10 Months!

HOLY MOLY! How can my sweet boy be 10 months old already??

Jenson can army crawl.

He wants to walk 24/7 by holding onto your fingers. He'll scoot over to you then grab your fingers, pull himself up, and just start running.

He says "Dadda" and "Hi" all day long.

He sleeps 7pm-6am most nights.

He takes 2-3 naps a day, usually lasting hour and a half.

He is going through this scared phase. It's kinda hilarious. He is scared of the vacuum, the hair dryer, his little giraffe that rattles????, and pretty much anything that makes a loud noise. His body tenses up, he starts shaking and will reach for whoever is closest to him and hide behind them. Silly boy.

He still has no teeth.

He has started letting his tongue hang out. It is just hanging out 24/7

He has started whining. ugh..... haha it's like this soft, high pitch, puppy dog whine. 

He is picking up food now and feeding himself. I've notice he does this with his left hand. He is totally going to be left handed!!! Alek is slightly upset about it. He says he doesn't want to have to buy left-handed golf clubs. Hahaha! oh boy...

He is really good at throwing tantrums! His stubbornness is definitely shining through more and more each day.

He throws and drops things constantly. Yes, he thinks it's a funny game.

 I swear, he constantly wants to eat! Mostly big people food.

Preparing for the second coming

I feel like this is going to be a hard post for me to write. I have so many thoughts and feelings I want to share but, I also know with this subject, I need to tread lightly and tiptoe around a few topics. I have been wanting to write this post for a few months. I'm just really good at procrastinating :) I'm not sure if it's the lord prompting me to write it or if I just want to write it because 80% of my conversations now days are about this topic.

First off, I just want to say that I am very blessed. The lord has been too good to me and has blessed me with more than I deserve. I have amazing parents. Both are really strong in the gospel and have set a wonderful example for me. I have married into a wonderful family that is also very strong in the gospel. Our family structure could not get any better.

The end of the world/Second coming is a sensitive subject for many reasons. The biggest two reasons I can think of are 1: that people are scared and 2: they are blind to the signs of the times so they think anyone who talks about it is completely crazy!

(Insert raising hand emoji) I am here to say that I am one of those so called 'crazy' ones that loves to talk about the second coming and believes it to be happening soon. And when I say soon, I mean SOON! 

I've always had a feeling that it would be in my lifetime. That just came as a natural fact for me. Whether I'm alive to witness it or not, it has to happen during this generation. 

The thing that really opened my eyes and made me realize that now really is the time to start preparing were these books...

True, these books aren't 'doctrine'. But, I can tell you I have felt the spirit very strongly as I have read them. I want to recommend them to everyone I meet. They are so eye opening! The patterns that each one have and that they coincide with each other is just remarkable.

In Joel 2: 28 it says...
"And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions."

I just recently came across this book, thanks to my dad, and seriously every time I'm reading stuff out of it I get sooo excited and just want to give the world a giant fist pump! This book is FILLED with doctrine. Quotes from prophets, scriptures, and facts of current earthquakes, plagues, wars that actually back up and coincide with the three books above.

Have I scared anyone yet?? hahaha....

When I say, that I talk about this stuff nonstop, I really do mean it. It's on my mind constantly. Al and I talk about it every chance we get. When I am at work, I talk to my dad about it all the time.This subject is something I am very passionate about. It seriously makes me giddy. The signs are happening all over. Things are going to change before we know it. So, why not talk about it?? Why not study it as much as possible? Why not get prepared?

We have been counseled for years about preparing,

"Our people for three-quarters of a century have been counseled and encouraged to make such preparation as will assure survival should a calamity come. We can set aside some water, basic food, medicine, and clothing to keep us warm. We ought to have a little money laid aside in case of a rainy day."-Pres. Gordon B. Hinckley , "If Ye Are Prepared Ye Shall Not Fear," November 2005

If we open our ears we will be able to hear the Prophets warning us over and over again. They want to help us. They want us to get prepared! They know what the future has in store for us and they are trying to help us as much as possible. We just need to LISTEN and then realize the time to start preparing is now.

I live in Cache Valley which is known to be a pretty safe community. But, a few weeks ago, I found it slightly comical about what happened to Nibley City's water. How many can say that the contaminated water wasn't a wake up call? It was for me and I don't even live in Nibley. Within the first few hours the local grocery stores were completely sold out of water!!  I am ashamed to say that if it were to have happened in Logan, I too would have had to been rushing to the grocery store after a couple days. My water storage is definitely not were it should be. It is amazing to see how communities are able to pull together to help each other out. But, what if Cache Valley was hit with a natural disaster like an earthquake. What if not only Nibley's water was contaminated, but what if it was the whole valley? Even then, what if it just wasn't the water and we also lost all food supply?  Things would get pretty chaotic pretty dang quickly. Nibley's water situation could possible be just a sliver on what could happen in the near future.

Take a look below at all these smart and handsome men. I've listed a few of their quotes because They obviously say things better than I could ever even try to say. Notice the dates as well. These quotes are all within the past 10 years, very recent and for our day! You cannot tell me that they aren't trying to get something through to us.

"If 9/11 was a wake-up call, then the earthquake and tsunami in Southeast Aisia was a kick out of bed. We need to pay attention to the Signs of the Times."-Elder Boyd K. Packer, Meeting of the Twelve and the Seventy, Jan. 11, 2005. (Quoated by H. Aldredge Gillespie, LDS Business College Address, Feb. 9, 2005)

"Are we prepared for the emergencies in our lives? Are our skills perfected? Do we live providently? Do we have our reserve supply on hand? Are we obedient to the commandments of God? Are we responsive to the teachings of prophets? Are we prepared to give of our substance to the poor, the needy? Are we square with the Lord?

We live in turbulent times. Often the future is unknown; therefore, it behooves us to prepare for uncertainties. When the time for decision arrives, the time for preparation is past."-Pres. Thomas S. Monson, Are We Prepared, First Presidency message Sept. 2014 Ensign. 

"All members of the Church throughout the world need to Accelerate their own preparation and try to influence the preparation of those around them."-Elder Oaks, April 2004 General Conference.

"The giant earthquake, and the tsunami it sent crashing into the coasts around the Indian Ocean, is just the beginning and a part of what is to come, terrible as it was. Fear shall come upon all people. But you and I know that the Lord has prepared places of safety to which he is eager to guide us... It will be our choice whether or not to move up or stay where we are. But the Lord will invite and guide us upward by the direction of the Holy Ghost..." Henry B. Eyring-Raise the Bar (BYU-Idaho Talk-January 2005.)

"We must both learn what these signs are and then identify them correctly when they occur. They can and will strengthen our faith in Christ and His prophets, if we know the scriptures. Just as in the days of Noah, a way is already prepared for the escape of the Lord's elect Latter-Day Saints, if they are in tune with His prophets." Elder H. Aldridge (Second Quorum of the Seventy) LDS Business College Devotional, February 8th, 2005

Okay, okay enough with all the doom and gloom, the signs of the end of the world, and all this scary talk. My main purpose why I wanted to share this post was to give people encouragement and hope.

I am the biggest worrier alive. I seriously think of all evil possibilities that could happen to me and my family daily.

But, lately, especially after reading those books, I have truly realized that the lord does have a plan for us. He knows our fears. He knows the things that are in our hearts. He will protect those that are doing what they are suppose to and that are preparing. I think it is so exciting that we live on the earth during this time.

Also, after doing research and studying, I have come to understand something very important. Not only do we need to be temporally prepared but, also Spiritually prepared. They coincide with one another. We NEED to be both temporally and spiritually ready. We can have years worth of food storage but it's only going to do so much if our heart is not in line with the Savior's plan. We need to be seeking that constant companionship of the Holy Ghost. I know he can help us with even the littlest things. Trust me, I over think EVERYTHING! So, I'm constantly asking, "Okay, is this the spirit telling me this, or... am I just making this up?" I pray daily that I will become better and better at discerning the Holy Ghost and be able to know when he's trying to talk to me. He wants to help all of us. He loves us more than we can comprehend! 

"For behold, thus saith the Lord God: I will give unto the children of men line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little; and blessed are those who hearken unto my precepts, and lend an ear unto my counsel, for they shall learn wisdom; for unto him that receiveth I will give more; and from them that shall say, We have enough, from them shall be taken away even that which they have."-2 Nephi 28:30

One more quote for you:

"For nearly 6,000 years, God has held you in reserve to make your appearance in the final days before the Second Coming of the Lord...God has saved for the final inning some of His strongest and most valiant children, who will help bear off the kingdom triumphantly. That is where YOU come in, for you are the generation that must be prepared to meet your God." President Ezra Taft Benson, March 4, 1979.

Like I was saying, I did not write this post to make people fear the future. Honestly, I'm trying to do the exact opposite. It's something we should look forward too! We should be preparing and anxiously waiting for the day to come. This is a time for celebration, not fear! We are preparing the world for one of the greatest events to take place, the return of our Savior and Redeemer.

Change

I think I can speak for most people when I say that change is hard! Especially when you have been comfortable with something for so long and then you're forced to jump into something completely different.

I consider myself pretty lucky. So far, life has been pretty simple and with out too many challenges. Knock on wood. Al and I enjoy the simple life of work and being parents.

The last few months have thrown us a few curve balls. A few things have happened that probably a normal person would look at and think, "No big deal." But, to Al and I, it has made us stop and rethink things.

Now, to get cheesy. Al pal is my best friend! I am lucky to be able to see him and spend time with him as much as I do! I truly rely on him. If there's a day when he works late, or is out of town, I literally get depressed and grumpy! Just being with him and having him home makes me so happy!

A few months ago.. Alek lost his Job. I'll keep the details vague. It was expected in some ways but mostly unexpected. Al LOVED his Job! It was a great job and we were planning on him being with that company for..... well... ever haha. He had actually started going to school to get a degree for that job. We thought we were set for life. But, the Lord had a different plan for us.  I guess all good things come to an end?  But, hopefully, only to start better things.

Anyways... Al was out of a job for a few months. I think it impacted me the most because I'm kind of the one that manages the money. I was pretty stressed out. Al never really understood why I was stressed about it. Al's personality is kind of like.. 'Go with the flow' or 'Whatever happens happens.' Which, I guess we even each other out quite well. :)  I remember just looking into the future and just thinking, "what are we going to do?" "How are we going to survive?"

While I was stressing, Al was trying to figure out what his next step was. He was under A LOT of pressure! Here he was, no job, and a wife and son counting on him to be the provider. He decided to go to Weber Tech. College down in Ogden for Mechanics. A completely opposite direction from where we thought we were headed with his first job. He dove in head first. He was such a hard worker! Instantly became Honor Student, Teachers Pet, Top of his class, and was able to get scholarships to help pay for school. I was so proud of him and his hard work!

We were lucky that we were able to live off of savings for a few months. Also, Rorie having puppies and selling them helped a ton. But, all too quickly that money disappeared. It was time that Al, really did need a job! One day Alek called me while at school. He told me that His teachers had set up an interview for him for a job down in Ogden working as a Mechanic. Awesome right? I wasn't sure... I didn't have a good feeling about it and I didn't like the idea of him being all the way down in Ogden working. See how attached I am to him???  But, family had us convinced this was an awesome opportunity.

He ended up getting the job. With very promising benefits, pay raises, and moving up in the company. But, I still could not help but feel like this wasn't right....

Sure, enough a week into the job. Alek knew that all those promises about raises and benefits were a load of B.S. The guy that hired him turned into a complete D!#&. He started looking for Mechanic jobs in the Valley and after only working in Ogden a week and 1/2  he quit. He applied for a job at Rocky Mountain RV in Logan and got an interview the next day. That night, I was at dance, and started having a convo with one of my friends about how Al was looking for a mechanics job. Turns out the place where she works, Logan Country Club, was looking to hire a mechanic!

Alek called the Country Club and set up an interview with them a couple days later. Man, it was the PERFECT job for Al. The pay was good, it was a few blocks away from home, the hours were awesome, and (a plus for Alek) He gets free weekly golf passes. (insert laughing emoji here)

They didn't give Alek an answer right away. They said they would let him know in a week. We tried really hard not to get our hopes up. We prayed every night, hoping Al would get that  job. We also prayed that if he didn't get the job, we would be patient, and understand that it was for a reason and something better was in store. After praying one night, I had a huge but simple feeling to fast and perfect enough, that next Sunday was Fast Sunday.

Confession: I have always been really bad when it comes to Fasting. A fun fact: I have been known to have a really loud growling stomach. One time I literally had the whole Sunday school class laughing at me because my stomach was growling soooo loud!! Every one was passing gum down the aisle to me, trying to help. But, I swear gum only makes it worse! It sounds silly but, I stress every time I fast. Also it seems like I always could find an excuse why not to fast, especially when  I was pregnant and then while nursing.

But, that Sunday, Al and I fasted. It felt good. We even made it without any embarrassing stomach growling experiences. ;)

Rocky Mountain RV called Alek and offered him the job. Al turned it down. Everyone thought we were crazy! Again, we just didn't feel it was right... We were losing hope with the Country Club because it had been over a week since we had heard from them. Al kept trying to follow up with them but all He ever got was their voice mail. Things weren't looking very good. We started second guessing our decision of turning down the RV offer.

A day later, almost 2 weeks since his interview with the country club, Al got a call from the Country Club and they offered him the job.

Hallelujah!

Al has been working there for about a month now and is loving it. We are sooo blessed and so thankful that our Heavenly Father is mindful of us and our needs. I know that He has a plan for us and is always willing to help us. Man! There is no greater feeling! :)

9 Months!

Man these months are flying by!

23 pounds (70%)

28.5 inches (50%)

Head: 47 cm (90%)

Jenson's personality is shining through more and more every day. He is definitely a stubborn one. :) But, also I don't think he could be a happier baby. He all smiles and giggles all day long.

 He LOVES walking around as he holds onto someones fingers. He could do that all day long. I'm pretty sure he will be walking before he's crawling. Ain't nobody got time for that!

He's learning to pick up food and feed himself. It's pretty funny to watch!

He plays 'patty-cake' all day long and gives kisses (occasionally) Oh my gosh, It's my FAVORITE thing ever!!! 

He wears 18 month clothes.

He still is obsessed with Rorie. Anytime I say "Rorie" Jenson gets all excited and starts looking around for her.

He loves being outside.

He loves anything with wheels. Bikes, cars, fourwheelers, tractors, etc.....

Oh how I love my sweet baby boy!!

And just for fun.....

 9 Months in                                                                                    9 Months out

Easter

I've always had a sour opinion when it comes to Easter. Of course NOT the religious part.... That's the part I wish we could focus more on.

I realize I'm going to sound harsh here... But REALLY I've never gotten the point. The whole idea is rather cheesy. The eggs, the candy, the nasty pastel colors, and yes, that dumb bunny. 

People say, "Well isn't it the same with Christmas and the whole Santa Clause deal?"

Okay, Yes, I see how I'm coming off as a Hypocrite. But, let me explain myself! Christmas time is known as "The most magical time of the year." The feeling you have, the whole month of December is pure happiness. People are kinder, and more willing to serve each other. It's about giving gifts to those you love and celebrating the birth of Christ. People are constantly baking goodies to share with neighbors and shoveling each others drive ways. You don't see that happening with Easter. There are traditions which help remind us of the true meaning of Christmas. Caroling, secret Santa, the Nativity, spending time with family, etc...

You don't (well, at least I don't) get that kind of feeling around Easter and that makes me sad! You don't hear about those kind of Traditions with Easter. It's all about dying Easter eggs, Easter egg hunts, new Easter outfits, and the Easter bunny. None of those traditions really lead back to the real reason why we celebrate Easter. Am I making sense here?

We are celebrating the Resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ! That's a reason to feel happy!

I guess what I'm trying to say is that I wish the things we did around Easter time were a little more centered around Christ and his Resurrection.

Now to shift gears here.... I hate what Pinterest is doing to the holidays. Bunny shaped pancakes, the perfect colored eggs, Easter bunny costumes, DIY Easter decor. Sure, all that stuff is fun. But, sometimes it's just a little over the top. Whatever happened to the simple times when kids were happy to wake up to a basket full of candy? Now days we are constantly trying to compete with each other and out do each other as parents.  I busted out laughing when I saw what a friend posted on Instagram of what the Easter bunny left for her 6 month old. Then I about passed out when I saw another friend who is about 8 months pregnant also posted a picture of what the Easter bunny left her little baby..... Are you kidding? The baby isn't even born yet!!!! But, man did that kid get a basket, or I should say, a few baskets full. Sheesh...I hope that baby had a good Easter and enjoyed all of his stuff...IN THE WOMB! (rolling eyes) But... WAIT! I can keep going! Another picture I saw was of a two year old boy that looked like he got more stuff, than all four of my siblings gifts combined on CHRISTMAS..... and this was EASTER! What the heck people??

The Easter bunny didn't visit Jenson this year. What??????

I'm HORRIBLE aren't I?!!! Not really..... He's not even 9 months old!! I honestly don't think he was too upset about it.

Maybe next year, when Jenson actually knows what's going on, the Easter bunny will come. But, you can bet your bottom he isn't going to get a whole couch display of crap.

Sigh.... now to change with the negativity.

I do LOVE Easter. I love celebrating Christ's life. I love being reminded that he died for me and that because of Him I can repent of my worldly sins and be able to be resurrected one day like he was. I especially loved this Easter. How special was it that it was also General Conference? I ABSOLUTELY LOVE General Conference. I wish it could happen once a month. Wouldn't that be wonderful?

St. George!

It's been A LONG time since we have been on a vacation. I have been itching to go and get out of the house for months. When my parents invited us to go to St. George with them over spring break, it was pretty easy to say yes. :)

It was our first vacation with Jenson. I was a bit worried with how Jenson would cope with the change. I have him on a pretty good schedule and when anything disrupts that schedule, He turns into one GRUMPY baby! But, he did awesome! Still took his naps and everything.

We had a WONDERFUL time! Ahh, how I wish we could stay there. I am seriously contemplating moving down there. I would love to live down there. I love the red rock, the heat, the environment. Everything is soo beautiful. We went hiking, swimming, biking, late night walks around the golf course, ate delicious frozen custard, stayed up way too late playing card games, and my favorite... walked around the temple. It was so relaxing to not have to worry about anything and to do whatever we wanted, whenever we wanted.

Jenson loved getting into shorts and Tshirts and not having to wear any socks. He could sit in grass, sand, rocks for hours and be entertained. He LOVED any time he was in his stroller or bike cart. He loved having all the attention from his grandparents, great grandma and aunt/uncles. Everyone jumping to the chance to feed him, change his clothes, or even changed his bum. Mom enjoyed it too. ;)

I was really excited to take him swimming.  I thought he would LOVE that the most. But, he shocked all of us. He wasn't a huge fan. The first time, he clung onto me SO tight that his chubby knuckles turned white. We went out and bought a floaty that he could sit in, thinking that that would help him enjoy the water more. Well, he pretty much showed no excitement at all and almost fell asleep... haha Silly kid! This summer he will have plenty of opportunities to learn to love the water. If he's anything like his daddy, he'll be swimming before he's walking.

Thanks to my wonderful parents for talking us on this little vacation. Spending time with family is so special and I enjoyed every second.

8 months!

This has probably been my favorite stage Jenson has gone through so far. He is learning so many things! I love watching him figure stuff out. I could just sit and watch him all day long and never get bored!!

He knows how to wave now and oh my goodness.. It melts my heart ever. single. time. It's the cutest little baby wave I've ever seen. He gets his whole arm into it. His favorite person to wave to is of course, Rorie. Every time Rorie walks into the room he waves hi to her. He truly loves his puppy.

Jenson has also gotten really good at pulling faces. My favorite is when he scrunches up his nose and squints his eyes and smiles. haha it cracks me up. Silly kid!

We have finally transitioned out of the swaddle. Whew.... I thought we would never get to this point. I ordered a Zipadeezip. At first I was a little skeptical because they are kind of goofy looking and I had already spent money on other swaddle blankets that had only failed. But holy moly... It works like a charm! He can now move freely around in his sleep, and goes to sleep so quickly. Best purchase so far! 

No matter where I place him in his crib, he always wiggles his way so he ends up sleeping completely sideways with his feet sticking out of the bars. Also he sleeps likes his momma, on his side/belly and has to have a blanket right next to his face. :)

Because of the nice weather Jenson has experienced so many new things. He loves being outside! He loves walks, watching cars, playing with rocks, chewing on sticks (a trick he learned from Rorie), loves the swings, and we've even jumped on the tramp. I have a feeling that he is going to be like his dad and not be afraid of anything. He already wants to ride a mountain bike just like his daddy does. Boy, am I going to have my hands full this summer. 

He's not crawling yet, but I can tell it's going to happen soon. Still don't know that I'm ready for my baby to crawl :( There's no way he is old enough yet! 

He still has no teeth. I'm loving that I get his gummy smile as long as I have. 

We had our first trip to the insta care a few weeks ago. Jenson had a fever of 102.5. Turns out he had a double ear infection. Poor kid :( I enjoyed all the snuggles I got though!

He is OBSESSED with food. He thinks when we are eating, he also needs to eat, even if we just barely finished feeding him his own food. We always second guess our decision when we want to go out to eat. Taking him to restaurants has turned into a lot of work. We went to firehouse last week and ended up leaving right after we got our food because Jenson was throwing the biggest fit over the fact we weren't feeding him pizza. :( I had even brought him his own sweet potatoes (his favorite) to try and distract/trick him. But, he ain't a stupid kid and knew I wasn't feeding him the deliciousness that we were eating. Silly boy.

He plays with my hair when He eats his bottle, I absolutely love it. That's the only time I can get him to cuddle with me.

He is still obsessed when cords and tags. Also the vacuum, dishwasher, pantry, fridge, pulling the garbage can over, the Tupperware drawer, and chewing on Rorie toys. I don't know why I even buy him his own toys... they don't get used!

He weighs 20+ lbs. That was a few weeks ago at insta care

He is now wearing 12 month clothing. I cant keep up with how fast he is growing! I'm pretty sure next week he'll be wearing 4T!!!

There's been a lot of people commenting on the few little hairs he has on top of his head and what color they are. I've always thought his hair would be light brown like his mom and dad's but, when you take him outside in the sun, you can definitely see some red!!  I might just have a little ginger babe!! :) Alek was a total red-head when he was a little kid. So stinkin' cute!!

Boy oh boy. Can you tell I love my Jenson or what? Only a slight obsession. I'm such a lucky momma!!!