The Results are in!!!!

I went in for my routine ultrasound last friday and finally saw the sex of our baby. We are having a baby boy!!!! I am so excited to finally know and be able to plan now. Alex has been so cute about it. The two weeks before I went in he had been telling me that we were having a baby boy and as we dropped him off at his grandparents, he told me again that we were having a baby boy and that I could count on him because he knows. Obviously he knew more than I did because I felt pretty confident that we were having a girl. (So much for mothers intuition.) I am really thrilled to have another boy though. Alex has been such a joy to have and I can't wait to see how this new little man will bless our lives. Now we just have to decide on his name. We are leaning towards Benjamin Walter Lund but there are a couple of others names that we are tossing around. Benjamin is really the only one that we both seem to agree on so I think that we will probably stick with that. Things can always change though, so stay tuned for any updates. Now I just need to make it throught the Holidays and I will only have three more months to go. It seems like such a long way away until I get to see him.

Boy or Girl?

Yay, I finally have the date for my ultrasound. It will be on November 14th at 11:30. I can hardly stand the anticipation. I feel like this has taken a long time to finally get to this point. Maybe that is because I already have a child or maybe it is because I have some pretty strong feelings (just like with Alex) that I know that sex of the baby already. Anyway, I thought to help me pass the time, it would be fun to take a poll and see what other people think we are having. Obviously it doesn't really matter because we are so excited to be having another child. I just think that it is fun to see what others think. I am not one of those people who can wait to find out the sex of the baby. I love to plan ahead and have the nursery all decorated in the gender specific style that I choose. (I have already been looking at things when I am at the store to see what I like that is out there.) So, let me know what your feelings are on the matter. I would love to hear what you think.

Who do you vote for?

I have been debating about this post for quite awhile now. I don't usually like to discuss politics with a lot of people because the conversations tend to get a little heated and passionate, which usually makes me uncomfortable. However, this presidential election is different. In the past elections I have always had a clear feeling on who I should vote for. This elections is different though. I have been researching the candidates and listened to their debates, but I don't have a strong feeling for either one of them. So, here is what I am asking. I would like each of you take a minute and tell me who you are going to vote for and why. I could really use some help and value your opinion. If you don't feel like doing this that is fine. I just thought that this would be helpful for me. May God bless us and America during these changing times.

Morning Sickness?

Whoever decided to call it morning sickness is totally messed up. It must have been a man because there is no way that it is just in the morning. Throughout this first trimester, I have been really struggling at night (and other times of the day) with "morning sickness". Tomorrow I will be 12 weeks and hope that this will get better as the pregnancy moves along. I am constantly surprised at the differences between this pregnancy and Alex's. Not only am I showing a lot sooner than I did with Alex, but all of my problems and symptoms seem to be heightened. Everyone tells me that I must be having a girl then. It will be interesting to find out if that theory it true. I really just hope that during my second trimester I can feel a little bit more energetic and the sicknesses will mellow out. Even if they don't though, as long as the baby is healthy and doing well that is the most important thing.

Expanding the family

August 6th, 2008 will always be a day that I will remember clearly. To anybody else it was probably just another day but to me it was the day that my prayers were answered. It was that day that we found out that I am pregnant!!! I have had all of my blood work done and everything looks really good and the baby seems nice and healthy (it looks like there is only one). Hopefully things will continue that way. I am just so grateful that we were blessed with this child. Alex has been really cute ever since I told him. He changes is mind everyday on what the sex of the baby is but really seems to be understanding what is happening with me and my body. Just today he was in my room as I was getting dressed and pointed to my belly and asked if it was getting bigger (nice way to help me feel good about my figure). Then he asked if that was were the baby was. I told him yes and that the baby would continue to grow in me until it was big enough to come out and let us all see it and hold it. He seemed to get it. Hopefully he does. So far things have been going pretty smooth . I have been incredibly tired and occasionally nauseated (especially in the evening) but nothing that is bad enough to make me throw up. I just keep praying that it will stay this way and that the baby will continue to grow healthy and strong. I will be praying and keeping my fingers crossed throughout the rest of the pregnancy that everything will go well.

House Guests

Last weekend I had a good friend of mine from high school (Tiffany) come and stay with me. Her and her husband came back to Utah to go to our 10 year high school reunion. Jackson and I graduated in the same class together but we weren't sure if we were going to attend the reunion until my friend Tiffany told me she was coming. They drove from California and arrived Thursday night. Friday night was the reunion. Our class officers decided to have the reunion at Wheeler Farm in the barn. It was big enough but it was really lame. They had BBQ and played some weird video from high school that had a lot the cheerleaders doing really strange things. (I didn't even recognize the video.) Anyway, the reunion was so not worth going to but it was really cool to see my friend again. She moved out to California right after high school and I haven't seen her since. I told her that even though the reunion was dumb it was worth it if it brought her out here. Alex really loved playing with them, especially Jeff, who is just like a kid himself. I love having house guest and these two were no exception. They were very respectful and a lot of fun to be with! We will not be going to any more reunions but we loved the company that we had. Hopefully there will be more in our future.

Thanks for All the Help

I am so grateful today for all of my friends and family that have helped as we are struggling to have another child. Yesterday, was a very difficult day for me. It is hard to put it into words but I just felt like the weight of everything we are struggling with was beating down on me. Through all of this, it was so amazing to see how that Lord made it clear that he was aware of my pain. As I went about my day (trying to keep myself occupied) I was bombarded with calls of love and concern for me. It came from my sisters, who have all showed their love and support in so many ways, and my mother, who I called just to ask a few questions. Then I had a dear friend in the neighborhood drop by just because she was driving by. It doesn't make the hurt go away, but it is nice to have people to share it with. Then the most important people to me, my husband and son, shared their love and concern for me. Jackson was very sweet and understanding about the struggles I have with this and Alex was so cute about it. Every time he saw me cry, he would walk over to me, put his little hands on my face and tell me not it cry. He told me everything was just fine. It was so sweet. A little simplistic but very cute. I know that it will all work out but it sure had given me a new perspective on what others I know have gone through. I am extremely grateful to those in my life who can sympathize with me because they have been here themselves. Most importantly, I can't imagine going through this without my Savior. I am well aware of his love and concern for me. Without that, I don't know how anyone makes it through this life!!! Thanks to all of you for you love and concern for me and my family and for listening to me even when I'm emotional and moody (stupid fertility drugs). I can't thank people enough for all that they do for me.

I Love Being an Aunt

On Thursday last week, my sister-in-law had her first baby. She is a beautiful little girl with a petite size frame. She only weighed 6lbs. 3oz and 19in. long. Her name is Eva Julie Chatelain. Nicole did really with the labor and delivery but I think that the pain afterwards surprised her. While I was at the hospital it got me reminiscing about all of my wonderful nieces and nephews and about my own labor and delivery with Alex. It has been quite awhile since we have had a newborn in our family that it was surprising to see how little they are. (It is amazing to me how you can forget things like that.) All of my sweet nephews and nieces are so beautiful and unique. It is so much fun to watch them grow and learn. It is almost as good as being a mom. I am so grateful that Alex has cousins that he can play with and develop those close bonds with. Jackson has always been really close with his cousins and it is something that we have always wanted for our children. Each of my little nieces and nephews hold such a special place in my heart. I hope that as they grow up they will know how much I love them!! Being and Aunt is awesome!!!

Where My Life has Gone

This is a tag from Candace that she did on her blog.

20 Years ago.
I was 9 years old living in Lenexa, Kansas. Was going to Rhein Beninghoven Elementary School and loved playing barbies with my sisters.
10 Years ago.
I was 19 and had just started my second year of cosmetology school at Salt Lake Community College. I had my first new car, a Plymouth Neon that I loved and was actively involved at the local Institute.
5 Years ago.
I had been married for a little over a year, was living a 2 bedroom apartment in West Jordan. I was working at Beneficial Life and as a hairstylist at Hair Talk. Jackson was busy going to school at UVSC and working too.
3 Years ago
I had been married for 3 years, and was only working as a hairstylist at Hair Talk in Sandy. We lived in 2 bedroom condo that we had bought 1 year ago and Alex was a new born baby. Jackson was just starting at L-3 Communications (his current employer).
1 Year ago
We bought our first house and moved out to Syracuse. We decided to start trying to have another baby.
Today
I have cleaned the house and Jackson has been working on the yard, this is his Friday off. We will then go to the grocery store and I will make a meal to take to neighbor. Alex has been playing with his dinosaurs and Poke'mon cards.
Tomorrow
I will go to work at the salon, Dynamix Family Salon. Then I will come home and have a Father's Day party and Birthday party (for my grandpa) at my house.
In the next year
I hope to be able to stop working and that we have another child by then. I also want to take Alex to Disneyland or Disney World.
I would like to tag anyone that would like to participate!

Family Campout

These are some pictures from our camp out with the Lund family. We went to Capital Reef, which is in Southern Utah. Out first day there, we spent time with just Julie and Rod. It was nice for Alex to have some one on one time with them. We all went on a 2 mile hike into the canyons (which is where most of these pictures were taken). Alex seemed to love it and so did we, other then the heat.
So cute, he was posing in the rock.
Now he was just trying to tear Dad's hat off.
Alex pointed out the numbers on all of the postings. Here was number 3.
Just being cute.
Us before we started the hike (and before we got tired and hot).

Rod carrying Alex because he got tired of walking and tired of Dad.
It was so nice down there and also to get away from it all. We had a large group sized camp ground all to our selves. Alex had some of Jackson's cousin's children to play with. He even did really well going potty (and yes we did have running water). Holly loved the trip because we had nice bathrooms right on our camp spot.

-By J R Lund

My Sister's Tag

1- Typically, what time do you wake up?Whoever wakes up first. Somewhere between 8 and 9.
2- On a good night, what time are your kids in bed?Alex almost always in bed by 9.
3-How long have you been a mommy?31/2 years.
4- How old were you when you became a mom?25
5- What is your favorite kids TV show?Anything educational. Little Einsteins, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse or Sesame Street.
6- What is your least favorite kids TV show?Sponge Bob is the worst but I also hate Poke'mon however Alex loves it. It is still better than Sponge Bob though.
7- What is your favorite chore?Making dinner for my family.
8- What is your favorite meal to cook?I love to cook so I am always trying new things. I love my Orange Cashew Chicken with Broccoli, Mini Meatloafs or my Homemade Fettucine Alfredo.
9- What meal do you cook most often?We all love pasta so I make pasta at least once a week. It is filling and hearty and I have tons of different recipes for it.
10- What is your kids favorite meal?Alex's all time favorite and most requested in macaroni and cheese.
11- What's your favorite thing your husband does with your kids?He is a great hands on dad. It doesn't matter what needs to be done he will never shirk away from it. He is also exceptionally loving towards Alex.
12- What are 5 things that make you smile when you're being a mom?I love it when Alex sees me come home from work and his whole face lights up and he runs to hug me. There is nothing better than see that somebody what you there and that they rely on you.
13-If you could take your kids anywhere, where would it be?Disneyworld or Disneyland. We are hoping to go in a couple of years.
14- When was the last time you went out without your kids?Two weekends ago we went camping at Capital Reef with Jackson's family and on Monday we went shopping with Alex.
15- What is your favorite activity to do with your kids?Read to him, sing songs and tickle him.
16- Name one thing you said you'd never say as a mother. I thought that I would never nag my kids to do something. I hated when my family would nag me but now I find that I do it too.
17- Name something you do that your own mom did. We both love to cuddle, give lots of kisses and constantly tell our kids that we love them.
18- What is your favorite quality your mom has? She is very patient and loves to read.
19- What is your favorite kids book? All of the Sandra Boynton books.
20- What is your favorite advice for new moms? Try not stress too much. Remember that when you are struggling, take to the Lord in prayer and he will guide you.
21- What is your most heartbreaking moment as a mom? When I have to leave him. I hate to be away from him. I also hate to see him cry when he is hurt.
22- What is your most joyful moment as a mom? Anytime that his learning something new and when he tells me that he loves me.
23- When is the last time you told one of your kids you loved them? 5 minutes ago.
24- When was the last time you were told, "I love you" by your kids? 5 minutes ago.
tag all moms!

I Love Stephanie Meyer

I am totally addicted to Stephanie Meyer and her books. I just finished reading all of her Twilight series and I have also read the new book called the Host. (It was really different but very good.) It is a really good thing that I am done because it has been all consuming for me. I had the hardest time putting any of the books down. I hardly got anything done around here until I finished them. I love reading a good book like these. It has been a really long time since I have found a book that enjoyed as much as these. The last ones were probably the Harry Potter books. Anyway, if you haven't read them I would highly recommend them. They have become so popular that they are making a movie about the first Twilight book. I am so excited. It comes out in December. That is the only gift that I really care about for my birthday. If I don't get anything but tickets for that show I will be thrilled!!!!!

Another Season Is Over

Our family has really enjoyed watching American Idol this year!!! Alex had even gotten into it. (When it comes on now he tells me that American Idol is on the TV or if someone is singing on TV he thinks it's American Idol.) The last couple of years the show has not been nearly as interesting as this year. I was really happy and excited to see David Cook win but I also really liked David Archuletta. Obviously, since he is from Utah it was really fun to watch all of the news about him, but I also really enjoyed his voice. I hope that both of them can make some great careers out of this. I know that I will be one of those suckers buying their music when it comes out!! (I already have some of the others). I know that this may make me weird or lame or whatever but it is one of the things that I really enjoy!!

What a Big Boy We Have

I just thought that I should post something about what is going on here. Jackson and I have decided to start potty training Alex. We started about a week ago and at first it was a real struggle. The first two days were really terrible with accidents all over the house because I just had him in regular underwear (they are really cute on him!!!). Then he started to cry uncontrollably every time I put him on the potty. So, because of all of that, we have been using the pull-ups and ever since then it has gone great. He is still able to pull his pull-ups up and down like his underwear and I don't worry as much about him. We have only had a couple of accidents in his pull-ups since we started them. He is going potty at regular intervals now and seems to really be getting the hang of this. He is even able to hold it all in for 2-3 hours at time! In a couple of weeks I will try putting him back into the underwear, but for now I am really impressed with the progress that he is making. I think that his potty prizes are also helping him. We bought some poke'mon cards for him to have when he went pee pee in the potty and some Little Einstien figures for when he goes poo. The pooping hasn't gone as great but that is something that he has always struggled with (he just gets so constipated). He really loves the poke'mon cards though and I figure if they are helping me get him potty trained then that is good. Now, I just need to get him to realize when he needs to go and not have me constantly asking him. He seems to continually amaze me at the things that he can do. It's so hard for me to believe but he really isn't a baby anymore. He is getting so big and grown-up!

Happy Mother's Day

I just wanted to add a little note on my blog to all of the special women in my life who have helped me and inspired me along the way. I want to thank my three sisters for all of the laughs and tears that we have shared together. For all the fights that brought us closer together and most importantly, for all of the love and experiences that we share with each other. I am so grateful to have you all in my life! I am lucky to have you as my closest friends. I hope that we will always stay close to each other and help each other with our struggles and trials and share our excitement and joy too. I also want to thank my grandmother for the wonderful example that she has set for me. She is such an amazingly patient person and always has a kind word to say about everyone. She has always made me feel like I am the most important thing to her, even when everyone else is around (I am sure that my sisters would say the same thing about themselves). She will always be an inspiration of love and kindness to me. I hope that as the years go by for me, I will be able to take some of her kindness with me. I am also extremely lucky to have such an amazing relationship with my in-laws. To me it is almost weird to call them in-laws because they feel just at much my family as my own flesh and blood do. They have always treated me like their daughter and sister and never anything less. I will forever be grateful to them for the love that they continually show me and for the wonderful husband that they helped Jackson to be. Lastly, I want to thank my own mother for all the she does for me. Now that I am a mother I can't even imagine the worry and frustration that I caused her. From all of the countless hours that she spent helping me with my learning disability and then helping me learn to overcome it and realize how to adapt to it. She never let me feel bad about who I am and what my struggles are. Mom always helped me feel good about myself and that even though I am so little and have health problems as well as a learning disability, that didn't have to hinder what I can do in life. There is no way that I could have accomplished all that I have without the love and confidence that my parents showed me. Above all, I hope that I can carry that on to my children. I want them to know that no matter what problems and trials they may face, they can do anything that they want to. I may so grateful for these amazing women in my life and for their influence in my life and the lives of my children. I love you and hope that you all have the best Mother's Day.

Feeling Surprised and Overwhelmed

On Sunday my bishop called me into his office to give me a new calling. He asked me to be the Secretary in the new Relief Society Presidency. It totally took me by surprise. I didn't think that I was old enough for a calling like this, plus I really love the calling that I have. I have been teaching the 10-11 year old girls in primary. They are the cutest things and I have really enjoy being with them. It has been so fun to have just girls and do all sorts of girly handouts and have parties and do things that the boys would totally hate. When I told my girls on Sunday we all started to cry (me the most) because we have been having so much fun!! I guess that the Lord wants me to learn something new. I have never been the Secretary in any presidency that I have ever been in. Not even in Young Women's growing up. This is all so new and overwhelming to me. We had our first presidency meeting on Wednesday and when we went over every ones responsibilities it was a lot to take in. Mine took up half of a page!!!! Hopefully, I will be able to figure out exactly what they need from me and find a little groove to set into. The other women I am with are all great and I am sure that this will really help me to learn and grow. It will also help me get to know some of the older sisters and the less active ones in the ward. These next couple of months will be really interesting!! I think that when I look back on this experience I will be glad that I had it. I think that it will really help me to grow in so many ways!

A Year Ago Today

I was looking at the calendar at realized that a year ago today we officially move into our house. It some ways it still seems new but in so many others ways, it feels like we have always been here. Both of us have commented that for the first time our married lives it finally feels like we found were we are suppost to be. Everything about our area we love (except the rush hour commute to Salt Lake for Jackson). Our ward and neighbors are wonderful and have really made us feel welcomed. This is defiantly a place that we can live for a very long time. We feel so blessed to have found this place. When we lost our original home, I was really upset and didn't think that I would another house that I liked. Then, we found this place which was 300 square feet bigger than the other and the neighborhood is nicer. The only things that would change is that the master bath is small and the outside needs a little curb appeal help. But, we keep working on it and the more we work on it the more we love it. This was truly a blessing from the Lord!!! There is no doubt in my mind that this is where our family is meant to be.

Something new for Jackson

Most of you already know this but Jackson received a promotion and raise at work a couple of weeks ago. He is now working a totally new department with a new team and boss. His new boss, Carol Butler, is the one who approached Jackson about this job and wanted him to have it. He didn't even know that the job was open. She really fought for him and got him a really great raise so that he would be willing to come work for her. He started the job about 2 weeks ago and says that he has a lot to learn but I have faith in him that he can do and do it well. He is a really hard worker, he learns really fast, he makes friends with everyone around him and always goes beyond what is asked of him to do his job to the best of his ability. I couldn't be any prouder of the man and husband that he is. He always puts his all into his work so that his family will be taken care of. I know that this is a blessing from our Heavenly Father and that this won't be the last promotion for Jackson. Everyone at his work really likes but more importantly they respect him and the work ethic that he has. I am so glad that our children have him as such a great example!!! Jackson, I love you so much sweetheart!!!!

We're Finally Back!!!!

Our computer is finally up and running again. What a pain it has been to be without it. I never realized how much I used it until it was gone!!! One the good things about not posting for so long is that I have plenty to talk about. We also didn't have to pay anything to get the computer fixed either!!! WOW!! What a relief that was. I have really missed reading everyone's blogs and I am looking forward to posting on ours. Thanks for being so pacient while we were out of the loop.

ABC'S of Me

My sister asked me to do this so here it goes.
A- Attached or single: Attached to a wonderful husband who is so good to me.
B- Best Friend: My best friends are my three sisters and my sister-in-law. I know that they love me unconditionally and they have always been there for me.
C- Cake or Pie: I am not really a dessert person but if I had to choose I would pick pie over cake.
D- Day of Choice: Jackson's day off which is usually Fridays.
E- Essential Item: Cell phone, hair spray and mascara. I always try to have myself somewhat put together. I guess that is the hairdresser in me.
F- Favorite Color: It has always been pink for me. My kitchen even has some pink accent walls.

G- Gummi Bears or Worms: I am not really big on candy. However, I love cheese. Jackson teases me that I would eat dirt if it was covered in cheese.
H- Hometown: Salt Lake City, Ut- but I live in Syracuse, UT
I- Indulgence(s): cooking (especially italian food), taking bubble baths, reading a book, and watching the Food Network and American Idol.
J- January or July: I don't mind January and being cold but I really don't like being hot. Probably because it can give me terrible migraines.
K- Kids: 1 amazing little boy.
L- Life is incomplete without: My family and really good food!
M- Marriage Date: January 11, 2002.
N- Number of Siblings: 3 sisters, 1 brother (deceased)
O- Oranges or Apples: Apples but only if they are really crunchy. I hate the pulp in oranges.
P- Phobias or Fears: This one is hard for me. Probably because there isn't much. I'm afraid of heights so I won't go farris wheels at amuzement parks. I am also afraid of snakes and ugly looking bugs but will get rid of them myself if I have to.
Q- Quote(s): This is a quote that my sister Michelle found that really liked. I am not usually one who writes down all these quotes or remembers really cool quotes. "Motherhood is the greatest potential influence either for good or ill in human life. The mother's image is the first that stamps itself on the unwritten page of the young child's mind. It is her caress that first awakens a sense of security; her kiss the first realization of affection; her sympathy and tenderness the first assurance that there is love in the world" President David O. McKay.
R- Reason To Smile: My sweet husband and adorable son.
S- Season: Most definantly it would be fall. I love it when the leaves change and I start wearing sweaters again.
T- Tag Six: Heidi and Candace Perry.
U- Unknown Fact About Me: I have a weird obession with picking at things. Like my nails or dead skin from a sunburn. I know that it is weird but I truely believe that it came from my mom. Unfortunatly my son seems to have the same obsession.
V- Vegetarian or Oppressor of Animal: I really enjoy all kinds of meat. When I was pregnant I craved a steak. I have some vegetarian dishes that really are satisfying though.
W- Worst Habit: Those who know me could probably list several, but I would say being late. No matter how much time I give myself, I always seem to be running late. It is something I am really working on and seem to be getting a little bit better at.
X- X-Rays or Ultrasounds: Ultrasounds, but only when I am pregnant.
Y- Your Favorite Food: Any kind of pasta. I make a really killer homemade fettucine alfredo. I only have it on special occasions though because it is really bad for you but oh so good.
Z: Zodiac: I am a Scorpio but I don't really care that much.

Entering a New Era

Yesterday I watched the press conference that announced the new President and conselors of the church. It was obviously no surprise that President Monson was announced as the President and I wasn't surprised by Elder Eyring either. However, for some reason, I was surprised by Elder Uchtdorf. I have really enjoyed listing to him speak as a new apostle but because he is so new I didn't think that he would chosen. I think that he is a wonderful choice though. I have always really like Elder Eyring and the way that he speaks at conference. All three of these men are amazing and I know that they are called by God to lead us. I know that I will always miss President Hinckley but as I have been praying for the new presidency I have felt the confirmation that these are the men that the Lord has chosen to move the work forward. I hope that will feel of the church members love and support as they take on these new callings and that we can all whole heartedly sustain them as our new Presidency and the Prophet of our church.

So Sad To See Him Go

I was reading Michelle's blog today and thought that it would be a good idea to put down some thoughts of my own on President Hinckley's death. It seems so silly to say that I was surprised to hear that he had passed knowing that was 97 years old. However, he almost seemed invincible and that he would always be there standing at the head of the church leading us. When I first heard the news Sunday night, I cried. I remember when President Benson died and President Hunter but neither of them really touched my life like President Hinckley has. I have been fortunate enough to have lived in Utah for most of his Presidency and even had the chance to sing for him while I was in high school. His presence was totally uplifting and captivating. I hope that I will always be able to remember how he made me feel and keep that positive outlook on life that he had. Most of all I am grateful for the testimony that I have that makes it easier to handle that challenges that come my way. I know that as long as I stay true to the teachings of the gospel and listen to all of our prophets counsel, the Lord will be with me just as he was with our beloved President Hinckley. I will really miss him. What a wonderful man!!

My Big Boy

On Tuesday I took Alex to the Doctor for his 3 year check up. I was totally amazed at how well he is doing on his motor skills. As I started discussing the things that Alex can do and knows the doctor even seemed amazed. She that he is well above the average in all of his fine motor skills. Most kids his same age only know how to do a 24 piece puzzle, the numbers 1-10, some of the colors, and a few letters of the alphabet. I told her that he is putting together 100 piece puzzles (one in 3-D), he knows all of his colors, he can recognize several letters of the alphabet, and knows the numbers 1-20. We have always thought that he was really intellectual and very smart but it is nice to hear it from a professional. She also said that his language skills are really advanced as well. She said that most boys at his age aren't as easy to understand but is very clear. I was also amazed at his memory. He seemed to remember everything about the doctor. He remembered that she has a fish tank and that he would get a sticker when she was done. He didn't fight her on anything either. In fact, he even helped her with what she was doing and opened his mouth for her to check. He constantly amazes me!! I guess now we just need to keep challenging him to see what else he can do.

The start of a New Season. Yeah!!!!!!

I thought that I would add a new post about something that I am really excited for. I love American Idol and the new season started last night!!! Right now they are just doing the try outs, which is not my favorite part, but I love the actual competition. It is the only thing that I watch pretty religiously. I love trying to choice who will win and watching the numbers dwindle down to the final one. I usually don't like the reality TV shows but I love this one because it is a real contest on talent. The last two seasons I have been disappointed in who won so hopefully this year will be better. My favorite American Idol winner is Carrie Underwood. I have also really enjoyed Chris Daughtery (he was robbed of his win! I am still mad about that season) and Kelly Clarkson. I know that a lot of people don't like it, but it is something that really enjoy and Alex really liked it last season too!!! Hopefully, he will like it this year too. I haven't pick a favorite yet but I am sure that I will. That is the best part!!!!

What's New

This year has already started with a lot of changes for us. Alex just celebrated his third birthday. I can hardly believe that my little boy is three now. He has always seemed like a part of our lives but on the other hand it is weird for me to see him getting older. He has defiantly developed his mother's stubbornness and he has his father's silliness at times. I tell people all of the time what an amazing a boy he is. His vocabulary is amazing to me and he continues to suprise me on the things that he understands. I know that all parents belive that there children are brilliant but we really think that he is. He know all of his number 1-20, he know his colors, he can put a 100 piece puzzle to together (with very little help), and is such a delightful boy. Currently his favorite things to do are putting puzzles together, reading stories to himself, playing with cards, helping mom sweep, running around with his friends, watching movies and anything to do with Pokemon (it drives his mother crazy). Jackson and I feel so blessed to have him in our lives. Hopefully, he will feel the same about us when he is grown.

I have started back to work at a salon here in Layton. I am just working part-time, Wednesday and Thursday evenings and all day Saturday. The work has been nice and allowed to sharpen some of my skills and have some time for myself. I have been concerned about how Alex is handling our new schedule, but I am sure that he will adjust. My sister Heidi has been a great help to us with me working again. She has been babysitting Alex for a couple of hours on Wednesday and Thursday until Jackson gets home from work. I don't know what we would do without our families. They are always there when we need them. I still enjoy my cooking and watching the food network when I can. For Christmas I got two new cookbooks and a Kitchenaide mixer. I have really enjoyed using them!!!

Jackson is still working at L-3 Communications as a buyer and is doing well there. The new thing for him is that he is working on writing a Science Fiction/Fantasy book. This has allowed him really use his imagination and creativity. He is hoping that a publisher will publish it and then he can become a full-time author. Jackson is also very busy with his calling at church. He is the 1st counselor in the Young Men's presidency which takes him away on Tuesday nights and lots of weekends for activities. He is really great at it and the boys love him.

We hope that all of our friends and family will enjoy hearing from us. Please send us notes and let us know how you are doing too. We love you all.