To the Papa of Our Home

June is Brad's spotlight month. He had his birthday on the 3rd, wedding anniversary on the 17th, and Father's Day on the 21st this year. I wanted to spotlight him for all of these events, so now it's time for Father's Day.

Brad truly is an amazing father. He is completely devoted to his kids and always makes time to be with them. I have never seen a father more involved with his kids as Brad is with Scott and Emma. It's also a treat to see him interact with our newest daughter, Lizzy. He tries to spend as much time with her as possible, which I think is wonderful.

This morning the kids and I made Brad a special Father's Day breakfast. Scott made his daddy scrambled eggs, Emma made some concentrated orange juice, and I made French toast. Tonight we will present Brad with a new family game, "Catch Phrase," and a new children's book, "I Love My Daddy."

Happy Father's Day, Papa! We love you so, so much!

Three Wonderful Years

Today is my wedding anniversary! It was three years ago today that Brad and I got married in the Salt Lake Temple. They have been three wonderful years, full of happiness and many blessings. I love you, my Bradley!

Welcome, Little Lizzy!

Our Little Lizzy has finally made her appearance! She was born on Tuesday, June 9th at 11:30 p.m., weighing 7 pounds 6 ounces and measuring 20 1/2 inches long.

A Wonderful Guy

Today I peaked at my old email account from when Brad and I started our Internet courtship over four years ago. Before I knew it I found myself dragged into a lovely, romantic world of old memories and girlish excitement each time I clicked open a new message. I felt like a love-sick girl again, glimpsing at our old correspondence. I was reminded of how infatuated and "in love" I was with Brad then. He wrote me such amazing emails, full of love and tenderness and hope for the future. He treated me so well-- so much better than what I was used to in past relationships. Today I fell head-over-heels in love with him again reading his emails. The love I feel for Brad is deeper and more mature now then it was while we were courting, but I'm still just as giddy and love-sick as ever! Being married to him has opened my eyes to how even more wonderful he is. I love my husband! How grateful I am that I married him.

I'm as corny as Kansas in August,
High as a flag on the Fourth of July!
If you'll excuse an expression I use,
I'm in love, I'm in love,
I'm in love, I'm in love,
I'm in love with a wonderful guy!
~South Pacific

Happy 34th, Bradley!

Today is my wonderful husband's birthday! I feel very blessed to have him in my life. In honor of his 34th year, I have compiled a list of 34 things I love about him. He truly is a remarkable person and I am grateful that we found each other.

1. Brad has an amazing gift with words. He's an extremely good writer and speaker. His emails won me over instantly when we first began our courtship.

2. Brad is a natural giver. He wants others around him to be happy, especially those he loves most. He is always willing to give up his time, money, and energy to help his family.

3. Brad is a wonderful father. I personally have never met a man so devoted to his children the way Brad is to Scott and Emma. Whether they realize it or not, Brad is the greatest blessing in their lives.

4. Brad is extremely smart. His math skills and grammar skills are pretty advanced. He's good at remembering facts, solving puzzles, and dealing with everyday problems.

5. Brad is very organized. He writes in his planner daily and always makes sure things get done. He is very dependable and responsible, and he knows how to commit.

6. Brad is very good with money. He knows how to budget and save. He knows how to get out of debt and stay out of debt. I admire the way he handles the finances in our home.

7. Brad has an amazing testimony of Jesus Christ and the gospel. His faith is very important to him. I admire his diligence and willingness to serve in the church.

8. Brad takes his job responsibilities seriously. He is an extremely reliable employee and he is always willing to do his part. His employers know that they can depend on him and trust him to get the work done.

9. Brad is not afraid to do household chores. He does the dishes, laundry, mows the lawn, vacuums, cleans toilets, dusts, takes out garbage--- you name it. He gets things done if they need to be done.

10. Brad pampers me when I feel sick. I appreciate knowing that I can always depend on him during the rough times.

11. Brad gives great massages! He'll massage my feet, my back, my neck... He's wonderful!

12. Brad always kisses me when he leaves to work and returns home. His affection gives me security throughout the day and something to look forward to in the evening.

13. Brad will very often cook for us on weekends. He is really good at making and preparing breakfast foods. It's amazing what he can do with a few eggs and butter. Mmmm!

14. Brad always looks for ways to keep me happy and satisfied. If I seem upset about something he immediately asks what he can do to help. He always makes me feel better.

15. Brad has very nice physical features. He has amazingly gorgeous eye lashes, sexy muscular legs, really nice arms, a really cute butt, a nice abdomen, and no hair on his back. :) I like him!

16. Brad likes smart chick flicks! He loves Jane Austen movies, which I am thrilled about, because then we can enjoy watching them together. It's nice having similar tastes.

17. Brad loves having discussions with me. It's so nice being able to have interesting chats with him, knowing that he's genuinely interested in what I have to say. I don't take that for granted! I am fully aware that there are many guys out there who don't like to talk.

18. Brad never, ever says anything bad about me or my appearance. He always makes me feel beautiful and loved. He always has something good to say about me.

19. Brad and I never fight and we have never had a heated argument. The times we have disagreed were always handled maturely and respectfully. I love that we communicate so well together.

20. Brad is not afraid to say "I love you." He declares his love for me every single day-- multiple times. It does not get old with us.

21. Brad is generally a very romantic guy. He is not afraid to be sensitive or emotional, and he knows how to treat his wife with love and tenderness. He sure does make me happy!

22. Brad has a great sense of humor. He loves laughing and entertaining himself with smart, witty humor. He makes me laugh constantly.

23. Brad is very physically affectionate. He always kisses me, gives me hugs, and holds my hand. I love spending evenings cuddling with him.

24. Brad is very close to his parents, siblings, aunts, and uncles. He comes from a secure and loving family background, which I am very grateful for. He has a wonderful relationship with his mother.

25. Brad is very stable, just like me. He prefers not changing homes or jobs. His stability gives me security.

26. Brad is just the right height to give fantastic hugs! I love feeling his arms around me. I love how tall he is. He's perfect.

27. Brad is naturally good at sports. He's good at volleyball, soccer, and basketball, and he tries to go to the gym regularly. He's generally a health-conscience guy, but not to the extreme, which I am also grateful for.

28. Brad is a homebody. He would rather stay at home with his family than seek entertainment elsewhere. This aspect of his personality matches up perfectly with mine.

29. Brad is good with electronics. I am very grateful for this, considering I have no clue how electronics work most of the time. It helps having a husband with a technical brain.

30. Brad never has to be nagged by me or anyone else to accomplish tasks he has committed to complete. He takes his responsibilities seriously.

31. Brad has a current temple recommend and is worthy to go to the temple. I am grateful that he takes his worthiness seriously. The greatest aspect of our marriage is that we were able to marry in the Salt Lake Temple. Such a blessing!

32. Brad has a way of motivating me to want to be a better person. I know I do the same for him, too. It's nice being in a relationship where each partner actively tries to do his or her best to be there for the other.

33. Brad gives wonderful gifts! He tries to find out what I need and want most and always comes up with great ideas. I appreciate his thoughtfulness and his desire to keep me happy.

34. I also love Brad simply because I made the choice to love him. I've got the greatest husband a woman could ask for simply because I've chosen to see him that way. He truly is a wonderful husband, lover, and friend. I feel very blessed to have him in my life.

The Highlight of My Day: May 2009

Something good happens each day. Here's what happened in May:

May 1, 2009: Brad and I went to his cousin Craig's graduation BBQ. Craig has a wonderful family and it was nice meeting them.

May 2, 2009: Brad and I went to Walmart yesterday and bought necessary items in preparation for baby Lizzy. Only six more weeks left!

May 3, 2009: I loved Fast and Testimony meeting today. It was a spiritual feast for me. I am grateful for having the gospel in my life and for having so many people who love and support me. Brad got up and bore his testimony, too. He's such a wonderful speaker.

May 4, 2009: Tonight for FHE we made Mother's Day cards for four of Scott's and Emma's grandmas (they have lots of grandmas). The cards turned out cute!

May 5, 2009: I enjoyed sitting on the porch this evening, watching Scott and Emma play soccer with their daddy and the neighborhood children. I love my family!

May 6, 2009: Brad and I got a glider rocking chair tonight! Hooray! Brad says it's an early Mama's Day present. I like being a Mama-- and I love having such a wonderful husband, too.

May 7, 2009: I love how my baby responds to her daddy's voice! Sometimes she hears him and gets so excited she starts bouncing all over the place in my belly. Last night she was moving around quite a bit and I told Brad. He started talking to her and she froze. I think she wanted to hear his voice more. So cute!

May 8, 2009: Scott and Emma smothered me with kisses this morning before they went to school. I felt loved and appreciated. They are such wonderful kids.

May 9, 2009: Brad took me to see Star Trek today and to the Mayan for lunch. He wants to make Mother's Day extra special for me this year. I love him!

May 10, 2009: I had a wonderful Mother's Day! Brad gave me lots of attention this morning; made me breakfast and gave me a full body massage to ease my achy preggo muscles.

May 11, 2009: Tonight we had our Family Home Evening on motherhood, and Scott and Emma were able to celebrate their own Mother's Day with me. Emma had done a project for me at school, Scott made me a Lego flower, and Brad got me a Willow Tree figurine and Jelly Belly candies.

May 12, 2009: Scott and Emma are so excited about their baby sister being born shortly. Tonight Scott felt Little Lizzy kick his hand as he rested it on my belly. Emma sat down next to me and read her baby sister an ABC book. Priceless memories! I'm happy that Scott and Emma are anxiously waiting for her to join our family.

May 13, 2009: Brad and I enjoyed some yummy treats tonight while the kids were gone. Raspberry pastries and chocolate ice cream. Mmm....

May 14, 2009: This evening Emma went outside and gathered a huge bouquet of flowers from our garden (with permission from us, of course). She gathered lilacs, snow blossoms, purple morning glories, mint leaves, baby cherry trees, grass, leaves from bushes... an unusual assortment, but very pretty.

May 15, 2009: I cut Emma's hair for the first time today! It really needed some TLC, so I had her wash it thoroughly then I brushed it and combed it and cut one inch off the back and gave her bangs a small trim. She looks so pretty now.

May 16, 2009: We went as a family to Applebees for lunch today. Emma won a free children's meal to Applebees from school, so it was her special treat.

May 17, 2009: We watched the first half of Fiddler on the Roof today. Emma loved the matchmaker song, and Scott was impressed that John Williams adapted the music for the movie.

May 18, 2009: I got a lot of work done in our bedroom for little Lizzy. I have her shelves stocked full of cute little newborn diapers, baby socks and accessories, and blankets. I still need to organize her baby clothes and toys.

May 19, 2009: Brad and I started watching "Night at the Museum" tonight. It's not a movie I would necessarily buy, but it was very entertaining.

May 20, 2009: Today I ordered myself a pizza for lunch. I was really craving one, so I went ahead and ordered one online from Papa Johns. It was sooooo yummy.

May 21, 2009: Today was payday! Brad and I took Rosie for a spin in the new van to the bank to deposit money. We laughed at how much Rosie loves being in the van with us.

May 22, 2009: Today I took Scott and Emma to Brad's work, since they had no school. We bought cute things at the new Del Sol shop and played pool in the game room. After that I treated Scott and Emma to a lunch at Wendys, then we stopped at Petsmart on the way home to look at cute animals. FUN!

May 23, 2009: Today was my family baby shower. Loralee did a great job putting it together. I love the gifts I got, especially the blessing gown Loralee made for little Lizzy. Gorgeous!

May 24, 2009: I am officially FULL TERM! Baby Lizzy is 37 weeks today! She could be born anytime, although my doctor says she'll probably stay the full 40 weeks.

May 25, 2009: Today was our annual Memorial Day swimming party and BBQ at the Harmans! I enjoyed being in the water. The temperature was just right for my overheated preggo body, and it was lovely feeling less pressure in my joints and abdomen.

May 26, 2009: Brad was able to serve twice at the new Oquirrh Mountain Temple today. In between hours he came home and visited me. I LOVE spending time with him! We went out to lunch, to the library, and spent alone time at home.

May 27, 2009: Doctor told me I was 50% effaced. Hooray! The time for Little Lizzy to be born is getting closer and closer.

May 28, 2009: I was nesting big time today! I organized all of Lizzy's clothes and baby essentials, plus I cleaned my room and got done a bunch of laundry.

May 29, 2009: We went to the dog park this evening-- all four of us and Rosie. I enjoyed watching everyone having fun, especially Scott and Emma. They seemed to have more fun than Rosie.

May 30, 2009: We (the four of us) watched Pixar's "UP" this morning in 3D. It was AWESOME! The story was spectacular, and I loved the characters and the animation. It's definitely the best movie so far this year.

May 31, 2009: We sang Happy Birthday to Brad and his dad this evening. We had birthday cake, cheesecake, and ice cream. 'Twas yummy!

37 Weeks

I'm almost at the end! Hooray! I'm starting to get very impatient and antsy for this baby to vacate her 9 month residency and join our family. She feels huge! It's almost like I'm carrying a 10 pound bagful of potatoes or rocks in my belly. Her kicks have become quite powerful and strong, and sometimes painful. I feel like she's going to push right out of me sometimes. She responds to almost everything I do, which is both cute and irritating sometimes. If I eat sugar she'll start moving. If I lie my arms across my belly she'll kick me. If I start talking or singing she'll give a few blows to my ribs. The kids have been taking advantage of this, too. Emma felt her for the first time the other day when I told her to lay her face on my belly after I had some sugar. The baby instantly brushed her foot against Emma's cheek and Emma sat up squealing with laughter. Scott likes shaking my belly lightly and then resting his hands where he knows the baby will kick. He rarely gets disappointed.

There have been plenty of fun and exciting moments during this pregnancy, but I'm ready to have it end-- with a healthy, full-term baby, of course. I'm anxious to meet her. And I'm anxious for my body to slowly get back to normal-- if that's even possible.

Motherhood

Mother's Day has come and gone, but my thoughts on motherhood are still active in my mind. I am grateful for the examples of wonderful mothers I've encountered throughout my life and what I've learned by observing them.

My Mother

My mother has always been a constant example of love, discipline, hard work, charity, honesty, and sacrifice. She has always been an excellent mother to me. She was constantly devoted to my needs and care while I was growing up. I have memories of her taking my sisters and me to the park daily, brushing my hair, singing to me, teaching me games, and telling me stories of her childhood. I never questioned her love for me while I was a child. She told me how much she loved me constantly, and she showed how much she loved me by spending quality time with me. I feel very blessed to have been raised by such a wonderful woman.

My Grandmother

My grandmother was a tremendous influence of motherhood during the first few years of my life. I was her first grandchild. She helped raise me and take care of me. I will never forget the songs she sang to me, or the books she read, or the poems she recited to me from memory. I remember the way she laughed and the way her voice would get soft when she spoke to me. As an adult, I now share her love for animals and wildlife, her quiet and loving demeanor, her appreciation for poetry and songs, and her phlegmatic and nurturing personality. I find that I treat my husband very much the way she treated my grandpa. She taught me to look for the good in people and to always be polite and kind. I love and appreciate all that she did for me.

My Mother-in-Law

Margaret is and always will be an excellent example of motherhood to me, my husband, and to Scott and Emma. Right now she truly is the head-mother of our home. I learn a lot by observing her and going to her for questions or concerns. She is full wisdom and knowledge, and I go to her for advice and counsel frequently. I also learn by watching her interact with Scott and Emma. She has been a huge mother-role in Scott's and Emma's lives. Margaret's warmth and loving personality has blessed all of her descendants and will continue to do so for years to come. We all love her tremendously.

My Role as a Stepmother

I love being Scott's and Emma's stepmother. It is definitely not an easy role, but it is one I treasure and work hard on every single day. I know that I am a powerful example of motherhood in Scott's and Emma's lives. They spend more time with me than anyone else, so it is very important to me to be a good example to them. They look up to me and love me for who I am and what I represent. Their love for me did not happen spontaneously, the way children instantly feel toward their biological parents. I had to earn their love and work hard to nurture and keep it growing. Because of that, I have learned not to take their love for granted. I love and appreciate them more than words can express. I love how well they get along with me and the wonderful memories we create together. I love being their step-mom.

A Biological Mother

I am excited to take on the new role of being a biological mother. My heart already bursts with love for my unborn daughter and I am anxious to finally meet her and hold her in my arms. I can't wait to be her mother--- to watch her learn and grow. I want to be a fine example to her, the same way my mother, grandmother, and mother-in-law have been to me. I want her to feel secure. I want her to grow up knowing that she is a divine daughter of God, and that she is priceless, special, and loved.

An Early Mama's Day Present

I officially have the most wonderful husband EVER! Brad took me to South Jordan tonight to pick up a glider rocking chair for me to have before the baby comes. It was the last big item on my Baby Buy List. He wanted to make sure I had a glider by Mother's Day. Isn't he sweet? :) I love, love my husband. Now I have one less thing to buy before Little Lizzy comes. Only 5 1/2 weeks until my due date!

The Highlight of My Day: April 2009

Something good happens each day. Here's what happened in April:

April 1, 2009: I had to go to jury duty today. The nice thing about the day was that I hit a milestone. I drove for the first time to SLC all by myself, in the snow, in rush hour traffic. To me it was a big deal, since I'm still a hesitant driver.

April 2, 2009: I had to take a glucose test today, to see if I have gestational diabetes. That wasn't so fun. The highlight of the day was seeing my doctor and getting good feedback. I am grateful for my healthy pregnancy.

April 3, 2009: Emma and her friend Makenna had a great time washing Rosie after school. Brad and I took advantage of the clean dog and attempted to shave and groom her (our first time). It was a lot of work! At the end of the first round Rosie looked like a sheep. It was hilarious!

April 4, 2009: I loved the morning and afternoon session of General Conference. Lovely! Later, Brad and I finished shaving the dog. She looks like a pretty standard poodle again.

April 5, 2009: Scott and Emma watched conference with us today. Emma made me smile when she began taking notes-- following my example. She wrote down something that she liked most about the talks shared. I thought she was very cute!

April 6, 2009: Tonight we had our Easter activity/lesson for FHE. We had a wonderful time dying eggs, hunting for eggs, and eating yummy candy while listening to our Easter lesson. It was a fun family night.

April 7, 2009: Tonight I made yummy Mormon potatoes and steak for dinner. I am so grateful that I can eat normal foods again! YUM!

April 8, 2009: I got boxes of baby clothes today from Jocelyn and Amanda. I had a great time going through them and organizing them. Baby girl clothes are so cute!

April 9, 2009: I woke up this morning completely in love with my husband. :) What can I say? He's awesome!

April 10, 2009: Tonight Brad and I hosted a U2 party. My favorite part of the event was having the living room and kitchen cleaned prior to the party. Lovely!

April 11, 2009: Brad and I went out to eat at Virg's today. It was nice spending the one-on-one time with him and eating a great lunch at the same time.

April 12, 2009: Today was Easter Sunday and Brad and I participated in the musical numbers in church. It was fun! I enjoyed the music very much.

April 13, 2009: Scott and Emma came home tonight! They were both thrilled that little Cocoa is feeling better.

April 14, 2009: Emma stayed home with me today because she was feeling sick. It was sweet wrapping my arms around her and having her kiss my face and nuzzle my nose. She's such a sweetie!

April 15, 2009: Tonight Brad and I carpooled with Marilyn to Provo to go to an open house for Brad's cousin Matt and his bride-to-be.

April 16, 2009: My mother-in-law and I went out to eat for the first time together in a long time. We went to Woody's-- a charming little diner in Murray.

April 17, 2009: The highlight of my day, and maybe my whole week, is that we finally bought a van! It's a wonderful little Honda Odyssey-- exactly what we were looking for.

April 18, 2009: We went on a family outing to the Jordan River Parkway today, and we took Rosie with us. In the evening we went to Bruce and Loralee's house for dinner and watched a movie.

April 19, 2009: Today was Stake Conference. It was nice coming home early and spending the day together as a family. We played "Blockus" together and I won!

April 20, 2009: Our van arrived today! HOORAY! Scott and Emma were thrilled by the remote controlled sliding doors, and Brad and I love the overall quality of the van. We took a spin to the library in it for fun.

April 21, 2009: Today is my birthday! I turned 29 years old (still not afraid to say my age). Brad took me and the kids to Leatherby's for ice cream. Mmmm...

April 22, 2009: I got the new mini-van registered today!

April 23, 2009: My little baby is not so little anymore. Her kicks and shifting positions feel as if she wants to burst right out of me. I'm grateful that she seems so healthy and lively.

April 24, 2009: Brad and I watched some more of "All Creatures Great and Small" together and made chocolate chip cookies.

April 25, 2009: Today we bought a small bookshelf for Scott's room and transferred his big shelf into our room for Little Lizzy. Brad and I (mostly Brad) cleaned out our bedroom closet this morning and did a bunch of laundry, too. Our room is becoming more and more baby-friendly.

April 26, 2009: We had a family birthday party for me tonight. The Bruce-Clan and James & Marilyn came over for cake and fire. It was nice visiting with everyone.

April 27, 2009: We received great news today! Grandma North will not need the 5 week radiation treatment like we were dreading. Instead she will have the 3 week treatment-- once a week for three weeks. Hooray!

April 28, 2009: I went to my OBGYN appointment today. Both my doctor and his assistant complimented me on how little weight I've gained during my pregnancy. That made me feel good.

April 29, 2009: Today was Rosie's 2nd birthday! Happy Birthday, Rosie-Puppy!

April 30, 2009: Tonight was my baby shower with sisters from my ward. It was fun! I loved all of the cute clothes and baby items I got from people. Very, very nice!