What's going on with me...

Placenta previa, hematomas, ultrasounds, nausea off and on, no traveling, no lifting, no exercising, pelvic rest, trying to stay positive, finally finished reading Alma, reading every Ensign article I can get my hands on about Faith, learning how to handle a very moody Talon, trying to keep Jaxon from escaping outdoors, too much Dora the Explorer and Backyardigans, a very supportive and loving husband, and a mother who just dedicated the last 2 weeks to cleaning my disasterous house, making yummy meals, taking my kids on walks and to the park, reading for hours on end Dinosaur text books to Jax, showing Talon how to do complicated puzzles, and teaching my children how to listen and obey their parents...she was our saving angel on so many levels.

Well, we did find out at our last ultrasound, we are having another BOY! His name will be Colton Tanner and so far our doctor thinks he'll be ok...I keep having feelings that he might not be as ok as she thinks. Hope Dr. Alexander is right and I'm wrong. She did say my placenta is much bigger than the normal prego person and so the egg size hemotoma blocking the placenta from giving nutrients to the baby doesn't seem to worry her. I couldn't believe that the hemotoma was almost as big as the 3 1/2" baby at our 14 week ultrasound. The hemotoma, which is a blood clot, was caused by the partial placental abrubtion I had at 12 weeks. I thought I was miscarrying because I bleed through almost 3 huge pads in about 6 hours. When I saw the doctor the next day, the bleeding had stopped and that's when this whole thing began. To prepare myself for the worse, my mind already took me to the "you're loosing this baby." But when we saw the heartbeat on the ultrasound, my heart was full of gratitude and relief.

The nurse told me I was to on strict bed rest, but my doctor told be to just take it easy by not lifting, not exercising, pelvic rest, not traveling farther than 30 minutes from the hospital in case I bleed again (placenta previa puts you at risk for hemoraging which could be fatal without a blood transfusion). So our 3 day drive to Utah on June 29th was cancelled and I missed my family's 4th of July pool party, Ben and Janelle's Wedding on the 7th, and all the family time we were going to enjoy all summer long until August 18th. Doug and I had even planned a week long getaway to Washington and Oregon which included another friends wedding and a beach house on the Oregon coast and visiting friends in the Vancouver/Portland area. Jaxon still asks to go to Blake's house (his 5 year old uncle that he loves) and doesn't understand why we aren't going. Luckily my mom came out to help and that was a huge blessing for us all.

So I know there's something I should be learning from all this and I hope I learn it soon. After spending the months of May and June sick 24/7 and in survival mode in our house, I feel like the little school girl who got grounded indoors all summer long. I know I should look at all the positives and there are many, but I'm just not totally there yet. I do feel blessed that the baby is ok and that my mother was able to come out and help. I also feel blessed that Doug will have 4 weeks off after this week and that he can help. I know the Lord lets us go through things like this to make us stronger in our faith in Him, I just hope that happens soon. Doug gave me a blessing blessing me with an increased faith and especially in Christ's atoning sacrifice. I know my trials are nothing compared to so many others and that Christ is there for us all during hard times. I know I'm brought to my knees a lot easier when I go through challenges and disappointments. If anything, this experience is giving me more sympathy for others who deal with physical challenges.

Thank you to all of you wonderful friends who have been so supportive. I love you all dearly and pray you are blessed for your selfless service.

Birthday Celebration for Talon

Doug's sister Katie blessed our lives as she rescued us for a week. Thanks to her dishes were done daily and many burdens were made light through her selfless service! My kids loved playing with her.

For Talon's 2nd birthday we met Doug for pizza at his school, which Talon loves seeing Dad during the day and he loves pizza. Later that afternoon we went to the pool. Jaxon loved every minute of it but Talon was a bit hesitant. By the end, he was enjoying the water and kept wanting to go on the diving board...few more years before that happens. When not in the water, he enjoyed walking around the pool and pointing out all the letters and numbers he knew that were written on the cement. He knows most of his alphabet and their sounds.



The next day, Grandma and Grandpa McArthur, Uncle Scott, Daniel, Katie, and Maddie joined us for ice cream dinosaur cake and for him to open his present. Grandma Mac gave his some cute shirts, Jax got him a Triceratops (his favorite dinosaur and says it so cute), and from Mom and Dad, some sunglasses. He's always wearing our sunglasses (and breaking them) so he got his very own.

In honor of my 2 year old- TALON

Talon’s 2^nd Birthday was in June, but I've been too sick to write posts and our internet has been in and out.

To my Talon James,

This last year you have grown so much! You’re playful, funny personality easily entertains us. Jax, or “Sass” as you call him, is your favorite playmate and when he’s not around us you frequently ask, “Where’s Sass?” Now that you are in a big boy bed, you love to wrestle and initiate play with Jax when you are supposed to be going to sleep. And since you are the first one up every morning, you are Jax’s alarm clock. If Jax doesn’t want to wake up to play with you, you get very frustrated and physically try to get him out of bed. Then you’ll yell “DAD-DY…wake up!”

Daddy’s definitely special in your life. You two have developed quite a bond these last couple of months since I’ve been so sick. If you wake up in the middle of the night and need comfort, you yell for Dad. If you fall down and get hurt, you go snuggle with dad. When you want a horse ride, you climb on dad’s back and say, “giddy-up”.

You are quite a little cowboy as your favorite accessory is your black cowboy hat. You love playing with your toy guns and LOVE dinosaurs (probably since Jax is obsessed as well). I did teach you that Dinosaurs ‘kiss’ each other, but somehow you decided that dinosaurs bite and growl at each other but they do kiss mommy. I don’t think I’ve received so many dinosaur kisses from plastic creatures before, nor kissed them myself (as you always insist).

You are Mr. Affectionate and freely offer your hugs, snuggles, and kisses. I love when you come up to me acting like a kitty cat and snuggle your little head into my shoulder while making a soothing noise. I also love seeing you give Jax a hug and tell him your sorry after you did something that made him sad.

Speaking of sad, you have been quite moody since April, I think it’s a combination of the allergy meds, teething, communication frustrations, and striving to be more independent. When a need is not being met, you have no problems expressing your emotions. Though this sometimes gets you in trouble, you are such an adorable kid in time out. You have kept us fighting laughter as your response to discipline has quite comical. For example, the other day dad put you in time out and said, “Stay there!” You furrowed your brow and yelled back, “NNNNOOOO!!!” Dad said, “ex-cuuuse-me.” And you responded calmly and naturally, “excuse you Daddy.” Or sometimes you’ll just burst into laughter after being punished…hhhmmmm…what to do with you.

Physically you’ve maintained your strong stature and have been wearing 2T clothing since 18months. You’re beautiful thick hair used to have curls before we cut it. I love your cheesy smile and frequently find myself just staring at your beautiful…I mean handsome face. My mom says you look a lot like me when I was your age.

Since I’m your mother and nursery teacher, I’ve seen your understanding of prayer start to grow. You love saying prayers and even when someone else is saying the prayer, you still offer your own. You always bless Mama, Daddy, Jax, Grandpa, Grandma, and who ever else is in the room, then you repeat this list over and over until the person is done praying and shout with arms extended and a proud smile on your face “A-MENNN!” Sometimes you even just fold your arms and say a prayer randomly.

Also, you love singing songs and pick up on them real fast, especially if they have movements. Some of your favorites are “Old McDonald” in which you tap your leg and stomp your foot, “Book of Mormon Stories”, “Itsy Bitsy Spider”, and your current favorite “I’m so glad when Daddy comes home!” You love playing “Ring-a-round-the-rosies” and “Duck, Duck, Goose” in which you always jump up anytime someone is tagged and run around and when it’s your turn to choose the goose, you go around the circle saying “Duck” about 40 times before you get to the goose. Also, you like to play the piano and say, “Mama…sing!” while you play.

Well, my little love, I’m so thankful you came into our lives when you did and for all the joy you frequently bring to my days. My heart breaks that I can’t lift you or let your climb on top of me to snuggle, but my heart is so in love with the person you are becoming. And in 9 months I can’t wait to hold my 31 lb, 35 in, cutie!

Love- Mama

Dr. Dad!

The other day I finally had a new name, Dr. Dad! Jaxon and Talon came to see Dad at school and thus became his patients (no family member within reach is safe). Jaxon did great, smiling, staying open, getting his teeth cleaned (no cavities) and letting the doctor on duty check Dr. Dad's work.
Talon on the other hand was all smiles for about three minutes, just long enough to take a few pictures. Then everything became, "noooooooo" no matter what the request. We eventually had to have Daniel Johnson hold him and rest his head in my lap so I could get him to open and let me look. Then when the doc came over, I held Talon and the doc looked. I was kinda expecting it sinec he makes me sit on him at night just to brush his teeth. All said and done, Talon came away without any cavities and a big orange balloon and all smiles.
It was fun to have my boys at school with me (Jax brought his backpack to go to school with Dad), and do an "official" check-up. I love my boys!

Angels among us

This past week has been a testimony to me that the Lord does hear and answer prayers and sends His Angels to comfort, uplift, assist, or make up where your lacking. I've been feeling sooooooo sick, almost to the point where I was in bed for 5 days straight, feeling like I was quickly spiraling downward physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Doug and I were so excited to find out we we're pregnant and literally the next morning it felt like the morning sickness turned up from 5 to 10 overnight. Survival mode sets in as all I could focus on was trying to force feed myself and not throw up. WHY!!! Why does something so beautiful have to be soooooooooooo awful! We'll last Sunday night I really felt like I needed some form of relief. So after listening to President Monson's talk from conferenced titled, "Be of Good Cheer", and another heart spilling prayer, slowly but surely that relief that I had been craving started to occur.

The next day was my birthday and Doug had to go back to school (luckily he had the previous week off). Meaning here I go taking care of myself and the kids and not an ounce sure how I was going to do either of that. My goal was to enjoy my kiddies and make sure they made it to 5 o'clock without injuries. If they got feed, that would be a bonus, but not life threatening for a day right (just kidding, they are capable of feeding themselves as anyother almost 2 and 3 year old would be in desperate situations, the after math is bit much to handle, but hey their independent =). So here's how the Lord wished me a happy birthday:

1. Kate Johnson comes over at 9am, does 75 loads of laundry (I know I'm exaggerating, but it was endless). She even folded it. Helps feed the boys a morning snack and helps clean up my living room. (She then comes over Tuesday and Wednesday mornings to assist with the boys, housecleaning, and feedings....what an ANGEL!!!)
2. Yolanda Ulibarri calls to say Happy Birthday and informs me she's going to bring me a fruit tray and her yummy dip.
3. Amy Godfrey calls to say congrats on the pregnancy and to see what she can do to help. Later brings me flowers and scrubs my kitchen floor.
4. Kim Walker calls and then comes over to make me lunch and feed my kids. She also helps clean my kitchen.
5. Melanie Danes comes over to visit, helps me take my mind of the nausea, and helps put away folded laundry and keeps an eye on all the kiddies.
6. Tiffany Stowe drops by to give me a birthday present and offers to take my kids anytime.
7. Abby Johnson calls to say happy birthday and then later brings me flowers.
8. Lydia McAllister brings us dinner and cupcakes.
9. Amy Godfrey brings us more food to eat the next night.
10. Liz Olsen brings me cookies and flowers.

Other blessings:
1. The boys took long afternoon naps.
2. Doug made me homemade bread.
3. Jax sang Happy Birthday to me and helped blow out the candle.
4. Talon didn't throw any fits and Katie changed his only poopie diaper.
5. At the end of the day Jax says to me, "Mommy, I like being with you."
6. Many friends and family wished me happy birthday via phone, text message, facebook, email.
7. I didn't throw up until the next day.

I just felt an outpouring of love and support from so many heaven sent Angels. To all of you who helped make my day so wonderful, I say "THANK YOU!!!" Thank you for being intune with the spirit and following through with whatever promptings you received. Your motivation to do a little something was seen as BIG help in my life. Thanks for letting me feel the love of the Lord through your selfless service and love.

Without a doubt, I know the Lord loves us and will help us get through hard times. I know that His love is shown through other people and when you're serving someone, you are serving God. I know that we go through hard things in life to humble ourselves and rely on the power of the Atonement of Christ, for with that power, all things are posible. I truly belive that.

Killdeer's First Day Out Shooting

Well I finally was able to get out and try out the muzzle loader. I shot it the first night it was done but only twice and I could barely see the sights cuz it was getting dark. So this weekend I am down visiting my parents with the boys. Grandma watched the boys during nap time and Grandpa (Dad) and I went ou to try out the new muzzleloader.

It is awesome!!!!! So much fun to shoot. Great sound, feeling and pretty straight shooting. There is something amazing about using something that was created by you and to have it work great. I love this gun!

Here are two videos we took while shooting.

In Honor of Amber...Thank you!

So many of you that read our blog know me and Amber and some of our hobbies and such. Well as most of you know I love guns and knives! When I met Marvin Wotring last September I was soooo excited to be able to learn knife and gun making from a pro. After talking to him at the Buckwheat Festival he invited me out to his shop to learn how to make Damascus steel and custom muzzleloaders. Soooooo.....
For the last few months I have been going out to his shop outside of Morgantown once or sometimes twice (or three) times a week to work on projects and learn from a master. This opportunity has been amazing. Not only is Marvin so knowledgable he also is very kind and patient.
But most importantly Amber has been an understanding angel. Even though she does not share my love of guns and knives, she has been totally understanding and even helping in so many ways by letting me spend so much time away from her and the boys. She is great and I hope she knows that I am sooo grateful for her trying to understand and be supportive.
So tonight is that landmark. I finally finished my muzzleloader. I hade finished several knives along the way, but the muzzleloader has been the big project. Without Marvin it would not have been possible. Without Amber it would ot have been possible and I thank her so much! See for yourselves the final product. I think you can click on each picture to get a bigger view or control and click.

In honor of our Anniversary...

I thought I'd post this email I recently sent to a friend who is deciding if she should marry her boyfriend. She asked me the following question and got quite a lengthy answer (which is quite personal). It was good for me to finally write this down as I was not good about keeping a journal back then.

She asked:

"How did I know I wanted to marry Doug?"

Well, it wasn't love at first sight. When we started dating, it was just for fun. We both did not think it would go anywhere since I had a missionary I was planning on marrying and he was not into having serious relationships. I did think he was fun to be around and the more we spent time together, the more I liked him. We were honestly just ourselves around each other since there was no need for impressing because we "didn't see it going anywhere." Well, then that became what I really like about him. That I could just be me and he appreciated me for that. Before my missionary came home (about 5 months later), I had probably broken things off with Doug about 5 times. Once when he left for summer break (beginning of May), again when he left for Alaska (middle of May), and the other times were over the phone when I kept saying, we can't talk any more and then I'd call him again...I just couldn't stay 100% away from this person who had become a REALLY good friend. But when my missionary came home in July, I really felt I was done with Doug and ready to pursue marriage with John (my missionary). I flew to see John and I thought it was glorious and all until John started to pull away. He had known about Doug and I and I think that threw him. But from my perspective, I felt John wasn't willing to "fight" for us when Doug was, even through me telling him that I was going to marry someone else. Doug treated me differently, like I was the most important thing to him and that he wasn't going to jet out of the relationship the moment things got rough. He opened my eyes up to a whoIe new kind of relationship. I realized I needed someone I could rely on, who was stable, and who I felt loved me more than anything! I remember deeply sobbing after I found out John wasn't going to move close to me and I didn't see how we could continue to pursue our relationship in different states. I really was devasted, well who did I want to talk to about it...Doug. I knew he would listen to me, comfort me, and just love me and that's exactly what happened. Doug sincerely was a true friend.

John and I both felt that we were no longer supposed to be together and upon officially calling things off, the first person I wanted to call was Doug. Though hesitant to lead Doug on any further, I didn't want to dive into our relationship again because I wasn't for sure he was the one. I thought about a mission and dating other guys, but then everything kept coming back to him. Finally after many long walks and conversations with Doug, he finally asked me, "Do you love me?" And the reality was, "yes." I did love him. I loved how he treated me, I loved his humility, I loved his happy/ goofy personality, I loved how I was his #1 priority. After a wonderful October General Conference weekend, I realized that he had come into my life at the most perfect time. That the way things had worked out, I was able to find someone I trusted, respected, and admired. I knew then that if I were to pray about marrying Doug that the Lord would say, "YES!" That scared me because I wasn't sure I was really ready to get married. I know that might sound funny since I was committing to marry John, but even with him, I felt like we needed some time to "get to know" each other again. Well, by Thanksgiving Doug and I were ring shopping. I remember the first time we crossed the tile floor of the mall into the carpet of Zales, we were so nervous and wondering if anyone saw us...so funny looking back. It just felt right. We fasted and prayed about it and I of course got my "Amber, you already know this is right." answer. And I did, from that point on, I was 100% dedicated to Doug and I and I've never looked back since. Now for Doug, he got a "yes" and another "yes" and another "yes" because he fasted and prayed about it before we got engaged and then a couple more times while we were engaged...funny how the tables turned.

Doug wasn't exactly the person I saw myself with as we are different, but the reality is that he is PERFECT for me. We have different hobbies and interests, but are together on the most important issues: living the gospel of Jesus Christ, creating a close knit family, loving each other, etc. There are a some things we do enjoy doing together: being creative, working on projects, cooking, dancing, and one of the most important- creating, teaching, and loving our children. It was really important for me to marry someone who would be a good example to our children of love, righteousness, and who put the Lord first and wife second. I knew that if I married someone who loved the Lord and did His will in their life, then I'd be marrying someone who would help me through this life and the eternities. That's a real concept, this is the person you are choosing to be with for forever!

Despite differences and difficulties, this is the person you are choosing to go through it all with. I will say when your dating you don't quite understand it all until you are married and living it (and I'm still learning)...and I say "thank goodness" for that. If we really knew everything we were getting into, maybe we wouldn't choose it because marriage is the hardest thing you'll ever have to do. But it is the most wonderful thing at the same time. I can just imagine how glorious it will be for Doug and myself when we've progressed and become the person the Lord wants us to be for each other. It's a constant road of progression.

Happy Anniversary BABE!!! I LOVE YOU!!!

Easter Weekend

What a glorious weekend it was with Daniel marrying Adrienne, all my family in town, and to celebrate that Christ has made it possible for us to be together as family forever!



More wedding pictures to come in another post.

We ate yummy reception leftovers for lunch, found Easter baskets, went to church, had an Easter egg hunt, and enjoyed a fabulous ham Easter dinner. Doug's parents joined us for the day and it truly was a celestial experience for us to have all our parents in our home.

Jaxon and Talon couldn't get enough of their aunt and uncles and grandparents! They loved the excitement and attention. Jaxon even got to sleep with his uncles...what a treat!

Here's a slide show of our Easter Egg hunt:




After taking the Sturgeons to Gabes, Monday morning, they took off to see church sites in Ohio, New York, uncle John in Philedelphia, and Washington D.C. Mom, Dan, and Hunter, along with Doug's parents, stayed around and we went to Coopers Rock for a rock climbing adventure (not the kind with ropes, just the kind you can climb on by yourself). The kids loved being outside and wanted to climb on every rock uncle Hunter did.

That night I helped Hunter earn extra credit in his Foods class at TMS (ahh, memories) and taught him how to make Chicken Cordon Bleu Bake...one of our favorites!

The next morning we went to the park before they took off to North Carolina to see aunt Val, sites in Washinton D.C. and Grandma Stu and Uncle Bob in Baltimore.

Being a Grownup.................

Well every now and then it really hits me that I'm a grownup. This past week Amber and I have been trying to get caught up on our finances (actually just entering all our spending into catergories like, household, kids, food, gas, utilities, etc.) Wow am I really that old that I am trying to be responsible and keep track and reduce costs where possible? I guess so. Just another part of being a grownup. Like owning your own lawnmower or paying bills or lieing awake at night thinking about potty training your three year old.
Amber is actually the driving force behind it all. I am sooooo glad that my wife has a good sense of money management cuz without her I'd probably be even more in debt and have to live on Top ramen. Thanks Amber for all you do to keep our family life running very smoothly!

General Conference

I l-o-v-e that twice a year we dedicate a whole weekend to hearing the words of our prophet, apostles, and church leaders! I love how their words give me a renewed desire to serve more, make the temple a PRIORITY, be more patient with my children, and appreciate what I have and not want for more. I know that the Lord speaks to us through President Monson! Watching him talk, feels like watching a loving great grandfather who desires for us all to love living and make happy choices so we can feel joy in the journey. The story he shared about the pioneer mother who burried all 4 or 5 (can't remember) of her children along the way made me feel so selfish in my daily complaints. I have two beautiful, healthy boys who bring so much more laughter and love to my life than I could ever imagine.

Tonight was quite comical. After giving hair cuts, the boys jumped in the shower with Doug to rinse off. Talon fell asleep almost immediately in Doug's arms. We took a picture of him sleeping on Dad in the shower. Of course he woke up when I took him out and got him ready for bed. That little cat nap brought out the extreme emotions as I tried to put him to bed without his pacifier (somehow it got lost today). I tried to hold him and pat his back, but he's so big that I can only do it for about 3-5 minutes and my back feels like it's going to break. He's such a snuggler that I feel bad that have such a hard time holding him. So I decided to lay down on the bed and just snuggle. He layed there quietly for about 2 minutes and then he would pop his head up and just give me the biggest smile. Then he'd drop his head back down on my shoulder and pat my arm. This lastest until he decided that blowing raspberries would be fun. Then Jaxon came to bed. Talon and Jax are frequently asking to go to sleep together in the same bed, so I thought maybe we'd try it since we didn't have a pacifier to soothe him. The boys looked so calm and happy together, until we closed the door. Then the excitement began. Doug and I watched on our video monitor and saw the following:

1. Talon pop up, giggle, turn to Jax and pat his back.
2. Doug would yell, "Talon, lay down."
3. Talon would look around and go "huh?" and lay back down.
   
4. Talon climb on Jax and start to wrestle him all while giggling.
5. Repeat #2-3
6. Jax yelling, "Talon stop"..."Lay down"..."No Talon"...
7. Belly laughs coming from both kids
8. Jax hitting Talon back
9. Doug yelling, "Boys, lay down and go to sleep."
10. Jax would immediately lay down while Talon would look around and laugh.
11. Talon still wanting to play, lays on top of Jax.
12. Jax then pics Talon up and bodyslams him of the bed.
13. Talon cries...we go in and put them back in bed.
14. Repeat #1-11
15. Jax decides no more nonsense with Talon and lays at the foot of the bed, attempts to go to sleep.
16. Talon, thinks that's funny and continues to play.
17. Jax then yells, "Daddy, put Talon in his crib!"

So it didn't turn out so well, but the good news is that an hour after we attempted to put Talon down, we did find the pacifier under our bed. THANK GOODNESS!

Back to conference, during this process, Doug and I delighted in watching our boys interact and learning that Talon is definitely a instigator and Jaxon is a problem solver. We could have been upset that they didn't listen to us but instead we just laughed. What a joy children are! I just love my beautiful boys so much and am so thankful that they love playing together! Joy in the Journey right!

Stake Relief Society Enrichment Activity

So this post is a week late, but on March 14, the Clarksburg, WV Stake held their Relief Society Enrichment Activity. The 2nd counselor in the Stake Relief Society Presidency, Sister Kim Waldron, asked if I would be willing to head up the luncheon for 100 woman. Since I visit teach her, I said, "Of course." It was fun coming up with decorations, center pieces, and food to go with the theme, "STRONG AND IMMOVABLE WOMEN." The theme was from Sister Julie Becks' talk What Latter-day Saint Women Do Best: Stand Strong and Immovable , specifically in FAITH, FAMILY, and RELIEF. Going classy seemed to flow well, so I choose the colors white, black, with gold accents. Pillars were used to represent being strong and immovable and wheat was to represent us being sifted from the world (parable of the wheat and the tares). The conference emphasized how we are at war with Satan and that he is in full attack on us women, mothers, and wives. He's doing everything he can to prevent us from being the women Heavenly Father sent us here to be.

We women have been blessed with distinct characteristics that Satan is trying to alter. We are the nurtures! That's what we should do best. We are supposed to bring relief to those who need it. We are supposed to be the ones who are good at lending a listening ear, providing a meal, offering assistance to challenging situations, etc. We are blessed with the God given ability to be intuitive with others feelings and needs. Yes, we are different than men and it's a good thing! I know Doug parents differently than I and I'm so thankful he's the one who can get my kids to obey faster than I can! I need his personality just like I know he needs mine and our kids need us both!

I know we hear a lot about our children being saved for these latter-days, but the same goes for us as well. Heavenly Father sent us (women) to be the mother of these children. We are to "mother" these children back to our Father in Heaven. Satan knows that if he can destroy a mother, he's destroyed the family and the future generations to come.

As for being a wife, I know we need to nurture our marriages just like we need to nurture our testimony. Our eternal relationship should be made top priority over our kids, the dishes, and all the "we are not seeing eye to eye on this" situations, should I just say arguments. For President Hinckley said, "The best thing a father (and I add a mother) can do for their children is to love his wife (and I add husband)." I know for myself that I am not the mom I want to be when Doug and I are not in harmony. Also, I want my boys to marry happy Christlike woman who will love them despite their imperfections. Therefore, I have to be that example.

As I was working on this event, I found myself gaining some Spiritual drive/motivation/energy. I became very passionate about what this conference stood for. It was a similar energy that I had in high school when we as a seminary centered our theme around being Spiritual Giants! It was nice to feel that enthusiasm for truth and righteousness like I had back then. I feel like the everyday doesn't always bring out the best in me, but I sure have more motivation to be my best self after this conference.

BIG THANK YOU to all you who helped me prepare the soups, breads, and cheesecakes! I could not have done it all with out you!

Also, BIG THANK YOU to all my wonderful friends who set such a great example of being "Strong and Immovable Woman." To Mary, Kim Walker, Lydia, Emma, Katie, Shilo, Lydia, Emily, Darcia, Sheila, and Kim Waldron, you woman are amazing and it was an honor to "covenant" together to be "Strong and Immovable Woman" with some of the best of the best I know!

Dedicated to all Woman

who CREATE! Whether it's creating meals, creating friendships, creating quilts, or creating lives, we woman do have a talent for creating. I love Elder Uchtdorf's talk about how we as woman should find our greatest joy through creating. I know for me, I do love and appreciate the creative process and I love knowing that we are daughters of the ultimate Creator. This is a beautiful video, you ladies must watch!

Dental School Formal

Saturday night we dressed up for dining and dancing. I barely completed my little jacket before we left. It took me a few days to figure out exactly how I wanted it and after a few trial runs, I finally decided to design my own and luckily it turned out ok. Doug's sister Kim had bought Doug a bow tie to match the dress she bought me. It actually comes from the Ann Taylor Celebration Collection (as did my dress)...and of course she found it at Gabes.



Several students from the 3rd year class ate at Yesterdays. We didn't get a picture of everyone, but here are some of us.


It was fun to meet up with our other friends at the dance. Didn't Britta's and Maggie's "modest" dresses turn out well? Love them! We had so much fun dancing. Ryan and Yolanda were the reason we decided to come in the first place, and dancing with them made it all worth it. We love you guys! Doug and Ryan were hilarious doing all sorts of funny dance moves and just having fun. It was quite funny that us non intoxicated Mormons were the first on the dance floor and stayed the majority of the time. While the others needed a few drinks before feeling comfortable dancing. I'm sure those that didn't know Doug might have thought he had had couple shots as his dancing did bring lots of laughter from the side lines. All he needs is someone to egg him on and he'll bust out the crazy moves. His classmates love him and they thought he was the life of the party! I love that my husband doesn't care what other people think and that he knows how to have fun! I 'll post more pictures on my photography website.