Jen, Landen, Walker and Miyah

SHAAAAAAAAARK!

2011-08-05T16:47:00.001-07:00

IT'S BEEN SO LONG- but oh well. :) Here I am now making a post:

Spent the morning with the kids just hanging out at home. We made some books which are awesome. Walker's is Called "The Shark Attack." I am seriously considering sending it to a publisher.

It goes like this:

"I was surfing in the ocean. (turn page)

and then....

POP!

up came a

SHAAAAAAAAAARK! *

The shark chased me.

And I swam and swam and swam.

all the way back to shore.

and

POP!

up came the shark- Right in my face!

The shark jumped right out the water and bit me.

Bit my finger.

Then I rolled back into the ocean.

It was a great white shark.

That bit off my finger (that's what I meant).

So I built a sign with my dad.

With my own tools, I was a big person.

The sign said: Nobody can go surfing and not even swimming.

and: KEEP OUT!

I remember when I had that shark attack.

It Freaked the EX right out of my face.

THE END.

We are headed out to see Cars 2. It looks like a cute show!

See ya tomorrow.

Jen

*(side note: I was writing this for him as he dictated. When he saw how I wrote "shark"- he said "whoa. Mom, that's way to many A's." and I told him "that's how you said it dear" and he said "oh- well I guess that's okay then, if that's how I said it- but I didn't say that many A's, did I? SHAAAAAAARK, SHAAAARK, SH-A-RR-K- is that a lot of A's?"- I thought that was funny)

2010-12-15T13:46:00.000-08:00

Check out my writing/edukation/venting blog!!
www.myedukation.blogspot.com
love ya.
Jen

Vulnerabililty in Verse

2010-11-25T04:58:00.000-08:00

check out my edukation blog @ myedukation.blogspot.com! 4 of my poems for you to see. Tell me what you think!

love
jen

Skydiving...

2010-11-05T10:11:00.000-07:00

New phone

2010-09-23T13:45:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone. If you don't get on facebook- which I don't blame you if you don't- jus thought I would let you know I have a new number. Text me with your name and I will add you in my contacts.

435 452 8042

Back to life.. back to reality.

2010-08-30T09:37:00.000-07:00

Short and sweet. So we will do this list style.

29 hours in a vehicle
3 kids
caffiene pills
nausea
Back to Utah
Relief.
Landen still gone
Missing him
pain- in so many ways
joy- in so many ways
Rexburg for a month
GREAT times with Grandparents
Miyah 1 (Aug 29)
Walker 14 (haha)
Missing Landen
Sno shack
Egg whites with salsa
Late night walks
Not cooking dinner (yes!)
Best parents ever
Starry skies
Clear air
Miyah walking/crashing
Walker watching movies
Walker starting preschool Sept.
Landen starting school now
Home.

Consider yourselves updated.

Help the Sullengers

2010-07-12T15:10:00.000-07:00

So with my recent hospital visit with Miyah and having to really contemplate her Two people I went to high school with are watching their one year old daughter fight for her life at primary children's hospital. She fell into a canal over the weekend and has miraculously made it this far. Her story is amazing and has really touched my heart. I might not know them that well, but I know that as a mother I can't read their story without crying in joy and sorrow. If you can, please contribute to help them out at

this link

. There is also a link on the website to view periodic updates on how she is doing. Put yourself in their shoes and give what you can. Hope this helps little Preslee.

Our first ER visit... and it wasn't walker.

2010-07-06T18:57:00.000-07:00

I think we have done pretty well so far in regards to Emeregency Room visits. Especially with a curious little boy like walker! This last week, Miyah was feeling warm and had a cough, so I took her to the doctor at the instacare. They said she had a cold and to use some vicks. We went to pick up Landen's mom from the airport (she flew out from Utah for the week- thats another post) and Miyah still felt feverish. That night she was really struggling to breathe and nothing was helping her. A new children's medical center just opened right by our house and we decided to take her there. Landen got home from work at about 11 and ate some dinner and we headed to the ER. Thankfully we had some great friends who kept walker for us. Thank you Brooke and Justin!! Right when we walked in the door about four people walked right up to us and asked what was going on. Upon hearing miyah breathe they immediately got her hooked up to check her oxygen levels and they were really low. They said she had stridor arrest which means her throat was basically closed off. They did a breathing treatment with some drug that starts with a D, I can't remember what it was because I thought all breathing treatments were albuterol. They told us (me, Julie and Landen) that we would be able to go home a couple hours after the treatment. Landen and Julie went home (we live about 5 minutes from the ER) to get walker and some sleep. It was about 130 by this time. A little after they left and I was holding miyah, she seemed to start to struggle breathing again. She was asleep so I tried to move her around a little and it got worse. I called the nurse in and she called the respitory doctor. He came in and told me it was how I was holding her so I moved her around again (she was asleep) and it didn't change. He just looked at me like "hmmmmm" and said let me go get the doctor. I thought we was a doctor??! But the other doctor came in and said something I didn't understand and the whole staff came in again and they decided to give her another treatment and admit her to the hospital. It was a rebound effect from the first treatment and meant it was going to make her alot worse. She was dehydrated at this point so we had to hook her up to an IV. This is the worst part!! They couldn't get her veins in either hand because she was so dehydrated and small. The medicine that was numbing her was "blowing" her veins so they couldn't use anything to numb her. I had to hold her down and she was screaming and shaking in pain. It was by far the worst thing I have experienced. They finally got her all hooked up and she was out cold from that struggle. It was so terrible- but at least they got her hydrated. We did cool mist until the ambulance could come and take us to the hospital ( this confused me at first but the place we went was just an emergency room and medical center- not equipped like a hospital, they have an excellent children's hospital in downtown Louisville called Kosair Children's Hospital, it's like primary childrens). The ambulance ride was actually very calm and it was comforting to me. The transport team was very informative and comforting. They said she would just get better from here on out. We brought her in just in time. Her throat was almost closed off but not quite. We stayed the night (it was 530am when we got there) in the hospital and the doctors and nurses were so great. Miyah seemed to make miraculous recovery. Everyone was amazed at how fast she getting better. They all had to come in with masks and gloves and capes because she was at risk for other diseases I guess. We had signs all over the door that were caution signs. She had a little crib that both sides raised and lowered and plastic walls could be lowered from the top. It was like a little cage really! Walker came and stayed for the day with grandma julie and LOVED it. he wanted to be in there the whole time and pretend to be a puppy. It was such a relief to see miyah breathing ok. It did scare me to bring her home because her cough was so bad but she is getting better. She still has a low grade fever and a cough but she is much better. I am so thankful for the priesthood and the fact that we live so close to the ER!!! It was a scary experience but enlightening as well. Everyone was so helpful and comforting and Miyah was so brave and strong! I love that little girl.

Kids Private Blogs

2010-05-25T12:12:00.001-07:00

I am going to make the blogs for my kids private. Not for any specific reason, I just feel like it is a good idea. If you want to be able to view them, comment with your email addres (unless I don't know you... then it won't matter if you leave your email address- thats creepy).

Lots of love guys!

Jen

Washington DC Visit!

2010-05-24T12:55:00.000-07:00

We had so much fun in DC visiting my sister and bro in law. We went to the capitol building on a private tour courtesy of one of their friends the first day, which was really neat. The second day walker, wada and I went to the air and space museum and walker loved it. There were almost two hundred planes and jets and he couldn't get enough. After that, we went and saw where my sister works. Her building is beautiful and her co workers were very sweet. We got to have lunch with one of our cousins as well. Walker and I took a chance to go see the natural history museum while we had a lull in plans (and wada graciously stayed in the car with miyah and drove around because she was asleep- thank you wada!). He was mesmerized by all the animals and dinosaurs we saw! We were there for two hours and he didn't get bored at all! We rode the metro, stayed with the calderwoods, saw jill and jeremy's house- wow!

We did a lot more than I realized! We were only there for a couple days but we went for a reason. We thought we were going to be companions for grieving but my sister has hd positive test results with her invitro. It was so special to be there when she actually got to see a heartbeat!! I was ready to cry when she told us that! I am so happy for her and her husband and hope things keep going well!

From Jen, Landen, Walker and Miyah

New life. new blogs...

2010-05-10T12:44:00.000-07:00

I love it here. I love being here with friends and making new ones. I haven't been as social as I would like to, but I am getting to know a few people in the ward and I really enjoy it. Landen is not sure how he feels- he always gets to see the worst in people. Occasionally he sees the good but when someone knocks on your door, it doesn't always bring out the best. :) It is kinda funny though because he usually comes home being best friends with one or two people he met knocking. He just has a way about him that attracts friends.

So about the title- I feel like I have a lot to offer the world; especially my family and the Lord. I need some help reaching my potential. So often I want to start some big project or read a book about parenting or learn to play the guitar or take voice lessons etc etc but I just don't do those things. I have been pondering on how I can accomplish these things when I listened to Stephanie Nielson's message about her New Life. I know that it is totally different but it inspired me to take what I have and make it what I keep envisioning it to be. I am so blessed- that is something I have definately come to realize more fully over the past few weeks. I am so thankful for my struggles and my joys.

I am going to start a blog for Walker and one for Miyah in leiu of a journal-I have been keeping journals for them once a month in writing but it is getting tedious and the entries are not what I want them to be. I am also going to blog about what I am learning; books I am reading, exercises I am doing, foods I am cooking and whatever else I see as beneficial. I want to look back at everyday and feel in heart that "it is good... it is oh, so good."

Here's to a new life.

Louisville KY!!

2010-04-18T18:51:00.000-07:00

Can I just say that I love the south! It is so beautiful here. It's like walking into an old movie. The grass is so lush, and deep forest green. It has to be to match the deep drawls in every voice; not larry the cable guy drawl like I thought it would be, but southern belle and true gentleman drawls. Everything flows together- even the air feels "southern" and the wind elegant. The roads feel like tunnels with the massive trees gravitating to one another from either shoulder.Even the cars move slower than they do at home (not surprising because everyone in utah thinks 65 means at least 75 if not 80). The only thing not slow is friendship. Everyone, everywhere is your best friend within minutes of meeting. Our ward was AWESOME! I loved it today. The building is only 5 minutes away and in the same parking lot (basically) as the temple.

We are having a few apartment issues- and that has been the only drawback. Apparently they forgot that this apartment was already leased. The current tenants? A HUGE family of spiders that likes to smoke. The smoke smell is old, so I don't know if it was just that they tried to paint over the smell instead of cleaning the walls first or what but it hits you hard in the face right when you walk in. After a while your nose gets used to it, but your head doesn't. I get a headache after about 30 minutes. Lame, huh. Things are looking up though as we are probably going somewhere else tomorrow or tuesday.

more later!'love from louisville (loo'bul)

Swissed out and heading to Louisville

2010-04-03T15:38:00.001-07:00

I spent the weekend with my mom and sisters at a swiss themed resort. It was really fun. I absolutely love being with my mom and sisters. We can just laugh and talk about anything. My sister wrote a great blog post about the experiences we had, including a short commentary on my intelligent use of the words cherryokeys and invention of a country: hungaria. It sounds right when you say it doesn't it? Anyway, it was such a blast and thanks to my hubby who kept the kids one night and my great mother in law who kept them the second night. Everyone need some girl time.

On another note, I am having way more mixed feelings about leaving tremonton this year. I am excited but with two kids and a whole lot more stuff to take, I am trepidatious. I really love going somewhere new- its such an adventure. It's funny the things that i recall being the most exciting: going to the grocery store, figuring out the freeway system, going to the pool at the apartment ten times a week (yes that is more than once a day), church- the ward in stl was amazing. Those are just a few things that I am excited about. I will try to post a blog at least twice a week. With pictures! I will kee updating as we get ready to go. We leave april 14 (wednesday in a week and a half). Truth be told, I haven't even started packing. How do you even begin packing for a four almost five month adventure with two kids and a trunk to pack it all in??? ( we are thinking about a trailer, its a huge possibility).

Clarify

2010-02-08T13:20:00.000-08:00

We are NOT moving to China. My sister and I used to race my mom to salt lake in separate vehicle, or when we were supposed to be meeting her somewhere and we were late, we would just speak fake chinese into the phone and she would say- hello?? china?? so that's what we started saying.

Here are some cute pics of the kids!

So, update?

2010-01-08T14:26:00.000-08:00

Well, let's see... Christmas was great, it's 2010, and I get to see Jill and Jeremy (although under some sad circumstances) tomorrow. I have to say, I've never been so excited to see my sister. I have come to appreciate her a lot this last year. I don't know what has made the difference, but I just miss her a lot and can't wait to spend some time laughing at nothingness with her. Oh and one more thing... hello? china? :)

Miyah Pics

2009-11-24T18:09:00.000-08:00

So one of my best friends from High School does photography and she took some AWESOME pictures of Miyah. She has only put a few up on her website (check it out eyecandybykacie.blogspot.com)but the ones she has up are really good! I can't wait to see the rest. It was so good to visit with her and see her two gorgeous kids. It's funny to think about old days... thanks again kacie!

4 years

2009-11-16T08:51:00.000-08:00

Landen and I celebrated our four year anniversary on wed nov 11. I can't believe how fast it has gone. Days can go by slow while you live them, but looking back it seems like they just flew by. We have come a long way since we were first married and have a long way to go. The last four years have been tough at times, but they have also been the greatest. Landen and I are so different, but at the same time so much alike. The greatest times we have together are when we are laughing and joking together. He is always making me smile! He really is the man of my dreams- and more! I love him so much. My kids are so lucky to have a dad like him.

We went to Mindful Medical and Day Spa in ogden for a couples massage on wednesday while my awesome sister watched BOTH our kids (she has a baby and a three year old too!). It was so great. Everyone needs to do that a few times a year. It was so relaxing and the atmosphere in the spa was meditative (i might have just made that word up). I am surprising him this week with a vacation. He knows where we are going but he doesn't know what we are doing. Thanks to everyone who has helped me with it. I will thank you publicly after he knows what we are doing. I will post some awesome pictures too!

Well- here's what you all wanted. More pictures of the kids!

Blessing pics!

2009-11-03T15:09:00.000-08:00

Blessing Today!

2009-11-01T06:27:00.000-08:00

This is pre blessing, but I am excited to see everyone and have them all see miyah! I wish Jill could be here, but thanks to Lauren, I get to see her and jeremy over Christmas! Anyways, can't wait!

WARNING: hunting pictures!

2009-10-28T11:24:00.000-07:00

So I was introduced to a whole new world this October. Apparently we coexisist with a different species AKA Hunters. I married Landen not knowing the extent of this "hobby" but I was baptized by fire this year. He hasn't hardly gone at all since we got married almost four years ago because he has been working but with doing summer sales this year he had a lot of time to go. Really, I am not against hunting, I just don't understand it. I didn't get to go this year because we had Miyah but I am excited to experience it first hand and see what the fuss is all about. Honestly, I love hiking and being outdoors but I prefer a camera over a gun. Maybe I will change, but as for now that's where I stand. Still love you tons babe :)

Landen, however, did get to do a lot of gun carrying this year and was quite successful. Results, lots of deer pictures and jerky.
WARNING: dead animals in pictures...

Rexburg Getaway... sort of

2009-10-20T15:45:00.000-07:00

It's not a true getaway- I still have kids! We are having fun being with Wada and Grampa for a few days. Wada needed some help with cleaning and I wanted to get away from so called "Zion" for a few days... :) I like it here. There are people to converse with. Walker is just learning to be a conversationalist- he asks a lot of questions and observes so much. He is growing up so fast. This is the first hunting season where Landen has been gone a lot and Walker now wants a gun for Christmas. He saw Landen's deer and asked, "did he go to Heavenly Father?" It was so cute.

He wanted to be spiderman for halloween- what two year old doesn't? So we went to Walgreens and he put the costume on right there in the store and wouldn't take it off. IT was so cute. I loved it. He has it on again today and shoots webs at people and tries to climb walls. It is the cutest thing in the world. I don't know what we are going to do for Miyah. She is so cute without a costume- plus she is just going to be all wrapped up anyway. On the other hand, the little tiny costumes are so cute!!

A dios from Idaho..
jen

Great Inspiration to Act TODAY!

2009-10-14T09:23:00.001-07:00

Choose This Day

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The Greatest Words

2009-10-14T08:28:00.001-07:00

Some poeple say the most life changing words a mother can hear from her child are "I love you." I contend that the 5 greatest, most life changing words moms hear from kids are : I pooped in the potty!

Wait to go Walker!

Party in the USA

2009-10-13T08:35:00.000-07:00

So I might be twelve, but I love Miley Cyrus new song. I just put it on my running playlist! I can't wait. Tonight is going to be my first official running night- got the ok from the doctor yesterday at my six week check up. I have never been so excited to go running in my life!!

anyone have good running music you would like to share with me?

p.s. Translated the chinese morris code! I now have nine songs on my ipod- eight of which work and one i can't figure out why but it is not playing. But I love it!

Walker and grampa

2009-10-12T14:19:00.000-07:00

Miyah edited- slightly

2009-10-12T14:17:00.000-07:00

Miyah 5 weeks

2009-10-12T14:13:00.000-07:00

Best Dessert Ever!

2009-10-11T15:55:00.001-07:00

ingredients: one bunch of fairly ripe bananas, fruit fresh

one of those things you make popsicles in

directions: mash up bananas in bowl until smooth (I used a hand mixer to make it really smooth). pour into popsicle maker. wait over night. Enjoy!

Healthy alternative to ice cream and sugary popsicles. And it tastes so good!

Taking on Photoshop

2009-10-11T07:46:00.001-07:00

elements 8. i am using the free trial. It has been fun so far but i think I need to take a photography class to really even scrape the surface of what can be done with the program. I have learned some pretty cool things so far. Will post some pictures soon.

still no luck with the chinese morris code.

Went on a walk..ipod illiterate

2009-10-08T12:10:00.000-07:00

Walker and I succeeded in going on a short walk today. He stayed in the stroller til the last 100 yards- that is an accomplishment! We just walked around our neighborhood but it felt so good to actually breathe hard!

On another note, I am trying to figure out this little tiny ipod landen won over the summer. I thought I knew something about electronics but aparently I am electronically illiterate. The button blinks in chinese morris code and that is the only mode of instruction. I think I will figure it out.. eventually.

Made Cookies Today... that's about it.

2009-10-07T20:57:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I wonder what my life is amounting to. At least they tasted really good- and were completely fat free! Minus the pound of butter and cup of shortening (and chocolate chips- but at this point who's counting!).

It's me!

2009-10-06T20:53:00.000-07:00

Well, a month after having a baby, I am still alive! It has been so great so far. Miyah is a great baby. She is just so perfect and sweet. We have been so blessed with her so far. I have to admit, I was pretty nervous because walker was a really hard when he was first born. He was sick the night we brought him home and cried the whole night- so did I. He had trouble latching on and didn't ever really eat very well. Suffice it to say, it was a rough first few months. I wouldn't trade it for anything because the last two and half years have been the greatest and he is such a joy- and that is really the only word that works for him is joy- to have. Anyway, Miyah just hasn't had any complications. She eats well, sleeps well, and is just, well, great! :)
I am trying to get everything figured out on paying for Miyah now- that's the fun part. And can I just say that I am so glad that we live in a free country with options and choices in health care! We just got our new premium after adding miyah and it's almost $600- a month!! We are changing to a high deductible health plan with an HSA this month and i can't wait. I am glad we have health insurance but also glad that i can control it- sort of. Let's not get into that though- too political.

Life is good- and i am extremely blessed. Thanks for all of our friends and family for dinners and gifts and also for all the well wishing we have received.
Love you all.

2009-09-03T21:44:00.000-07:00

Miyah Jayne Lish

2009-09-03T21:19:00.000-07:00

She is here! She came saturday august 29 at 1236pm. She was 6 lbs 11 oz and 20.5 inches long. She has been a great baby so far. She is beautiful and fun!

Husband-less.. and Family Reunion

2009-08-15T09:40:00.000-07:00

So I am going on three weeks without a husband- it's so hard to be apart. I miss him and want him to come home but I know that he is working hard to be able to be with us a lot more often. I am so proud of all that he has accomplished this summer. He has changed and grown so much- we both have. I can't wait to see him!! He is going to try and be home for family pictures on thursday- WOO HOO!!

Bringing me to the family reunion: I feel the same way as my sister, I know my family reads this so I am just going to say what I really feel. I CAN'T WAIT! I love being with my siblings and parents. We always have so much fun when we are together- there is never a dull moment. We have a fun week planned. I am most excited to be in the temple with everyone. Kevin is going to get his endowments on friday. He had an amazing one on one temple prep class with bishop anderson. I learned more listening to five minutes of that than I have ever learned about the temple!

Anyways, I am really excited for this week!

New Blue Walls- the best parents and brother ever

2009-07-29T21:53:00.000-07:00

I have the best parents and brother anyone could ask for. I asked them if they would come help me paint my house when I got home and lo and behold they had it done for me. I never lifted a paint brush. THANKS SO MUCH GUYS!! and the color looks great!

Cute Family Photo

2009-07-23T13:00:00.000-07:00

Arch Collage

2009-07-23T12:58:00.000-07:00

The Arch

2009-07-23T12:28:00.000-07:00

We decided today to take Walker to see the arch. It was a beautiful day. The weather here has been absolutely gorgeous. The last week and a half it has been between 65-80everyday. I am an extremely amateur photographer but i think I took some pretty good shots of the arch. Landen and Walker ran up the steps and played for a few minutes while I stayed by the car. Some guy took a picture for us when they came down and it actually turned out pretty good too. Its so huge you can barely see it in some of the pictures but it is still an awesome sight. We were not going to go see it because we have seen it before but we were glad we went. Walker thought it was the coolest thing ever- plus we went to Costco after and got some frozen yogurt, which he also loved.

Also, I am still reading The Healthiest Kid in the Neighborhood and it is seriously changing my life so much. We are really working hard to be healthier in every aspect of life, physically, mentally spiritually emotionally and especially nutritionally. I don't think we realize the truth to the statement, "you are what you eat." The book mentions this (much more eloquently but i will try) our cells are reproducing at an extremely rapid rate, and what is it that these new cells are made of?? What we are fueling our bodies with. So if you eat fries and a shake and a big mac- you are literally a walking value meal. Just something to ponder.
We are trying really hard to eat healthier meals and snacks, but the convenience of the microwave is really hard to escape! If anyone has any good healthy recipes, share them with me please!!

Looking forward to seeing everyone next week!

Of all the.... and some new pics

2009-07-20T14:05:00.000-07:00

So I am leaving next week and Landen's office decided this week would be a good time to go and stay two hours away for the week! I am so bummed! I am going to go stay friday night and ride home with him but talk about bad timing. They say it is a great place to sell, so that's how I should think of it. Landen is going to sell amazingly and get to come home a few days early!

Here are some fun pictures i have taken recently. Just so you guys will look at my blog... :)

Going Home or Leaving it?

2009-07-16T13:58:00.000-07:00

Walker and I are leaving St. Louis on July 28th. That's less than two weeks away! I am having some bitter sweet feelings about it. There are so many positives about being here. The number one thing is that I get to be with my best friend and husband. Going home means I will be without Landen for three weeks! That is a long time! I also have a lot of fun things to do out here. If it weren't for the high crime rate, this would be one of the most family friendly places on earth! They have a great zoo that is free if you can find a parking spot, grant's farm, also free, too many malls to name including the second biggest in the usa, I live really close to a TJ Maxx which is a good and bad thing, the library is absolutely awesome- we go every week, they have free summer movies somewhere mon- thurs every week, we live in an apartment complex with a pool, I have made a great friend in Rachel and I am sad to be leaving her, it's so green and beautiful. ALso, the ward here is so great, I have mentioned it before but I love the feeling and the people. I have learned a lot about getting involved with things and being an active participant in ward actvities etc.
Some things are not physical, but i am probably more gratful for them than the other things. We have been able to get closer to each other and to the Lord out here. For some reason, there have been less distractions or we have been sufficiently humbled, either way, this has been the best three months of our marriage! It has been fun. We see each other less than ever before, but are more in love. Landen is so great. I am so thankful that we got married- i don't know what I would do without him.

So- after that, I am so excited to go home for a lot of reasons too. I get to see my family! Julie is picking us up from the airport and we are dying to see her. walker is especially excited, but mostly to see kido! Jill and jeremy will even be coming to go to the temple with Kevin. Which is another reason I am excited to go home- Kevin is going on his mission! We are going to all be together in the temple for the first time (if I don't have my baby before the 21st!). I am going to paint my house and get the blue right this time, going home means I am only 4 weeks away from havimg Miyah ( I am just over 6 weeks right now), and I get to see all my friends in tremonton that are having babies too (and the ones that aren't).

Here is my dilemma, laid out for all of you! But I am going home, so I am mostly excited not sad. Can't wait to see everyone!

A Belly Picture and the Frog

2009-07-15T12:07:00.000-07:00

I have had a few requests for a belly picture so here is one that Walker helped Landen take a couple weeks ago.

A few nights ago Landen brought home a tiny frog for walker to see. It was so cute! Walker was so excited and had a blast watching him (or her I guess- I always think of animals as being male for some reason...) jump around on the floor. It was the tiniest frog I have ever seen! When walker realized we couldn't keep it and had to take it outside, he was devestated. He cried the whole time, even when he had let it go and was saying "goodbye froggy." I will post the videos I got when I get them uploaded on you tube, for now here is a picture of pure extasy!

Happy Fourth!

2009-07-04T15:50:00.000-07:00

Happy fourth of July everyone! We had fun last night going to the OFallon Heritage and Freedom Festival. We didn't realize how crowded it would be so we only got to stay for about an hour but it was fun to be there. It reminded me of the fair. They had the midway rides and games which was fun to watch. Walker actually really wanted to ride some of the rides but the prices were a joke and he fell out of one last year so I don't trust them (carnival rides). Walker did ride a pony. He loved it! I thought he would need me right by him but he just rode it around and waved every couple times by. The saddle had a seatbelt sewed onto it which I thought was genius. The was also a separate part that was sponsered by a church. It had free kids games, the big blow up toys and some booths. The games had glow necklaces as the prizes and walker had a blast. Landen called at about 915 and we left to go get him. We had to walk to get to the shuttle which took us back to our car where we proceeded to get lost. Landen's car group dropped him off at a gas station (really far out of their way) and we found him eventually. We sat at the gas station and watched fire works! It was crazy but fun! There were a lot of people at the gas station watching them and about 15 minutes into it, the sprinklers turned on! It was funny but kinda sad. We didn't get home til really late.
Today, walker and I went to Ice Age 3 and he really liked it. I thought it was ok but it made me frustrated that you can't even go to a kids show without some adult humor. However, it was a lot better than the last two movies I saw. (transformers and the proposal). I loved the story and the baby mammoth was so cute!! Scrat is trying to take over the film.

Anyway, my baby dragon (as walker has taken to calling himself) is calling me to come play.
love you guys.

Father's Day Dance

2009-06-23T20:22:00.000-07:00

My two boys! Aren't they so cute!

My husband the Champ and other news

2009-06-23T18:36:00.001-07:00

Landen did amazing this last week in his region tournament for APX. He stomped his competition 10 points to 1.75. It really was a shocker that he won by that much because this kid usually does a lot of sales. We felt blessed to be able to win the rookie regional and Landen stepped up to the plate. This week is the seeding week for the next contest and I will try and keep everyone updated on the results of that one too. It just depends on when we have our sporadic internet connection.

On other news, I have 9.5 weeks left until the big due date. Although I do expect to have a september baby. Sorry jill. I went and got some maternity shorts today and I am so thankful for them. I wore Landen's shorts yesterday and they looked terrible and were not much more comfortable than my pants. So thank goodness for shorts. I have just started to get uncomfortable at night- which is actually good because I am so far along. I swear my bladder is the size of a doctor suess speck- which is really adding to the no sleeping thing. It was about 115 degrees in my car when I went outside today and I felt like the wicked witch of the west: melting. So with all that complaining out of the way, I do feel pretty much amazing: With Walker I had to take my wedding ring off at about 12 weeks pregnant (not sure but it seemed like I didn't wear it for about a year) and I still have it on my finger with no circulation problems; Miyah is kicking like mad, and she loves to have her back scratched and tickled. Her elbows and knees and feet and hands push out on the skin of my belly and it's the neatest thing to watch. I really miss being at home because they do an ultrasound at every doctors appoinment so I would get to see her a lot. I haven't seen her in 10 weeks. The last ultrasound we had was the big one at just under 20 weeks. In that one she was growing about a week ahead of schedule but I am sure she has caught up to herself. The doc said that was pretty normal, but that I could be looking at an 8-9 pound baby.

There is the scoop on the baby. Oh- something else cool is that my insurance company now covers a portion of a breast pump under the durable medical equipment part of my policy. Woo hoo. Oh wait, maybe that's why they just hiked up our premium 80 bucks a month- oh and not to mention the 5000 dollar separate maternity deductible. At least i will get a nice breast pump right??
All in all we are having fun and feeling extremely greatful that we came here to st. louis. Our family has grown closer than we ever could have if we would have stayed at home. We give all the credit for everything we recieve to the Lord. It has been a great refresher to be out here and witness a new version of the same gospel i have believed in for years. I hate the term utah mormons, but I realize, at least in my experience, that there is some truth to it. Here, people are more friendly because they know it might be the only chance they get to make an impression on someone coming to church for the first time. It's almost inexplicable really because sitting here I cant think of a difference that i can point out other than a stronger bond as a ward. Everyone feels at home because not a lot of people have family that live close by, and more people reach out for that same reason. I hope to take a lot of these things home with me and act differently when we get home. One things for sure, either way the gospel is amazing how it brings people closer together.

sorry for the long post. love you guys.
jen

The Greatest Man on Earth!

2009-06-17T12:25:00.001-07:00

Landen took walker to go pick up his business cards yesterday and came home with these for me just because!

They are so beautiful- and the best part is that walker came into our room holding them out and saying I love you mommy. Then he cried because I wouldn't give him his own rose (I know I am selfish!). It brought tears to my eyes.

Wada,Grampa and Walker

2009-06-11T10:51:00.000-07:00

This video is hilarious. My favorite parts are when Walker tells wada to stop it, when they are doing the horsie noises and Walker says, "that's a good one," and when they are howling like wolves- and wada makes a pretty awesome face when shes growling like a bear. This was last week when we got to see wada and grampa in Louisville (which is actually pronounced more like loo-vul according to people who live there and here in st louis). Enjoy! p.s. there are more pictures now on the slide show under my st louis pictures post.

No Internet! Louisville Visit

2009-06-07T16:02:00.001-07:00

We haven't had the internet and I don't know how long we will have it this time. we are working on getting our own- yes we are stealing it right now- but we are having trouble finding a company that doesn't want all our money we are making cause we want it for a short time period.
Everything is good here- I got to see my mom and dad on thurs, fri, and sat of this week in Louisville. They were there for their TEAM convention and it is only about 4.5 hours away- which is way better than 24! Walker was happy to see them and got to swim with grampa. We had a great time seeing them. We even watched a race at Churchill Downs- which was fun.
I don't know how long we will have the internet but I will try and post some pictures later.
Love you all!
ps it was great to see some pictures on your blog mist!

St Loo Pictures!

2009-05-13T13:07:00.000-07:00

Double click to see the whole album. It's walker at the zoo, the lake and the mall playground. We are having a blast!

Easter!!!

2009-05-04T12:03:00.000-07:00

Sorry this is so late but here are some pictures from easter. Walker sort of got it, but he would get distracted really easily from finding eggs. I am thinking that I want to do Easter eggs with church related things in them. I read in the ensign that this lady gets her kids scripture markers, bookmarks, children song books etc. It would have to be adjusted for age for sure but I am thinking that it would be a better reminder of why we truly celebrate easter than eggs filled with candy brought by the easter bunny... where do we come up with these things?? Any other ideas on having a Christ centered Easter?

New Niece- and other updates

2009-04-29T20:13:00.001-07:00

We are having a blast in st louis! I really like it here- it's so much fun because there is always somewhere to go. They have a zoo (haven't been yet), tons of malls (including the second biggest in the us- been there) lots of parks, an awesome lake that I live really close to and lots of other fun things. I think I just opened my eyes to what is out there.

Landen has been doing extremely well. He was the number one 1st year sales rep in the company last week and 3rd overall (that was in preseason)! He would kill me for saying it but he tore it up. This week has been a slower week, for him and everyone else in the office, but he called me earlier and already has three accounta for today (which is really good!). It is kinda funny because people always come home and say things like "yeah it was worth the money but i hated it" but Landen actually really likes it! I get nervous because sometimes they are in areas where I wouldn't want him to be but I guess that comes with the territory (area and the job). So overall, he really enjoys what he is doing and is trying to get used to the ups and downs of it. It definately takes some getting used to with the hours that they work but we are adjusting. They are gone from 12-1 for a meeting then he comes home for a quick lunch and is out for the day by 130. He gets home anywhere from 8:45 (earliest) and 10:00 (latest). It isn't terrible but i do miss him a lot!

We are in a great ward. The first week we were here we went to a 1:00 church and it was terrible. Not the ward, but just for walker. He isn't very quiet in sacrament meeting anyways but that is right at nap time. So we decided to go to a 9:00 with the other couples here. It was so fun! Walker still wasn't exceptional during sacrament (he threw a coloring book two rows but to a guy who said he had a great arm..) but he LOVED nursery. I stayed in there for probably ten minutes then he was fine the rest of the time. He has never done that (at least without kicking and screaming) at home. The ladies in there were great. Had it down to a system. he didn't want to leave when they were done! There were some girls there from another company (pest control or security, i am not sure)and one of them is due in july and having her baby out here! It is her first so more power to her. But they were all so welcoming to us. They had us write our email addresses and phone numbers so they could call and email us about play group and other relief society stuff. It has been fun to see the difference in the gospel out here- and the similarities. I feel so much more responsible here to speak up, stand out and sacrifice. People are always curious when they find out we are members of the church- and i feel so much closer to the Lord because i am thinking about Him more. I really like it. At home, i intend to be better at it.

Walker is finally starting to feel like he is home. he had a rough couple days, but is doing much better now. He and I have been sick the last few days but I think we are coming out of it. Hopefully not swine flu...
We are excited about our new neice/cousin Alexis Elizabeth Lee. Jax had her on Wednesday morning. She was big and healthy even at a month early. 6 lbs. 7 oz. and 19.5 inches. She is so cute! Jill has the pics on her blog if you want to see them.
I will post some pictures later tonight, I don't feel like uploading them right now. Lazy I know. Love you guys!

St. Louis MO

2009-04-17T10:01:00.000-07:00

WOW! A lot has happened since I posted last about our house being up for rent. We have successfully rented it out to a great family who is looking for a home in tremonton. We arrived in st. louis last sunday and have had a lot of adjusting to do. Whoever said two year olds don't have a problem moving, didn't know ours. He was so upset when we got here and gramma and kido were not here to greet him. He thought that everyone would be here. The first two days were really rough for him- which made them really rough for me too. We don't have a computer or gps so I have felt kind of trapped but it has been fun to use maps and be old fashioned too. My card is full on my camera from easter videos and pictures so i haven't even taken any pictures yet but as soon as I do, I will put some up. I miss everyone but I really want to like it out here too. Like my sister told me, if I am going to be a world traveler I can't let a little city scare me! Thanks for everyone helping us to get out here with travel packs (bobby and amanda) notes (shawn and brit) and awesome candy apples (brandee). And everyone else who was encouraging- it is tough to do something different but when you do, the rewards are great. We will keep you posted.
love
jen landen and walker (and miyah- who is growing and already kicking me like crazy- so much for a calm sweet little girl!)

SUSPENSE...

2009-03-26T17:40:00.000-07:00

ITS A GIRL!!! Miyah Ja(y)ne Lish

HOUSE FOR RENT!

2009-03-25T15:44:00.000-07:00

Landen and I are trying to rent our house. If you know anyone who is in a situation where they would like to rent (ie. living with parents, renting a small apartment, building a home etc) PLEASE tell them to call us or let us know and we will call them. Here is our ad from KSL.

We are looking for a trustworthy family or person to rent our home for 4-6 months ASAP. The price is negotiable- depending on what services we can trade. ex.The lawn needs to be mowed and watered (sprinkler system) weekly, house kept and cleaned, we have a dog that will need to be taken care of- fed and watered and let out to run around. He is an outside dog so he doesn't get to come in the house, ever. He has a kennel and dog house in the back. The house is furnished with couches, table, king size master bed, queen size guest bed and room with a crib. Can be moved if needed. Built in 2003, the home is new and in great condition. Fiber optic internet connection included. Big fenced backyard with swing set and grill. We are willing to negotiate the price depending on several factors. Call Landen 435 452 2808 for details and questions.

IT's a ...

2009-03-25T14:49:00.000-07:00

We found out today what we are having! Who can guess? If you know... don't say so!! Good Luck!

For Jill.

2009-03-23T14:10:00.000-07:00

(Jax is on the right, me in the middle, Misty on the left) Jax is the furthest along- she is due in May. Misty is next and due in June. I am last and not due until august. Our sister Jill lives in Washington DC and really wanted a picture of all three of us- here we are!! Love you jill. Wish I was coming with mom and dad to see you. :( Hopefully I will get another chance sometime soon!!

Walker's Birthday- 2 years!!

2009-03-17T15:21:00.000-07:00

I just can't believe how big my little baby boy is getting! He is so grown up and wants to be independent (until he gets an owie and needs me to kiss it better). The last month has been so much fun. He has started to throw more fits, which has been a challenge, but he has also started to understand things and talk ALOT. I love his little voice, especially when he is saying I love you mommy and thank you. He is the sweetest little boy in the world and I love him more than anything! It's a love you can't even explain- my parents tried to tell me that, everyone talked about it but i never understood it until I had my own son. Wow- it brings me to tears just thinking about it. The closest thing I can think of is the love of a sibling. There are so many things that he means to me, he is a clone of my husband which means I am never without him, he is my best friend and playmate, my comfort when I am sad, my pride and joy whenever he does anything at all, and everything else you can think of. I am so excited for him to be a big brother and show our new baby just how to act! most of the time...
Happy Birthday walker i love you so much!!

Funny Walker Moments

2009-03-13T09:02:00.000-07:00

He put these on and couldn't walk at first but got the hang of it really quick! He loves to wear mommy's boots now...

Ready to go outside!

Wearing mommy's pretties

He loves eating cookies and when we got this one from Grama Julie for V-day he was on cloud nine. He thought it was so cool to have a huge cookie. He had climbed on the counter and got it off and put it on the floor so he could eat it.

State Tournament. The Important Things

2009-03-08T13:54:00.000-07:00

This last weekend Landen, Walker and I went with Wada and Grampa to watch Kevin in the state basketball tournament. It was a great "vacation" if you will. I love watching kevin play- he is so good at what he does.

The first game was ok- for some reason it was really hard for the diggers (kevin's team- we are from Idaho, so diggers seemed like a great mascot) to get going. Kevin was amazing- everyone said they had never seen someone play defense like that. He also had some assists and steals and three pointers. They had a rough night shooting-7% from outside the key- yes seven. He was all over the place. The game went into overtime but in the end they came out on top.

The second game was a lot of the same. Probably closer to 5% but that one I don't know for sure. No one could buy a bucket and the other team couldn't miss if they tried- I think they even tipped in one of our shots on a rebound. Again, Kevin played a great defensive game and had a sweet three point shot to bring them within one at the end of the game. It was hard to watch them struggle and not be able to do anything about it. They ended up losing by 8 or 9 with having to foul at the end. To make the loss worse, there was a guy sitting behind us from the other team who had an extremely foul mouth and several guys asked him to stop talking like that with all the children around. There were probably 10 kids under the age of 8 sitting with us. He laughed and said he could do whatever he wanted and repeated the explatives. So, suffice it to say we ended up with a police escort out of the game, and so did he. We meaning the people that were with us- it really wasn't just dad this time. No punches were thrown or anything like that but it was pretty stupid anyway. The guy was such a jerk. But- back to the game- we lost and everyone was heartbroken.

The third game was much better. I think they played better in this game than in any other game during the tournament. Still, they never could get rolling like they had during the district tournament. They got down by as many as ten points but never quit fighting and won the game. Kevin played really well again and had some threes and great defensive plays. They won the third place trophy which is a huge accomplishment considering it has been 9 years since the school has even been able to go to the state tournament.

All in all, we had a great time. Misty came with her kids on friday and watched the game. Walker can't quit talking about swimming at the hotel. I just loved to be there and cheer on kev. Having Landen there made it complete. He is such a sweet husband to support my family the way he does, it means a lot to me to be there as much as I can and when he comes it is that much better.

So, despite that horrible heartbreaking feeling of knowing you can win and losing instead, it was a great tournament. I know that feeling goes away after a while because I don't even remember what happened at the state tournaments that I played in. I remember we lost but that's it. It might take a while but eventually we find out what the really important things in life are.

GO DIGGERS!!

2009-02-23T21:05:00.000-08:00

Kevin's team played tonight in a great game against Salmon. It was a loser out district tournament game and they won by 9. Both teams played tough but Sugar Salem came out on top. On the broadcast they said that Kevin was "an indispensable floor general that can't come out of the game"- it was awesome! They move on to the championship game(s) where they will have to beat Shelley twice to be district champions. They can do it!

The Parkway Cafe

2009-02-19T10:35:00.001-08:00

I feel like I have the belly from 10 things i hate about you on in this video...

My sister posted this on her blog. At first I was completely um embarrassed but after I got over it, I remembered how much fun we had that night. It was seriously one of the best memories I have with my family. The chicken fried steaks were AMAZING too in case anyone was wondering.

Another Day

2009-02-17T17:00:00.000-08:00

Today was a great day! I woke up and went swimming this morning with Brit- which was awesome and I am really sore- and then came home and dyed my hair. I tried to go just one shade lighter and it worked ok- I mean on my roots, but the rest of my hair is still dark, which I expected. I just didn't want my light brown roots with black hair. Now I have dark brown roots with black hair! After that, landen got home from working out and we went back to sleep! It was only seven at this point and I had been awake since 445- that's like the middle of the night. So we slept until walker woke us up at about 8. Walker and I got ready and went over to Easton and Ashley's house. She is such a great friend, she called and asked if I wanted to bring walker over to play with easton. They had a blast together trying to make each other use a certain toy but they never argued over toys. They just wanted to share so much that they kept trying to give each other different toys! Easton is a great sharer- walker is a little more protective of his toys at home but still a good sharer too. So i left him there for about an hour and came home to clean my bathroom- which was actually quite an enjoyable experience! No one squirted me with the cleaner or tried to climb up on the counter while it was wet or anything. It is funny though because i really did miss walker while he was gone.

We got home and took a long nap after eating some lunch while Landen was home studying. We have just been playing since Walker woke up and I am trying not to puke all over! Gross huh!

Today has been just another great day in paradise for us!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yakW10rgKX0

Valentines Day

2009-02-15T10:38:00.001-08:00

Happy Valentines day to everyone! I have to say that i am so happy to be married to the one man in the world who could make me a better person! He is amazing.

Thanks also to all the wonderful people who have been an influence in my life and who I love. My sisters and little brother, my parents and all the friends i had growing up and have now. Everyone have a great day and think about the people you love!

Something For You!

2009-02-13T22:11:00.000-08:00

Something for YOU!!

Something just for you! Lucky you!The first five people to respond to this post will get something made by me! My choice. For you. This offer does have some restrictions and limitations:

1- I make no guarantees that you will like what I make!
2- What I create will be just for you.
3- It'll be done this year. (might be a little while)
4- You have no clue what it's going to be. It may be a story. It may be poetry or an article on properly cleaning your face before a masque. I may draw or paint something. I may bake you something and mail it to you. Who knows? Not you, that's for sure!
5- I reserve the right to do something extremely strange.

The catch? Oh, the catch is that you must repost this on your blog and offer the same to the first 5 people who do the same on your blog. The first 5 people to do so and leave a comment telling me they did win a FAB-U-LOUS homemade gift by me! Oh, and be sure to post a picture of what you win when you get it! Good luck!

The Dog Ate it...

2009-02-13T22:02:00.000-08:00

Usually not a good excuse. But let me explain... so we have a chocolate lab (he's more like a chocolate horse) and he is extremely playful and active. We let him run around in the backyard most of the day then put him in his pen at night. Yesterday we heard him growling and hitting himself against the house. We ran out to check on him and low and behold, he had (after a few other unsuccessful attempts) pulled the cord to our internet out and chewed it up. Our internet is fiber optic so we have a cord that connects everything and yeah, he ate it.

So, suffice it to say, our internet was not working. Network connection not established- as the cord it sticking out the side of our house. Luckily, I married the smarted man on earth and he went up in the attic and found some slack in the cord and was able to wire it all back together.

Here we are, connected again at last. Hopefully we can teach Kido that chewing the cords is bad... and hopefully the internet problems are over.

Excuses Excuses- and Ideas too please!

2009-02-10T13:17:00.000-08:00

Well, let me just say, mine is valid. I haven't had an internet connection for the past week. I probably wouldn't have blogged as much though because i have been so sick! I had to go out of stake conference (the adult session- saturday night) and puke my guts out then go sit back down and act like I was fine- how awful! Anyways, it has been a rough few days but I think we are back online with everything. I feel better today too, which is a great relief.

Anways, there has been nothing of great import happen in our lives over the last week. I have, however, finished reading pride and prejudice. It is such a great book-mostly because of the time frame in which it was written. The scenes, the language, the parties! Really, the plot has no particular interest- I mean its just a story about five sisters and their family. But what book isn't like that I guess. I could write a great novel about our family, but I don't think it would be well received. I was glued to the novel from start to finish. I loved it. I also watched the BBC movie and really enjoyed it too because it is so much like the novel.

I am in charge of our valentine's day date this year- and I don't have the slightest idea of what to do! I have become so boring!! I need help!

p.s. Here is the preview to a new pride and prejudice movie- it looks really good but can't be as acurate as that BBC version. But probably more dramatic...

The Ticker

2009-02-04T14:45:00.000-08:00

OK- so I just kinda snuck the ticker in on everyone late last night. I guess I better explain now!

We are expecting baby #2! My EDD is August 31 2009. I was one day late with Walker so we could have a september baby. We had our first doctor's appointment and everything is looking great.

I have to say though, I hate insurance company's. Our insurance has been awesome so far with everything. However, we have a separate $5,000 maternity deductible- yes FIVE GRAND!! Crazy that it's even legal. We have aflac so that will help but i am not even sure how it works. SO we are probably just paying cash for everything since it is cheaper to do that then to go through our insurance!

ANYWAY- we are really excited about this new little baby and can't wait to keep everyone posted on how it's going. So far I have been sick on and off. I was never sick with walker, so this is definately different for me. But I will take it all and try not to complain because the end result is worth it!

We have names picked out- we have had the girl name since walker and the boy name just came about a few weeks ago. That's a whole other post though.

So this is the official announcement love you guys!

Grand Slam.

2009-02-03T20:31:00.000-08:00

Today we had a free grand slam breakfast at Denny's. They gave them away to everyone from 6-2. We went in at about 12:45 and it only took about an hour (there was a huge line the first time we went- I swear everyone in tremonton went, we went back about an hour later). It was fun! Walker ate a lot of his but he hated the sausage and loved the pancakes.

Sweet Surprise

2009-02-02T13:11:00.000-08:00

I went to rexburg last week and was there for almost four days. Saturday, on the way home we had planned to stop and go to Kevin's game in American Falls. We got there and the game was going on like usual (watching intermittently with Walker trying to get out on the court) and then the lady at the front desk brought us in four bags of popcorn and said

"there are two guys out there who bought this popcorn for you. I think they want
you to come out and see them."

So at first it was like, um who are the crazy high school boys... but we went out there and it was Landen and Ryan (my sister Misty's husband)! They had come to the game as a surprise to us and it was great. I was missing him so bac and he just showed up! To make it even better, he had to miss his church ball game to come. It may not seem like a big deal, but what a cute sacrifice just to come see me! I love my sweet husband!

STEELERS!

2009-02-01T19:34:00.001-08:00

This post is for Jax! The game was so great- not a dull moment. I cheered for the Cardinals with Landen but secretly wanted the steelers to win for Jaclyn too. We watched the game at Landen's mom's on her awesome couch.

Sorry for the short lame posting lately. I will shape up tomorrow.

My Personality Results

2009-01-30T16:13:00.001-08:00

Your Type is ENFJ
Extraverted
Intuitive
Feeling
Judging
ENFJ type description by D.Keirsey ENFJ Identify Your Career with Jung Career Indicator™ ENFJ Famous Personalities ENFJ type description by J. Butt and M.M. Heiss-->

ENFJ Famous Personalities
-->-->

ENFJ Lifestyle Preferences
by Your Type Lifestyle™
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ENFJ type description by J. Butt and M.M. Heiss
-->
Qualitative analysis of your type formula You are:
moderately expressed extravert
distinctively expressed intuitive personality
distinctively expressed feeling personality
moderately expressed judging personality
I think it sounds like me- sometimes.

Rexburg Advent

2009-01-30T08:19:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was a great day spent in good ole' Rexburg. We started out sleeping in til the late hour of 8. Jake and Walker then chased each other around for a little while Jax and I tried to get somewhat presentable to take them up to the college... so they could chase each other. They had a blast because it was community hour up at the field house (a big room with a track and basketball hoops) and there were quite a few kids up there running around too. In the car on the way home, Walker kept saying sa-wich sa wich! So we went home and ate peanut butter sandwiches and eventually got the two boys to take a nap. Jax fell asleep with Jake and I was going to get in the shower but Kevin got home and we started a game of Electronic Monopoly. It is a lot more fun than old monopoly because you don't have to deal with the money- its all electronic transfers! So I always lose and this time was no different. I just get tired of playing so when I lose all my money I don't mortgage back properties and stuff- it's too complicated. Anyway, dad and Kevin ended up playing forever and had to call it a draw. I finally caved and showered- because everyone told me I was starting to stink up the house (not really but I am sure they were thinking it). We got a babysitter for the game because at Marsh Valley it was a disaster. Jake and Walker were just fine- they didn't even notice we were gone. When we got to the game, Misty showed up with her kids! It was fun to be able to enjoy the game, but it was a pretty stupid one. No one even wanted to be there. Kevin's team won by thirty or something and they didn't even care. It was almost boring except for the fact that we were watching our little brother. After the game we came home and made sure the boys were ok and gave them a bath then left them with Wada and went to millhollow for a frozen yogurt- the best ever! When we got back i went to put walker down for the night and fell asleep with him- i think it is the earliest I have ever gone to bed at my house! Everyone else stayed awake and watched Express and loved it.

Overall it was a full and fun day. I love being here because there is always something to do or someone to talk to. Walker had a blast too being with his cousins. We are going to have a blast today too. Tomorrow is the snowfest festival and they have a twenty foot hill built up at smith park to sled on. It is going to be fun!

I know its boring but I don't have my camera so no pictures. Maybe jax will take some.

I will post again later today on something more fun for everyone else- cuz I missed yesterday!

The Magic Cure

2009-01-28T11:24:00.000-08:00

So i have been feeling kinda down the last little while. Just shut in I suppose with it being winter and Walker has been sick. I have been wondering what to do and feeling quite, unpurposed (if that's a word- well even if its not I guess Ü).
So, to fight off these feelings, I have started working out again. WOW! It has made all the difference. I feel like a new person, ready to take on the world. Shower and get ready and take care of walker like it IS the important thing that it really is. Working out is amazing- i don't know why it is so hard to get myself out of bed to do it in the morning, when I know how I feel afterwards. I have the most amazing husband too because he has been working out with me! Thanks to courtney and jay stocking we have P90X again and he doesn't feel like he needs to put leggings and a leotard to do the workouts. They are very, um, manly. Pullup and pushups and hard stuff like that.

If anyone has felt down, just pop in a great workout video and see how much better you feel after!

Also, I am headed to Marsh Valley (it's a high school off the freeway- in the middle of nowhere with no houses around it, i don't know where the kids come from to go there) tonight with my sister Jax. We are going to watch Kevin play against one of the best teams in the state. I love watching him play- I know it seems like I go a lot but I have only been to 3 games! I can't wait to watch him- he's so good! I take all the credit for that too...

p.s. If you want a good spiritual note, check out Jill's blog. jillerbreport.blogspot.com

HELP!

2009-01-27T08:28:00.000-08:00

Ok- So I have an almost 2 year old son and I think he is starting to get really bored with winter! I don't know what to do with him to help him have fun. Today we are going to try playdough- which should be interesting and entertaining (I hope!). He loves watching movies- but I hate just sitting him in front of the TV and letting his brains fry. He also likes to color but after about an hour of coloring he is done and then we are out of fun things to do for the day.

I just need some creative ideas of fun things to do at home or if anyone has any good spots to visit any where from Tremonton (Kings???) to Salt Lake. Thanks for your help everyone!

Baby Bro-

2009-01-26T09:28:00.000-08:00

Kevin turned 19 yesterday and Jill wrote a moving tribute~ I loved it so here is one of my own. Not as eloquent as hers- but still a tribute.

19 years ago my little brother was born. I was only six but I too remember walking out of good old Adams elementary. I think I was wearing my purple puffy coat. I remember looking at mom laying the hospital thinking I don't ever want to do that. Everyone was so excited though because Dad FINALLY got his boy.

Kevin had no chance of being a "normal" boy with four older sisters. His favorite song when he was about 5 was Shania Twain's "Man, I feel like a woman!" Along with the Lion King soundtrack- especially I just can't wait to be king. We couldn't get all the boy out of him though because he definitely had a TON of energy and loved to fight! He would be in the tub and we would say do tough guy and he would grit his teeth and put his arms up and flex them. It was so cute! He had the chubbiest cheeks with bright blue eyes and blonde hair.

He always wanted to come and play with me and my friends- which I hated at first but then really started to like him coming along. I had watched my older sisters protect me and lift me up and I felt like I could do that for Kev. I especially loved it when he came and played basketball at the college with me and everyone thought he was to little to play so I said he could be on my team and then he showed them up (and still does).

I have always been proud of him as my little brother but I am more so now than ever before. As basketball player, he has become better than I ever imagined him being, but more importantly, I am proud of the person he has become. Landen said just a few days ago, "wow kevin has really grown up!" I completely agree (well, except for when he tries to tackle me, then I realize he is still just a little kid). I am excited for him to go on his mission and show the world the gospel. He will be great wherever he goes.

I know I haven't always taught him the right things by my example, but I hope he knows how much I love him and how proud I am of him. I know he will make the right choices in his life because he has learned the right principles.

Love you Kev.

ps. The playlist is Kev's. I had papercut on there but couldn't justify it... the whole good example thing.

I am TIRED!

2009-01-25T20:05:00.001-08:00

We are going to bed early so I am just posting a good night!

GOOD NIGHT!

My baby boy.

2009-01-23T13:43:00.001-08:00

He looks so good in a cowboy hat- this is at his friend Easton's house. He put it on and left it on for probably five minutes just playing with toys.

Daddy and Walker trying to catch the fish! It didn't turn out to be the most successful method until walker started hitting the fish and they would sort of pop out!

The Male version of Hannah Montana. He is almost as cute of a girl as his daddy! (see halloween post)

He loves the snow. He would go out in his diaper if we would let him. He says everyday "glovies, boots outside!"

Temple Pics, Walker and Random Thoughts

2009-01-22T14:31:00.000-08:00

Landen and Walker

Landen and Walker

Landen and Walker

The whole group on the busride.
I can have favorites! This was a fun trip. Jax has some really good pictures from the visit on her blog too.

Rebuke- and Realization.

2009-01-21T09:15:00.000-08:00

Well, I guess I do have some friends. The pity party is officially over. Also, I realized that I too read and do not comment on several blogs. Sorry everyone! I will try to be better at commenting though. It is so fun to hear from people!

What's the point?

2009-01-20T21:18:00.000-08:00

So I am doing this blogging because I felt compelled to share with my family and friends. But what's the point if no one is reading??

Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

2009-01-19T20:50:00.000-08:00

Happy Martin Luther King Jr. Day! Thanks to him for all he did.

p.s. how does the grocery smarts work? Do you have to build up a stash of coupons or does it work right away? I have the utah code and was looking at the website and it seems like you have to have coupons from the last six months- true or not?
Thanks!

Sunday post on Monday

2009-01-19T07:31:00.000-08:00

Sunday was a great day! Church was great- at least for the boys. Walker was sick last week and I think I got his sickness. I wasn't feeling well at all, like the flu I think so I stayed home and slept. Landen went home teaching after church and walker and I stayed home and played. We have 1:00 church so he didn't get a nap and was rediculously tired. He just sat there on my lap and watched A Cheetah Story from National Geographic. It was a relaxing fun day (minus the flu part)!

jen

Go Diggers + My 007 Husband

2009-01-17T20:38:00.001-08:00

We just watched Kevin's game online and it was awesome! It was such a close game. Kevin went out in the first quarter because he had two fouls (this is becoming way too common of an occurance) and didn't go back in until the second half. He was amazing and helped lead his team to a tight 4 point victory. He made a foul shot to put them up by two instead of one with 12.7 seconds left and then got the steal so Jordan could go up and get fouled and put the lead to 4. The refs were terrible and somehow at the end of the game they called a foul on brennan as kevin was passing him the ball! It made absolutely no sense. Everyone was going nuts on the guy and he was just shrugging his shoulders like "yeah I know I'm an idiot." They won anyway and it was really a fun game to watch.

Also, Landen went to a class today to get a concealed weapons permit. It lasted all day and he came home and said the instructor was totally crude the whole time and it drug on and on and on. He has to do more stuff to get it but he is on his way to being a bona fide 007. Ü

The broker is good- i think it will turn out as Jax suspected (me staying up all night to finish it after 300 pages of build up).

night everyone.

The Broker

2009-01-16T19:45:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone. Today is a late blog so it won't be quite so long. Today was a great day! We went to the library for our date and then came home and ate pasta and some gross breadsticks. I tried to use biscuit dough and they tasted like *shocker* biscuits- which i hate. Landen left to an appointment at seven and walker and I hung out. He stayed in the bath forever while I took advantage of the time and read for a few minutes. I started another book (I know- i have started a lot of books lately). My little brother gave it to me and told me to read it a while ago. I don't know where he got it but it is good so far. I am about one hundred pages in and it's not really intense so I can't explain the draw but I can't put it down.

It's called The Broker by John Grisham. Anyone read it?

night.

Just girls.

2009-01-15T12:22:00.000-08:00

yesterday I went to my sister's house and hung out with her, my other sister and my mom. I wish Jill could have been there too! But, it was really fun to just be together and talk. We tried to watch a movie but it took us like four hours because we kept getting interrupted and then forgot to go back to it (this is so out of character for me because I usually hate to interrupt movies). I really admire Jaclyn and Misty, they are amazing mothers. I don't know how they do it! I miss Jill a lot- especially when we get together (my sister who lives in Washington DC). I hope I can come see you soon!

Walker got to stay home with daddy and gramma julie. Landen had some appointments to go to so he took walker to his mom's for part of the night. He loves going to her house though so he had a good time.

He has started doing the cutest thing ever. He will walk up to me in the middle of the day when we have been together all day and say "I miss you mommy" and just give me a big hug and then respond to himself saying, "I miss you too." And then he just walks off to play. It is sooooo cute!

He is growing up so fast it is crazy. I love him so much.

Parenting with Love and Logic

2009-01-14T15:20:00.000-08:00

Ok- so I promised a little book review and here it is. The book is an updated version of the older love and logic books but still teaches the same things. I think it is the same book with added tips and sections to include some of todays struggles like internet pornography and the like. So far (36 pages in) the book has discussed some different parenting styles: helicopter, drill sargeant, lassez faire and consultant. The first three are unsuccessful types and the last is the love and logic style. I am a helicopter parent. It is really hard for me to watch walker hurt of struggle. I don't let him learn anything because I take his learning opportunities away from him by bailing him out. I really like the points they bring up about this type of parenting.

The consultant parent is one who gives their children choices, following up with reasonable circumstances. Somtimes, the best way children learn is by letting them fail. Like when they forget a homework assignment you reminded them to get ten times- let them suffer the consequences so they learn NOT to forget the assignment again.

I love the idea of giving kids choices- actually doing it is another thing. It is hard up front to watch kids struggle when you can step in and solve everything right away. If they don't learn when they are young though, they will learn later and the consequences are much steeper. For example, in the book it tells of a mother who lets her kids take out loans. She handles the loans just as if she were the bank, teaching her kids about the financial world. Promissory notes, collaterol and repossession- the whole deal. The story says she had to repo a $79 stereo from her 12year old son and was getting some flack for doing it. She responded," the neighbor boy had his 4900 dollar camaro repossessed this fall because he never learned the lesson my 12 year old just did. My boy is 12 years ahead and only lost a 79 dollar cd player."

Something to really think about.
jen

The Amazing Power of.... Dawn and hot water.

2009-01-13T13:01:00.000-08:00

Ok. So my mother in law has always cleaned with hot water and dawn dish soap. I come from a "strait ammonia mixed with whatever else was in the bottle" family. Today I was cleaning off my glass computer desk and it was a streaky mess. I just bought some dawn so I decided to try it out and it was perfectly spotless! It was amazing. Thus I proceeded to wipe down the rest of my house with dawn and hot water. It smells great and looks so good! Anyone have and suggestions on a good mop? I have an okay one but it doesn't really scrub that great. I use mostly elbow grease to get out spots that are stubborn- but I just want a good mop. Thanks. If you haven't checked out Jaclyn's blog with Jake playing the drums, you have got to see this kid jam. He's a pro!

jen

p.s. I started the book Parenting with Love and Logic. I am just getting into it but I will let you know how it goes.

Timpanogos Temple

2009-01-12T14:54:00.000-08:00

I love the Timpanogos Temple. We went there for a wedding in december and I snapped this picture before we left. It was so fun! I want to learn more about the temple. Does anyone have any good books they have read?? I love that they theme the temple and the art usually has some depiction of the area. They told us that at the open house in Rexburg. It was really neat. Any other interesting facts?

jen

p.s. I went to the library today- tremonton's library is tiny but there are always gems if you search. Walker wanted a book on monster trucks and we found one that is really old but fun for him. I have started him on a schedule during the day. It has been quite interesting- mostly because i haven't stuck to it at all. Just kidding. I have tried but things keep getting switched around and jumbled. He is taking naps regularly- except for Sundays because we have one oclock church. AHH! Anyways, that's what my day was like today.

3 years. (and three months now)

2009-01-11T09:08:00.000-08:00

Jan 11 is not our anniversary. It was november 11. but it was so cute that I wanted to write a little bit about what landen did for me.

He surprised me and took me away for the night. He arranged a baby sitter and everything. He took me to the bed and breakfast we stayed at on our wedding night where all the rooms are themed. He picked the same room we stayed in that night. It was so cute! And as if that wasn't enough, when we got there he pulled out one of my old formals and his nice suit and we went to dinner at a nice restaurant (nice for us tremonton folk = olive garden). It was so fun. I loved getting dressed up! Then we went back to the hotel and just relaxed the rest of the night! I loved it. He was so cute and sweet.

I have the best husband in the world!!

Join the Resolution.

2009-01-10T11:53:00.000-08:00

I have loved reading my sisters blog everyday- she is so creative and (to steal Jaclyn's word) insightful. Though I am not nearly as inspired as she is, I will do my best to join the resolution. It sounds like a fun journey Ü. So today is my proclamation day. And as a shout out to my sisters (and Kevin if he EVER gets on and checks our blogs) I have posted some music I think they will enjoy.

Carpe Diem ~

jen

Walker Time

2008-12-23T14:14:00.000-08:00

Walker is to the stage where he absolutely loves the tub. It's more fun than going to the park or playing in the snow or anything! He is mad and intense and then happy and laughing. He cracks me up.

Dress Ups! (Halloween)

2008-12-22T11:12:00.000-08:00

We had a lot of fun on Halloween trick or treating with the family! The best part was dressing Landen up. It's sad when your husband is a prettier girl then you are. I think I make a pretty good baseball player... and walker is an awesome spider. Thats just mascara in his hair in case you were wondering. It worked so good! No spray or anything. It stayed all night too! Then washed out really easy. (it's my eye black too- who knew mascara was so useful?)

DareDevil.

2008-12-22T10:53:00.000-08:00

So I know I haven't posted in a long time but I will try to update on what has been going on. Walker is just chillin in the top picture. It is so cute when he lays down because he always puts his hands behind his head just like he's doing in the picture. These next ones are a depiction of Walker and River jumping off my couch onto the cushions. They love it. This was back in october I think. Since then Walker has learned to jump off of everything no matter what the height. He loves playing chase and pretending like he is being bitten by spiders... don't ask me why! He is just a boy.

TAG! mom and dad, jill erb, jax lee, misty clark, kacie hanna and brandee hubbard

2008-11-11T18:18:00.000-08:00

I was tagged by my sister in law Lindsey! Here goes my eight things!

8 things I am passionate about
family
gospel
music
writing
reading
learning
love
morals

8 things I want or need

piano
be able to play the piano
vanquish (before twilight and even more after)
new wardrobe
to love myself naked (stole that from Linds)
new couches
to play basketball
my little brother to be happy

8 words or phrases I use a lot
i'm gonna get you
no walker!
tractor
what does the say
do you wanna go to your crib?
mommy loves you
really?
great.

8 things I want to do before I die
go to every temple
see the midevil castles in europe
make a CD
write a novel
have a big family in the temple with me
have money like i have air
get an honorary doctorate degree somewhere
invent something

8 things I have learned from the past
never hold back
find happiness in everything
be thankful for what you have
trust your instincts
be there for your friends
love with all your heart
write down your experiences
exercise even when you don't want to

4 shows I love to watch, 4 books i love to read
braveheart
patriot
princess diaries 2
remember the titans

twilight series
magic of thinking big
Book of Mormon
great words from great lives

8 restaurants I love
Johnny Carino's
Fredrico's
El Parrell
Stein Erickson Lodge
Little Caesar's Pizza
Olive Garden
Mimi's Cafe (best!)
Macaroni Grill

Walker Vids!

2008-10-16T20:26:00.001-07:00

Thanks for the help with posting these videos guys! Walker is so cute! Please don't mind me talking on here- just listen to his little voice. He is just like his mommy... so caught up in a movie he can't focus on someone talking to him. Ha! Here they are!

He is so cute huh!
love
Jen

How do you post a video??

2008-10-15T12:59:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone! How do you post a video on here from you tube? Any help would be great.
Thanks!
jen

Month Long Blogging Hiatus

2008-10-12T18:27:00.000-07:00

Hey all you bloggers! I have taken my month hiatus from the blogging world and now i have returned. I have a few excuses but they aren't that great so I will just say I was taking a break.

Life is going great! Landen quit his job at Lewis Cabinet Specialties about two weeks ago. He was thankful for the things he learned there but felt he needed to move on.
We have been looking into a company called Financial Solutions that we have really liked. The mission statement of the company (www.turningdebttowealth.com) is right in line with what our family mission statement says. Landen started working with Bob Cosgrove, the founder, and has loved what he is doing.
It is a little different because right now because we are just on a commission based pay check but we have always known that side of it would be different. With the dreams and goals that we have, we knew eventually we would have to leave the world of a steady paycheck.
A little about what he does from the website: "Imagine paying all of your monthly bills in less than 30 seconds without a computer or the internet. All of your debts are paid off 2 to 3 times faster without using any extra money per month. No new loans are required and we don't negotiate lower settlements with your lenders. Our average client saves over $100,000 in interest and is Debt Free in 8 years." Landen just started and has already helped a lot of his clients drop anywhere from 5-25 years off their debts and saved them tens of thousands of dollars. He works with a lot of businesses and individual families. He loves what he is doing! It has been fun to watch him love his work. It even makes me excited about it because he is so happy!

Walker is growing up so fast. This last month he has really started to talk. He jabbers away but he has started to actually say a lot of words too. The best is when he says his own name. It's hard to describe it in typing but it is so cute! I will post it on here when I record it. He says big tractor a lot too. He is 19 months old and growing up too fast. He really wants a little brother or sister to play with, so mom and dad had better get to work on that. (this is not an announcement) We did just get our Aflac insurance figured out. We have a separate 5,000 dollar maternity deductible with blue cross (CRAZY!!) so we have to wait at least a year for another baby for aflac to kick in. That is the required amount of time with Aflac. Walker is so handsome and looks just like his daddy. He is very smart and has a great memory too. He is so fun and I love him so much!!

Life is a lot of fun right now. We are excited for winter and the snow and all the holidays. Hopefully we will see lots of family during the coming months!!

Love
Jen

Porsche 911

2008-09-10T08:54:00.001-07:00

I'm a Porsche 911!

You have a classic style, but you're up-to-date with the latest technology. You're ambitious, competitive, and you love to win. Performance, precision, and prestige - you're one of the elite,and you know it.

Take the Which Sports Car Are You? quiz.

NEW COUCHES!!

2008-09-06T14:59:00.001-07:00

I am so excited! We found the couches that we want to get and at an amazing price! If you have ever been to our house you have seen our awesome retro red velvet couches. They have been great to have as they were free but we are finally going to get our own set! Here they are- what do y'all think?

My 10K Buddies

2008-09-06T14:47:00.000-07:00

I have to say that I am so proud of my workout partners for running their 10k today! I didn't run becuase I have asthma (at least, that sounds a lot better than because I was scared!). They are awesome and i know I would still be working to get pregnancy weight off without them (yes my son is 18 months old, lay off). I love getting up early in the morning and working out with them. It helps my whole day go better! So here's to them! GO ASHLEY AND BRANDEE!!

p.s. notice what she is wearing! a running skirt! Jax- I am not crazy!