Welcome to the world cousin Talmage

I am so excited that my older sister Stacy had a little boy. James is the first grandson on my side of the family. Now he has a little cousin to be best buds with. Congratulations Stacy and Josh on your new little arrival. He is so dang cute and cuddly. James can't wait to meet him, and neither can Josh and I. P.S We are so lucky to have such an amazing talented photographer as our sister. Amber is incredible at capturing the special moments of our precious sweeties. Thanks again Amber, you always seem to amaze me.

An Elite Woman

Emma Smith is an elite woman. I just had all the Mia Maids over for Tuesday night activites and we watched the movie, Emma Smith- My Story. Emma was such an amazing and incredible woman. I was in tears watching her struggle with the loss of so many children. She was so brave and strong. As I thought about all the hardships and trials she went through with Joseph, I kept asking myself if I was as strong as her. I wish I could say I was. I do seek to become like her in many aspects of my life, yet realize I have fallen many times too. She is definalty an insperation to me. I look at Emma and Joseph's life and realize all that they did was to bring about the gospel and to stand up to what they believed. I know that Joseph was a true prophet and that the Book of Mormon is another testimant of Christ and that it is true words from Christ's mouth. I am so happy to have the gospel in my life and to be living in this day and age, where the gospel has reached many. I pray that I will live a life of service, love, kindness and that I will make God proud. I know there are so many aspects in my life that I need to improve in to become better, yet I also know that I am happy that I have the Savior on my side every single day, despite the challenges that come our way. I pray that I will live a life like Emma, who persisted through challenges the best she knew how to.

Dear: Grandma and Grandpa. I love you and miss you.

Here I am, I have learned so much in the last few months. This bobbing of the head was a few months ago,I am a big boy now and can hold my head up steady and still. X0x00x0x0. James loves you so much. Mom and Dad these video's are all for you. I want you to enjoy his growing up as much as I do. He is so much fun and I just know he misses you. I wish you were both here, but I know that you are here in spirit. Enjoy your first growing grandson.

First Cougar Game Can Be A Little Overwhelming

Dreaming of the Milky Way

Ahh... Boo....

Body for Life Challenge

Well, Josh and I have started doing the BODY FOR LIFE challenge just a few days ago. We have been contemplating the idea of getting into shape and have finally decided to do it. We want to live a long life, be healthy, feel good, look good and have lots of energy for our family(especially baby James right now). We have been quite dedicated to the eating and workout part. Ya, it's been tough just getting out of our rutt and not eating sugar. I have always had such a sugar tooth and love chocolate so much. So now I have to just wait until my free day. The eating part totally makes sense. I have been putting so much crap and unhealthy junk into my body and sometimes it just made me feel sluggish. Eating the right foods already has given me more energy and I just feel so much more healthy. As for the working out- WOW! I started up taking it easy, just because it has been so long since I have worked out, but today during cardio I seriously thought I was going to throw up and fall off the treadmill. For the cardio training, it only lasts a short 20 minutes, but it kicks your butt. I came home with sore legs and abbs just from running. I really like how you don't have to spend long hours at the gym, but that you can get such a hard workout in such a short amount of time. While I was running at the fastest speed for 1 minute, I felt like giving up and just stopping, but I had to refocus and just give it all I had. I can see why people get in shape this way- it hurts!! Well I am telling you all that I am doing Body for Life so that I have to keep my word and not give up. I am going to do this and get in the best shape of my life. I want to be confident about my body, I want to feel good, but most of all I want to be able to be an active mother with my son and family. I CAN DO IT!! I'VE GOT THE POWER! We eat 6 meals a day and have learned about portion size (the size of your fist)for protein, carbs and veggies. Tonight I was creative and made some yummy wheat bread. Along with that I made a heart shaped pizza (wheat crust, salsa, chicken, onions and cheese- all appropriate according to Body for Life) for the 2 men I love in my life. Josh and I just have to be strong and stick to it. It is worth it and we are worth it. We will be healthy and lean in 12 weeks.

Silly boy

Smiles and giggles

I just can't believe how fun James is. Everyday he gets funner and funner. Seriously I spend hours cuddling, staring and making him smile and laugh. I wouldn't want to be any were else. He brings so much laughter and smiles to Josh and I. Whoever said you needed entertainment, when you have a cutie to watch all day long. It was great, yesterday Josh and I were playing with James all afternoon and than into the night, than it was bedtime. We always get sad when it is his bedtime cause than we can't hold him. But right after he went to bed, we continued to look at all the pictures we had taken of him. We just can't get enough of him. Boy we love this little silly boy. James joined me last night while I folded the clothes. It was nice having him next to me, wrapped amongst all the clothes,drinking his momma's milk, entertaining me and keeping me company.

Draper Temple

I took the Young women to the Draper temple open house last week. There were so many people there and the spirit was present. The 20 girls that came thought it was very pretty and for some it was their first time walking through the doors of the Lords house before it got dedicated. I love working with the Young Women, they are amazing girls that are so strong in the gospel and I just love them so much. Yesterday Josh and I went to the dedication and felt honored to attend. I loved how President Monson addressed the importance of temples and how we are all seeking to return back to our father in heaven to be with the ones we love. For heaven would not be heaven without our family or friends. I love how our temple is so sacred and that it is a place where we can leave all the worries behind and consentrate on the real importance of why we are here. Josh and I have set a goal to go once a week. This last month we have done it and it feels so good to be filled with the love of God and to be so close to him. As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints I feel so blessed to have a place to worship and honor the most high God. I love Heavenly Father and Jesus so much and all I want to do is be a better person, so I can be sure to have a place in his kingdom. I know that our church is true and we are so lucky to have a prophet to guides us this day in the correct direction. At times I may not enjoy certain trials that come our way, yet the only way I can get through it is knowing that God is taking care of us and wanting us to learn something from our hardship. I have learned a lot in the last few months and I am grateful for the trials because they have made me stronger.

Baby's First Fishies

Josh and I were just walking around the mall with baby James and we made our way to Nordstroms and took James to see the fish display. It was his first time seeing fish and he was quite enthrawled. His eyes would watch for the fish and instead of a smile, it was more of a look like "Where did they come from". He loved it.

Feeling Lucky

St. Patricks day will always be a special day for us. Last year on St. Patricks day was the day we found out I was pregnant with Baby James. I remember the night before I had boughten a pregnancy test just in case. Josh was out of town and I didn't want to get my hopes up so I waited until Sunday, which was St. Patricks day to take the test. I had missed my monthly visitor for about 4 days so I took the test and sure enough it was positive. Since I was at home by myself I remember being so excited and just screaming for joy and then getting on my knees and saying thank you to God. All morning I prepared a surprise way to tell Josh when he got home. I went to pick him up in Nephi and was in an extra good mood. When he walked through the door he saw a little savenger hunt that he had to read and than follow the directions. It refered to St. Patricks day and why I was so LUCKY to have him in my life. As he went from living room to kitchen to bathroom and than to our bedroom he started to tear up at the last one. It read the following: He couldn't believe that we were pregnant. After he read it, he opened a box that had the piece of paper "DADDY'S LITTLE LEPRICHAUN" wrapped around the positive pregnancy test. We both hugged eachother in tears. We were truly lucky to be pregnant with our little man last year. This year we feel extreemly lucky to have him with us everyday. We smile more and more with him as he is learning how to communicate with us. He is our little leprichaun. Happy St. Patricks day to all of you and I hope that you all can find many ways in which you are lucky. I am also lucky to have such an amazing husband who loves being a daddy and loves me so much too. 4 MONTH CHECK-UP Sweet Baby James had his 4 month check up and he did not enjoy the shots at all. I always hate holding his legs down and letting them prick him with the needles. Once they finish I just swoop him up in my arms and craddle him and tell him everythings going to be okay. I felt so bad for him, because that evening he ran a fever and didn't seem to be himself. So I placed a cool wet washcloth on his forhead and just let him hang out with me, until he fell asleep in my arms. Now James is not much of a cuddler (sad, I know), so I knew he was not feeling completley well and he was hardly drinking any milk. I loved cuddling with him and just spent my precious time next to him, letting him know his momma loved him. I think all moms would agree- We hate seeing our little ones sick or hurt and all we ever want to do is make them feel better. Length: 25 in- 55% Head: 43 cm -75% Weight: 15 lbs 10oz - 75%(Josh was disappointed I didn't feed him right before we went in so he would hit the 16 lbs mark) I love my baby James, yesterday he rolled over on his own 3 times. I tried to get him to do it again today- no success. James is continually having baby talk conversations with me and I just love it. Mommy and baby times are my highlights through out the day.

Tickle Monster

James is super ticklish and goes crazy when we give him big smiles and tickle him were it counts.

Snowy days

Today was the first day I took James out into the snow. He is so curious and loves new things. He gets tired of one thing for long periods. He is constantly wanting to see and do things. So I bundled him up and took him for a walk in the cold snowy weather. He loved it, it was fun seeing his expression and he was so content just looking everywhere. Since he is a warm body, he remained warm the whole time, besides his little cheeks that got nice and rosey. I am so excited to experience all the first time things with James. First time for summer and swimming is going to be a blast.

Baby to little boy

4 MONTHS: James is sleeping through the night (7-9 hours), drinking 8-10 oz per feeding,is a wiggle worm, grasps things with hands, notices reflection (not sure if he knows it is his, but he smiles at his reflection and responds), knows mommy and daddy's voices, smiles a whole lot, when tickled on his neck/tummy/armpits and ears- he giggles and opens his mouths with a big grin, loves to mimic back with his baby babbling, loves noises and music, when the T.V is on he always finds a way to watch it, he loves to stand with our help, he tries so hard to pull himself up with the help of our hands, he loves to sit up and has a very strong back, he has complete control of his neck and can turn in any direction, loves any kind of movement, falls asleep the best with the silky part of his blanky placed right next to his cheeks,he doesn't prefer cuddling unless he is extremely tired, he wants to stay up the majority of the day and tries to fight off being tired- yet when it hits he's completely out after he gives his tired cry, prefers the bottle over his momma- yet is still getting his momma's milk, everytime he wakes up and I go into his room- he greets me with a huge smile, he fits into 6 month clothing and he is only 4 months, he weighs 15 lbs 10 oz,he is 25 inches long, he enjoys sucking his fingers (or whole hand), he had his first throw up and it was only the size of a 1/2 dollar coin, his eyes are his best feature (dark blue/grey)- I hope they stay that color, his head is perfectly round and perfect, when he is focusing- he flex's his big toe, his redness (birthmark) on his eyes and neck are fading- now to a lighter pink, he can stand tummy time for about 10 minutes, he loves pulling his mommy's hair, he looks exactly like his daddy, he prefers being held outward so he can see what is happening in front of him, he is always warm, his feet sweat, he loves showers and doesn't mind when water goes on his face, he's a total mover and loves to be stimulated and when I talk to him in my baby talk and tell him I love him- his face lights up and he gives me the biggest smile. I know James loves me and it is so fun that he knows my voice and touch. He is sprouting like a weed, it is so sad seeing him grow out of his little baby stages, yet so exciting to see him progress from a little baby to a little boy. 3 MONTHS: Baby James was blessed. He is pretty good at going to different people and doesn't fuss unless he is tired, hungry or has a dirty diaper. He is learning to sleep through the night (he sleeps about 6-7 hours and has some nights were he wakes up and only needs to be comforted with the binky or hand on his cheek), he is able to keep his head up a lot better, yet still needs support behind him for help, he swipes at things and if they move will swipe at them again, he loves his binky, he goes to sleep best with music and noice in the background, he loves the brightness of lights and always wants to be facing the light, he hates to have his onesies changed- he hates anything going over his head and arms, he loves the bath water- he kicks his feet and smiles when bathing with mom or dad, he has bad gas and it rumbles his whole body, his moods can change rapidly- he'll be crying one second and then smiling if we smile at him, he loves to be held and cuddled, he follows movements with his eyes, he is learning to grab things, he is a happy baby that finds joy in small things. 2 MONTHS: Our budz has figured out his neck and bobs when he is doing tummy time, he is also making some noices with his mouth and always looks towards the lights. James has almost doubled his weight at 13 oz and 24 inches in length. He continues to drink full feeding, he sleeps for about 5 hours then wakes at night, he naps about 2 hours about 4 times through out the day and he has now moved to his crib. He is very vocal about what he wants and sometimes has meltdowns when he wants something. The most precious moments are when he falls asleep on my chest and I get to just stare at him and cuddle. 1 MONTH: Our little baby looks like a little man, many people have said that he has a wise look to him. He is still waking about every 3 hours to feed. He loves warm baths in the sink and his umbilical cord is still hanging in there. He is much more alert and lets us know exactly what he needs through his wimpery crys. James holds his fists tight and grasps onto fingers really well. He loves skin to skin and any kind of touch. He still cuddles and falls asleep on anyone that is holding him. While changing him he has had a few water fountains (sprays)and he sleeps really well with the sound maker muffling out noises around him. He is growing cuter and cuter everyday. 1 WEEK: Baby James is constantly being fed every 3 hours and loves his sleep. He is a total cuddler and falls completely to sleep when fed and changed. He is still in pain from having the wonderful male procedure, yet is a total trooper. James keeps his eyes open for longer periods and is a pretty content baby. He struggles with latching on, yet when he finally gets it, he drinks quite abit. He sleeps right next to our bed in the basinet and has to be swaddled in order to fall asleep. He loves to be held tight and he loves being rocked. 1 DAY: James has slept the majority of the night, yet the nurses came in at 3:00 to have him feed off of me, he has been sleeping and I have been trying to feed him. I have been holding him the majority of the time and always have the skin to skin contact. James loves it, he falls asleep right on my chest. He has been passed around to all of our visitors and he just sleeps through everything. He has been spending almost all his time in our hospital room because mom and dad want him right next to them at all times. We had tons of visitors both days so James got used to laughter and loud voices right when he came into the world. 10 MINUTES He has arrived and is perfectly healthy. He depends completely upon me and the nurses. He weighs 7 lbs 12 oz and is 19 inchs long. He doesn't open his eyes very much because of the bright lights, he keeps his hands clinched and is completely bald. He won't nurse yet, but has been having skin to skin contact with his mother. He has been crying a lot because of the dramatic situations taking place in his life, (going from a very wet, tight womb to a very spacious world) and being cleaned up and prodded at.

Randoms about me

I was tagged by Jen, so here we go: 7 Random Things About Me: 1.) I love being a mother and I find no greater joy than the joy Josh and I have with our little man. I never thought I could love someone so much. I have a different perspective on life, now that I am a mom. I never want to get babysitters for him, cause I don't need a break, I just want more time with him. After my 4 hours of work a day, all I want to do is go home and be with him. 2.) I loved being pregnant and am kind of excited to get pregnanat again (Don't let Josh know). I really found it enjoyable growing a tummy that had a miracle in it.I have enjoyed all the stages of motherhood (besides recovery) and know that I was made to be a mother. 3.) I never get enough sleep. Even when I know I have an hour or some free time I always find something more important to do. 4.) I am always doing something and never really take a break. Josh always asks me to just relax. Even when we are watching a movie, I am folding clothes or correcting school papers. I guess I don't know how to relax, because even after I had James, I don't really remember anytime just laying in my bed and resting. I was always on the go or doing something. I guess I am just always about being productive. 5.) I hate cleaning dishes and ironing. I would rather do all the other chores and everything around the house, but these things are sometimes left for last. Josh knows how happy it makes me when he cleans the dishes. I keep telling him I want a dish washer. 6.) I have been procrastinsating on a few projects I should have completed along time ago. Everyday I have intentions to start on them, but always am consumed by bigger and better things- hubby and baby. 7.) Teaching is one of my passions, besides being a mom. I love how nerdy and excited I get when teaching and I know my students love how crazy I am. What can I say, I try to create fun memories for them. I really love being the one in charge and being the one that they all look up to and think is cool. I find teaching to be so rewarding and I get secret little letters from them all the time. People say teachers can't really have favorites, well there are some that you just click with and find greater joy in- I do have my favorites of course. There is just a few randoms about me. Now I tag Amber, Cassie and Lacey.

Our Little BYU Cougar

Daddy has always talked about taking James to a BYU sporting event. Last Saturday was the first BYU game Daddy was able to take his little boy to. Daddy was so excited he got to hold his little man and introduce him to a new part of his life- Sports! When BYU came back at the end of the game, James got thrown up into the air and he was even taught the BYU song, with hand movements and everything. James, here starts the beginning of being a BYU fan. I am sure that later on in life your main words will be GO COUGARS!! Since this was a big game against Utah, the stadium was packed and the fans were crazy. I think it was a bit of overload for James ears and eyes. I spent about half the game outside, walking the halls. Poor little guy would jump evertime BYU made a basket.

Precious moments

Sleep time is always a favorite. I just hold him close and stare at him in my arms and don't want to put him down. This little guy is going to be a baller, we have already introduced him to the football and basketball. Even though he can't grab onto it yet, he'll get the hang of it soon. Daddy can't wait. This picture reminded me of a porceline doll. His features are just so striking. I know that every mother thinks their baby is the cutest, and that is definalty what I think too. Sometimes I just can't take my eyes off of him. Dressing up this little budz is so much fun. Putting on new tiny little outfits for church is one of my favorites. I love decking him out and just showing him off. James has met his future wife. Ruby is such a doll, we just hope she likes younger men, cause I can definalty say that James will love the older women.

Love grows and time passes

I have really been enjoying our new little life. Lately I have been contemplating how fast life is zooming by. I look back to when I was pregnant and remember how each new thing was so fun to experience and go through. I really enjoyed being pregnant and seeing my belly grow. It truly is an amazing miracle how James fit in my tummy and remained nurtured and taken care of. My testimony of Christ has grow so much while experiencing motherhood. It is the greatest blessing to have a little bundle of joy sent to us to take care of the best we can. I now have a better understanding of Christs love for me. It is the kind of love that you would do anything for this little one. Christ's loves us so much and that is why he trusts us with his own child to take care of and raise. I just hope I make him proud and that he sends me many more in the future. There is no way to describe the love that I have for my little son, because it grows more and more everyday and I would sacrifice everything for him. My sister, Amber, finished some more pictures for us, and I just love them so much that I had to post more. 10 toes and 10 fingers, how much more perfect could they get. I remember the first time I saw this little man- I gobbled up his hands and just couldn't believe how beautiful he was. I still want to gobble up his little feet, hands and cheecks. I spend hours just staring at him and just wondering how come I am so lucky to have him as mine. Our little family has definalty grown and Josh and I are absolutly loving being parents. There are endless hours a day just laughing, smiling and cuddling with our angel. Who would have thought this would be so fun. Daddy's got the touch with James, he loves throwing him up and down and James responds by laughing and giving his big grin of happiness. Daddy cherished this little man of ours so much. I have never seen a man love a little baby as much as Josh does. We have to do paper, rocks and scissors to see who gets to hold him and take him during church. We both just adore this little man and never get enough of him. I have learned that James knows how to communicate with us very well. He is so vocal and lets us know when he is hungry, sleepy or messy. I am so proud of him and how much he is growing, yet sad that it is passing so fast. James is a great talker and laughs his little head off when he is tickled and hears his mommy and daddys voices. He is becoming so strong with his little fingers as he grabs onto things and pulls himself up with the help of our fingers. P.S I love you James and just crave you all the time, you are my addiction.