Reading

While I don't normally do a lot of reading, something has taken a hold of me this summer. I have read a lot of books. I have done so quickly because almost all of them have been young adult fiction but I am ok with that. Because of this, I decided to keep track of the books I have read on a page here on my blog. Since most are young adult fiction, they have the cheesy love story in it. Even with that, I have still really enjoyed them.

If there is a book or series that you have enjoyed, please let me know so I can continue with my reading. Also, let me know if you are curious as to my thoughts on any of the books.

How to dry a child?

If you were ever wondering, this is how to dry your child.

Tough Mudder Las Vegas

I know this is way old but I was having a love my husband day and wanted to celebrate some more about him. Especially since I don't write much. He's not quite as funny, as cute or as interesting as the girls to other people but I love him. 

This is from the Tough Mudder he ran with family back in April. This was called the Vegas location but it was 2 hours of driving through the desert. It should have been called the Middle of Nowhere, past the desert prison location. Anyway, I won't say much more because the pictures show quite a bit. 

Yes, the small dots on the hill top are people. 

Shot just to the left of the previous pic and again dots on the hill are people.

 The course was large and there were lots of hills adding a layer of difficulty.

Everyone before they started. The colors really made it easy to find them. 

Emerging from belly crawling through mud.

Add caption

Jumping into the water.

This last pic is the reason I haven't done a Tough Mudder. I have no desire to be electrocuted. None what so ever. I can do the race and the obstacles (with help) but I will not been shocked.

All those wires have random amounts of voltage through them. Some powerful
enough to knock you to the ground. 

And of course, Jake's triumphant jump into the water. (I love this video and this is one of the things I love about Jake. Silly huh?

YAAAHOOO!!!!!

Can I get a what what? YES!!!! I am so excited and so proud. We finally got BAR results back (and a few weeks earlier than expected. Jake passed the BAR with flying colors. We are so glad. Now it's pay the licensing fees and wait for the induction ceremony, in October, and he will be official.

Congrats babe. I am so proud and so happy. I am also glad the wait (for results) is over.

Where has the time gone?

Ever have one of those hectic but slow passing times? I know, sounds crazy but all at the same time the past months have happened so fast but also not passed fast enough. Hopefully I can catch everything up with a few pics (ok more than just a few) and a quick/longish post.

We spent some time in St. George. While there we did lots of fun things, including driving to the Valley of Fire.

Ellie posing for the picture.

Going on a short hike.

 We splashed around Main Street, played on a play ground, played tons at the house because it has an awesome tree house and pool, and went to the Wildlife Conservation Museum. One night Jake and I ditched the kids and took off for Vegas. We spent the night and then drove to the middle of nowhere (past some crazy prison in the middle of a Nevada desert) to a place called Beatty. Then we drove a little farther to where the Tough Mudder was being run.

The group that started the race together. 

Justin, Marc, Cassie had started the race earlier and Steve, Connie, and Maddie were wandering around taking pictures. We eventually all ended up together and then separated again. 

My hunk at the end of the race. 

 We drove back to St. George (almost a 7 hour drive) and splashed in the pool to relax.

We celebrated Sammi's birthday but I made sure to post about that. I was called to be the Young Women's Camp director; more on that later.

Then in May we drove back to Denver, mostly for Jake's graduation but partly to play. We didn't have a whole lot of down time while there. We drove out through highway 40, through the mountains. A gorgeous route but adds quite a bit of drive time.

We went to the Butterfly Pavilion and had a blast taking pictures and watching the butterflies. Jake and I went an had lunch with his former boss while Grandma Wendy and Grandpa DeVon took the girls to the mall to eat and play.

One of the close ups of a butterfly.

Of course the main reason we traveled there was for graduation. Luckily, the law school scheduled it for a short-ish time and followed the schedule. The first speaker was great; funny, interesting stories and analogies, etc. Sadly the second speaker was a politician who was apparently working the campaign trail. I am so proud of Jake. He worked so hard and accomplished so much. I wish there was more I could do to show my appreciation for him but bragging about him on the Internet (on a blog not many people read) will have to do for now. Love you babe.

Proud of our graduate.

 Yes, the hat is awesome, you'll have to ask Jake the true meaning of the robes, and sadly Sammi's eye is swollen mostly shut. She rolled (either by herself or with some help from her sister) off the bed and into a dresser. She survived and everything is fine now.

After eating some food and avoiding the spiked punch, we went to the Aquarium. Still a great place to see. Because of graduation, we also had Jake' parents, his sister, and his younger brother's family. It was so fun to have them out there and show them some fun things.

Like at the fish.

 We made a quick stop downtown at the Capitol to take pictures at the Mile High Marker (that has been moved several times thanks to GPS and geo-locators). Then we decided on watching a Rockies Game.

Scoreboard of the Stadium. 

 We never went while we lived there so this was fun. I am not normally a baseball fan (they really need to do something to speed up the game, that's all I'm saying.) but watching a major league game is a little different and quite fun.

Obviously Ellie and Becca enjoy baseball as much as I do. 

After church on Sunday, we went for a scenic drive. We traveled up through Golden and up the Lariat Loop. We came out and drove up by Red Rocks Amphitheater and then on to the Denver Temple.

Temple in Denver, CO

 By this time, nap time was over and the girls loved walking and running around the grounds.

Cute picture with the eye healing. 

Of course we drove down to the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. You can't go and not feed the giraffes or the birds. They had out a baby wallaby to pet. It was so soft.

Give me food.

It rained on us a bit. At one point I was running through the rain to take Ellie to the bathroom. On the way back, we stopped in a covered area with other people. I started smelling something like urine and strong BO. We left quickly and found the family. As we walked near the same area, I notice the smell again and realized it was the porcupine (not the people standing under the cover with us earlier).

This was the funniest porcupine. He walks on his hind legs. 

 Ask to see that video sometime. It's pretty funny. After we stopped at this burger joint called Crave Real Burgers. Jake had the burger on donuts instead of buns and I had one with tomatoes, balsamic vinegar, mozzarella, and basil. They were pretty good but way big.

For the home route, we came along I-70 and spent the night in Glenwood Springs. What a great place! We took a tram ride up to a cave tour.

Ellie and Grandpa in the cave.

 Sammi was a little tired and fussed at being in close quarters but really enjoyed it when the guide along her to walk just about anywhere lit.

No daddy, not this way. 

 Our hotel gave us passed to the hot springs pool there, which was awesome. The girls loved it. So did I. We swam that night and then a bit the next morning before starting our final drive home.

A few weeks go by, we move into June and then we get busy again. Jake and I participated in the Dirty Dash. Stef and Danielle came with us in the morning and then Jake ran a second time with his siblings and their kids. We were pretty easy to spot.

The pre-race picture.

  The next week, Jake and I went to Youth Conference while the girls stayed with Grandma Connie and Rebecca. (Of course, Marc, Cassie, Grandpa, and Hayley were there too.) My dad was in charge of games and activities but was never given an official committee to help him so Jake and I enlisted. It was a blast. Alternating every 2 years, the Stake switches between Pioneer Trek and the Book of Mormon Experience. Luckily this year was the Book of Mormon one. It was so fun to see everything and it was so hard to leave but we had finished our responsibilities and we had the Watterson Family Reunion to attend.

Here we are in Ophir again. This year, we just stayed in a tent. The kids met us there. Luckily for us, Connie packed extra blankets because we had a cold spell. Sammi still managed to earn a spot between Jake and I, but Ellie slept warm and cozy in her own sleeping bag.

Cousins dog pile. 

 A few short weeks later, I had YW Girls camp. Sadly I did take any pictures but I am working on collecting them from other leaders. We had a great time. Our theme was Be Believing and I truly hope it helped some of our YW learn to just believe. I know I did after so much prep.

To start July off, my dad's family had a family Lagoon day. Like every other time at Lagoon, we started off in Lagoon-a-beach and then headed out to rides once we passed the hottest part of the day. Unfortunately I didn't really ride many adult rides but I didn't mind too much. They have added quite the small child area. Ellie loved it. Sammi started out a little unsure but quickly realized that she hated faster rides. Small child/infant rides she was just fine with riding.

Mommy and Sammi on the tea cups, pre-ride/pre-crying.

 Sammi was a good sport though. She rode with me but always ended up crying and wanting out once they started.

Come on, another one mom!

 Grandma, Grandpa, Braden, and Annie stayed around with us.

Going Jeepin'

Sailin' Sisters.

 We didn't plan too much for July, as Jake was trying to study for the upcoming BAR test but we still managed to do some fun things. Fireworks on the 4th of July, a few softball games, an adult dodge ball game at a friend's birthday party, swimming at East Canyon Resort with Grandma Connie and Maddie, and a bbq with fireworks for Pioneer day.

We also welcomed a new cousin, baby Tanner. Ellie was so excited to see him. She loves holding babies for a short time. Sammi's turning into a bit of a meanie so we didn't let her try holding him.

Ellie holding her new cousin.

The BAR association decided that July should go out with a bang so Jake had the wonderful 2 day test the last 2 days of July. Yes, 2 days of 6-7 hours of testing and now we wait 8-10 weeks for results. Isn't that awesome? I know he did great. He has worked and studies so hard. I actually don't have any worries about it.

So that is most of our summer. If you want to hear more in depth story about something, let me know and I will try to post additional pictures and information. Actually, there is more to come but this is long enough for now and I don't have the other pictures off my camera yet.

Sammi's 1st Birthday

Happy Birthday to our little Sammi. We didn't celebrate on her birthday. We waited until Sunday when family might be able to come celebrate. Now Ellie was a little shy when we sang and feed her cake and ice cream. Not Sammi. She started right into the cupcake and man did she enjoy it. 



Look at me.

 

Mmfftt mmrrff mmmpppfffttt (Which means I like cupcake.)

After finishing her first cup cake, Aunt Stef gave her another one. Don't ask why. After about half of that (we knew she was done when she started squishing it in her hands and through her fingers) we gave her a bowl of ice cream. She dug right into that also. 

Yes, ice cream.

Another satisfied customer.

Don't you wish you were hot like me?

 When was the last time you enjoyed eating this much?

Om nom nom. Needless to say, she had a quick shower before opening presents, hence the lack of clothing. She got so many great toys. She didn't really try to unwrap anything. She just wanted to play with the toys once they were unwrapped. 

My new bouncing push seat.

Ever feel bad as a parent because of what you encourage your child to give the other ones? Ellie has a Minnie Mouse doll. Sammi loves to grab it and take it but this is the one toy Ellie doesn't really let anyone touch, so Ellie gave Sammi a Minnie for her own. Hopefully now when Sammi takes Ellie's, she can give Sammi her own. 

Look my own Minnie.

It was a fun night. Wore the girls right out.

I can't believe how much kids grow in a year. At Sammi's appointment, she weighed 21 lbs 11 oz (60th percentile) and was 31.5 inches long (90th). She is trying to walk and took some of her first unassisted steps on her birthday. She says a few words and loves playing with her sister. She is very independent and really wants to be in control of everything in her life. If not, she starts throwing fits and having tantrums. She struggles a little with sleeping through the night but is getting better.

Sammi you are a great blessing in our lives and love watching you grow and learn. You have so many different facial expressions that just crack us up. For the most part, you are a happy yet demanding child. 

Leaving the hospital



Rock on baby.

My blessing dress.

 

Hanging with Stef after seeing Jeff off to the MTC



Go Utes!

 

Happy Halloween

 

Wearing a fireman hat.



Bath time weirdie.



Smiling sweetheart

Sammi we love you. Keep being a light to all of us and learning lots.

God's Great Gifts

With recent incidents, I have spent some time reflecting these past few days. I have never known what to say to someone dealing with loss or an extreme trial. This message comes from me trying to think of something adequate to say to another parent who has lost a child unexpectedly, an adult how has lost a spouse, or any other difficulty. "I'm sorry for your loss", "Things will get better," and such just don't seem like enough. Instead, I have decided to share my gratitude for the greatest gifts I have received that are available to everyone in hopes it will provide some comfort.

Gift of Life - God gave man life and continues to grant life. I am grateful to live here on the earth, to have experiences that help me grow, learn, and become a better person (hopefully).

Gift of Repentance - I am not perfect. Not even close. But God gave us the gift of repentance, allowing us to feeling sorry after choosing poorly, asking for forgiveness, and turning away from those choices. When we do this, our poor choices (aka sins) will be forgiven. We can feel free and happy. I am so glad I don't have to live with the guilt or sadness of poor choices.

Gift of Resurrection - Long ago, Jesus Christ died while hanging on a cross meaning His body and His spirit were separated. Three days later, He was resurrected meaning they were joined together again in a perfected state never to be separated again. Christ will never die again. He gave us this gift of resurrection meaning at some time, after we have died, we will be resurrected and live again just as He lives. Because of this knowledge, I understand that one day I will die but I won't be separated from my loved ones for very long.

Gift of the Atonement - Before His Crucifixion, Jesus Christ went to pray and start the Atonement in the Garden of Gethsemane. During this time, He felt and experienced all the emotions we (as in everyone who has lived, is living, or will live) have and will go through. This covers physical, emotional and/or mental pain or sadness. He truly understands what we are going through and we can call upon the power of the Atonement to help heal us in any capacity, at any time. I love having someone who knows exactly what I have been through and what I need in order to overcome my trials. He already paid the price for my sins. As I repent, I become free from the sin and any feelings that come with it. He already experienced the pain and sadness I would feel as I pass through life and because He has, He can help me learn to cope or handle the situation to the best of my ability and then provide any extra that I can't do on my own.

Gift of the Sealing Power - Jesus gave man the power to seal things on earth so that they may be sealed in Heaven as well. I am so glad that we have been given the sealing power and that we can be sealed together as families. No matter what happens to us in this life, as long as we stay true and faithful to our covenants, we will be a family for eternity.

Gift of Families - My family is one of my greatest blessings and largest challenges. I think it is because we know each other so well and spend so much time together that often we either feel like we are taken advantage of or over look all that our families do for us. Gratefully, as well as having earthly families, we have a spiritual family with a loving Heavenly Father and spirit siblings who care for us. These additional family members watch over us as angels having come to earth before us or friends and neighbors who are here at the same time. My earthly and spiritual families add so much to my life. I have been able to move past many hard times because of the love and support of family and friends.

Gift of the Holy Ghost - The Holy Ghost is the 3rd member of the Godhead, given the assignment to teach the truth, testify of Jesus Christ and provide comfort to those in need. After baptism, you receive the gift of the Holy Ghost to be a constant companion as long as you allow him. The Holy Ghost blesses me and helps me so often that I wonder if I how much I really do. Then I remember I have agency.

Gift of Agency - Agency, the right to choose, to act for yourself of your own accord or to be acted upon by the consequences of choices (or simply put moral agency to choose between right and wrong). What a great gift! When things in life happen that are out of our control, we can choose are actions and responses to these things. They don't just control us. I am grateful that I can choose and that I will be judged only according to my actions.

Gift of the Priesthood - Priesthood, God's power given to man to act on His behalf here on earth. God allows His power and authority to be used by men to bless the lives of everyone, be it through performing saving ordinances or by blessings in the family or for the sick. It's as if He were here Himself performing the same acts. I am so glad that the priesthood is in my family and that I have the opportunity to use its benefits to help me in my life.

Gift of the Gospel - Jesus Christ establish His church and taught the gospel while He was on the Earth. After the death of Christ and the Apostles, many plain and precious truths were lost or confused. Christ's church and the truths of the Gospel were restored (made new and whole) in these latter days. We can have truth and knowledge of God's plan. Because of this, I know who I am, where I came from, and where I am going and this is knowledge helps me make choices, hopefully good choices. I feel apart of something greater and feel like I play an important roles in the plan, like I really make a difference.

I apologize if this sounds cheesy or doesn't read eloquent. Writing isn't one of my strengths. Despite my lacking, I hope you can remember these great gifts or learn more about them. Life was meant as a trial, to test if we would be faithful so we have to pass through hard times but it doesn't mean we can't be happy at the same time.