Family Pictures

It's about time I updated our family picture. Even though I wanted to lose more weight before I took pictures of myself, I decided to buck up & just do it... who knows how long it'll take me to lose what I want to. Thanks to my friend Janae who made the girls' bows at the last minute. And thanks Carli for taking our pictures...again. I think they turned out pretty cute, considering we couldn't get one smile out of Makelle, but at least she was actually looking at the camera.

Trials

We all go through different trials in our lives. Though this trial that I am going through now doesn't compare to some of yours, it is my trial nonetheless. I am so thankful for friends & family; love & support, it makes my trial that much easier to bear.

Someone out there has taken my debit card number & gone on a shopping spree. As of today over $700 has been spent in mine & Jeff's name. Is someone out there so desperate for money that they feel like they need to steal from me? Or, are they just that selfish? If you need money I will gladly share what I have, but please don't steal from me. I feel so violated & angry. I don't know how far this will go, if they only stole our number or if they have stolen our identity. In some ways I feel peace about this trial; yes I am angry, yes I am hurt. But if this person came up to me & told me it was them; I would forgive them, no questions asked. Why? Because I don't want this to consume me, my life, or my family. I want it taken care of so they can't do it to someone else.

Has anyone else gone through something like this? What can I do to protect my identity in the future?

Marathon Relay

Left to Right: Amy, Jackie, Me, Melissa, Mom

Last Saturday my sisters, my mom, my friend Amy & I were able to run the Utah Marathon Relay. We each ran 5.2 miles; a running total of 26.2 miles. I had a blast training for this & actually running it. I got my best time; I averaged a 10 minute mile, not bad for just having a baby. I also won an iPOD nano... I never win anything, so I was pretty excited! This relay worked really well into my training for my first half marathon. I'm running the Halloween Half down Provo Canyon in October. I have hated running, but also loved it. It's helped me feel good about myself & lose a lot of my baby weight. I just hate waking up at 5:30 am!

I want to give a huge shout out to Jeff who's been sooo supportive of me doing something for me. He's been the best! On the day of the race he took all 4 kids out by himself for the first time.
He's the best dad & the best husband. He's getting quite good at multi-tasking; he can hold Kyler, cuddle with Lexi & sword fight Ethan all at the same time. I couldn't ask for a better husband or father for my kids. Thanks babe, Love you!

Movin on up

Makelle has decided to sleep in a big girl bed. I love that it was her decision. We put the bed in her room & let her choose. She's done so well all week, she stays in bed & calls for us to come get her. She loves that she can get in by herself; she is Miss Independent right now & I have to say I love it! It's nice that I don't have to do everything for her. I do allow more time for things; getting everyone loaded in the car usually takes about 10 minutes, but it's ok.
Since Makelle gave up the crib Kyler FINALLY gets a crib. He's been sleeping in a pack 'n play since he was born. Jeff says that he's deprived. I say he's the 4th, not deprived, not less loved, just different. Last night was the first night for his bed; it didn't go so well. He was up every 3 hours. BOO! I don't know if it's because it's uncomfortable for him, or just because it's different, but I sure hope tonight is better!!

Ethan has started soccer again. I believe this is his 10th season...I can't keep track though. He scored 10 goals his last game. His coach is trying to teach him to pass more to give the other kids a chance to play. In his last game the other coach was getting sooo frustrated because Ethan kept taking the ball & dominating the game... He took off his hat & chucked it. I got a good laugh. Through all of this though I believe Ethan has been a good sport, congratulating others when they score & being a good team player.

Lexi has started pre-school with her dear friend Abby. As I was driving her to the orientation she explained to me that she wanted me to leave & she wanted to do it all by herself. I chuckled to myself because Ethan told me the same thing on his first day of kindergarten. I explained to her that the teacher needed to tell me some things so I had to stay, just this time. So now everytime it's time to go to school she tells me she wants to go all by herself & I can pick her up when she's done.

These 2 have become the dearest of friends. They still have their moments of fighting. But they both miss each other when the other is gone. I love the bond that they have created & hope it continues throughout their lives.

Blessings

As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints I believe in fasting. We go without food for 2 meals & pay what we would have spent on those two meals to our bishop. As we go without food we also pray for specific needs, or blessings, or people. Each time I have fasted I have been blessed to know someone specific who is in need of my faith & prayers. Today was no different. I give all credit to my Heavenly Father for blessing me with this guidance & revelation. I have seen mighty miracles, softened hearts & many, many blessings come from fasting & prayer.

My cousin does a marriage blog where she posts "apples" to try each day to help our marriages. She posts talks & uplifting quotes. Today she posted a talk by Julie B. Beck given at Women's Conference. I tried this "apple" & have truely been uplifted & inspired to be better, to prioritize essential, necessary & nice-to do things. HERE is the link to read it.

Today started off as quite the "poopy" day. It's amazing how aware my Father in Heaven is of me & my needs. He sends instruments in his hands to help & uplift me. How grateful I am for friends, neighbors & family; each one was sent to me for a specific reason & purpose & I'm grateful to those who listen & follow promptings to serve me.

The Cabin

Sometimes I wonder if anybody really cares; but here goes another post.

We headed up to our cabin over my birthday weekend. Last year we did the same thing & on the drive home Makelle got car sick & threw up all over! This year, I got lucky, no throw up! We had lots of fun looking for deer, frogs & killing flies. The adults stayed up late & played Loaded Questions... I love that game! I haven't laughed so hard it a very long time!

Ethan is loving Kindergarten, he looks forward to going every day. Next week he goes off track, I'm not sure how much I'm really going to like tracks.

Kyler is sitting up & rolling everywhere.

Today I'm thankful for patience. The kids are fighting like mad, but I haven't lost it yet. Heavenly Father really is watching over me & helping me raise these kids.