was Callie's choice and she pleased us all with Texas Roadhouse. Can't beat those rolls!
Here is a picture of all of most of the cousins- names from left to right: Joanie, Callie, Jaclyn (decided to turn her head), Chaundie (who you can't see), Jessie (can barely see), Casadilla--I mean Casey (sticking his head up), Erika, Goob, Aaron, Jeff, Me, Marc, Brooke, Jenny, Renny, Paige, Chris. We are missing Robert, Todd, Tracee, Derek, and David. Sorry if I missed someone.

Callie is patiently waiting. Patient for a pregnant women anyways.

Paige (our official spokesman if there are any problems with the restaurant-don't get her started about the Mayan) surprised us all with new shirts. Our club HAS to be official ya know. There are also shirts for our mother's that say "Proud mother of a Chub Club Member", and small shirts for the great-grandkids that say "Future Chub Club Member". Yes we are dorky, but we sure are fun.

Here is Jaclyn and baby Vienna.

Me and Cal-Bob. Note her face is skinnier than mine and she is 8 months prego. SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH THIS PICTURE.

Brooke, Jenny, and the love of my life--Renny.

In case anyone missed an older post, my cousins and I have created this "club". For years my grandma has had these dinners with her friends from her old work, UPR. She has them over and says she is having "club". So the last time she had "club", a few of my cousins and I were at my mom's discussing it and it clicked--"Why are we not in a club?!" The answer- because nobody has invited us to be in one. From there we decided that our cousins would be going out to dinner the last Tuesday of every month. Each of us get a turn choosing the restaurant starting with the youngest (Jaclyn) and working our way up to the oldest (David).

It is LOADS of fun. The waiters at the restaurants probably don't have the best of fun, but hey, its their job. When we get together it is as if we haven't seen each other in years, when really we saw each other the day before. I absolutely LOVE being so close to my cousins and I've said before, we aren't like cousins, we are siblings.

Pepsi

2009-02-26T05:19:00.000-08:00

HOW DARE THEY...

...use that stupid acronym that I abhor.

POTW #8

2009-02-23T19:26:00.001-08:00

So here's the thing- Basically I am a failure when it comes to my blog. I am sorry. It seems like lately I don't have anything to blog about, plus we have a new computer that doesn't have my pictures and stuff on yet. I must admit that I have had the thought several times, "Maybe I should quit blogging. I'm kind of tired of it." But then I remind myself that this is one way that I am doing journaling; I plan on having it all printed out into a book eventually. I also write in a journal, but it doesn't have pictures. I used to be a TON better at writing in my journal every night. For years and years I wrote every day in it, but I am also failing in that too. With as tired as I am at night when I go to bed, writing in my journal seems far less appealing then just slipping into my bed and relaxing. I only write in it about every other day. I need to be better at it. Anyways, enough blabbering-

As far as "Person Of The Week" goes, I have actually decided to make it be two people this week. Mainly because the two of them are soon to be ONE! Sorry I don't have pictures of the two of them, going back to the new computer thing. I will pull my act together and get some pictures.

BROOKE AND JAE! Many wondered if the day would come that the two of them would finally tie the knot, and believe it or not they are getting married! Jae currently lives in Colorado, but is looking for a job in Utah cause Brooke can't move out of state (moving out of South Jordan is like moving out of the state for us, therefore, moving out of the state is like moving out of the country. Get it?) If he can't find a job in Utah then Brooke is going to move to Colorado, much to her dismay.

They will be getting married July 11 in the Jordan River Temple. I am glad she chose the Jordan River Temple, that is the one I got married in. The way we see it, why wouldn't you want to get married in the temple you went to growing up? Besides, when I got married it was the only wedding of the day and there was NO rush at all. I've been to weddings at the Salt Lake Temple and it is always a rush-rush situation and way crowded.

At any rate, we are all just SO happy/excited for the two of them and can't wait for the big day!

In with the new, out with the old...

2009-02-16T08:57:00.000-08:00

Marc and I got a new laptop and none of our information has been transferred to our new computer. The screen broke on our old one. We bought this one from Costco. It is nice, but we are still debating taking it back to get an iBook. We are just trying to figure out if they are all they are cracked up to be. What do you think? Is it worth the extra money?

Count your MANY blessings...

2009-02-04T08:04:00.000-08:00

Over the last 3-4 months Marc has been threatened by lay-offs being made at his job. We were so worried because he works in a group with men who are in their 40's and have worked there for 15-20 years. He is definitely the lowest man on the totem pole. I don't know why the Lord loves us and blesses us SO much. I'm sure that it has nothing to do with my worthiness, but perhaps Marc's. Here's a few reasons why I believe that Heavenly Father might have blessed us...

Reason 1: Marc is such a good Daddy and example to his sons. I love watching the three of them play together. I know that Marc is someone that they boys will be able to look up to their whole lives.

Reason 2: Marc is ALWAYS fulfilling his calling and looking for ways to be a missionary I took this picture a few weeks ago on a Sunday after it had snowed. He has to wake up early now for his meetings before church. He is also in charge of getting the church shoveled. A few Sundays ago I look out my window to see him shoveling the non-member's driveway across the street. I find it adorable because he had to wake up early to shovel the church, then go to his meetings, and then do this (in his suit and tie). He has no idea that I took this picture.

Reason 3: Marc is willing to get up everyday and go to work to provide for his family. The boys love to stand at the door and wave bye-bye to daddy.

Reason 4: Marc treats me like a queen and is far better to me than I deserve. Every now and again Marc will send me cute text messages out of the blue that look a lot like this. I started taking pictures of them cause somehow they always get erased off of my phone.

Reason 5: Marc is willing to follow the prophet's counsel in getting an education. As if Marc doesn't have enough going, he spends a good percentage of time doing homework and going to class. I hardly even see him Monday through Thursday now because of school. It isn't easy or fun for him, but he's willing because he wants to be obedient.

Heavenly Father has blessed me so much. Not only do I have the BEST husband, but I have the BEST husband who has a JOB! Yeah Baby!

POTW #7

2009-02-02T20:07:00.000-08:00

Person of the week goes to none other than my cousin, Jeffery-effery-effery. It was his birthday last week and he is 22 years old!!! I can't believe that he is that old, I swear he is still in the 6th grade.

Here's Jeff right before he got "Silver". Poor Silver...lets not go there.

Jeff hasn't had quite the life of luxury living on Wheadon Lane due to the percentage of boys vs. girls. Of all of the grandkids who grew up on Wheadon Lane, Jeff and Zak are the ONLY boys. He has learned to deal with it and I actually believe that he enjoys us to a point!

Jeff returned home from his mission from Mississippi almost a year ago and has been teaching us ever since. If you want to know the truth, just ask him. He does not/will not beat around the bush. (Just don't ask him something you really don't want to know the truth about).

Here we are making a toast on his birthday, which just so happened to be the night of Chub Club meeting. In the picture below we are making a 22.
I just love my Jeffery SO dearly.

Want to severely sicken your child?

2009-02-02T08:24:00.002-08:00

...then go to Walmart for your prescriptions. Payson had an ear infection and prescribed an anti-biotic. I go to give Payson the medication, read the label, then think "Wow. That's an awful lot of medication for an 18 month old." I read the label again, wondering if I'm reading it correctly. As you can see, the above label says 'SEVEN TEASPOONS BY MOUTH TWICE DAILY FOR 10 DAYS'. After discussing it with Callie she coached me into getting the pharmacy on the phone. Come to find out, the label was actually supposed to read "SEVEN MLS BY MOUTH TWICE DAILY FOR 14 DAYS. FYI- 7 MLS is a little more than one teaspoon. JUST a little bit of a difference. Therefore, each dose was about 7 times the correct dose. The pharmacist repeatedly apologized for the "mix-up" while on the phone. Later that night she called again to apologize and offer a refund and to let me know that she has already reported the mistake to "her company". The next morning she called again to offer to come to my house and give me a refund and the correct labels to put on the bottles.

I didn't accept her offer to have the labels brought to my house with the refund, however I did go into the pharmacy. Above are the correct labels. I asked the pharmacist what would've happened had I not questioned the dosage. She told me that it wouldn't have killed him, however he would've had a bad rash and severe vomiting and diarrhea.

I'm sure that the reason that she called back several times was because she thought it was a lawsuit ready to happen. Were I taught to be the suing type I probably would. However, I am letting this be a lesson to me and (hopefully) to her. People make mistakes and I told her that. So with this in mind, please make sure to read your medicine bottles and always double check the labels.

The good news is that having an ear infection didn't slow him down one iota and he's still the rambunctious kid that we know.

To all you mothers:

2009-01-23T11:43:00.000-08:00

I'm having a day where I needed this, perhaps you are too-

"With night feedings and night teethings, often the greatest challenge of all for a young mother is simply fatigue. Through these years, mothers go longer on less sleep and give more to others with less personal renewal for themselves than any other group I know at any other time in life. It is not surprising when the shadows under their eyes sometimes vaguely resemble the state of Rhode Island. Do the best you can through these years, but whatever else you do, cherish that role that is so uniquely yours and for which heaven itself sends angels to watch over you and your little ones." --Elder Holland

Person of the week #5

2009-01-19T07:16:00.000-08:00

...Goes to my Dad, who celebrated his birthday over a week ago.

This is my dad with Daisy. My dad is Daisy's biggest fan, the two are inseparable. During the summer Payson loves for my dad to take him on the golf cart up to see the ducks. The two of them have created quite the bond. If Payson sees my dad heading towards the door he thinks that he is going on the golf cart. You might notice that of course, Daisy has to go too. They are quite the trio.
This is Payson having the time of his life with his "Pa". There are a few peoples' names that Payson will say, Grandpa ("Pa"), Zak ("Dak"), and "Daisy"--he's really good with that one. This was at dinner on his birthday. Somehow the server heard that we were there celebrating his birthday and got the singing going. This is totally against everything we believe in, so I'm glad that he was a good sport. I'll tell you, if anyone ever does this to me on my birthday they'll wish they hadn't.

All in all, I'm grateful for my dad and all that he has done to support our family. Because of him my mom has always been able to stay home and be a mom. He could've already retired by now, but he enjoys going to work (at Union Pacific Railroad). For as long as I can remember he has worked the graveyard shift. (He also says he'd retire but he knows my mom will put him to work:)!

My dad is one of the most sarcastic people you'd ever meet, which is probably where I get it. You can always count on him to keep you laughing. Although he may come across as snide or hard, I promise you that he is one of the most sensitive people you'll ever meet. He has always done everything he could to help Marc, Me, and the boys out & we love him very much.

CUTE?

2009-01-15T09:13:00.000-08:00

On Saturday I painted a closet door and Payson watched me. The only concern I had with him being around while I painted was that he would touch it. Luckily I was able to paint it and it dried without Payson touching it to smear the paint, let alone get it on his clothes or carpet, etc. I could've waited until naptime to do it, but the closet was in Payson's room. No way was he going to sleep with me in there painting.

Saturday night I heard Marc scream "PAYSON!" I look at Payson, and here's what I see:
Pardon the tears, he was scared when Marc screamed his name.

He didn't want to cooperated for the pictures. (I had to take some obviously).

Paint isn't toxic is it??

Along with the TV he managed to get the kitchen chair as well. Not a very good picture, but you get the point. The paint was still wet so it wiped right off the TV and the chair.

Can't wait for the "terrible two's" to come!

I did it!

2009-01-08T11:37:00.001-08:00

I FACED MY FEAR!

This is me at the movie theater, just about to go into a movie despite my gum paranoia. This is like the second movie that I've been to since Marc and I have been married (3&1/2 years). I was nervous about going in and after a full and complete examination of the seat, I was able to sit down. Go ahead and roll your eyes, I know that I am pathetic. If I could just "get over it" then trust me I would. Its such an inconvenience!

As for the movie, it definitely could have waited until it came out to see it. It isn't really my "style", the vampire stuff. I couldn't even tell my mom the plot afterwards without laughing cause it sounds so lame.

PERSON OF THE WEEK #5 RESULTS....

2009-01-05T19:12:00.000-08:00

It was brought to my attention that I failed to do a person of the week last week, please accept my apologies. I will make up for it. Person of the week goes to: CHAUNDIE.

So today my phone rings. I answer it and Chaundie says something to the effect of "Wendy, someone wants to say hi to you!" Not having a moment to ask her who it was and NEVER dreaming of who she'd put on the phone, the voice on the other side of the phone said "Hi Wendy. This is David Archuleta." It sounded like him for sure, I just thought she ran into someone who sounded like David Archuleta and was still in disbelief. I know that I am 23...wait...24 years old, but I really like David Archuleta. I think he is a complete doll and he totally deserved to win American Idol. If you think I'm a dork then whatever. Your problem, not mine. Anyways...

Before telling you the rest of the conversation, here is a little side note:

Most of you know Chaundie. She tends to joke around (just a little) so I thought she was trying to pull a quick one on me. Keep in mind that during the summer I was at Taco Time and decided to call her in a rage to tell her that David Archuleta was there and to hurry and come. He was at a Taco Time, but it was his face on somebody's shirt. Truth is, I deserved to be the victim of some kind of prank.

Back to our conversation- I said to David "This is not David Archuleta". He did his nervous little giggle that I'd recognize from anywhere, and then he said "...I was just calling to tell you Happy New Year and have a nice day". At that point I was totally convinced, but he handed the phone back to Chaundie and that was the end. I'm really quite ticked that our conversation went the way it did. I am sure that I'll never get to talk to him again. A moment of regret that will forever haunt me.

Chaundie is a David Archuleta freak. I love his voice and everything, but she like cried for 3 days straight when he lost A.I. (and no I'm not joking). I'm glad that she got to see him, after all they are engaged. She is meeting him at the Manti Temple this month to get married-just ask her.

Since I won't ever talk to him again, here's what I'd say if I could re-live our phone call: "Oh hi David! I voted for you a bazillion times cause you are by far the better singer. Simon swayed the voters, I firmly believe that. I'm ticked you didn't win and I will NEVER watch American Idol again cause I think its rigged! Oh, and Happy New Years to you too."
I feel like a flippin' teenager writing this, but whatever.

John Deere!

2009-01-02T09:46:00.000-08:00

Ever since Luke was born I've been meaning to do a post about Payson and Luke's bedroom. I chose to decorate with John Deere stuff. My mom did most of the work (or all of the work). Here's their bedroom...
My mom made both of their bedding. I had them so close together that she had to make two crib sets. Joanie made the pillow. This is Payson's crib.

Here's Luker's crib. The crib was donated from Jenny, so thanks! I'd also like to point out that my mom doesn't even use a patter while making the quilt, dust ruffle, or bumper pads. She just kind of goes with it. She's is an amazing sewer. I wish I could sew like her, its just too frustrating for me. I want to strangle someone when I sew.

This is my changing table. My mom painted it and found the John Deere stickers to put on it. She also made the changing pad and the diaper holder to the right.

The other dresser that my mom painted. You might like to note the adorable John Deere lamp on the dresser. The switch is the seat, when you turn the light on or off the tractor wheels move and it makes the tractor sound. The clock is also John Deere and every hour it sounds off a running tractor sound. Marc has been begging me to make his lunch and send it in that lunch pale.
Here's an up-close view of the diaper holder my mom made, once again no pattern. It really comes in handy!

Mom mom also made the curtains for the windows. Yep, you guessed it, no pattern.

I absolutely LOVE their bedroom. I can't go in there without thinking about A) My adorable grandpa who spent MANY years working on the farm and driving around a John Deere Tractor, and B) That my mom loves us enough to spend hours making this stuff. We are so blessed.
I might also mention that there is a picture in their bedroom of my grandpa on his John Deere Tractor. I didn't take a picture of it though, what a failure.

Its amazing!

2008-12-31T06:30:00.000-08:00

So the other morning Marc woke up and said that he had lost his ring. We fumble through the sheets looking, can't find it. Check out where we found it:

Direct your eyes to the left side of the picture on the wall. This is not a joke. This was not set up. Below is an even closer view of the ring.

Our walls aren't sticky and neither is Marc's ring. This is pretty strange, wouldn't you say? We couldn't stop laughing when we saw it, so of course, I had to take a picture to put in my "Funny Pics" file. Someday I'll let you view all of the funny/strange pictures I've taken.

Numero 4...

2008-12-22T09:25:00.000-08:00

Last week I was in California enjoying a few days without my children. My mom was kind enough to watch the boys and Marc worked. (She also kept them overnight, which is no easy task.) Therefore, I was unable to do "Person of the week". No tears please. I had a blast in Cali with my sister Joanie, Chaundie, Kate and Linette. We had many laughs, it was great. (Pics to come)

Back to the point of this post...
Person of the week #4 goes to none other than my cute brother, Zak. Zak is 21 years old, two year younger than I. Bople and I have always been buddies. He is the baby and we feel so blessed to have an angel in our family. Zak and I have a bond that can never be broken; We shared a room for MANY years, we had the exact same heart problem (Coarctation of the Aorta), we spent a year in middle school and a year in high school together. I peer tutored his class in 9th grade, then when I was a senior I had 4 periods of peer tutoring just so I could spend time with him.
Zak has a great heart. He loves to make people happy. I won't lie and say that he is ALWAYS pleasant to be around. At times he gets frustrated, but he always feels bad and sad that he has misbehaved. He thinks at the level of about a 4 year old. We have watched him grow and get bigger, but he will always be a child at heart.

When I was younger I loved Christmas and looked forward to all of the gifts. I couldn't sleep on Christmas Eve just thinking about Santa coming. For this reason I have chosen him as person of the week, he'll never grow out of loving Christmas and believing in Santa! When he starts to misbehave we just say "Ope, I hope Santa isn't watching". This usually will calm him down (for a moment).
Every year Zak insists on leaving something out for Santa. The picture above is what Bople left for Santa last year. You ought to double click on the picture to make it bigger, it is the most adorable thing in the world I'm pretty sure. Cupcakes for Santa and Mrs. Claus, and lettuce for Rudolph. (Someone helped him spell it cause Zak could not have written this by himself.)

When Marc and I got married we decided to sleep at my parents house on Christmas Eve just so that we can enjoy it with Zak. He makes us excited for Christmas. We get woken up early, and by early I mean around 4:30 a.m. if we're lucky, so that we can go up and see what Santa left. He gets so excited and gets to be the first one up the stairs. He patiently waits (or not so patiently) on the stairs while mom and dad examin what Santa left and gets the camera ready.
Then once he is up the stairs he starts ripping open the gifts. He can't open them fast enough. Just like a child, he doesn't even stop to enjoy the gifts once they're opened. He just moves right onto the next one. Once they are all opened he questions why there aren't more. He gets upset that its over.
Zak loves my boys. When I go over there the first thing he says is "Where's Payson?" Or he'll ask where his "nephews" are. I look forward to many more Christmas' to come, especially in a few years when my boys and Zak are anxiously waiting for Santa to come.

Zak has taught us all many things. He has become childlike, "submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the lord seeth fit to inflict upon him". I am so grateful to have him as a brother and I wouldn't change him for the world!

Remember...

2008-12-13T05:30:00.000-08:00

THE CHRISTMAS STORY!

The last 2 years at Christmas time, my mom and my uncle have created a live nativity in our pasture. Its really cool cause these people really look real! Okay, so the people aren't live, but the animals are! I donated my manikin heads from hair school (my only contribution to this project.) They stuff the bodies. Oh...I also cut Joseph's beard, it was as long as his hair. I have no idea who/what decided to get in a portion of this picture, sorry its cut out a little. Hey,I never claimed to be a photographer.
The sweet thing is that the animals are real. The donkey (thanks for being there for us Joe) and the lambs are gated in with the nativity. The horses roam around the outside of the gates. The animals really "made" the nativity. Joe decided to nibble on Brooke's clothes during the program. This is me being part of the nativity before our little program. What a dweeb I am. Don't leave out the Shepherds coming from the east! (North for our nativity). Don't they look real? Here is Jaclyn, Chaundie, Marc and I. We snuggled to stay warm, and that's saying a lot cause our family is not the snuggle, lovey-dovey, goo-ball kind of people. To make a long story short, we all go out there and read the Christmas story and sing Christmas songs. Its really cool-pun intended. Although it was cold, you couldn't help but feel the spirit of Christmas and its meaning. A big shout-out to my mom and Ron for doing this. Its a lot of work, they worked on it for like 2-3 days straight. People passing by are constantly sending thank-you notes and coming to talk to them about it. If you know where I grew up, you should drive by there. You can see it on the main road. (I'm going to go ahead and NOT say the address cause I don't want my family to have stalkers, thanks anyways.) However, I highly recommend a drive-by. Its worth it.

Festivities...

2008-12-09T08:28:00.000-08:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!! I love this time of year! Now that I have children I love it even more.
For a long time my family has done a tree for the festival of trees. This year we did it in honor of Paul and Jeromy, some friends of the family. Paul and Jeromy are brothers who both suffered from Muscular Dystrophy. They have both passed away now (within a period of a year and a half or so of each other). It was a privilege to be able to think of them as we made the decorations and decorated the tree. I love the festival of trees.

Here's my mom who is, of course, the ring leader. Isn't she cute?
Callie and I did our usual, walk around to look at the trees and check out what was there to eat. If you see Callie, ask her about her nacho cheese. I should've had my camera, dang it. At least we stayed away from the hot glue guns, right Cal?
We just so happen to have been two trees down from the Jazz Tree, which the Jazz Bear was decorating. We called Zak to tell him that the bear was right next to us and he found a ride (thanks Dad) to come see him. Zak loves the Jazz and the bear, so he was happy to see him! He of course had to wear his Jazz shirt for the bear to sign. The bear was SO cute to Zak!
Anyone who knows my grandma, knows that she also has a little bit of an obsession with the Jazz. Marc goes over there to her house to watch EVERY game because she has the right TV station, which we don't have, and cause Marc and Grandma can talk "Jazz" together. I think grandma has a little "crush" on the bear.
I DARE you to tell me that isn't the cutest picture you've ever seen...

and z winna is...

2008-12-08T09:15:00.000-08:00

Ruthy!!!
Ever since Luke was born he and Ruthy have been "kindred spirits". We just love Lukers to pieces, but with his adorable smile and high-pitched giggle also comes his not-so-fun moments. He tends to be somewhat stubborn (like his mother) at times. He has gotten a lot better and isn't quite as irritable anymore, but Ruthy has always had a way with Luke. When we go over to my mom's house, Ruth just takes over with him and he loves her. He will ALWAYS calm down for her. She plays with him, feeds him, changes him, and loves him. People tend to call Ruth Luke's other mother. I so appreciate all of her help and her willingness to give me a break. She is always willing to watch him for me.

Years and years ago, I'd say more than 10 years ago, Ruth moved in with us. She is a long distant cousin (I've never been to knowledgeable on the whole 3rd cousin, once removed garbage). However, she is more like a sister to me. We shared a bedroom for years and have had MANY laughs.

We are so grateful to have Ruthy in our family.

Person of the week #3

2008-12-01T05:49:00.000-08:00

...and the winner is...my cousin Jaclyn.

One of the reasons Jaclyn is person of the week is cause it's her birthday this week. However, there are many reasons she has earned it. Jac is the youngest of the cousins and I don't think that its a very easy job to fulfill. To us she'll always be a "little kid". Because of that she is always chosen to run the errands, or go get peoples' stuff for them. She is always willing to watch my kids for free.

Of all of my cousins, Jaclyn is by the far the most sensitive and passive. She is easy going and doesn't question much of anyone. Jaclyn has an extreme love for animals. It doesn't matter the animal, it is treated like a human being. She has a cat that has had kittens (so many times I can't even count, it is reproducing at a rate that I never knew was possible). The last batch of kittens all died, each causing Jaclyn to feel as though she lost a member of the family.

My mom knew how much it meant to Jaclyn for the cat to live (one of the three had already died), so they two of them spent an entire day tube feeding the kitten to try and save it.

The cat did perk up, but then still ended up dying.

The sad part is that it was a pretty cute kitten (as far as kittens go).

It was a very sad and disappointing day. A few days later our dog (thanks a heap Wilbur) got the last kitten. Now all we have to look forward to is the next batch of kittens!

There are many things to learn from Jac. For these reasons and more, she is person of the week. You go Jackie.

Oh YES I am..

2008-11-26T14:21:00.000-08:00

Being as it is Thanksgiving, I wanted to post a few things that I am especially thankful for. I could never list everything, this is just the short version.

*First and foremost, The Gospel. I would be lost without it.
*The desire I have to do what is right.
*The scriptures.
*My parents who taught me just about everything I know.
*To Live in America and enjoy the freedoms I have.
*Marc, need I say more. Read person of the week #1.
*My boys. I love nap time, but not as much as I love their smiles when I go into get them.
*To have grown up next to all of my cousins/grandparents/uncles/aunts.
*My heart. That its fixed.
*My Home. I often complain its small, but I am SO blessed to have it.
*Air Conditioning, the reason I couldn't have been a pioneer.
*To know that I can be with my sister and grandpa again.
*Marc's job. Now lets just pray that he can keep it.
*Pink and Green. Love them. Not to be confused with purple, which I am not so grateful for.
*Vacations.
*A dishwasher, more grateful than I have ever been for one.
*To have gotten an education. I am more grateful now than then.
*A car. I really am grateful for my rusty, squeaky, too small for 2 children, needs a new starter & something else fixed, car. I've always had a way to get where I want to go. I wouldn't look good in nice wheels. I'm grateful that its not an extreme priority or desire. Really, not being sarcastic-I have to clarify.
*Christmas Time.
*The gift of repentance. Heaven knows I need it.
*To still live close to family.

I am grateful. I am blessed beyond measure, and that is no exaggeration.

Person of the week #2

2008-11-24T08:35:00.000-08:00

...and the winner is MY MOM!

There's no doubt, my mom is the hardest working women I've ever met and I'd be surprised if she wasn't the hardest working women you'll ever meet. I'm often embarrassed that my mom has more energy (or so it seems) than me. I don't know where she gets it. Well actually I do-my grandpa, who is the hardest working man I've ever known.

My mom has a shirt that says "I've found something that does the work of three men, one women". In her case it couldn't be more true, really. She is a auto machanic, a plumber, a builder, a painter, a farmer, an electrician, etc. You get my drift. She also finds time to fulfill her calling, serve anyone/everyone, geneology, and many other things.
When my aunt passed away giving birth 27 years ago (or so), mom took on the raising of my two cousins. She already had my two sisters, who were both under the age of 2. On days that I feel I can't go on any longer, I remind myself that my mom raised 4 children all under the age of 2&1/2 years old. She now watches my neice and nephew Aside from all of the work she does, she manages somehow to keep up with everything else that goes on in her life. I don't feel like she's been dealt the easiest life either, and I honestly believe its because Heavenly Father knew that she (unlike me or anyone else) could do it and had to challenge her somehow.
Besides dealing with most of her children having somewhat significant health problems, she has been nothing but devoted to my brother. Zak has BRR Syndrome and thinks at the capacity of about a 4 year old (or so). He will never grow out of childhood. She still keeps going. On top of everything going on in her life, she nursed my sister, Shannon, as she suffered for 2 years with multiple brain tumors and AVM's. After the many hours she spent making sure Shannon was comfortable, she let her move on to the Spirit World after the doctor told her that she'd never have her intelligence back or regain control of her body. My mom doesn't like praise or attention to boot, so she'll probably murder me if she hears anything about this-shhh
For many more reasons than this, my mom wins Person of the Week. There was no competition.

Yeah BABY!!!

2008-11-22T13:19:00.000-08:00

This totally deserves its own post....LUKE SLEPT THROUGH THE NIGHT!!!! I couldn't have been happier this morning when Marc woke me up at 6:00 to tell me I was sleeping on an angle and to move over, and then I realized that Luke hadn't woken up! (I don't need to add that its about blasted time!) Now I expect it every night! Keep your fingers crossed! He never even made it to the bath tub last night(He starts in his crib and once he starts crying he gets drafted to the bath tub). Perhaps he was getting sick of the tile scenery in the bathtub? Who knows...who cares!!!

Opinions...

2008-11-19T07:51:00.000-08:00

You've heard the phrase "Opinions are like feet, everybody's got them but they usually stink". That is not the case today. I want your opinion on something I've been thinking about. DO NOT leave this this blog without commenting on what I should do or your computer is going to blow up in your face. You may think that I'm an idiot for worrying/thinking about this, but its a big deal-or at least it is to me. So here's the gig...

Just to brief you a little, some of you may not know that when I was in the 10th grade I stopped eating sweets. No chocolate, no candy, no cakes, no ice cream, NOTHING. No vacations off, no holidays off, no birthdays off. Don't get me wrong, I love this stuff just as much as the next guy. I really do, don't tell me that I don't or I'll scream. When I started this "diet" I didn't intend on stopping forever, but once I was off for a while and no longer craved it or anything then I decided to just never eat anything again until the day I got married. On my wedding day I ate a piece of cake for the first time in probably 5 years or so. I went back on my diet after that and decided that every time I had a baby I'd eat whatever I want while I was in the hospital and then go back on my diet. So, I've been back on the wagon for 7 months now.

I've been thinking about starting to eat my favorite (strawberry milkshakes from McDonalds) on my birthday. My birthday is next month so I have to decide now. Once again, you probably think I'm a dork for posting something so stupid, but its a huge decision. The reason that I am skeptical is because I've had SO many people tell me how much they "admire" me for my discipline. At least 2-3 times a month different people tell me that they are starting the "Wendy Diet". I don't want to make another exception to my diet (more than just being able to eat crap the three days I'm in the hospital when I have my babies). I worry that I'll just want more if I start making exceptions for b-days and holidays. But then again, I want the strawberry milkshake!!!

Try hard not to laugh at this post. To be honest if anyone ever posted something this lame on their blog I'd laugh in their face.

What should I do???

Person of the week...

2008-11-17T10:25:00.000-08:00

I've been wanting to start "spotlighting" someone each week who means a lot to me. Anyone who wishes to have a person of the week, feel free to join me. It may be boring to those who may not know the person I am spotlighting, but nobody is forcing you to read this.

So, without further adoo, the person of the week goes to... da-da-dada...

...My Husband, Marcus David Wyner!
While my words cannot express how much he means to me, here are a just a FEW reasons why.
*He has such a good heart. Although he often says stuff before he thinks about it, he wouldn't hurt anyone's feelings on purpose (unlike myself). After he does say something wrong, he spends hours thinking about it and feeling bad. He is always apologetic. He loves to make people happy.
*He is forgiving. He'd have to be to live with me. He never holds a grudge and doesn't wait for an apology.
*He honors his priesthood. I am so grateful to know that if I ever want a blessing I can ask him and know that he is worthy to give me one.
*He is such a good daddy. It is adorable to watch him play with our boys. He loves them so much and they love him. Payson is a daddy's boy. He is always willing to make a bottle and feed them, change them, hold them, and anything else.
*He fulfills his calling. Marc is the Elders' Quorum President, and it is not an easy calling (especially in our ward). He will often do service projects by himself or with one of his counselors because he cannot find anyone to help him out. It breaks my heart to sit and listen to him call every member of the quorum to help him move someone, clean the church, do a service project, etc., and have him NEVER find anyone to help him. I get more frusterated with his calling than he does.
*Marc is a hard worker. Each morning I watch him go out the door to go to work and I can't help but be grateful for him. He doesn't have the easiest job, especially with the way the economy is right now, but he is the youngest person with his position in the nation. He is smart and knows his job, and he does it well.
*He loves me. I haven't figured out why, but he really loves me! Every morning and night (without fail) he kisses me and says, "Good morning (night), beautiful". Many times I'll lay down and wonder if when he climbs in bed he'll forget to say it, but I've never caught him forgetting. It's hard to believe someone could actually love this (focus eyes to the left).

He rarely reads my blog because he doesn't have a lot of time to, so I don't have to worry about him getting a big head :) However, I do love him so much and I'm grateful for all that he does.

And that is why he is the "Person of the Week"!