Becoming A Better Me

I usually don't write about my birthday, but I had such a great experience I wanted to record it. The last couple of years I noticed I had felt a little sorry for myself on my birthday. If we're honest- Heath isn't very creative. He will admit it too! Planning something fun for me or surprising me isn't how he thinks to show his love. Silly to have a pity party over- I know. This year I was busy with Jack's birthday, planning an extended family party, my church calling, doctor appointments, etc so I hadn't even thought about my birthday. When Heath asked me what I wanted to do, I didn't know what to tell him. I had plans to go to lunch with my mom and sister Jamie, so I decided we should go to the temple since a baby sitter was already on hand.

I love how I feel at the temple. I never want to leave the Celestial room. Heath and I had a wonderful time there. I also had the opportunity to help a sister in a wheel chair get dressed after our session. Long story short, this sister was told someone working at the temple could help her, but turns out they have a policy against it for legal issues and no one was there to help her. By offering to help, I was able to spend time with a spiritual giant! This sister, who was probably in her mid 40's, had a stroke last August. This was her first time back to the temple since. She radiated with the spirit. After I strolled her out to meet her husband, I felt so much love for her.

While driving home I was uncontrollably happy. I began thinking about the day I had and the contrast from previous birthdays that were good, but nothing special. This birthday was special. I had a greater connection with my Savior and caught a glimpse of who I can be with his help. I was in tune to the spirit and was more aware of others than myself. I was filled with love. I felt pure happiness. All of that was a million times better than having a day all about me, being spoiled, or surprised. I hope to make it to the temple every year on my birthday. I can't think of a better way to celebrate the day I was born than to focus on serving others, strive to become more like my Savior, and ultimately become a better me. That's why we came here in the first place isn't it?

Captain Jack's Log : It all starts with bubbles

Just the other night Jack did something that really impressed me and gave me hope that I might find him racing in a swimming pool one day! As a precursor to the story, I try to go swimming with Jack once a week, but it had been nearly a month since we had been to the pool. At the pool I usually show Jack how to blow bubbles and he watches and giggles. During bath time a couple of nights ago, I got his wash rag full of baby shampoo and said to Jack "Look at the bubbles Bud!" He instantly leaned forward and put his mouth in the tub water. Then sat up and gave me a big grin. Wondering if it was just coincidence I said, "Can you blow bubbles?" and he did the exact same thing! Pride filled my heart! I may just have a little fish, despite the fact his dad is a rock in the water.

It amazes me how much babies understand. I never would have thought he would have remembered the word 'bubbles' let only what it means. I love watching Jack learn. It makes me so happy. I can only imagine how happy our Father in Heaven feels when we learn a gospel principal and show him we know what it means by living it. The back float is next little bug!

hApPy BiRtHdAy CaPtAiN!!

Captain Jack, Dad's little bear and Mom's cuddle, stink, or silly bug (depending on the circumstance)- just turned 1! We worry the next time we blink he'll be going into kindergarten! The past year has gone by too fast, but we have enjoyed every moment. Jack has brought us an increased amount of love, joy, and laughter. We love you so much little bug!

We've noticed Jack's little personality develop over the last year. He seems to be a happy, easy-going, fun-loving kiddo. He loves to interact with other people- everywhere! Whether we are at the grocery store, church, or at exercise class Jack knows how to get people's attention and make them smile. What a great quality! I think others will always been drawn to him because of this. My cuddle bug knows how to make me feel better on days when I'm stressed and how to make his dad laugh with his many different grunts and growls. The Captain is good at giving hugs and kisses. It makes us so happy to get a slobbery kiss on our cheek or tiny arms wrapped around our neck. 

Its true he is nearly 100% sweet, but lately Jack has got a bit of an attitude and temper. He seems to know what he wants or doesn't want and has figured out how to protest if it doesn't go his way. Jack is smart and witty too- He likes to play by the gate blocking the stairs, but knows its wrong. When we tell him "No Jack" he simply smiles and crawls away really fast trying not to let us catch him. Then looks back at us and laughs! Jack can say Da-Da-Da, Ma-Ma-Ma, Daw (which is dog), Mooo, and his own versions of ball and throw. He knows where people's nose, lips, eyes, and belly buttons are too. He is such a picky eater. Fruit, bread, yogurt, cereal and snacks are just about the only things he will eat. Balls are still his favorite things to play with. Heath taught him how to play pass and he loves it. Jack likes to brush his teeth and tries to brush his hair with my hair brush. He's got a lot of energy that keeps us on our toes!

For Jack's First Birthday we had a little party. Mom and Dad, Grandma and Grandpa Bleazard, Grandma and Grandpa Lambert, Aunt Jamie and Uncle Keith, Aunt Heidi, cousins Landon, Kalli, Jake, Tanner, Brie, Easton, Mack, Ky, and Jarom, Great-Grandma and Grandpa Gundersen, and Uncle Zach Silva were all at the party. He was a popular kiddo that night. We opened presents and had cake and ice cream. Jack's cousins Jarom and Mack got more excited opening presents than he did. 

Jack's cake was too big of a project for me. I vowed never to do something that time-consuming again. I even simplified and didn't make the football I planned. But once it was finished I was happy with it. Thank goodness for my husband. There would not have been cake with out his help. 

Jack was confused when we set the cake in front of him. I don't think he realized he could eat it. After we cut open the baseball and gave him a nibble of it he dug right in. Scowls of confusion turned into smiles of a kid on a sugar-high. 

Thanks for being such a great kiddo! We LOVE you!!

hApPy BiRtHdAy!

Holidays with Family

We had a wonderful Christmas spent with our families. This last year I've become more and more grateful for Heavenly Father's wisdom in the purpose of the family. I feel incredibly blessed to have the family I do and to have married into a great family. I'm grateful for the privilege of being a mother. Within families we have opportunities to love, teach, give support, forgive- to become more Christlike. 

We spent Friday night before Christmas looking at the lights on Temple Square. How beautiful! The next day we had a fondu dinner at Heath's parents house. It was fun to see Jack with all his cousins. 14 grankids in all, and 16 by the end of July!

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day was spent at my parents' house. All my sisters, except Hermana Lambert, were there. Having my nieces and nephew, Jed, Madi and Emily there made the entire holiday much more magical. Jack wasn't too sure what was going on, so we're counting on next year. 

I was eagerly waiting for the phone to ring all Christmas evening. Hearing Kristi's voice and all her experiences was a great present for us. When she comes back she'll have 3 new nieces or nephews! 

I'm so grateful to know families can be together forever.