Birthday Boy!

Where has the past seven years gone?

 

 

How could I not love that face!

 

Mommas boy for sure!

 

Uncle Bradleys nose

 

My dimples

 

(Holla at my girl Eva!)

 

Dressed like Papa for halloween (2009)

 

His first read every five minutes book~ May I Please Have a Cookie

 

Fixing the table with Papa

 

He loved wearing his glasses upside down

 

What a good lookin family

 

 

 

Chillin in Grandma Sandys pool

 

 

 

Fourth birthday

 

 

Jaxson and Emmers 2011

 

 

 

Kindergarten at John Campbell (2011)

 

 

The true Jaxson spirit

 

 

 

 

 Yearly, I find myself lamenting on the aging of my sweet little Jaxson. By now one would think I was more used to the idea of my children growing up, but alas it is always bitter sweet. My sweet little bug is now a handsome young man making his was through life! Happy Birthday Jaxson!

This birthday was filled with family, fun and PRESENTS! How cool to have a birthday next to a holiday....built in guest list! My parents, Ric and Lori, Heidi and Josh, and Erik Alber were all in attendance. We sang and gave presents then made our way bowling! It was a fantastic little birthday. We were so proud of Ric bowling with a 14 pound ball! What a trooper. My mom laid the smack down on all of us (guess that bowling leauge paid off!)

 

Jaxson recieved a variety of Legos (his favorite past time), a snow hat, a sweet airplaine and my personal contribution......a Caboodle! Poor Andrew was just beside himself when I purchased the Caboodle. Jaxson saw mine and has been obsessed with it. No need to fret, I did give him some Star Wars sticker to jazz it up....make it more manly!

Jaxson 2012:

 

Color: Red and Blue

Food: Mac and cheese

Worst food ever: NUTS ( though he loves peanuts)

School subject: Recess, mileage club

Tv show: My Little Pony, Cake Boss, Mythbusters

Movie: Star Wars

Game: Dodgeball, the Wii

Scripture Story: The one where they bury their swords (aka AntiNephiLehis)

Toy: Lego police

Animal: Cat

Word: Teenager

Song: Anything Justin Bieber

Best Friend: Miles

Favorite thing about yourself: That I can build Legos

Something funny: Making my armpit noises

When I grow up: I want to arrest bad guys

The coolest thing you have seen: My mom

If you had one wish what would it be: For a 1,000 Legos

Anything else you want to tell me about yourself? I have a wonderful mother and father

10 things I learned from the election

We congratulate President Obama on winning a second term as President of the United States.

After a long campaign, this is now a time for Americans to come together. It is a long tradition among Latter-day Saints to pray for our national leaders in our personal prayers and in our congregations. We invite Americans everywhere, whatever their political persuasion, to pray for the President, for his administration and the new Congress as they lead us through difficult and turbulent times. May our national leaders reflect the best in wisdom and judgment as they fulfill the great trust afforded to them by the American people.

We also commend Governor Romney for engaging at the highest level of our democratic process, which, by its nature, demands so much of those who offer themselves for public service. We wish him and his family every success in their future endeavors.

( message from the First Presidency of the church)

 

10 things I learned from the election:

1) I am blessed to live in a land where we have the ability to vote! I get to remember to show gratitude for this blessing!

 

2) God is not a Liberal or Conservative.....he is not even AMERICAN! (Ric Packard) This seems obvious now that I have heard it...but this statement helped me to gain a brighter perspective.

 

3) My Father in Heaven, his son Jesus Christ and our living prophet are the captain of my ship.

 

4) The current president of the United States has no relevance to my eternal salvation. I have the choice to live frugally even if it is not the popular practice.

 

5) I believe now more than ever that we need to unite as a country. I was deeply saddened by the invitation to sign a petition to succeed from the union. I feel living in the good ol' USA is a chance not given to many. I do not wish to further weaken our nation.

 

6) Be they conservative or liberal....white, grey, green or pink, we all believe in doing what we think is right. I will no longer be looking to find the scandal on the other side of the aisle.

 

7) Prayer is a powerful tool.

 

8) Face book is a place where feelings are easily hurt. People say and act in ways they would not if it had to be said face to face. I get to have a more positive attitude. I will focus on positing more truth (i.e the message of Christ) and less on commenting on things that I may or may not agree with.

 

9) I love being able to discuss political things and the gospel with my husband.

 

10) I am no longer a slave to one party. We need to get it together people and live our lives with purpose!  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 What did you learn? Feel free to share via comment :D

 

 

 



 

 

 





Tender Mercies

Some days I wish that I could freeze time or slow it down in some way. I used to attempt to tell Jaxson that he wasn't allowed to grow up. He always would assure me that he would love me forever but that growing up was part of Heavenly Fathers plan. (Talk about being put in my place) Recently, I decided that although the moments are passing quickly, I love watching my children grow and learn. The best thing to me is watching them figure this world out all while discovering a relationship with Jesus Christ.

(Jaxson 1st grade)

This week we had daylight savings time....the one where you get extra sleep! Yeah baby! Come 05:30 in the morning I hear Jaxson rustling around in the kitchen. After willing myself out of bed, I attempted to reason with him about getting a little more sleep. What he said to me was priceless..."Mom, today is Sunday. I am so excited to go to church and be in the house of Jesus that I just cannot possibly sleep!" At that moment my heart was full....where did I get such great kids.

After church was finished we headed out to the car as per usual. Andrew, Jaxson and I were talking about our lessons. Jaxson then said "Mom, I just really love you. You give my heart a warm feeling that makes me want to cry." He then started to tear up. What a beautiful thing to hear as a mother. What a great opportunity for us to talk about what feeling the Holy Ghost feels like.

Mosiah 3:19

 

 For the natural man is an enemy to God, and has been from the fall of Adam, and will be, forever and ever, unless he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit, and putteth off the natural man and becometh a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord, and becometh as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father.

Oh how relevant this passage is!

 

 

 

 

We had another fantastic date to the temple! It is strange to live what I would consider a distance from the temple. Growing up the Idaho Falls Temple was practically in our back yard! I appreciate growing up so close to such a beautiful place. I love to see the Temple!

 

After completing the session, we wandered over to the family history center. Somewhere, I picked up this idea that I want to start working on my family tree. They showed us what program to sign up for and how to submit family names. I found two men and one woman to start working on....yaya!

 

We were able to print out a fan chart that shows our family tree back nine generations. It was fun looking at all the names. We discovered that Andrew is related to some individuals with some great names! For example, Experience Phelps who was married to Preserved Alvord Bartlett. Come on, that one is good for a chuckle.  I called Kynwynn when I got home and gave these names to her as proof that the name Kynwynn Celecta is not so bad. Also, somewhere in that chart we found our babies name! :D

 

As we were driving home from the Tri-cities (Richland) I was reading names and then we would laugh or discuss what these people may have been like. We were having a blast talking (usually our car rides are pretty quiet). Suddenly, we come over a hill and were on a bridge crossing the Columbia River. The sign read "Welcome to Oregon." Hahahah we were so distracted that we drove 30 minutes in the wrong direction.

 

We found the nearest exit to turn around and Andrew said "You know, lets just get some gas." So we did the whole Oregon sit in your car and wait for someone to come fill you up thing. While waiting, I noticed the man in the van kiddy-corner to us kept looking our way and smiling. I love a smiles and happy people. As we were getting ready to drive away he came over to our car and handed us a little booklet. "The Happiness Digest." He said to Andrew "You must be a preacher or a salesman? Either way we are all fisherman, right?" With that he turned and walked back to the car. I found on the back cover a message about true happiness coming from a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. My heart was overjoyed. First, I needed his example  (remember back to the missionary challenge I previously mentioned). I was truly impressed with the kind sweet manner that he shared a beautiful truth with us. I was touched that he would care enough to want to show me the way. Second, I love how truth is truth not matter what religion a person is.

 

Ether 6: 11&12

11 And thus they were driven forth, ^athree hundred and forty and four days upon the water.

12 And they did ^aland upon the shore of the ^bpromised land. And when they had set their feet upon the shores of the promised land they bowed themselves down upon the face of the land, and did humble themselves before the Lord, and did shed tears of joy before the Lord, because of the multitude of his ^ctender mercies over them. 

 

I am so thankful for a merciful Father who shows me so many tender mercies!

Goodbye October...HELLLLOOO November!

 

We had some awesome spaghetti this week. I discovered these new noodles that are whole grain not whole wheat and they were fantastic. I thought my family was so cute while eating I had to document it.

 

 

Seriously, little sister can pack it in! She was almost through with her dinner by the time the rest of us got served. The one drawback to the spaghetti dinner + fast messy eater....you cant just put her on the ground to run around. Nope, straight to the bathroom. Some nights Andrew and I end up in the bathroom with the baby in the tub and plates on our lap. I am sure every mom can relate!

 

I always know I have done something right when Jaxson eats without protest. I love that this dinner came from food storage! Andrew is amazed at how big Jaxson is getting. He is growing into quite the young man. Jaxson also has developed a new talent.....armpit farts. :D (You can probably guess who cracks up the most)

Two things about this photo: Andrew is cute and how in the world did a spaghetti noodle get in my cup? I now have the messiest fingers and cup at the table?

 



 

We had some hot chocolate afterwards.....more food storage benefits!

 

 

This is Mandy, she is a total blessing in our lives. She lives down the street and watches our kids. On Halloween she had a little pre trick-or-treat shindig. The kids loved it.

 

"EMMERS!!!!! Look at the CAMERA!"

 

We were ladybugs! Yes, that lipstick did in fact stain my lips and cheeks!

 

Precious moments!

 

This is the part where she turned to the little baby and said "Hello" with a wave. We can't believe how fast she is growing up.

 

We had the blessing of having not two but four missionaries over for dinner. I had many fantastic plans for dinner but in the end pizza happened.

 

I am thinking he should audition for walking dead ?

 

With so many people we had a little picnic on the living room floor. I hope we will not be the laughing stock in the missionary world. We loved having them over. We watched a great little video clip and discussed the importance of a testimony. For me, I treasure my testimony because it guides me through this dark and crazy world. It is the light I cling to everyday. Having experienced life with and without a testimony, I know that only one road has brought me peace and happiness. That is not saying my life is perfect....just that the knowledge of Jesus Christ and his atonement help me to face this world and find the joy.

They left me with a challenge that was truly inspired! What a great example for Jaxson to see. He had such a blast he invited them over on his birthday for dinner! We can't wait to see them again.

A Crazy Day for a Hat?

Funny story time. I came accross a picture on pinterest that basically says, screw salmonella, I am eating the raw batter. I had to show this to Andrew because this is my mantra. Cookie dough should never be wasted by baking it! I love cookie dough. Andrew looks at me with a serious but amused face... "Oh I know you like to eat the dough! Why do you think I spend the extra time double washing the eggs?  Because that is where the germs are and I do not want you getting sick." BBHAHAHHAHA! That folks is eternal love. All along this man has been quietly wasing the eggs with out me noticing just so I can enjoy the fruits of cookie dough labor with out dying! <3

 

In honor of Halloween, I thought this picture was quite fitting!

 

 

 

Here is another throwback picture. A few ears back we went to a carnival that had one of those places where people bring their cool cars. I had to take a picture of this truck! It reminds me of working on the ranch at Bill Martinells. I first learned to drive (stick) on a truck very similar to this one. Only I am sure the one on the ranch had a big hole in the floor board. We called it The Creamsicle!

 

 

This thing was pimped out! Do you remember this truck Mom or Dad?

 

 

This video below always puts a smile on my face! Emilee made this noise while sucking her binki ALL THE TIME. It was especially noticable during the night!

 

 

Thursday night Jaxson notified us that Friday was indeed.......CRAZY HAT DAY! I was momentarily overjoyed thinking of all the possible creations. As a kid, Crazy Hat Day was my jam! I have a specific memory of my mother taking a basket and placing it on my head, then putting flowers in it. If I had a scanner, I would show you! Trust me, the hat was classic. Andrew and I had the same idea for Jaxsie almost immediately. Lets make something out of a diaper!!!!! We were most likely a tad to excited.  Jaxson was not even close to amused and asked to just make what he wanted.

 

 

 

After a visit to the craft room and the cupboards this is what our table looked like. Again, making a mess never bothers me, its the cleaning it up part that gets my goat!

 

Andrew was a great help. Glue guns are not for the faint of heart.  

 

I thought the hat was awesome. I love watching my kids be creative. Please note that at some point during the day Jaxson got a bit hungry. When he came home the gummy snacks were all bitten in half! I cant wait to see what he comes up with next year.

 

This is what happens when the hubbs tried to take my picture when I have not put my face on!

 

So GQ!

 

Great Hat MAN!

 

 

Friday was also the Apple Valley Monster Ball. It was a chaotically awesome time. This year Jaxson decided to be a kind vampire.....aka NO BLOOD. I think the blood would creep him out. He looked great. The teeth made him drool which I thought was quite funny.

 

The place was packed....seriously. Very little standing room and hard to see where the lines where.

 

Jaxson had a set amount of tickets and played the games until they were gone.

 

Gettin' some ink.

 

I liked this game. They were throwing rings at the suckers, if it landed they could keep it.

 

Dinner was Frankenstein Fingers (hot dogs) and Witches Brew (water). It was a great date night with my little man.

Pre Oct. 31st Festivities

Basically, today rocked! I have been looking toward October 24th for a month or so now. Every day I measure time according to its proximity to the 24th. See, me and the old ball and chain finally wised up and made a date day. WHOOOO! Dates are hard to come by when family is no where near. Anyways, we both arranged to have the day off , shipped Emmers to daycare and Jaxson to school. Where did we go? The temple and lunch...perfection.

I am so thankful for The House of the Lord. I love how the world can feel like it is falling apart but the moment I walk through those doors I feel an instant peace in my soul. I feel my burdens are instantly made light and my soul can rest. The words of How Firm a Foundation have never rung more true.

 How firm a foundation ye saints of the Lord,
Is laid for your faith in his excellent word;
What more can he say than to you he hath said?
Who unto the savior for refuge hath fled.

 

Fear not, I am with thee; O be not dismayed!
For I am thy God, and will still give thee aid;
I'll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand,
Upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand.

 

 When through the deep waters I call thee to go,
The rivers of sorrow shall not thee o'erflow;
For I will be with thee, thy troubles to bless,
And sanctify to thee thy deepest distress

 

The soul that on Jesus hath leaned for repose,
I will not, I cannot, desert to his foes:
That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake,
I'll never - no, never, no, never forsake!”

 

I have truly felt of late that all Hell is attempting to shake me to the core. Today, I knew with a surety that though all hell may endeavor to shake my soul, I can find peace and protection in my savior. What a beautiful feeling. I am so thankful for the knowledge I have of the Great Plan of Happiness. I have been blessed with a great husband and awesome kids!

 

 

 



This day was also awesome because.........we rocked the pumpkin carving.

 

 

These two boys were a bit excited. Dear Andrew.....love the face!

 

One must concentrate when cutting. Jaxson thought his dad was pretty cool!

 

 

I feel the need to show that we do attempt to involve Emilee, but she would rather not.

 

First, he started with a spoon. I often get the feeling he does not like to get his hands dirty. ( His pants though are a whole different story)

 

 

"Hey mom.....do you think I could just use my hands?" Ummm, YEAH! I applaud messes!

 

 

It was painstaking work sifting out all those seeds! I decided to channel my mother and make some sweet/spicy pumpkin seeds.

 

 

~ Andrew tells me this is the quintessential Joni face ~

 

I will now quote the almost 7 year old. "Mom look, I am making the guts poop!" BHAHAHHAAH!  I probably should not laugh at bathroom humor but it cracks me up! I had to get a pic so that I could remember it! (Also, I am pretty sure I saw Andrew crack a little smile)

 

A "gut mountain."

 

 

The pumpkin was just calling for a good SHANKING!

 

SHANK

SHANK

SHANK

 

Not bad....not bad!

 

 The lights make it all.

 

Bring on the CANDY!