Family in Town

Nothing beats spending time with family, especially family who visit out-of-state. My parents, sisters, and brother-in-law all flew in from California to spend time with me and the rest of the North family. I was thrilled to have them here. Susie flew in first on June 23rd and stayed for two weeks. The rest of my family came for the 4th of July weekend. Here's a few pictures of the fun times we had:

University of Utah
Susie has been considering the possibility of attending medical school at the University of Utah in the near future, so went up to the U of U on June 23rd to take a self guided tour. We all went, including two-week-old Lizzy, who looked absolutely adorable and tiny.







Temple Square
The following Saturday, Brad and I took Susie up to Temple Square to spend time with her former missionary companion. While we were there we went to a Vietnamese restaurant and to the Church History Museum. Afterward, we drove to the Salt Lake City Cemetery. We briefly glanced at the graves of several church leaders before we stopped at President Hinckley's grave. It was a little strange changing a baby's diaper right next to the grave a former prophet, but Lizzy insisted it was necessary.

Jordan River Parkway
Sunday the 28th we went to the Jordan River Parkway. The parkway was gorgeous and we had a wonderful time being together. Susie especially liked it and decided to return again several times to ride my bike along the river. She is used to cycling along the San Gabriel River in Southern California, which looks nothing like Utah's Jordan River. The San Gabriel is basically a huge concrete canal with a small trickle of water-- not nearly as pretty as this.





Wheeler Farm
We went to Wheeler Farm in Murray the Friday before the 4th of July. Rachel, Craig, and my parents were all here at this time. It was nice being together, walking along the trails, climbing trees, and looking at all the farm animals. We took lots and lots of photos.
















Independance Day Breakfast Celebration
The 4th of July was a fun-packed day. We went to a 4th of July breakfast at the Stake's recreational property in the morning. The food was continental style and very yummy. Rachel, Craig, and Brad played volleyball after breakfast, and Scott and Emma had fun playing carnival games at the different booths set up. The favorite activity was a three-legged race that Scott, Emma, Rachel, Susie, and even my dad participated in.







Fireworks
Fireworks were a fun activity for our family on the 4th of July. It's illegal in Long Beach to shoot off fireworks, so my sisters and I did not have many opportunities to do that growing up. We all enjoyed setting them off this year.




Overall, the last two weeks were wonderful to me! I love spending time with my family. I miss them now that they are gone, but we'll be together again soon.

Swimming Lessons

Scott and Emma took swimming lessons again this year. This has been the third year in a row since we started this summertime activity. Both Scott and Emma love going to their lessons and having fun with the other children. Neither of them are very confident swimmers yet, but hopefully they'll get better as time goes by. They struggled with jumping off the diving board in the deep-end during the last three lessons, but Scott finally pushed his fear aside and went in on the very last day. We were very happy for him. Emma will try again next year.

The Highlight of My Day: June 2009

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

June 1, 2009: Only 13 days until my due date! Today I got some last minute baby things at Target (boppy pillow, bassinet sheets, and a hook for a mobile), and Brad and I ordered a stroller and diaper bag from Walmart.

June 2, 2009: Scott and Emma are so excited about it being the last week of school. They'll be doing fun things all week. Today was Scott's "bubble day" at school and tomorrow is their AR party. Both of them surpassed their AR goals in reading. I am so proud of them!

June 3, 2009: Today is Brad's 34th birthday! I made brownies for him and gave him a new U2 shirt. He hung up my baby mobile and then we watched "Pride and Prejudice" while drinking slurpees.

June 4, 2009: The four of us went to the Oquirrh Mountain Temple Open House tonight. It was gorgeous!

June 5, 2009: Today was the last day of school for Scott and Emma! They are looking forward to the summer.

June 6, 2009: Brad and I had lots of alone time today. We went shopping, had Chick-Fil-A for lunch, went to Kaylie's baptism, and picked up some Bajio Mexican food for dinner.

June 7, 2009: I was having mild contractions all day, but I was still able to give my lesson on "Integrity" to the Young Women.

June 8, 2009: Hard contractions every 5 to 7 minutes all day today. Felt quite miserable. The only good part was knowing that my baby will be here shortly.

June 9, 2009: Little Lizzy was born today at 11:30 p.m.! The epidural was LOVELY! Those horrible contraction pains went away, and the actual delivery went very well. I now have a gorgeous baby girl!

June 10, 2009: Lizzy and I both learned how to breastfeed today. It is challenging, and neither of us are masters at it yet, but I hope we will get there eventually.

June 11, 2009: We came home from the hospital today! At first I was afraid we would have to leave Lizzy, because she developed some jaundice and they had her on special treatment. All turned out well, though.

June 12, 2009: I finally got a few hours of uninterrupted sleep last night! Yea! We took Lizzy back to the doctor today for them to check her jaundice. Lizzy is doing better, but we still have to keep her on blue lights until tomorrow afternoon.

June 13, 2009: Scott and Emma came home today and got to see their new little sister for the first time!

June 14, 2009: Brad and I took little Lizzy on her first walk around the block today. We wanted her out in the sunshine to help with the jaundice.

June 15, 2009: We went on our first family outing to the library with baby Lizzy tonight. She looks so cute and tiny in her car seat. :)

June 16, 2009: I have my energy back. It's nice not feeling so tired anymore from the pregnancy. It's also nice being able to eat more normally again and not gagging when I brush my teeth. *Sigh* Lovely!

June 17, 2009: Celebrating 3 years of marriage today! Brad and I went to Jamba Juice with little Lizzy. Brad got me a very nice card and I got him the book "Mere Christianity" by C.S. Lewis. It was a simple and sweet anniversary.

June 18, 2009: June must be my "I Love Brad" month. I greatly appreciate all that he does to keep me feeling happy and loved. Today he complimented me on how good I looked and wonderful I was. He's a sweet talking guy and I love him!

June 19, 2009: Lizzy got her pictures taken today! She behaved very well for Jeana, so I'm sure many good shots were taken. I love my sweet little baby.

June 20, 2009: Brad and I slept in this morning! Hooray! Lizzy is doing much better at night, although she's still getting up quite regularly.

June 21, 2009: The kids and I made Daddy breakfast this morning. Later we took Lizzy to church today for Father's Day. She slept through all of Sacrament meeting. In the evening we had a Father's Day celebration with Bruce and Loralee's family.

June 22, 2009: Scott and Emma started swimming lessons today. I enjoyed taking them to the Taylorsville pool with Lizzy and watching them swim. They love it!

June 23, 2009: Susie has arrived! She'll be here for the next two weeks. Today we took her to the U of U to go on a tour.

June 24, 2009: Brad, Susie, Lizzy, and I went to the Harman's tonight for dinner and swimming. It was nice being with family and visiting Brad's Aunt Ann again.

June 25, 2009: Lizzy passed her hearing test! Yippee!

June 26, 2009: Brad, Susie, and I took Lizzy to Walmart to get a baby swing. While we were there a big rainstorm came and we all got wet, except Lizzy. The storm was beautiful! I loved all the rain.

June 27, 2009: Today Brad and I took Susie downtown to Temple Square. We had lunch with her old missionary companion, we went to the church history museum, and we went to the SLC Cemetery.

June 28, 2009: Tonight we went to the Jordan River Parkway and went walking. The evening was beautiful, and it was fun taking Susie and Lizzy for the first time.

June 29, 2009: I took Lizzy to her doctor's appointment today. She gained one pound since she was born. The doctor commented on how pretty she looked.

June 30, 2009: Lizzy slept almost all night last night. It was lovely! I felt like I got more sleep than usual.

Adorable Lizzy

Our talented friend Jeana Bird took these beautiful photos of Lizzy when Lizzy was 10 days old. I love how peaceful and content Lizzy looks in these photos. She's such a beautiful girl. Thank you, Jeana! More photos to come . . .

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!