Thank heaven for little girls.

Last Friday she was 6 months old. She seems like she's getting so big to me but her weight is only in the 10th percentile! Itty bitty girl! The first one was taken when she was 10 days old. The second one was last Sunday. I can't even see her growing because I am watching it happen every single minute of every single day. It's pretty surreal. She makes us laugh and smile constantly. What a joy.

She doesn't take lip from bear like she used to. She man-handles him like nobody's business and then asks for more. She gets so worked up every time she wrestles bear. Not sure why he provokes such anger in her.

Here are some shots from Trent's first birthday party we went to last Friday. It's so hard getting Lucy to look at the camera but what's even more challenging is getting Jason to look at it, and not focus on the toy I am dangling up above! What an excellent Daddy he is.

We started her on rice cereal and she loves it. It's so fun to watch her. She is especially fat 'n happy in this second pic- just finished up- face of complete ecstasy.

We had little Harmony over for a play date the other day. She is 2 weeks Lucia's junior, and scoots around like a little worm! So so cute! It was so fun having her. They love each other. There was no nose gouging or hair pulling. Only lots of deep gazing into each others' eyes.



Look at Luc sitting in the background feeling all insecure about herself because she is not scooting yet... Poor little dear.

Attention homemakers!

So! I have been suffering a little bit from the January blues lately. Maybe because I am trapped inside wishing it was springtime now that the holidays are over with. Maybe it is because I am done with school now so I am transitioning into full time stay-at-home mom, and trying to figure out what that really means I'm supposed to do with my life.

I was on msn yesterday and found this article, entitled "The Happiness Habit." I want to focus primarily on the first item on the list because when I read it, it sounded like it could possibly solve all my problems!

Teaming up for chores. "In early America, barn raisings were feats of incredible productivity but also wonderful social occasions. Sue Merriman, 54, a landscape designer and full-time mom, has given the idea a modern twist. Every Wednesday she gets together with her friend Devra Laner, 47; sometimes another friend joins them.

The women alternate houses, and the host picks a task that's time-consuming, difficult to pull off alone, or just no fun—and therefore never gets done. Any project is allowed, although as Sue says, "At first, nobody thinks they can invite friends over to clean the grease out from under the
stove."

The women have done a lot of cleaning, organizing, and gardening in the past three years, but the work's been companionable instead of onerous—full of laughter and talk. "We wanted to be able to see each other and we had to get things done," Sue says. "So we decided to do both."

So who's with me!? Seriously, who!? Think we could really do something like this? Think we could get over our pride enough to let someone come help us clean and cook and garden and then turn around and go do the same thing at their house?? Could you let someone come and do your household chores with you and avoid picking up the house before their arrival? Could you avoid cleaning before you clean?

Along these same lines, as some of you know while I was pregnant I read a book called, The Continuum Concept. I was introduced to it in my infant psychology and development class. I was completely fascinated by it. "Jean Liedloff, an American writer, spent two and a half years deep in the South American jungle with Stone Age Indians. The experience demolished her Western preconceptions of how we should live and led her to a radically different view of what human nature really is. She offers a new understanding of how we have lost much of our natural well-being and shows us practical ways to regain it for our children and for ourselves." She feels in our society of intellectualism, indulgence and modern technological advances, we are overlooking our most fundamental needs. Sure, some of her theories may be a little out there for you... but others really strike a chord and feel true and right. At least for me.

One of the concepts that she touches on is the natural need for women to be among women. That originally, we were tight knitted communities that shared everything. She talks about the need to find our own "tribe" in modern day society, and that just because our culture is radically different than the group of people she studied; our most basic needs as human beings are not, and that our nature is not programmed for isolation. I do agree with her there. Read more here, this article is entitled, "Finding Your Tribe: Feed Your Soul while Feeding Your Kids." This stuff totally rivets me. Some good food for thought.

A little work a little play

We had another managers retreat at NorthStar this past weekend. Here are a few highlights. One big happy family. Good times indeed!

Lucy got a little bored in her carseat on the way up so we figured we'd put all those hours she's been spending on mariocart to the test. She is such a fast learner.

I love putting babies to sleep during Rockband tournaments! Must have heard "eye of the tiger" 12 times. It was pretty hilarious in all honesty.

Had to get a couple shots of this hulubaloo. So glad you made it Ash, even though you were on double baby duty. Poor little Anna wanted her mommy so bad. Ashley did great. Calm and collected. I was way impressed. There were even a couple instances that both babes were crying in perfect harmony.

What would a boys retreat be without a nice piledrive to the face or a punch to the face...

Side note- yes this is me in above photos. I was pretty much born on a snowmobile, no big deal. Actually... to tell you the truth I am the world's biggest wuss. Not just snowmobiles, but jet skis, ATVs, Jason's harley- pretty much any motorized vehicle- all scare me. I don't know... I feel like a Debbie Downer because I know it's "cool" to be into all that, and while I was dating I definitely did my fair share of pretending to be, but in reality I am just no thrill seeker. I am always shouting at Jason to slow down when we ride together, and of course he can't ever hear me over the motor, which inevitably leads to pinching and hitting as the form of communication I resort to. Successfully changing Lucy's diaper- with no changing pad underneath her... now that's what I call my kind of adrenaline rush. SO CRAZY!!

So do you not LOVE how much little people adore each other? Lucy could not get enough of this little Jaidyn- she was like cat nip to her... completely smitten with every move she made. She could do nothing wrong- everything she did was absolutely hilarious.

Thank you Jess and Ryan and everyone who helped out!

Awkward...

Figured I’d better write this one down before I forget it. So I am the queen of awkward experiences. I will admit it; I inadvertently bring most of them on myself. It’s been a strange masochistic phenomenon that has plagued me throughout my life while providing pleasant and entertaining memories for those in my company.

There is this jack-of-all-trades guy we have hired to do some things around the house. We’ll leave his name out of the story. He’s great- hard working, honest, really nice, good guy. He worked on our rain gutters when we first moved in and has done some other outside work. Probably early 40’s, single guy. So he was here on January 1st because we had some water leaking into the house somehow. He was working outside with Jason to thaw out an area on the roof that had some ice built up and they were coming in through the garage, filling up buckets with hot water. I was cleaning up the kitchen with Lucy in the sling, going about my merry duties. So wanting to make conversation, I turned to him and said, “Wow you must not have been out very late partying if you are here working this morning.”

Him: No, no I wasn’t. Even if I was, I don’t need much sleep. I only need about 4 or 5 hours.

By this time he and Jason had paused because I was making conversation, so the three of us were just standing there.

The pivotal moment in the conversation occurred subsequently. What I meant to say next was, “Well if that’s all the sleep you need that’s ideal for having a baby,” as in we’ve had a baby since you saw us last, and I’m much lower on sleep than I used to be… or that would be convenient if you were a dad… and you could let your wife sleep through the night… etc. However, what I said instead was, “Well if that’s all the sleep you need, that’s ideal for baby making.” They both just looked at me and he, with a puzzled expression said… “Well I’ll…have to find someone… who wants to do that with me…”

Another awkward pause. He then politely said, “I don’t really know how to respond to that without being crass.” And I just sorta obliviously nodded my head and smiled playing along but clearly did not catch the drift.

They went back outside. I was a little perplexed. I don’t know how to respond to that without being crass?? What was he talking about? What’s crass about being up in the night taking care of a baby? Weird.

Then it hit me with tremendous force. THAT’S IDEAL FOR BABY MAKING. What was my problem?!? Stupid stupid stupid! Did that actually come out of my mouth? If you don’t need a lot of sleep that’ll really be to your advantage for “making babies”??

I was horrified. There I was in my bathrobe. The pervy house wife. Jason came back in. psssst…. (rushing over to him and whispering) Did you hear what I just said to him?? “Baby making”???

Jason: Yeah… (chuckling) I was wondering…

Me: I’ve got to tell him what I meant to say! I’ve got to rectify this!

And very seriously he turned to me and responded, “No. Let it go. You’ll dig yourself even deeper. You just get out of sight for the rest of the time that he’s here! You’ve just got to avoid him!”

So I scurried back into my bedroom, closed the door, and sat quivering until he was gone- which was a good portion of the day I might add. Now I’m dreading the day he comes back to do something else around the house, and it’s a shame cuz I shouldn't dread it cuz I love that guy.

My greatest fear is that when he does come back, I will lose control of myself and try still to rectify this encounter, no matter how much time has passed. The words will just come spewing out of my mouth like hot lava… something like, “Remember when you came on new years day 6 months ago…” yada yada yada and maybe he won’t remember it and then I will create another very awkward experience by holding onto this brief inconsequential exchange between us for so long... and then I will feel creepier than ever.

Speaking of "baby making," I thought I'd tack on a few pics. She is so much fun. I miss her when she naps. I can't believe she is sitting up. :( I have my days when I think I'm ready for #2! Especially lately seeing these little newbies like Mr. Quinn Rammell and Miss Linzie Gwen. Will I ever stop wanting to have babies? Luckily I only sleep 5 hours a night or so... I guess that'll come in handy for when we want to make another.

New year... a new look?

Jason and I have been a little bored lately so we've been tossing around the idea of some plastic surgery. The possibilities really are endless.

I even talked my sister Vanessa into considering some options. I think the elongated chin on the right is particularly flattering on her. She's just always been missing something... turns out it's been the chin all along.

Creepy! So, so, so creepy. Nightmare style creepy.

Out with the old, on with the new

Before I get into the post, my sister just read it for editing and will not stop her mocking. Out with the old and ON with the new?? She's like "Why would it be out and on you idiot!? It's OUT and IN!! hahahaha!! Why don't you just say 'Out with the old and we'll get started on something new' or 'make like a tree and get outta here!' You moron!" I kept trying to defend myself, "I'm sorry, baby sister... I just made a mistake. I sometimes do that in my life. I know it's disappointing to you... I'm sorry..." but she just wouldn't stop degrading me.

She's a mean, mean person... and for that- I am leaving it Out with the old and ON with the new.

A quick note about the new year. Can't believe we are into 2009. I can't. I remember *just yesterday* being at a party, new years 2000, and these two guys were getting into each others faces...shouting fighting words at each other. (I guess it was quite some time ago- one of those dreadful high school parties where most of the people were drunk.) I just remember one of the guys' friends grabbing him and pulling him aside and being like, "Come on man! You can't fight tonight!! It's the MILLENNIUM dude!! It's the millennium!!" and just kept repeating that same thing over and over, until both agreed that they shouldn't be fighting, but loving! Brandi, you no doubt remember looking at each other and busting up laughing after witnessing that. Speaking of, why did we think we were so cool in high school? Why did we think high school was the mecca of the world and seeing past it was just not possible? Weird.

Back to the new year. 2008 was historical for our family. I'm in denial that it's wrapped itself up. Our numbers went from 2 to 3, the most monumental happening by far. Lucy has changed the world forever. My parents recieved 3 new grandbabies. We moved into our first house. I finished my bachelor's degree. Lucy had her first major trip across the ocean. Jason finally got his GED. I can't think of anything else to say. I keep shouting at my husband, "What else happened in 2008?! You can't think of anything??" but to no avail. He is watching Saved by the Bell on TBS and will not tolerate interruptions. (That was a joke about getting his GED by the way.) I wonder what 2009 will bring us. The beginning of a new year is always an exciting re-birth. I don't want time to go by so quickly. I want to savor this time with my little daughter and husband so much.

Thoughts on Christmas

Forgive me for being more than a week late but we need to talk about Christmas. It was wonderful! We spent this year with Jason's family in South Jordan. Lucy was so much fun. She obviously had no idea what was going on but Christmas was just better because she was with us. So exciting to think about all the many years to come with many more little Lucias. ;)

Having a child sheds a whole new light on what Mary must have felt holding the tiny Savior in her arms for the first time, having an idea but perhaps not fully comprehending the magnitude of his role. Those wonderous feelings that only a new mother understands. I wish I could have been there to see the Lord of the universe wrapped in swaddling clothes as a tiny infant. What confidence Father in Heaven must have had in Mary, to entrust Jesus to her during His most tender and impressionable years. I know He was perfect... still, she had to have had an important influence on Him. What awe inspiring thoughts that Christmas provokes.

I have been thinking more deeply about the Savior's role lately. I can't begin to wrap my mind around all that He did for me personally, and for every person that has ever or will ever come to this earth. Sometimes my own incapacity to comprehend frustrates me so much. I'm so grateful for Him and for His perfect example and unconditional love.

On that note, kindof a randon tangent. We watched the movie, The Kite Runner the other night. I knew nothing about it before we watched it, only that it was originally a book, was made into a film, and won a bunch of awards. This post is not a "for" or "against" the movie, though I highly recommend looking into the content of it before opting to see it so you know what you are getting into. I was not prepared for it. It affected me in a way that completely took me off guard and I ended up bawling my eyes out during the movie, for a solid hour after it was finished, waking up again in the middle of the night not being able to go back to sleep because of it, and crying some more the next day because I couldn't stop thinking about it! It takes place mostly in Afganistan, and the movie reflect the historical events that have taken place there, from the invasion on communist Russia to the rise of the Taliban to power. The opression of the women and children portrayed was very disturbing. The abuse of the children was too much for me. I could not emotionally digest the film. It is movies like these that you wish so badly you could tell yourself, "this is only a movie," the way your parents did when you were little when the scary parts would come in the Disney movies. But you know you cannot say that. The film portrays too much reality of the brutality in the world yesterday and today and ineviteably in our future. To know that so many people in the world suffer in ways that I know I will never understand leaves me with a feeling of helplessness that I can't really describe. Not only is it deeply humbling to me, but it also makes me feel guilty and spoiled and unworthy and so many other emotions. Especially when I find myself complaining about the laundry I have to do or when Lucy has a hard nights sleep.

It boggles my mind to know that the Savior suffered for each and every of the many sins and imperfections in my life. Not only my sins but whatever heartache of any kind I may be called upon to pass through. I know that these things are true. However, it is an entirely separate world of thought to know that He took upon himself the suffering of all mankind, each and every individual of the human family, no matter how great the suffering. Every heinous act of injustice and hate. This I truly cannot comprehend though I want to so badly. He did this so that one day, all will be made right for all of Heavenly Father's children. He knows deeply and personally all suffering and sadness and knows how to comfort us. All that is unjust will be justified through His perfect blood. How this is possible I do not know. I only know the burning in my heart that tells me it is true and this is the only thing that really provides me comfort. He must weep when little children are hurt. It must break His heart to see the wickedness that is ever so prevelant in this world.

Christmas is my favorite because there is more thought and talk about the Savior. One of the more meaningful gifts that Jason gave to me for Christmas was a book entitled, Broken Things to Mend by Jeffery R. Holland of the quorum of the twelve. Elder Holland gave a talk in Conference with this same title, bearing testimony of the cleansing, elevating and saving role of Jesus Christ. You can read it here. I absolutely love it and have read it several times. I feel overwhelmed with gratitude for the Redeemer Jesus Christ. I know He will mend all that is broken. The most tender feelings in my heart are set aside for Him, for my husband and for my Lucia. I'm so grateful He came to this earth. How grateful I am to know Him.